Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Fifteenth Annual Meeting: New York City, September 3, 4 and 5, 1924
Science
Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Fifteenth Annual Meeting: New York City, September 3, 4 and 5, 1924
Northern Nut Growers Association -- Periodicals; Nut trees -- Periodicals; Nuts -- Periodicals
I wish to speak about one effect of hybridization, which is really
connected with heredity factors, the vigor which occurs when we cross
different varieties, species, or even races. In my experience certain
types that have been naturally contrasted finally lose vigor, and after
two or three generations the plant disappears. Then again I could show
you cases where yields are greatly increased due to hybridity. These are
established facts, not only as regards species of plants and trees but
also as regards the human race. Hemy, in Dublin, who has done the best
work in this line of endeavor, believes that many of our more
rapid-growing trees are rapid-growing because they are hybrids.
To summarize, I have tried to point out the fact that diversity which we
see in nature is real, and that it is brought about by two causes,
namely, environment, and heredity. And that heredity is brought about by
factors in the bodies of the chromosomes which are shuffled around like
cards in a pack; they reappear in the same way that the cards will
reappear. We have no means, as yet, of controlling the appearance of the
factors, but we have two methods of getting new factors, as follows:
One--The finding of new things in nature; that, probably, is the very
best method that can be used. The work of the theoretically planned
project points out the tremendous importance of the exceptional
individual.
Two--By taking the exceptional individuals, and by crossing them, you
can recombine, although the results may be very complex, and obtain
characters that are very desirable.
As ministers sometimes say to clinch the moral, I would say, "Seek
earnestly that which is best and hold fast to that which is good."
THE PRESIDENT: Has anyone a question he would like to ask?
DR. MORRIS: In attempting to make crosses between juglans and carya we
find often that the pollen of carya will excite the cell of the juglans
but without making a fusion. What is the element of the male cell of the
hickory which starts the female cell of the walnut into action?
THE SECRETARY: I would like to ask Dr. Blakeslee one thing; he showed
the influence of the black walnut on the growth of the hedge, and he
showed that something other than the effect from the black walnut had
caused these plants to be dwarfed. Is that understood to be a fact?
DR. BLAKESLEE: No; some of the effect was due to the black walnut.
MR. HICKS: In some cases the trees get sick and die. I have observed
many plants and trees growing close to walnuts and I can point out peach
trees and other fruits planted close to black walnut trees which have
been injured. I should like to see the question determined.
MR. O'CONNOR: On Mr. Littlepage's place it seems that some blackberries
thrive better in the shade of the walnut tree than anywhere else.
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