The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1909-07-13
THE BREEDING
OF SEED CORN.
illustration and Explanation Given on
Demonstration Farm by U. S.
Field Agent Perrin.
TEST TO DETERMINE CORN CA
PAClTY OF LAFAYETTE SOIL.
Method Of Selecting and Breeding
Corn Explained and Results in
Experiments to Date.

Part of the last meeting of the La
fayette Farmers Club, at 8 p M, was
held on the farm ground, ant
the subject considered was Improve
ment and Breeding Of Seed Corn
A special patch, about two-thirds Of
an acre, was grown for the special
purpose. the seed being taken from
the crib of Mr.. j. Billeaud at planting
time, April s. U. S. Agent L. E. Per
rim, starting from the beginning, said
that as far as he knew, no serious
test has ever been made by the farm.
ers to determine the full capacity Of
their land, that, is distance between
rows and space in drill for the grow.
ingof the greatest number possible of
corn stalks that the land can sustain
and bring to perfect production.
In consequence, a departure from
general ideas was necessary, and the
distance was reduced to AZ feet, with
IN average space Of Is inches in drill
The land, broken deep and early and
cultivated twice before planting, after
an application Of barn manure and
sugar refinery press refuse. was in
good condition to stand the test.
The crop never suffered and shows
today that the same approximate
number of plants can be raised on
same quality Of soil.
The or.y objection is that a four
aHd half foot row is rather narrow
for late cultivation.
The seed was taken from the crib
to give the best example of differ
ences in stalks as to general bearing,
shape and particularities in fruiting.
The principal object being demon
stration Of the breeding principles,
each row was planted from a single
ear Of corn, the field being divided by
q water furrow across the middle for
better delimitation.
Cultivation was given according to
season with results as seen. and peas
sowed June s, there being but very
little moisture in the soil at the time.
Corn began showing tassels about
June 5, and while it would have been
preferable to call special meeting
for the occasion, the detasseling pro-
cess had to be done June %. and 20,
as shown, in alternate half rows
Explanations were given as to the
object to attain In breeding corn
shape and size Of grain. length and
Of cob, and filling up of
same with the greatest uniformity Of
plants and fruit. Those qualities can
not be obtained without first select
Ing the ideal seed destined to produce
The particularities above mentioned.
All living things from nature have
tendency to transmit qualities, as
we'll as defects, to their progeny, and
We have but to produce systematical-
y to take advantange Of natural pros
Density.
A few barren stalks were cut to
setter demonstrate the process Of
to be FIRST considered,
hose stalks being devoid Of silk, but
pollen, therefore able to
transmit their degenerescence to per-
ect stalks near by. All such stalks
'ught not to be allowed reproduc-
Ion.
The selection Of seed this fall for
purposes (2nd year breed
ng) was explained. first choice being
N the two cared plants. and second
'hoice, or last selection. being made
t planting time. from size and regu-
afity. keeping qualities. ETC.. but the
'eed viii be taken frdlm the half rows
moving the most prfduction.
The farmers wanfing to start re-
on breeding corn. even on
small scale, should get Bulletin No.
% Of the Department Of Agriculture.
Several guesses were made as to the
probable crop Of corn on the breeding
1atch. varying from thirty-nye to |
twenty bushels per acre. and same
M be- recorded ut gathering time.
Card o. Thanks.
We desire to express our sincere
hanks to al those who 20 kindly a. |
lQtAd M dnrfnH fhn illnncn 49,