Feegle,

Yes, a sport is a mutation, but it doesn't necessarily breed true. Sports occur because AVs have somewhat unstable genes. You must remember, all AV species are single purple pansies; *everything* came from that. So sometimes the DNA doesn't split quite the way it should, or whatever, and you get a sport. Sometimes it's actually a reversion to a parent or ancestor, sometimes it's something new. If it breeds true over three generations, you have a new variety.

Korina

'I don't wanna explode!' -Jayne, the Hero of Canton

Aha!

So if someone is advertising "X" a sport of "y", then it has bred true for three generations and they have given it a name all it's own?

Feegle
- SG-1 season 8 has finally come to Canada!! WooHoo!

Okay, Feegle, ya got me. I haven't a clue. My previous post was half supposition anyway. Anyone else?

Anyone at all?

Korina

Don't brag; we can't find Stargate *or* Battlestar Galactica anywhere around here. Target said they only get the 'popular' series. The words 'season *8*' seem to have escaped them. Grr! Argh!

Oh Korina,

Honey, *you* are the one who can gloat. I meant that season 8 has come to *broadcast* in Canada!!!! Not DVD.

As for the 'sport' question, anybody?

Feegle
All Hail Joss!!!

My book (African Violets: the Complete Guide by Hill & Goodship) says that sports should always be labelled as such, and should not be given a new name even if it proves stable. Label as "Sport of..." They don't say how many veg. generations it has to be for stability.

~Brambles

Thanks! :)

So if I buy a plant labelled "X" a sport of "y", then I really have no idea if the leaves will breed true or not. Right?

Not that I necessarily care if they breed true, but I've come to rely on my little leaf prop. setup to save me if I do something *really* stupid and lose one of my new little guys.

Brambles, would you recommend that book? Is it huge? Is there more of a beginner version?

Grateful as always,
Feegle

This book is tiny, I'd call it a beginner version. There are 124 pages. You can find most of the information in this book online (even just at Rachel's), but I like to have a book sometimes too.

Here's it's complete information:

African Violets: the Complete Guide
Joan Hill & Gwen Goodship
Crowood Press
IBSN: 1-86126-150-0

And I am refering to the 2003 printing of the paperback version.

~Brambles
(who hasn't gotten to see Serenity yet)

Brambles,

Thank you for this info. Sorry for the delay in responding!!!

Did you get to see Serenity?

Feegle