Farmers of North Carolina are taking greater interest in using improved pedigreed seeds, according to Dr. R.Y. Winters, Plant Breeding Agronomist for the State College and Department of Agriculture. Last spring through the efforts of County Agent T.J.W. Broom, about 1,800 bushels of Mexican Big Boll seed were introduced into Union County. Dr. Winters recently queried the men using this variety and found that to a man, they were pleased with the results being secured this fall.
Expressions like these were seen in their answers: “I will plant my entire crop with this variety next year.” “Larger bolls and produces more.” “Heavier fruited and more compact growth.” “Bolls large and more to stalk.” “Better than kind I have been growing.”
Nearly every reply from some 40 growers had statements showing that they were favorably impressed with the results of using improved seed.
As a further indication of this interest Dr. Winters reports that a new association for seed improvement has just been organized in Anson County through the efforts of County Agent J.W. Cameron. Most of the members will use the Mexican variety of cotton with which to begin work, and such farmers as U.B. Blalock, J.M. Sykes, E.C. Griggs and L.D. Robinson are pioneers in the movement. Dr. Winters has other associations in Edgecombe, Halifax, Sampson and the Woodleaf Community in Rowan County. All of these are now well organized, are selecting their seeds and are making sales of improved cotton varieties. The Edgecombe Association is incorporated under state law and has a regularly employed plant breeder and is improving cotton, corn and oats at this time. The association in Halifax county is doing some work with peanuts.
According to Dr. Winters, the workers in his office are assisting about 18 other communities in testing the best varieties for their localities and in selecting good seed each year that these varieties may be constantly improved.
From the front page of the Roanoke Rapids Herald, Nov. 9, 1923
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