PLANT BREEDING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 18, 2 November 1910, Page 39

PLANT BREEDING.

In the last issue of the “.Journal of the Department of Agriculture” the Biologist, Mr. A. 11. Cockayne makes out a strong case for the establishment of a plant-breeding station. The importance and vast possibilities of such a station has long been recognised by agriculturists and horticulturists throughout the Dominion, and we trust th.it the Minister in charge of this Department will, without delay, take steps for the establishment of such a station For some years the Department has been testing a large number of varieties of potatoes, and so far as we know without any appreciable results. Had the time and money been expended in crossing and growing the seedlings, something of much more value might have insulted. Other vegetables could be taken in hand and crossed, and there is a wide field open to the plant breeder in securing some first-class apples and other fruits, whilst in agriculture there is no limit to the possibilities if wisely directed. Much han been accomplished in these directions in other countries, and our station could have a vast amount of information gathered from past experience to indicate the lines on which they should work.