Hayes and Garber - Cucurbit Breeding

FARMERS' METHODS OF PRODUCING PURE SEEDS 293
The following is an outline of the possible steps
:
1. Obtain 3 or 4 pounds of the best available seed.
2. Plant in a seed plot isolated as far as possible from other crops of a
like kind. Plant seed in rows 3 ft. apart and plant two or three seeds in
each hill, spacing the hills two ft. apart in the row.
3. Remove all but a single plant from each hill when the plants
started.
4. Keep the plot free from weeds.
are well
5. Discard all weak plants from time to time as they become apparent.
6. Save seed of all desirable plants and increase.
The improvement of the class of crops here mentioned is
somewhat more difficult than with small grains, corn, and potatoes,
and should be undertaken only by the few seed producers
who are willing to take the necessary trouble to carry out carefully
the details as outlined. Controlled experiments at some of
the state experiment stations and in Europe have shown that
much gain can be obtained by such selection.
SEED REGISTRY OR CERTIFICATION
The outlined seed plot methods are based upon fundamental
breeding principles. In order to protect the seed grower who
follows such a practice, some system of seed certification is
advisable. Various methods have been developed by crop
improvement associations. The details of procedure are those
which are based upon fundamentally sound business practice.
Seed that is eligible for registration must conform to certain
standards of purity and freedom from plant pests. The seed-plot
methods, if carefully followed, insure the production of seed of
a certain standard grade. Certification or registration shows
that the seed has been approved by the trained seed inspector.