IMPROVEMENT OF WHEAT 45 



This gives by far the greatest variations in degree and num- 

 ber, and gives qualities not otherwise obtainable. For ex- 

 ample, the highest degree of non-shattering must be obtained 

 from spelt or emmer, while the quality of resistance to leaf 

 rust is best acquired by crossing with the durums. Jones' 

 Winter Fife could not be grown in the Palouse country on ac- 

 count of its shattering, though it yielded 60 to 65 bushels per 

 acre. 



The Garton Brothers of England and William Farrer of New 

 South Wales have extensively practiced crossing the different 

 wheat groups. Every variety and every intergradation results 

 from such crossing. A local variety may acquire, not only 

 rust resistance and tenacity of chaff by intercrossing with a 

 spelt and a durum, but also greater fertility of the head 

 drawn from the spelt, and increased vigor of the seed, which 

 produce a higher yield. These, and increased hardiness and 

 gluten content, are practical results attained by the Garton 

 Brothers. William Farrer has done an immense amount of ex- 

 cellent work in improving Australian wheats, especially as to 

 rust resistance. The most important work in breeding cereals 

 on the continent has probably been done by W. Rimpau of 

 Schlanstedt, Germany, though his work is not generally char- 

 acterized by composite methods. The Vilmorins have also done 

 work in this line. The Dattel, one of the most widely dis- 

 tributed varieties of wheat around Paris, was originated by 

 them. 



Breeding Experiments have been carried on in the Kansas 

 wheat belt for some years, and extensive co-operative work in 

 this line has been taken up with the experiment stations in 

 different wheat growing states, particularly in Texas, Kansas, 

 South Dakota, Minnesota and Maryland. Efforts are being 

 made to secure a variety that will ripen a few days earlier, 

 so that by sowing two varieties the harvest period can be 

 lengthened, and the danger of green cutting and shattering be 

 avoided. Wheat and rye have been successfully hybridized 

 by a number of experimenters, but as yet with no valuable 

 results. 



Experience has taught that the most successful and practi- 

 cal way to fight disease is to aid natural selection in producing 

 disease-resistant or immune plants, rather than to attempt to 



