CHAPTER XXXIV 



BREEDING 



The apple has been cultivated for many centuries, yet in study- 

 ing the history of the three thousand or more varieties we find 

 that practically all have come from chance seedlings and not from 

 systematic breeding. In fact, the little breeding that has been 

 done has been more conspicuous for its error and laxity than for 

 its truth and exactness. 



One reason for the lack of interest in the breeding of apples 

 may be found in the fact that it is especially difficult to put the 

 principles and methods of this science into practice. Other reasons 

 may be found in the smallness of the pecuniary reward, the amount 

 of money necessary to carry on the work, and the length of time 

 one must wait for results. The discoveries of Mendel and his 

 followers have enabled plant breeders to improve their methods 

 greatly, but more experience in handling this material is necessary 

 before much real good work can be accomplished. 



The flower. The blossom of the apple which is hermaphrodite, 

 that is, both male and female organs are found in the same flower, 

 should be carefully studied before experiments are made in breed- 

 ing. After thoroughly studying the construction of this blossom, 

 the next step is to learn the operation of emasculation, the object 

 of which is to prevent self-pollination. This consists in removing 

 the anthers from the flower, rapidity, as well as efficiency, being 

 necessary in work of this nature. 



Methods of emasculation. 1 Grasp the blossom with the thumb 

 and forefinger of one hand and the tips of the petals with the 

 thumb and forefinger of the other hand ; then by simply giving 

 the wrist a quick upward or downward movement the petals can 

 be easily detached from the blossom. Now with one or two quick 

 movements with the scissors remove the anthers, and the pistils 



1 Bulletin A T o. 104, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station. 

 418 



