156 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 



inative stage ; (3 ) the plantlet stage ; (4) the active growth or vegeta- 

 tive stage ; ( 5 ) the reproductive stage. 



A thoro knowledge of the physiological behavior of farm crops 

 must include a knowledge of the life stages, each in relation to the 

 several factors of environment. When we have such information it 

 is not difficult to determine the critical phase or period. We are con- 

 vinced that a clear understanding of the critical period is necessary be- 

 fore we can proceed far in crop-adaptation studies. 



A few typical questions will add emphasis to the suggestion made 

 above. These questions are not made-up questions; they actually 

 have been asked by Illinois farmers during the last twelve months: 



1. One variety of wheat, corn or oats is better than an- 

 other, Why? 



2. If this variety lodges worse than another, Why? 



3. If early seeding of spring wheat is best, Why? 



4. This year we have scab, next year none, Why? 



5. Wheat winterkills, Why? 



6. Soft wheat for southern Illinois, Why? 



7. Bearded wheat for northern Illinois and smooth for south- 

 ern, Why? 



8. Today I plant corn, tomorrow I plant from the same bag, 

 and from today's planting I get a stand, from tomorrow's planting a 

 poor stand of puny corn, Why? 



Truly a new day is dawning in Illinois agriculture. The man on 

 the land is once again facing the east, with always in the forefront the 

 eternal question, Why? It seems clear that the agronomist has come 

 to realize his position and he now resolutely acknowledges the basic 

 question, Why? 



WHAT Is BEING DONE TOWARD SOLVING THESE PROBLEMS? 



If there is a new day in plant agriculture in Illinois, the question 

 arises in your mind, what is being done looking to the solution of 

 these important questions, and we feel that it is only fair that some 

 notion be given as to what progress is being made. 



Last September, Dr. Charles F. Hottes, who is recognized as a 

 master in his field, consented to become consulting physiologist to the 

 Department of Agronomy. In his laboratory, without doubt one of 

 the best in the country, tho needing much additional equipment, the 

 investigations of several basic problems are under wa.y; and it should 

 be added that these same problems are being studied simultaneously 

 on the crop experiment fields. 



