RAMOSE INFLORESCENCE IN MAIZE. 3 
cences > and is readily classified qualitatively, while the component 
parts are numerous and subject to definite quantitative study. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PARENTS. 
In the selection of a variety to cross with Ramosa, fortunately 
one was found which, in tassel dimensions, varies from the normal 
almost as much as the Ramosa, but in the opposite direction. The 
staminate inflorescence of this variety is of the familiar form, but 
it is extreme in having relatively few branches and a central spike 
which in some cases is half a meter in length (PL III). The pistil- 
late inflorescence is normal, consisting of a single spike with 12 to 
16 rows of seeds. This variety was collected by Dr. Palmer at 
Chihuahua, Mexico, and its native name Gordo has been retained. 
Three crosses were made between the two types, Ramosa plants 
being used as female parents. These hybrids were designated 
Mhl57, Mhl58, and Mhl59. A few first-generation plants were 
grown and self-pollinated, furnishing seed for the second genera- 
tion. First-generation plants were grown again in larger numbers 
when the second-generation progenies were planted. 
Fourteen characters were recorded for the second generation. 
These characters fall into two groups, those relating to the terminal 
staminate inflorescence and those relating to the pistillate inflor- 
escence. 
TASSEL GROUP. 
Type of tassel : The tassels were classified into ramose or normal from their 
general appearance. 
Length of the branching space : The length of the rachis in centimeters from 
the lowest tassel branch to the uppermost. 
Length of the central spike : The length in centimeters of the single spike 
from the uppermost tassel branch to the tip of the spike. The combination of 
this measurement with that of the branching space gives the total length of 
the tassel. 
Length of the uppermost tassel branch: The length in centimeters of the 
uppermost branch of the tassel. In ramose inflorescences it often is difficult to 
determine where the branches end and the pediceled spikelets begin. 
Length of the lowest tassel branch : The length in centimeters of the lowest 
primary branch of the tassel. 
Total number of branches: This measurement includes all primary and 
secondary branches as well as branches of a higher order. 
Central spike index : The length of the central spike as a percentage of the 
total tassel length. 
EAR GROUP. 
Type of ear : Classified into ramose and normal from general appearance. 
Number of branches : The number of branches on the ear. In typical ramose 
ears it is difficult to determine the total number of branches, since those at the 
apex are much subject to environmental influence. It has been the practice to 
record any ear with more than 50 branches as ramose. 
