Corn Growers' Association. 



149 



Figure 19. — Planted from cross-bred seed. 



The female flowers are situated in the ear and the develop- 

 ment of the kernel results from the fertilization by the pollen 

 coming in contact with the silks as shown in figure 17. In this 

 process the pollen grain germinates, throwing out a little tube 

 which finds its way down the length of the silk and finally comes 

 in contact with the reproduction cell of the kernel. There then 

 follows the fusion of a tiny quantity of substance from this cell 

 and from the pollen cell, and as a result of this fusion the kernel 

 develops. If, for any reason, this fertilization process does not 

 take place, the kernel does not develop. 



EFFECT OF IN-BREEDING. 



As stated above, corn is by nature a cross-fertilized plant and 

 in-breeding appears to have a decidedly detrimental effect upon 

 the yield and vigor. In the breeding plot where the plot is all 



