1876 SEVEN TY -FIPrE TH “AN NIV 2 Ris Akay pee) il 
ROGERS BREEDING 
AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 
From the beginning Rogers’ aims and efforts have been to produce quality 
seed from high yielding strains. The history of pea and bean seed production 
shows a gradual westward migration as certain diseases became severe and 
destructive. Rogers Bros. Seed Company helped pioneer seed production in the 
semi-arid regions of the western intermountain areas. Here it was found that 
seeds of high vitality could be produced, free from bacterial blights and several 
other diseases which are commonly encountered in areas of more abundant 
rainfall. Pea and bean seed produced in the mountain valleys under irrigation 
are also acclaimed for their vigor and vitality. 
The breeding and improvement program has been uppermost in importance 
throughout the history of the company. General improvement of peas and beans 
has been maintained through pure-line selection by careful increase of single 
plant progenies. All varieties of peas and beans now handled can be traced back 
to a single outstanding plant of each strain. Single plant selections are made each 
year for increase and comparison the following season. It is only by outstanding 
yield and performance, in comparison to other pure-lines, that such a selection 
is saved for seed-stock increase and distribution. In addition to pure-line selec- 
tion, seed stocks are supervised throughout the growing season by well trained 
fieldmen and, where necessary, rogued to maintain purety and uniformity of 
type. Ample greenhouse space and trial grounds are available for a well balanced 
breeding program. 
The many new varieties of Rogers origination attest the progress of our 
breeding department. Hybridization is only the beginning in the development 
of a new variety. Several years of selection, back-crossing and testing are neces- 
sary before the combination of disease resistance, quality, season, color, etc., are 
attained and a new variety is released for distribution. In our breeding program 
we also try to anticipate the ever changing “taste” of the public, processors and 
seedsmen. We heartily welcome the suggestions of our friends. 
DESCRIPTIVE DATA 
The descriptive data given for varieties are based on several years experience 
and observations in our western seed growing areas, with reference to season and 
number of days from planting to marketable condition is listed. These figures 
serve to show the relative maturity of different varieties and are based on years 
of comparison and more recently on heat unit readings. 
[ 12] 
