MAKING BETTER PLANTS 



bred for quality? 11. In what way has the plant breeder improved 

 wheat? 12. Describe the work of Ephraim Bull. 13. Distin- 

 guish between variation and heredity. 14. Explain the results 

 that Mendel obtained by crossing peas. 15. What did Mendel 

 mean by a " unit character ? " 



HOME EXERCISES 



1. The method of plant breeding should first be demonstrated by 

 one who knows. The demonstrator may be the teacher, the county 

 agent, or a local expert gardener. Try out the suggestioas given at 

 school on your own farm or on a special plot. Do not stop with the 

 explanation, but put theory into practice. Take different kinds of 

 corn, truck crops, or orchard fruits. The practice of breeding is a 

 fascinating art. 



Do not attempt to cross everything and anything. Confine your 

 work first to crosses that are known to take. Report the results at 

 school. 



2. Determine the name of every breed or strain of plants culti- 

 vated at home. 



3. Go into the field and select the best stalks of corn or into the 

 garden and pick out the best vegetables of any kind. Bring them 

 along to school and tell why you believe them to be the best. 



SUGGESTIONS 



Demonstrate the following : 



1. Open a flower bud and remove the stamens. Tie a small paper 

 bag over the flower for a few days. Remove the bag and tie a label 

 to the stem of the flower. Note whether any fruit develops or seed 

 is produced without pollen. Large blossoms, such as those of the 

 cherry, apple, and pear, are suitable for this experiment. Each pupil 

 can do this work at home. It should be tried upon at least half a 

 dozen different blossoms. 



2. Repeat the first experiment without tying on the bag and wait 

 for results. 



3. Repeat the first experiment but add a little pollen from the 

 stamens of another flower. 



4. As the corn silk is just emerging from the husks, tie a bag over 

 the ear and silk for a few days. Gather some pollen from another 

 variety of corn, and removing the bag, dust it on the silk. Tie the 



