IMPROVEMENT OF WHEAT 41 



In artificial cross-fertilization, self-fertilization must be pre- 

 vented by removing the male organs, the anthers, from the 

 flower before the plumes are open and the pollen shed. A 

 good spike of wheat is prepared for hybridization by removing 

 with sharp scissors all but one or two dozen strong flowers in 

 the center of the spike. From these the anthers are removed 

 while they are still green, or slightly tinged with yellow. To 

 prevent accidental introduction of foreign pollen, the emascu- 

 lated spike is wrapped about with tissue paper, tied above and 

 below. Neighboring spikes of the same age show when the 

 flowers are fully developed, usually in one or two days. Pol- 

 len brought from the variety chosen for the male parent is 

 then inserted into the emasculated florets, and the cross- 

 pollinated spike is again wrapped to exclude other pollen and 

 to afford protection against pilfering birds and insects. The 

 hybrid produced partakes of the characters of both parents. 

 Saunders found that the crossbred kernel closely resembles 

 that of the female plant, and that the modifications were not 

 distinctly manifest until the second generation, when they ap- 

 peared in a remarkable degree. Some races of wheat may 

 differ so widely that they cannot be successfully crossed. If 

 it is desired to combine the characteristics of the two, it can be 

 done by first crossing each with an allied variety, when com- 

 posite hybridization will succeed between the two hybrids 

 produced. 



The operation of cross-fertilization is by far the easiest part 

 of the process for attaining results desired. We began with 

 a "good spike." To secure this requires a ready knowledge 

 and judgment of wheat. In hybridization, as in selection, any 

 quality may serve as an ideal for the operator. To attain 

 success, he must know for which qualities to seek and he must 

 have the judgment which enables him to recognize these qual- 

 ities and to select a foundation stock which possesses them in 

 a high degree. This is truly a case of well begun, half done. 

 Certain desirable or necessary qualities may be entirely lack- 

 ing in a variety, which must then be improved by breeding into 

 it the desired characteristics from some other variety possess- 

 ing them to an unusual extent. In selecting a stock with which 

 to begin, it is advantageous to draw from a variety already 

 improved by selection, but the breeding of wheat should not be 



