Hayes and Garber - Cucurbit Breeding

INTRODUCTION 15
The production of improved forms by breeding is a line of work
which demands special training. This can be obtained only from
a study of the underlying principles of genetics. Nearly all of our
land grant colleges and experiment stations, as well as some
private seed firms, are carrying on studies in plant breeding.
Although these studies are yet in their infancy, results of much
value are being obtained. By means of accurate field experiments
carried on at research stations and with farmer cooperators,
the experiment stations and the federal Department of Agriculture
are enabled to give accurate information regarding the better
varieties to grow. In the past these studies have not always
been made with a correct appreciation of the necessary technic.,
It is
the purpose of this book to outline methods of breeding
in relation to the underlying principles involved, and to present
what are coming to be recognized as proper field methods of
carrying on these studies. Because the subject is a comparatively
recent one, new methods of work are being constantly
found. It is therefore necessary to present different viewpoints
in order that the prospective breeder may learn why certain practices
are giving the better results.