The Chromatic Squash Initiative

Methodology & Base Variety

This project will employ mutation breeding. We will expose seeds to gamma radiation to induce random genetic mutations. We are starting with the 'Honeypatch' variety from Row 7 Seeds due to its excellent flavor, compact size, high productivity, and good storage qualities.

Our initial batch of seeds (the M1, or "mutated first generation") will be irradiated at a target dose of 200 Gy, a rate determined from research to achieve a high mutation rate with approximately 50% seed survival. The real discoveries will happen in the M2 generation, where the recessive traits from the mutations will begin to appear.

How to Participate

This project relies on the power of community! We need as many people as possible to grow out the generations and look for interesting traits.

• 2026 Season (M1 Generation): We will need volunteers to grow the irradiated M1 seeds. The goal for this year is simply to grow the plants to maturity and collect the M2 seeds. No visible mutations are expected in this generation.
• 2027 Season (M2 Generation): This is the big one! We will need a large number of dedicated volunteers to grow out the M2 seeds. Participants will need a strong willingness to document their plants, photograph any variations, and evaluate traits of interest.

Traits of Interest

While our primary goal is unique flesh color, science is about observing everything. We ask our M2 growers to document any and all unusual traits, including:

• Flesh Color: Any deviation from the standard orange.
• Plant Habit: Dwarfism, unusually compact vines, or other interesting growth forms.
• Fruit Variation: Changes in shape, size, or skin color/pattern.
• Leaf Shape or Color: Variegation or other morphological changes.
• Disease Resistance: Notable resistance or susceptibility to common ailments like powdery mildew.