THE BREEDING OF CORN 195 



qualities, the most rapid improvement can be accom- 

 plished only when the selection is based on a performance 

 record of the different individuals. An ear of corn may be 

 of excellent shape and size, with straight rows and perfect 

 butt and tip, with well-shaped kernels of the most desir- 

 able structure, but such an ear is of little value as seed 

 corn unless it possesses the power of transmitting these 

 qualities to its progeny. Pedigree selection differs from 

 mass selection in that after the first mother ears are se- 

 lected a record is kept on the performance of each ear or 

 its progeny. It distinguishes between those plants that 

 were good because of favorable environment and those 

 that were good because of inherent productiveness. The 

 inherent productiveness of an ear can be ascertained by 

 no other means than pedigree selection, or the separate 

 culture and exact comparative trial of the generation 

 grown from its kernels. 



238. The initial choice of ears in the fields. The 

 foundation stock should be selected in the field. In the 

 cotton-belt yield should be the primary consideration 

 in the making of this selection. Early in the fall shortly 

 before the time of harvesting, the breeder should go 

 through his fields and mark the stalks of superior quality. 

 If it is desired to correct some defect of the plant, or ear, 

 such as the height of ear on stalk or the angle of the ear, 

 these points should be kept in mind, and the selections 

 made accordingly; but at no time should yield be sacrificed 

 for other qualities. It is not necessary to adhere closely 

 to one type of ear. In fact several types may be selected 

 provided they are sound and well matured and come from 

 high yielding plants. It is usually advisable to select 

 from plants that produce more than one ear. This is 

 especially true in the breeding of the prolific varieties. 



