1 Department of Plant-Breeding Ixvii 



Potato-breeding experiments 



The potato-breeding experiments outlined in previous reports are 

 being continued. The greater part of these investigations is of scientific 

 nature, designed to test in a thorough manner the question of whether 

 improvement can be made by hill selection, or whether differentiations 

 can be obtained within pure-tuber lines. These experiments should 

 ultimately furnish conclusive evidence of the value of hill selection, 

 which is now advocated as a desirable method to pursue in potato- 

 growing. The value of this method has been seriously questioned, and 

 it is highly desirable that definite proof be obtained either favoring or 

 opposing the practice. 



Two lines of experimentation are under way on this subject: first, 

 a selection within pure-tuber lines, that is, within a progeny known to 

 have been derived from a single tuber ; and second, a practical hill-selec- 

 tion experiment, carried out as a grower might be expected to select hills 

 in improving his crop. 



Aside from the above experiments a considerable number of potato 

 seedlings have been grown and tested. Here data are being obtained on 

 the variation of potato seedlings, and observations are being made to 

 determine how soon a definite conclusion may be reached regarding the 

 value of a seedling. It is also hoped that in this experiment some of the 

 numerous seedlings may prove to be valuable sorts for cultivation. 



Forage crop investigations 



Little advance has been made in the forage crop investigations men- 

 tioned in the previous reports of this Department, as the crowding of other 

 experiments has prevented the specialization on these lines of work. 

 Several different strains of brome grass have been isolated and these are 

 being tested to determine what value they may possess as forage plants 

 for New York conditions. Such alfalfa selections as have been made 

 have been interrupted by the failure of the plants to set seed under our 

 conditions. It would seem from the observations thus far made that the 

 first step in any experiment in the improvement of alfalfa for New York 

 conditions must be directed toward strains that will uniformly set seed 

 under those conditions. 



The experiments with cowpeas are still under way, and it is believed 

 that early strains which will mature seed in this latitude can ultimately 

 be obtained. 



Adams Act research 



The work on projects outlined under the Adams Act has been con- 

 tinued in accordance with the plans stated in previous reports. Many 



