Pumpkin seeds -- Does this make sense?

[Muse]

~10 years ago I got volunteer kabocha plant in yard. Looked to be a pumpkin but was smaller, grey-brown, however was tastier than the orange pumpkins I was growing, a whole lot sweeter too. So, I planted its seeds next year. Spotted them in the market and asked what they were. He said "Kabocha!" I've grown them ever since. I grow them from a ~6x10' plot with copious amounts of compost worked in prior to planting, I water them daily, they spread out over my concrete patio and I create a tall structure/lattice of bamboo, extending 10+ feet over the plot, tie the growing vines to the lattice, partly as protection from squirrels, partly to get them in the air so they are less apt to develop powdery mildew (which takes them over eventually every year anyway). This year's crop was ~140lb, and I presently have maybe 1/2 left, have them stacked on my dining room table, a little space between them to facilitate them remaining dry, cool and hopefully fungus free.

Regardless of what I've done, they get fungus and quickly progressive rot syndrome faster than I can eat them. This happens every year. I put some in the fridge to slow down the rot process.

Now, for some reason some of these last a ton longer than others. I still have around 10 of various sizes from 2014's crop! I know they aren't particularly good eating at this point (they lose sweetness when kept that long), but I haven't tossed them.

Here's my idea: Maybe the squash that haven't rotted have better genes. I'm wondering if planting the seeds from the survivors from 2014's crop will produce kabocha squash that are relatively resistant to fungal and bacterial invasion. Is this plausible/possible/true?

 

[DrPizza]

Yes. That's how it's been done for centuries.

 

[DigDog]

yes but don't expect miracles. you are looking at 20+ generations before any change will be obvious.

 

[NetWareHead]

Your genetics questions aside, I would stilll spray them with an antifungal. I use an organic copper spray on my garden on plants suceptible to powdery mildew and other funghi. It works wells and non toxic to humans. The plants will need frequent treatment as in every few days. Try to start spraying even before the mildew becomes visible as the growth of this fungus damages the leaves; by the time you see it, the plant is already hurting. Good luck...