In the last pack of seed from BA I received there was a free packet of seed labelled Myrtillocactus geometrizans CRISTATE. I was under the impression that crest forming was a developmental phenomena, not an inheritable one (well maybe genetic in the sense that some genotypes are more susceptible to it than others... but not as an inheritable fait accompli). Will seed collercted from crested cacti produce more crested seedlings or seedlings that are phenotypically normal??

To answer your question simply, Yes. Seeds from crested plants tend to produce some crested seedlings. Cristation is quite a complex subject, have a read through this it is very informative.

http://www.cactuspedia.info/note-book/Dictionary/Dictionary_C/dictionary_cristation.htm

Hmmm.... ok... that was an interesting read! So it seems that the most likely explanation is that some lines of cacti are more genetically predisposed to forming crests than others but it is not a guarantee that they will and that environmental factors may initiate these processes... so if I sow these Myrtillocactus geometrizans seed there is a good chance they could develop crested seedlings but a good chance they won't too Thanks Josh Will sow them and see when I get my hot-bed made

With a little luck, you might end up with some of these ! (My photo, but alas, not my plants!)

Keep your fingers crossed!



The theory that crested plants produce a higher percentage of crested offspring is also proven in habitat as I've seen areas where crested plants have appeared in "pockets" amongst many more normal plants...