Plant breeding

A vast number of experimental agricultural stations are now at work in the Soviet Union developing the best varie­ties of seeds. The experience of former seedbreeders is vastly used, while existing grades are crossed to obtain the best results and the obtained varieties controlled to eliminate off-grade material.

Michurin said that by means of breeding new varieties it is possible to increase yields almost indefinitely. The main requirements as regards variety are: high yield, resistance to winter-killing (frost resistance), resistance to fungi and insect pests, good milling and baking properties.

Artificial selection aims at the selection of the best indi­vidual for further breeding. This is determined by a) appear­ance, b) chemical and other analysis, c) the record of ances­try (pedigree), d) the record of the progeny.

Hybridization has helped to develop many new varieties of plants. Hybrids may be crossed by means of pollination with parent stock or with sister and brother stock or else crossing may be reciprocal.

Vernalization- consists in the seasoning of selected seed-stock under low temperatures, whereby better viability is secured.

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