280 BREEDING CROP PLANTS 



1. A knowledge of the botanical relationship and wild relatives 

 of the fruit are necessary if greatest progress in improvement is 

 to be obtained. 



2. Some varieties and species transmit their characters to a 

 much greater degree than do other varieties. A knowledge of 

 the more prepotent varieties materially aids in planning a cross. 



3. Varieties selected as parents should contain in the highest 

 degree possible the character or characters desired in the progeny. 



4. The larger the numbers of progeny grown, the greater the 

 chances of obtaining the combination desired. 



5. Most fruit crosses give variable progeny in FI. Numerous 

 crosses should, therefore, be made. 



6. Information regarding the mode of inheritance of particular 

 characters will assist in selection of varieties to be used as parents. 



