A study of the factors influencing the improvement of the potato / by Edward M. East.

  • Edward Murray East
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A study of the factors influencing the improvement of the potato / by Edward M. East. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    7/88
    1908.] cheaper methods of production and better varieties make the potato a competitor with the cereals for manufacturing- purposes. This study deals with such questions as have naturally arisen in trying to form a basis for practical work in potato improvement; and includes an examination of the literature bearing upon the pos- sibilities of attaining this end. The principles underlying practical work in potato improvement are very broad,—much too broad to be adequately discussed in a single paper,—and yet it seems impos- sible to separate them into narrow lines without ignoring principles which are essential to the work. For this reason it has been thought best to consider briefly such of these as are indispensable,Avithout regard as to w'hether in every-case they have been toucl^^^n the experimental work. No attempt has been made to discuss-'nistorical, agricultural or economic data, however, except in so far as such subjects relate to the improvement of the potato in desirable hered- itary qualities. A considerable amount of literature has made its appearance since the beginning of the experimental work in 1901; but we have endeavored to give a resume of the present status of knowledge of the subjects. The writer desires to express his obligation to the Directors of the Illinois and Connecticut Agricultural Experim.ent Stations, E. Davenport and E. H. Jenkins, through whom was made possible the use of laboratory and other facilities of these stations; and who have given much helpful advice. Especial acknowledgment is made to Dr. C. G. Hopkins under whose direction the study was under- taken, and who has been a constant source of advice and encour- agement.