The Science of Plant Breeding

Abstract

THAT breeding is an art and not a science is an opinion frequently expressed by many who are concerned with plant and animal improvement. Whatever they have meant by art in this generalization, it appears that, in their hands, breeding is mainly unscientific. It is certain., however, after reading Dr. Harland's report on cotton breeding in Peru¹ that, in his hands, breeding is truly scientific and as such can give good results quickly. It is scientific because measurements of the relevant characters were his standards for selection, and because genetical principles were the guide in calculating the number of plants required, and in deciding the type of breeding. Therefore, he did not rely upon the hazards of hit-and-miss intuition of the art side of breeding.