Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 117, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 May 1919 — HOW PLANTS ARE "MATED” [ARTICLE]

HOW PLANTS ARE "MATED”

Breeders Today Able to Control With Much Definiteness the Character of the Offspring. Plants very commonly depend for their cross-fertilization upon Insects, which carry pollen from flower to flower. But, of course, the matings thus accomplished are purely haphazard. ‘ , The plant breeder to get worth while results must select the destined parents and control the character of the offspring by making sure that a particular flower receives only certain pollen, the latter being the male element He accomplishes this by artificial Impregnation —a matter easy enough, especially In a greenhouse. The pollen may be carried in a watchglass and applied with the tip of a little brush. There are, however, other methods. To make the flower safe against other and accidental pollens, It is inclosed in a tiny bag of cheesecloth. Then the breeder Is sure of his parents, and it remains only to be seen how the offspring will turn out. It may prove a valuable new variety. Suppose that a fruit Is concerned. The latter, to prevent Injury by Insects or birds, may be further protected by a cheesecloth bag big enough to allow for Its full development. Thus it grows to ripe perfection and, when it is ready to be picked, judgment can be given as to its value.