87 



Report of the Work in Corn Pollination, IV. 



By M. L. Fisher. 



A series of studies in corn pollination was begun in 11)08. Tlie results 

 of these exiieiiinents have been reported from time to time. The present 

 report will deal with the Sweet-Reid's Yellow Dent cross. 



In 1911 the two types which arose from this cross were planted, but 

 conditions were such that only enough for seed was obtained. There was 

 no chance to determine the quality. In 1912 the two types were again 

 planted. Only a small area of ground was available and it was necessary 

 to resort to self-pollination again. 



The germinatit>n from both types proved good and tlie plants grew 

 vigorously. The light-colored type was the more vigorous of the two and 

 produced a larger proportion of ears. 



When the ears were in proper condition samples were taken for 

 cooking and testing as to quality. The light colored type had large ears, 

 white in color. Upon cooking the flavor was found to be excellent, being 

 very sweet. The sweet flavor combined with a long grain makes this a 

 very desirable type. The cooking test showed it to be superior to the corn 

 l>ought on the market in West Lafa.vette. 



The yellow type had a medium sized ear, creamy white in color and 

 when coolvcd liad also an excellent, sweet flavor. The flavor was consid- 

 ered not quite so good as that of the light colored type. 



At maturity the light colored type showed itself quite true to type, 

 having whitish kernels, red cobs, and large size. There were few yellow 

 dent kernels, probably no more than due to cross-pollination from adjoin- 

 ing plats. 



The yellowish type had smaller ears, mostly white cobs, yellowish 

 kernels, and a larger proportion of yellow dent kernels than the other 

 type. The yellowish type does not have the depth of kernel that the whit- 

 ish type possesses. 



The crop season of 1913 will be the final test for this experiment. 

 The result of this season will determine whether the new types are worthy 

 of extensive propagation. 



Purdue University. 



