OATS 281 



for sowing with hairy vetch for hay, particularly on rieh 

 seals. Turf oats ripen from ten days to two weeks later 

 than Red Rust-proof oats when ?own at the same date 

 in the fall. Experience has shown that in the greater part 

 of the cotton-belt, Turf oats are worthy of consideration 

 only as a grazing or hay crop. In the extreme northern 

 part of the winter-oat 'belt where Red Rust-proof oats 

 frequently winter-kill, Turf oats are quite generally grown 

 on the richer soils for grain. 



340. Beardless Red oats. — This type, of which the 

 Fulghum is a representative variety, is practically free 

 from beards and is as early as the Bm-t oats. It is closely 

 related to the Rec^ Rust-proof oats, although the kernels 

 are shorter and less plump. It is not extensively grown. 



IMPROVEMENT OF VARIETIES 



341. Need of improvement. — Little attention has 

 been given to the selection and improvement of oats in 

 comparison with corn and cotton. The low average yield 

 of oats in the cotton-belt is conclusive evidence that im- 

 proved varieties and better methods of growing and han- 

 dling the crop are much needed. The improvements most 

 needed in southern varieties are: (1) increased productive- 

 ness; (2) increased ratio of kernel to hull; (3) increased 

 weight per bushel. Improvements of secondary value 

 which will also contribute to higher yields are greater 

 strength of straw in some varieties, greater resistance to 

 disease, and increased earliness. 



The methods resorted to for imprqving the oat crop are: 

 the introduction of new seed; niechanical selection; the 

 maintenance of a seed-plot; the isolation of elementary 

 species, and hybridization. 



342. Introduction of new seed. — As a result of the 



