Hayes and Garber - Cucurbit Breeding

FARMERS' METHODS OF PRODUCING PURE SEEDS 285
The strain in
question can be kept in a pure condition for its
characters, and if it is not entirely pure at the outset a correct
method of seed selection will tend to purify it and thus to
increase its value. The work for self-fertilized crops is very
simple as compared with the production of improved seed of
cross-fertilized crops or the production of highly bred livestock.
For self-fertilized crops the method outlined is essentially that
which is compulsory for the production of registered seed by
the Canadian Seed Growers' Association.
The steps are given here with the understanding that the grower
has already obtained the best available variety for his soil and
climatic conditions. The chief points are as follows:
1. The use of a yearly hand-selected seed plot of at least
Y acre in size, in a good state of cultivation, free from
weeds, under a proper rotation, and sown at the regular rate of
seeding.
2. The hand selection from this plot of enough seed of uniform
character, thoroughly mature and free from disease, to plant the
following year's seed plot. This selection may be accomplished
before the plot is harvested or from the shock before thrashing.
3. The selected heads, panicles, or pods should be thrashed by
hand and the seed carefully stored.
4. The removal of all impurities, weed seeds or mixtures of
other varieties, from the seed plot before it is harvested. Purity
of seed is
important.
5. The bulk crop on the seed plot should be allowed to mature
thoroughly, should be harvested carefully, and used the following
year to sow as much of the bulk field as possible.
According to plans adopted by the Canadian Seed Growers'
Association, seed may be registered which is not more than
three generations away from the hand-selected seed plot. Such
seed is inspected in the field and after being thrashed, and must
conform to certain standards of purity and freedom from diseases.
The seed plot method is of particular interest to farmers for
grain crops barley, wheat, and oats. It could be used to
advantage for flax, beans, and possibly peas, although in the
case of peas the selection of seed would be somewhat more
difficult. For these crops there seems to be no good reason
why the seed plot could not be a part of the main field, although
the grower must not forget that the seed plot needs some extra
attention if the work is to be worth while.