EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 



461 



ears of corn differ markedly in their productive power, maturity, char- 

 acter of growth, etc., but owing to the fact that corn is open or cross 

 pollinated under field conditions, improvement by selection is com- 

 paratively slow. 



More rapid results can be secured by the ear row test and the rem- 

 nant system of intensified selection. Briefly stated, this method con- 

 sists in planting 50 hills or more in marked rows, properly checked, 

 from each of 100 or more carefully selected ears, the ears being shelled 

 lengthwise, and half of the ear reserved. The adaptation and yielding 

 ability of the ears are found in the ear row test. The remnant ears from 

 several of the highest yielders are planted the second year in an increase 

 plat and multiplied for general distribution. 



For the practical corn breeder who wishes more rapid results than 

 come from simple field selection the following method is suggested: 



1. Select in field at time of maturity, 5 bushels or more of ears from 

 d variety of known worth, and store ears properly. 



2. In late winter or early spring carefully select 100 or more ears 

 of the best type and test for germination. 



3. Select at least 40 ears of high germination and superior type for 

 planting in ear row test. 



if. 



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29. Ears of good maturity, type, and adaptation should be selected for ear row test 

 work. These ears are then tested for germination and shelled lengthwise, the kernels 

 which are shelled being used in making ear row test and remnants being reserved for selec- 

 tion and planting of those shown best by test. Half of ear reserved. 



