Viewing post #2159298 by Hybridizer

tveguy3 said:I would recommend anyone that has the opportunity, to go through some judges training. There are so many factors to consider when hybridizing. I believe we are doing a dis-service to the greater good of the iris population by not considering all of these characteristics when creating new generations of irises. If you raise an iris that has a lot of good characteristics, but low bud count, you can use that in breeding, hoping to get another similar bloom, but with improved bud count. This might take years to achieve, but worth the effort.

I agree and I went through a judges training last spring. I just feel that an iris with 6-7 buds and with all other great characteristics should be introduced. Irises with 5-6 buds should not be introduced, but as you said Tom, they should be used in your breeding program if that is the only undesirable characteristic.