Oct. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 697 



Breeding Cereals at the Experiment Farms. 



J. T. PRIDHAM, Plant Breeder. 



The extent of the Department's activities in the crossbreeding of cereals 

 may be indicated by a brief reference to what is being done at the various 

 experiment farms in the present season. 



At Cowra, which is the chief station of the State, and particularly repre- 

 sentative of the Central-western Slopes, variety tests were sown in triplicate 

 this season of all wheats, oats, and barleys that were grown the previous year 

 and appeared at all promising. Single-row plots were sown of those sorts 

 which are untested or apparently unsuitable, the tests being continued for 

 three years. Varieties which prove suitable in the triplicate section are 

 growri in multiplying plots for more extended trial. About 260 varieties of 

 wheat and 160 crossbreds were sown, 71 varieties of oats arid 14 different 

 crossbreds, 38 barley varieties and 4 crossbreds. The number of plots 

 ocjupied by wheat variations selected from standard varieties total about 250 ; 

 oat variations 203 ; barley variations or sports 29. The general length of 

 the row-plots runs from 15 to 50 links, single grains being sown by hand 

 about 4 inches apart. Plots devoted to selections from artificial crossbreds 

 number about 700 in wheat, 79 in oats and 45 in barleys. Imported cereals 

 and samples sent for identification are also being grown, and two varieties 

 of rye. Some imported and crossbred strains of field peas are also being bred, 

 mainly for fodder purposes. Variations from cereals in cultivation are 

 becoming a more prominent feature, presenting a wide field for selection, 

 as natural crosses are from time to time discovered. 



At Wagga the conditions are those of the South-western Slopes and 

 Riverina. The tests are on the same lines as at Cowra. The number of 

 wheat varieties growing this season is 90, of oats 23, and of barleys 23. 

 The wheat crossbreds occupy 290 plots, this farm being largely representa- 

 tive of the wheat belt. 



Bathurst is typical of the Central Tableland. The number of wheat 

 varieties growing here is 160 ; it includes a good many imported kinds from 

 cold countries not adapted for the Wagga climate. Wheat crossbreds 

 occupy 127 plots — considerably fewer than at Wagga. Oats are largely 

 grown, 68 varieties having been planted ; there are also 37 different barleys, 

 besides crossbreds. 



Glen Innes Farm, which is situated in the Northern Tableland, is growing 

 89 varieties of wheat in the experiment breeding plots, including a few 

 field selections. The oat varieties total 75, with 28 plots of crossbreds ; 10 

 vaiieties of barley, and 10 of rye were also sown. To wheat crossbreds 65 

 plots are devoted. 



