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OCTOBER, 1916 ' MEMOIR 10
CORNELL UNIVERSITY _ AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS
W. C. ETHERIDGE
ITHACA, NEW YORK PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY
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2044 1
OCTOBER, 1916 MEMOIR 10
CORNELL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
A.CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS
W. C. ETHERIDGE
ITHACA, NEW YORK PUBLISHED BY TRE UNIVERSITY
CORNELL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
EXPERIMENTING STAFF
ALBERT R. MANN, B.S.A., A.M., Acting Director. HENRY H. WING, M.S. in Agr., Animal Husbandry. T. LYTTLETON LYON, Ph.D., Soil Technology. JOHN L. STONE, B.Agr., Farm Practice. JAMES E. RICE, B.S.A., Poultry Husbandry. GEORGE W. CAVANAUGH, B.S., Agricultural Chemistry. HERBERT H. WHETZEL, M.A., Plant Pathology. ELMER O. FIPPIN, B:S.A., Soil Technology. G. F. WARREN, Ph.D., Farm Management. WILLIAM A. STOCKING, Jr., M.S.A., Dairy Industry. WILFORD M. WILSON, M.D., Meteorology. RALPH S. HOSMER, B.A:.S., M.F., Forestry. JAMES G. NEEDHAM, Ph.D., Entomology and Limnology. ROLLINE A. EMERSON, D.Sc., Plant Breeding. HARRY H. LOVE, Ph.D., Plant Breeding. ARTHUR W. GILBERT, Ph.D., Plant Breeding. DONALD REDDICK, Ph.D., Plant Pathology. EDWARD G. MONTGOMERY, M.A., Farm Crops. . WILLIAM A. RILEY, Pb.D., Entomology. MERRITT W. HARPER, M.S., Animal Husbandry. JAMES A. BIZZELL, Ph.D., Soil Technology. GLENN W. HERRICK, B.S.A., Economic Entomology. HOWARD W. RILEY, M.E., Farm Mechanics. CYRUS R. CROSBY, A.B., Entomology. HAROLD E. ROSS, M.8.A., Dairy Industry. KARL McK. WIEGAND, Ph.D., Botany. EDWARD A. WHITE, B:S., Floriculture. WILLIAM H. CHANDLER, Ph.D., Pomology. ELMER S. SAVAGE, M.S.A., Ph.D., Animal Husbandry. LEWIS KNUDSON, Ph.D., Plant Physiology. . KENNETH C. LIVERMORE, Ph.D., Farm Management. ALVIN C. BEAL, Ph.D., Fioriculture. MORTIER F. BARRUS, Ph.D., Plant Pathology. CLYDE H. MYERS, M.S., Ph.D., Plant Breeding. GEORGE W. TAILBY, Jr., B.S.A., Superintendent of Livestock. EDWARD 8S. GUTHRIE, M/S. in Agr., Ph.D., Dairy Industry. JAMES C. BRADLEY, Ph.D., Entomology. PAUL WORK, B.S., A.B., Vegetable Gardening. JOHN BENTLEY, Jr., B.S., M.F., Forestry. EARL W. BENJAMIN, Ph.D., Poultry Husbandry. EMMONS W. LELAND, B.S.A., Soil Technology. CHARLES T. GREGORY, Ph.D., Plant Pathology. WALTER W. FISK, M.S. in Agr., Dairy Industry. ARTHUR L. THOMPSON, Ph.D., Farm Management ROBERT MATHESON, Ph.D., Entomology. MORTIMER D. LEONARD, B.S., Entomology. FRANK E. RICE, Ph.D., Agricultural Chemistry. VERN B. STEWART, Ph.D., Plant Pathology. IVAN C. JAGGER, M.S. in Agr., Plant Pathology (In cooperation with Rochester University). WILLIAM I. MYERS, B.S., Farm Management. LEW E. HARVEY, B.S., Farm Management. LEONARD A. MAYNARD, A.B., Ph.D., Animal Husbandry. LOUIS M. MASSEY, A.B., Ph.D., Plant Pathology. BRISTOW ADAMS, B.A., Editor, LELA G. GROSS, Assistant Editor.
The regular bulletins of the Station are sent free on request to residents of New York State.
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CONTENTS
PAGE
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A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS
‘A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS!
W. C. ETHERIDGE
Among the varieties of oats grown in this country there is a saveidite of type to fit the wide range in natural environment. Adaptiveness of the variety to local conditions is therefore a factor that directly affects the yield and the profitableness of the crop; hence the choice of a variety for given conditions and purposes should receive careful consideration.
But the choice of a variety is contingent on the establishment of the identity of the several types. The desired type must be recognized and distinguished with certainty from all other types, otherwise a proper choice is largely a matter of chance. In recent years the number of varieties has been rapidly increased by foreign introductions and by the development of plant breeding. This has resulted in a multiplicity of forms for which there are no comprehensive and accurate descriptions, and hence no means of systematic identification. Along with the increase in varietal forms have come misuses of nomenclature, similar popular names being applied to different forms, and similar forms carrying dif- ferent names. The increase in number of forms, many of them scarcely different, and the confusion of their nomenclature, now make uncertain the identification of varieties by their names or general appearance. There is need, therefore, for a usable system of classification by which the grower may identify the varieties with which he is concerned. It is the purpose of this study to make such a classification of the American varieties as they appear when grown in the environment of New York State, and to clear to some extent the confusion in varietal nomenclature.
Since a knowledge of the structure of cultivated plants is of funda- mental importance to the student in agronomy, the morphology of the oats plant is fully discussed herein. It is hoped that the descriptions of structural parts may be useful to those who study systematically the cultivated varieties.
1 Also presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Cornell University, September, 1915, as a major thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy.
85
86 W. C. ETHERIDGE
WORK OF PREVIOUS INVESTIGATORS
Although there have been in this country no reports of extensive system- atic studies of varieties of oats, several methods of classification have been proposed by foreign investigators. These are found to differ widely in the arrangement of classes, and in the importance accorded various characters by which groups are distinguished and further separated into subgroups and varieties. Considerable space, therefore, is here devoted to outlining and discussing the previous systems of classification, in order to appraise them as means of identifying varieties as well as to show precedence for certain taxonomic features of the classification herein presented.
The first noteworthy systematic study of cultivated oats was by KG6r- nicke and Werner (1885).2 In the classification by these authors, species are distinguished by adherence or non-adherence of the lemma and the palea to the caryopsis; by the number of awns produced by the spikelet; and by the toothing and color of the lemma. Within the species, various types are distinguished by the form of the panicle; by the color of the grains; and by presence or absence of awns and hairs of the lemma. The system of twenty-nine groups thus formed is here briefly outlined:
Kernel closely invested by the hull (covered oats). I. Spikelets awnless or l-awned. A. Panicle equilateral, spreading. a. Grains white. 1. var. mutica Al. Grains white, lanceolate, awnless. 2. var. praeyravis Kr. Grains white, egg-shaned, awnless. 3. var. aristata Kr. Spikelet 2-grained; grains white, awned. 4. var. trisperma Schubl. Snikelet 3-grained; grains white, awned. b. Grains yellow. 5. var. aurea Keke. Grains yellow, awnless. 6. var. Krause Keke. Grains yellow, awned. ce. Grains gray. 7. var. grisea Keke. Grains gray, awnless. 8. var. cinera Keke. Grains gray, awned. d. Grains brown or red. 9. var. brunnea Keke. Grains brown, awnless, hairless. 10. var. setosa Keke. Grains brown, awnless, bristly. 11. var. montana Al. Grains brown, awned, hairless. 12. var. rubida Kr. Grains red, awned, hairless. e. Grains black. 13. var. nigra Kr. Grains black, awnless.
2 Dates in parenthesis refer to bibliography, page 163.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 87
B. Pazicle unilateral, appressed. a. Grains white. 14. var. obtusata Al. Grains white, awnless. 15. var. tartarica Ard. Grains white, awned. b. Grains yellow. 16. var. flava Keke. Grains golden, awnless. c. Grains brown. 17. var. tristis Al. Grains brown, awnless. 18. var. pugnaz Al. Grains brown, awned. EL Spikelets with 2 or more awns. 19. var. brevis Roth. Grains short, the lemma without awn points.’ 20. var. strigosa Schreb. Lemma with 2 long awn points. 21. var. abyssinica Hochst. Lemma 4-toothed, white, extending far above the kernel. 92. var. Schimperi Kcke. Lemma 4-toothed, yellow, extending far above the kernel. 23. var. Hildebrandti Keke. Lemma 4-toothed, gray, extending far above the kernel. 94. var. Braunii Keke. Lemma 4-toothed, brown, extending far above the . kernel. Kernel free within the hull (naked oats). I. Panicle equilateral, spreading. 25. var. inermis Keke. Grains awnless. 26. var. chinensis Fisch. Spikelet with 1 awn. 27. var. nuda L. Spikelet with 2 awns. II. Panicle unilateral, appressed. 28. var. gymnocarpa Keke. Grains white. 29. var. affinis Keke. Grains brown.
In their classification according to the preceding outline, Kérnicke and Werner have brought together 137 varieties representing an exceedingly wide range of structure; but within each group there is no systematic separation of closely related varieties, they being arranged in no particular order although minutely described. That part of the system which dis- tinguishes species and types is especially suggestive for contemporary work, but the method of grouping many varieties of the same general type without further systematic arrangement is not satisfactory since it leaves the identification of varieties within a group to a tedious comparison of their descriptions. Bohmer (1908-09) has eriticized the classification of Ko6rnicke and Werner as bringing together varieties alike in superficial characters but not systematically related in physical properties. How- ever, this criticism seems lacking in point, for a system for the identification and competent description of varieties of oats must primarily be based on morphological rather than physical differences.
3In a more detailed description of var. brevis, Kérnicke states that the point of the grain is usually blunt, with two short, firm teeth which occasionally are lengthened into awn points.
88 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Atterberg (1891) classified the varieties of oats found in northern and western Europe mainly on the basis of differences in the prevailing num- ber of grains in the spikelet, and on the absolute weight of grains and their percentage of kernel. The form of grains was used to subdivide one group, while color of grains and form of panicles were employed only as secondary characters to distinguish varieties which were alike in physical properties. Atterberg’s system was as follows:
A. Spikelets so inclined to 3 grains that middle grains are usually present; single grains few. I. Grains containing 59-68 per cent of kernel. a. Grains small; 1000 grains = 25-31 grams. b. Grains medium; 1000 grains = 32-38 grams. ce. Grains large; 1000 grains = 39+ grams. II. Grains containing 69-73 per cent of kernel. a. Grains small; 1000 grains = 25-32 grams. b. Graios medium; 1000 grains — 33-38 grams. ce. Grains large; 1000 grains = 39-45 grams. III. Grains containing 74-79 per cent of kernel. a. Grains small; [000 grains = — 32 grams. b. Grains medium; 1000 grains — 32-38 grams. ce. Grains large; 1000 grains — 39+ grams. B. Spikelets commonly with 2 grains, never with 3 grains; l-grained spikelets numerous. IV. Grains containing 69-73 per cent of kernel. a. Grains small; 1000 grains = 25-32 grams. b. Grains medium; 1000 grains = 33-38 grams. C. Spikelets usually with 1 grain; spikelets with 2 grains often occurring. V. Pointed grains. VI. Short grains. Vil. “Barley” grains. Viil. Full, plump grains.
Under these groups and types the grains of 102 varieties are described. In order to understand and appraise Atterberg’s system his descriptions of the above classes must first be reviewed. These are as follows:
Spikelets with 2 grains.— In these the outer and ioner grains differ in size and form. Roughly, the weight of outer grains is 1.6 times that of inner grains; they are longer, more pointed, and their inner side is usually somewhat flat. Inner grains are short-pointed and more rounded than outer grains, although their base is somewhat pointed while that of outer grains ends bluntly. Unlike outer grains, inner grains are never bearded ® and the rhachilla is absent or reduced to a thin, hair-like appendage bearing a rudimentary third grain.
Spikelets with 1 grain.— When inner grains fail to form, the outer ones become normal single grains, their inner side convex. The rhachilla is then longer, thinner, and carries a large membrane or rudimentary third grain. Single grains are usually smaller than outer grains, but like them have on their inner side the connecting point for another grain. As with outer grains, the bases of single grains end abruptly.
Spikelets with 3 grains.— On the develaninent of the rudimentary flower borne by the inner grain the spikelet bears 3 grains, the third grain becoming in form much like the second.
‘Translation from the original German. 5Atterberg evidently worked only with Avena sativa and Avena sativa orientalis.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 89
Double grains.— When under unfavorable weather conditions at maturity the outer grain fails to become fully developed, its lemma often completely envelops the inner grain and causes the condition of ‘‘double grain.’”” Because of this abnormality, double grains are of no importance in classification, but they should never be confused with single grains.
According to Atterberg none of the above four forms of spikelets are carried by every variety in like number, and it is only the prevailing form in a given variety that determines its group relationship. Classes arranged on this basis, therefore, cannot be constant, but are transitional, passing into one another under changes in climatic and soil conditions; and hence no variety can by this system rightly be classified under a single con- dition of environment.
The following forms of grains are believed by Atterberg to be more constant than the number of grains in the spikelet:®
“Barley” grains. — Single grains prevail in this type, but the second grain, when present, shows the same short, heavy, full, compact form as the first grain. The lemma is strongly developed and on single grains nearly, often entirely, covers the palea. If the palea is not visible the grain is called “‘closed’’; if a part of it can be seen the grain is designated as “open.’’ When the second grain is present the lemma of the outer grain commonly has its edges so inrolled as to form a gutter.
Pointed grains.— The grain of this type is widest at, or just below, the upper end of the rhachilla; it is longer than the “barley”’ type and the edges of its lemma are rolled into a hard, stiff point. Spikelets with 2 grains are more numerous than in “barley” oats, 1-grained spikelets seldom predominating. In all other respects of shape than those mentioned the grains are similar to the “barley” type.
Full, plump grains.— Grains of this type are rich in kernels; they are full, plump, short, and borne on weak peduncles; and the inner side of the first grain is strongly convex as compared with the usual guttered form. The lemma is more free from the caryopsis than in most forms. If the point of the grain becomes weak and longer drawn, the form passes to the pointed-grain type.
Short grains.— When grains of the above type become weaker and more convex on their inner side they assume a shorter, rounder form and pass to the short-grain type. The edges of the lemma then cover the greater part of the palea.
Hulled grains.— In northern Germany a very long, thin, long-pointed type is called “chaffy” or “‘hully” (spelzig) oats. This type has many 3-grained spikelets. ~
Aside from its comprehensive descriptions of spikelet and grain forms, Atterberg’s classification is subject to criticism because of the characters used to distinguish main groups of varieties. The absolute weight of grains, their kernel content, and their form, are too easily influenced by environment to afford a reliable means of distinction; there would be, in response to change of climate and soil, an interchange of varieties among groups thus characterized. Again, by Atterberg’s method of grouping, varieties morphologically unlike may be brought together; and, on the
6Translation from the original German,
90 W. C. ETHERIDGE
other hand, forms that are closely related structurally may be placed in widely different groups on the basis of variation, induced by environment, in the weight and kernel content of their grains. The system, while prob- ably useful in grading the quality of grain, is of little use for the perma- nent classification and identification of varieties.
Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901), in their studies of the cultivated oats of France, have distinguished 76 varieties. The main groups of varieties arranged by these authors are characterized by the form of panicles, and by the color, form, and size of grains. ‘The form of panicles, however, is used only in the minute descriptions of individual varieties and does not appear in the following system for the identification of varieties, here rearranged from the original diagrammatic outline:
I. Grains white, white-yellowish, or yellow. A. Duckbill grains, plum», open-pointed; lemma flattened, very white. B. Outer grains 12-14 mm. long; numerous 1-grained spikelets; rhachilla nail- headed, fine, long; grains double. C. 2-grained spikelets predominant; 1-grained spikelets numerous; grains very duckbill-lke.
D. Grains barley-like, 13-14 mm. long, variable, large, plump; lemma
extremely flat; 1000 grains weigh 38-42 grams. DD. Small barley-like grains; outer grains 12 mm. long, duckbill-like, and often bearded; single grains large; 1000 grains weigh 34-35 grams. CC. 1-grained spikelets predominant; grains of the intermediate barley-like type; outer grains 13.5-14.5 mm. long, variable; single grains less plump and longer; 1000 grains weigh 38-42 grams.
BB. Outer grains 15-16 mm. long, large, plump, swollen, large-pointed, and duckbill-like; 1-grained spikelets not occurring; awn usually present and geniculate; rhachilla flat, short, and hairy at the summit; 1000 grains weigh 47—49 grams.
AA. Grains not plump, slightly spreading at the point, rather slender; lemma convex, white, white-yellowish, or yellow; no double grains. B. Grains medium-sized, swollen and full, yellowish, rarely very yellow, variable; rhachilla 2 mm. long, and with 2 furrows; 1000 grains weigh 40-46 grams. C. Outer grains 14-15 mm. long, slightly plump, medium full; palea rather large at point; lemma convex; 1000 grains weigh 43-46 grams. CC. Outer grains 15-16 mm. long, not plump, scarcely full; lemma generally flattened; palea rather pointed; 1000 grains weigh 40-43 grams.
BB. Grains small, slightly swollen and slender; rhachilla fine, 3 mm. long, without
furrows, nail-headed: 1000 grains weigh 34-39 Cha C. Grains white or slightly yellowish.
D. Grains white-yellowish, variable, iilernapilinks in size; base of the grain with lips of the scar unequal; 1-grained spikelets not occurring.
DD. Grains white, narrow, slender, small, often bearded; base of the graia small and straight, with lips of tne scar almost equal; 1-grained spikelets numerous.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 91
CC. Grains very yellow.
D. Grains yellow, small, slightly bent; lips of the scar at base of grain
slightly unequal.
DD. Similar to D, except that the base of the grain is straight and small, with a scar the lips of which are unequal. The plant is further distinguished by the form of its panicle.
II. Grains black, red, or gray. A. Outer grains 14-16 mm. long, rarely awned; awn, if present, fine and straight. B. Outer grains small, 14-15 mm. long; 1000 grains weigh 33-38 grams.
C. Grains small, barley-like, 14 mm. long, usually very black, large and very plump, with open points; l-grained spikelets not occurring; awn absent; rhachilla ciliate; lemma very flat.
CC. Grains small, more or less slender; 2-grained spikelets predominant; 1-grained spikelets few.
D. Grains medium small, with oblique basal scar having unequal lips; grains very plimp but variable; lemma very convex; 1-grained spikelets few or not occurring.
1. Grains black and full; nerves of lemma obscure; rhachilla slightly ciliate; basal hairs silky.
2. Grains brown; nerves of lemma prominent and more or less reddish; base of the grain smaller than in the preceding form.
3. Grains iron gray to dark and almost black; nerves of lemma obscure; rhachilla smooth; basal hairs absent.
DD. Grains black, straight, narrow, with slender and more or less reddish points; basal scar small, with equal lips; 1-grained spikelets numerous; awns frequent.
BB. Outer grains of medium but variable size, yellow-reddish; lemma usually flat with its nerves usually prominent; rhachilla short and nail-headed; basal sear large, oblique, and with unequal lips; 1l-grained spikelets not occur- ring; 1000 grains weigh 38-44 grams.
AA. Outer grains 17-18 mm. long; awn usually présent, long and geniculate. B. Outer grains large, long, very full, uniform in size; 1000 grains weigh 46-50 grams.
C. Grains very black, large and full; awn present; base large, and its scar having unequal-lips; basal hairs present, silky. .
CC. Grains gray or gray-blackish, large and full, with smaller proportion of awned grains than in preceding group; nerves of lemma usually prominent; basal hairs absent.
BB. Grains long and thin, not uniform in size; 1000 grains weigh 43-46 grams.
C. Grains black, slender, very, often awned; palea slightly open or pointed; rhachilla stout, ciliate; basal scar large, with unequal lips.
CC. Grains gray and more or less dark, very slender, very pointed, and rather often awned; nerves of lemma usually prominent; base of the grain and basal scar of medium size; basal hairs present’in a thick ring.
In the exclusive use of grain characters for the identification of varieties, Denaiffe and Sirodot frequently make their characterizations of sections so minute and elaborate as to greatly lessen the practical usefulness of their system. Another fault is the prominent use of absolute measure- ments and weights and of the terms plump, slender, duckbill, and barley-like for the description of grains. Such terms have not sufficient meaning to
92 W. C. ETHERIDGE
distinguish groups of varieties clearly; and, moreover, divisions by these means are not likely to remain stable under radical changes of environ- ment. However, the more definite morphological characters used by the French authors are among those which must inevitably have a place in any comprehensive system for the identification of varieties of oats.
The Sval6f system, published by Nilsson (1901), is based on five dis- tinctions in the form of panicles, each so-called type of panicle being coordinated with light- and dark-colored grains. The number of grains in the spikelet, the form and the maturing period of grains, and the quality of culms, are used as supplementary characters. Many fine distinctions in the form of panicles and the color of grains are employed for the de- scription of single varieties. The Svaléf system may be outlined as follows:
I. Varieties with white grains and side panicles. Panicle feather-like, long and small, one-sided, greatly inclined, and pectinate; primary branches stiff, upright, appressed. Grains 2-1 per spikelet, white, small, hard, more or less slender, spindle-like, and short-pointed. Generally late in ripeaing. Culms hard and stiff.
II. Varieties with black grains and side panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening period, and culm as in I. ,
III. Varieties with white grains and stiff panicles. Panicle stiff, short, broad, formed like a one-sided pyramid, somewhat drooping; primary branches strong-upstand- ing; points numerous. Grains 2-3 per spikelet, white, large, plump, more or less oval, blunt-pointed. Generally medium early in ripening. Culms inclined to be stiff.
IV. Varieties with black grains and stiff panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening period, and culm as in III. 4
V. Varieties with white grains and wide-spreading panicles. Panicle spreading, long, bushy, all sides pyramid-like, branches long, slender, weak-upstanding, the lower ones at least being strongly drooping and with pendant spikelets. Grains 3-1 per spikelet, very long but narrow, thin, and especially long-pointed. Often early-maturing, although some varieties mature late. Culms usually weak.
VI. Varieties with black grains and wide-spreading panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening period, and culm as in V.
VII. Varieties with white grains and spreading panicles. Panicle spreading, all sides equal, its periphery oval; branches arched-upstanding, bare, spreading, irregular, the secondary branches strong; point short, somewhat knee-like. Grains 1-2 per spikelet, white, short, thick, hard, almost entirely inclosed by the lemma of the first grain, blunt, and short-pointed. Maturing period timely. Culms weak and brittle.
VIII. Varieties with black grains and spreading panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening period, and culm as in VII.
IX. Varieties with white grains and-loose panicles. Panicle loose, all sides equal, long, slender, pyramid-like; primary branches short, erect, weak. Grains 1-2 per spikelet, very small but unusually plump, oval, and either blunt- or sharp-pointed. Maturing either timely or very late. Culms always weak.
X. Varieties with black grains and loose panicles, Panicle, form of grain, ripening period, and culm as in IX, .
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 93
Under each of the preceding types the varieties are grouped and further distinguished by more particular descriptions, including minute differences in color of grains, presence and number of awns, and, occasionally, char- acter of glumes. For example, Black Bell and Black Goldregen, Type IV, are thus described :’
Black Bell.— Panicle slender, stiff; grain chocolate-colored, spindle-like, hard, coarsely awned; glumes yellowish white, broad, bell-like; culms unusually stiff. Early-maturing.
Black Goldregen.— Panicle elegant; grain chestnut-colored, short, oval, wide open, very plump; awns few; glumes white, broad; culms strong, numerous.
The chief fault of the Sval6f system is in the lack of distinction between the panicle types of its main classes. The side, or unilateral, panicle, Types I and II, may easily be distinguished from all other forms, but among panicles of the spreading, or equilateral, type the transition of form would make an accurate classification very difficult. The system “may be useful for the general description of varieties, but it can scarcely be employed for systematic identification.
Bohmer (1908-09) used for the classification of 92 varieties the panicle types characterized by Nilsson and the spikelet and grain forms described by Atterberg. The following outline of Bohmer’s system includes seven main groups and twenty-two subgroups:®
I
A. Panicles stiff, short, mostly a ‘‘one-sided” (actually three-sided) pyramid, with sloping- upstanding, strong, main branches, the whole strongly acute; culms sufficiently stiff; ripening period generally medium early; 2—3-grained spikelets; grains large, full, blunt- pointed, and more or less oval.
a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains. Side-panicle varieties with similar forms of grain.
B. Panicles similar to those of A, but more elegant in form; culms similar to those of A; ripening period early to medium early; 2—3-grained spikelets; grains medium, less full than those of A, more shriveled, and finer-hulled.
a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains. ee 5
Panicles long, pyramid-formed, with long, slim, weak-ascending, wide, out-spreading branches which droop at the ends; apices of panicles meager and often drooping; culms weak; ripening period often early, but one variety is late in ripening; 3-1-grained spikelets; grains very long, long-pointed, shriveled, and meager.
a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains. Side-panicle varieties with similar forms of grain,
7Translation from the original Swedish. ’Translation from the original German,
94 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Ill
A. Panicles spreading, oval, irregular, short, with short, upstanding branches; apex of panicle short and somewhat inclined; culms usually weak; ripening period seasonable; outer grains open, mostly concave on their inner side, short, and blunt-pointed, the points weaker than in the pointed-grain forms; single grains entirely, or almost, closed and less numerous than among the “barley” types.
a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains. Side-panicle varieties with similar forms of grain.
B. Panicles and culms similar to those of A, but larger; ripening period also’as in A; grains large, thick, plump, and closed or almost closed, concave on their inner side, and with slim, weak points; many double-grains.
a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains. Side-panicle varieties with similar forms of grain.
EY.
A. Panicles long, slim-pyramidal in form, sparsely branched, all branches short, the main ones horizontal or loose-hanging; culms generally weak; ripening period seasonable to late; 1-3-grained spikelets; outer grain widest at upper end of rhachilla, and with sharp, stiff, closed or almost closed, points.
a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains.
B. Panicles and culms similar to those of A; ripening period very early; 2—1-grained spike- lets; grains fine-hulled, short, cylindrical, wide open, with blunt, short points. a. Bright grains. b. Dark grains.
Bohmer’s classification cannot be said to distinctly differentiate groups of varieties. The panicle types adopted from Nilsson’s classification are, as pointed out in the discussion of that system, lacking in the dis- tinctiveness necessary for accurate identification; and the descriptions of grain forms selected from Atterberg’s classification serve only to char- acterize in the most general terms the appearance of grains without dis- tinguishing their morphological differences. Béhmer’s system, therefore, does nothing more than present somewhat indefinite groups of vaguely characterized varieties, and it is in no respect a usable system for identification. Leta Aan
SUMMARY
From the foregoing discussions the outstanding features and the use- fulness of previous systems of classification may be briefly summarized as follows:
1. The system of Kornicke and Werner, based on morphological differ- ences of panicles, spikelets, and grains, is competent for the distinction
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 95
of types, but the identification of separate varieties by this system would be tedious, since it is left to the comparison of descriptions.
2. Atterberg’s method of bringing together varieties alike in physical properties offers merely a system for the determination of the quality of giains. Groups of varieties thus classified would lose their identity under radical changes of environment. The system fails to group varieties of the same morphological character, and therefore it cannot be used for their identification.
3. The system proposed by Denaiffe and Sirodot is largely based on the relative forms of grains and their absolute measurements and weights, and it lacks efficiency to the extent of its employment of such characters. However, certain morphological characters suggested by these authors are useful both for identification and for description.
4. Nilsson’s classes, chiefly described by the form of panicles, are often transitional and lacking in distinctiveness; and hence the group relation- ship of varieties would often be extremely difficult to determine by this _ system.
5. Bohmer’s system combines the panicle classes of Nilsson with certain grain forms described by Atterberg. Classes arranged by this system would therefore be both transitional and subject to radical changes by the influence of environment.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
To be of practical use, a classification of any group of economic plants must serve a twofold purpose: it must provide a means of identifying the members of the group, and it must standardize varietal nomenclature.
The previous systems of classifying varieties of oats do not fulfill this purpose. Each of them fails as a means of identifying large numbers of varieties, for one or more of the following reasons: (1) a physical basis of construction; (2) a lack of competent and stable distinctions for groups of varieties; (3) a lack of systematic differentiation of groups into individual varieties. As a means of establishing a system of varietal nomenclature these earlier classifications, all of them foreign, are of little use in this country. American and European varieties of similar form are gen- erally differently named, and hence much confusion would attend the adoption in this country of a European standard of nomenclature.
96 W. C. ETHERIDGE
The review and discussion of the work of others has shown that a clas- sification of varieties of oats, in order to be effective, must be based on the morphology of the plant. Accordingly the present classification has proceeded by the following steps: (1) a study of the morphology of the plant in order to discover the various characters by which individual varieties may differ; (2) an analysis of the varieties en masse, to reach the types which for the present purpose are considered elemental, that is, types that differ in one or more morphological characteristics; (3) an arrangement of varieties in groups, regardless of nomenclature, according to their likeness to the elemental types that represent the groups. Finally, the groups have been fully described and named, and a key has been con- structed for their identification.
The system of naming the groups has consisted merely in applying the name that occurred the most frequently among the specimens of each group. ‘This system, while arbitrary, seems the only logical one, for in many cases there is no means of determining which of several names was carried by the original variety. In all cases, however, the additional different names have been reserved and arranged as synonyms.
CLASSIFICATION MATERIAL
In this study seven hundred and thirty-one specimens, very many of them alike in name, have been classified. By far the largest number of these specimens, or so-called varieties, were brought together in 1909 at the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, by Professor E. G. Mont- gomery and M. §. Jussell, who began their classification and laid the foundation for the present work. In making the collection, seeds were obtained of all varieties grown by forty experiment stations and of those sold by fifty-three seed houses. The original collection included all varie- ties then grown or offered for sale in the United States. In 1912 a dupli- cate collection was sent by the Nebraska station to the Office of Cereal Investigations, United States Department of Agriculture, and in that year the varieties were grown on the government experimental fields at Arlington, Virginia, and also at the lowa Agricultural Experiment Station, at Ames, Iowa. In the following year, 1913, a duplicate collection was sent by the Office of Cereal Investigations to the Department of Plant ~ Breeding at Cornell University. The varieties were grown in the plant- breeding field during the summer of 1913, at which time they were trans-
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 97
ferred to the Department of Farm Crops and came to the hands of the writer, by whom, in cooperation with the Office of Cereal Investigations, the work of classification was continued. During the years 1913, 1914, and 1915, the original collection has been supplemented by accessions from the Office of Cereal Investigations and from various other sources, all of which have supplied many new varieties or old varieties under new names that have appeared in the catalogs of seedsmen or in the reports of experiment stations.
During the time that the collection has been in the hands of the writer, the varieties have each year been grown in rows one rod in length spaced one foot apart. The plants were thinned to spaces of six inches in the row, thus giving equally to each plant a sufficient area in which to develop its growth.
Ga: MORPHOLOGY OF THE OATS PLANT ©
The following discussions present in considerable detail the morphology -of the oats plant. The important taxonomic characters are described and their uses in previous classifications and in the present one are explained.
THE CARYOPSIS
In the characteristic spikelet of Avena the lemma and the palea firmly clasp the caryopsis, and the three parts combine to form the oats grain. The caryopsis, or kernel, presents in itself no morphological differences that may be utilized in classification; for it is always more or less spindle- shaped, furrowed on one side, and hairy at the tip and on the sides. The close investment of the kernel by the lemma and the palea, however, is an important character and serves to distinguish all other species of Avena from Avena nuda, in which the caryopsis is loose and free within its bracts, the parts readily separating. This characteristic of the A. nuda spikelet is considered by all systematists a specific distinction, and it presents the only case in which the caryopsis is directly concerned in the classification of varieties of oats.
BASILAR CONNECTION OF THE GRAINS
Among certain wild types of Avena the peduncle of the spikelet is slightly inserted into the callus of the first grain, and the junction of the two parts forms a well-articulated joint at which they easily separate when mature. The articulation of the second and third grains, however,
98 W. C. ETHERIDGE
varies with the species. In A. sterilis and its derivatives, the rhachilla and the callus of the upper grains are confluent, and the grains do not separate from their axes but tear away at its base the rhachilla itself (Plate I, 1, B). Among other forms, however, the rhachilla articulates with the callus of the upper grains approximately in the same manner as does the peduncle with that of the lower grain (Plate I, 2, B).
The characteristic basilar connection of the grains is not equally retained —
by the cultivated descendants of different wild types. The cultivated forms of A. sterilis retain, in this respect, the character of their wild ancestor, the lower grain articulating with its peduncle while the upper grains remain strongly adherent to their rhachillas (Plate II, 1, B). But in forms descended from A. fatwa, although the upper grains still separate easily from their rhachillas, the articulation of the lower grain has become so solidified that its lines of demarcation are completely obliterated and the grain separates from its peduncle only by a rupture (Plates II, 2, 8, and III, 1,8). The character of the basilar connection of their grains thus affords a marked distinction of cultivated A. sterilis forms on the one hand and of cultivated A. fatwa forms (A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis) on the other. Trabut (1911), in studies of oats of the Mediterranean littoral, has by the use of this character traced a complete series of A. sterilis, beginning with the wild and ending with the cultivated forms. Schulz (1913), also, has utilized the character to distinguish A. sterilis from A. fatua, A. bar- bata, and A. Wiestiz. Previous to the specific use of the character by Trabut, Norton (1907) had called attention’to the firm union of the first and second grains in the spikelet of the cultivated forms of A. sterilis; and M. Kornicke (F. Koérnicke, 1909) had communicated the result of certain studies by F. K6érnicke in which the latter, in describing two cul- tivated types which he named Modigenita and Quadriflora, had mentioned the hanging-together of the grains during threshing — an indirect refer- ence to the non-articulation of the upper grains. It may readily be assumed that F. K6érnicke’s varieties were of the A. sterilis form, since the persistence of the upper grains to their rhachillas is limited to that species.
The specific character of the basilar connection of the grains has not previously been utilized in extensive classification of cultivated varieties. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) have characterized various forms of grain bases according to the obliquity of the scar produced by removal of the
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A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 99
lower grain from its peduncle, but these authors do not relate the form of the base with the more definite character of articulation or non-articu- lation. Bodhmer (1911) also mentions several forms of grain bases, but does not use them in his classification.
In the present study this character was found of the utmost value for distinguishing the cultivated forms of A. sterilis from those of A. fatua. The articulation of the lower grain is not so distinct as in the wild type, but the lines of separation may easily be recognized, and these, together with the adherence of the upper grains to their rhachillas, afford a reliable means of identifying A. sterilis forms.
HAIRS OF THE GRAIN
The hairs, or bristles, of the grain have been used by many systematists in the classification of cereal varieties. Neergaard (1889), in classifying varieties of barley, uses the hairs at the base of the grain as one of two fundamental variants for the distinction of groups. Other investigators, notably Blaringhem (1904) and Harlan (1914), have supported Neer- gaard’s system. Broili (1906), however, believes the hairs would be inconstant under various environments, and hence not a reliable means of classification. Scofield (1903) includes the length and the color of hairs at the base of the glumes in his descriptions of wheat varieties. Fischer (1900) holds the appearance of hairs in oats as a mark of degen- eration, which is more frequently manifest in winter varieties than in others. In the classification and description of varieties of oats by Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) and by K6rnicke and Werner (1885), the hairs of the grain were employed as supplementary marks of distinction. The last-named authors, however, do not state the exact location of the hairs to which they refer, and hence their use of the character is somewhat vague. ~ In the most precise use of the character as an aid in distinguishing varieties of oats, the hairs of the grain must be classified as (1) hairs of the lemma, (2) hairs of the callus, and (3) hairs of the rhachilla (Plate I, 2, A and B).
Hairs of the lemma
The lemma (also called the flowering scale, flowering glume, inner . glume, and superior glume) is the lower of two bracts immediately inclos-
100 W. C. ETHERIDGE
ing the flower in the grasses. In many wild species of Avena the lemma is more or less densely hairy, and the specific character of the hairs them- selves is In some cases a mark of distinction. Among cultivated forms, however, the lemma is usually glabrous, and it is only in rare instances that a variety is distinguished by hairs on this part of the grain.
Hairs of the callus
The callus, a somewhat swollen callosity at the base of the lemma, is an insignificant part of the oats grain, but it often bears more or less conspicuous bristles, conveniently called basal hairs, which are in some cases an important feature in the description of varieties and useful in establishing their identity. Indeed, the basal hairs are frequently employed by botanists, notably Hitchcock (1908) and Britton and Brown (1896), in characterizing Avena species. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) are the only authors who have specifically named the basal hairs in classi- fying cultivated forms of Avena; although Boéhmer (1911), Broili (1910), and Fruwirth (1907) have mentioned this character in discussing the morphology of the oats grain, and have distinguished the following types of basal hairs on the basis of difference in their form and frequency:
Bohmer
Numerous to bushy short bristles.
Few short bristles.
Numerous long, fine, bushy bristles
Few long, fine bristles.
Bristles almost wholly absent.
Bristles numerous, irregular, long, and fine Bristles long and fine.
A ae toe
Broil
Single short hairs.
Many short, bristly hairs.
Single long hairs.
Many long, bushy hairs. Single twisted «nd band-like hairs.
Fruwirt Hairs very long and numerous. Hairs very long, but few or scarce. Hairs short, few to many.
Hairs short, occurring singly.
PON Be ohooh a
The classes of Fruwirth, and those of Broili with the exception of the fifth, which has not been observed in the present work, adequately define
_ A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 101
the types that may in some cases be used in identifying varieties. The classes arranged by Bohmer, however, are in some cases too finely differ- entiated for this purpose.
In the description of all varieties, and occasionally for identifying those within small groups, the classes suggested by Broili and Fruwirth are used in the present classification, according to the following outline:
Basal hairs present. Long. a. Few. b. Many. 2. Short. a. Few.
b. Many. Basal hairs absent.
The presence of basal hairs may readily be observed, without magnifi- cation, in the mature grain. The hairs are lost in threshing, however, and must be observed in the whole spikelet.
Hairs of the rhachilla
The rhachilla, or pedicel, is the secondary axis of the spikelet. It is a slender stalk borne at the base of the grain and articulating with the callus of the succeeding grain, and it often carries from a few to many short, setaceous hairs. The rhachillas of cultivated varieties of oats have been classified by Broili (1910) into several types according to their form and the frequency of their hairs. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901), alone of the earlier investigators, have considered the character of the rhachilla in establishing the identity of varieties of oats, and they attach far greater importance to its hairiness than to its form. In the present work the hairs of the rhachilla are often used to distinguish varieties within small groups. They are partly destroyed by threshing, but may readily be observed, by a shght magnification, on the matured grain of the com- plete spikelet, and among several varieties they afford a reliable supple- mentary mark of identity.
FORM OF THE RHACHILLA
The rhachilla is variously flat, rounded, or furrowed. Its length, except in the extremely elongated spikelet of A. nuda, is usually
102 W. C. ETHERIDGE
between 1.5 and 3.5 millimeters. Broili (1910) has described the | following types:
Short and outstanding.
Long and outstanding.
Long and partly inclosed by the lemma.
Round for its entire length.
Flattened for its entire length.
Flattened, and on the upper third laterally furrowed. Flattened and furrowed at the base.
Round and hairy.
GMS Our SON
Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) characterize the most general forms of the rhachilla, which may used in classification, as follows:
1. 2.5-3 mm. long, round, and toward the apex gradually swelling into a knob-like head. 2. 1.5-2 mm. long, more or less flattened and furrowed, and not swollen at the apex.
Bohmer (1908-09) found, during four years of investigation, that the form and length of the rhachilla remained constant.
In the present study the descriptions of the rhachilla by Broili and by Denaiffe and Sirodot have been found accurate but often extremely diffi- cult to determine; and, moreover, some of the types are not strictly confined to different varieties, but are often combined in the same variety or even in the same panicle. Of the characters of the rhachilla here men- tioned, none have been considered worthy of use except hairiness, length, and, in some varieties, the partial envelopment of the rhachilla by the lemma.
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NERVES OF THE GLUME AND THE LEMMA
In the species of Avena the venation of the glume and of the lemma appears as slender, rib-like striations. Such veins are called nerves, and when in wild forms those of the lemma extend beyond its apex as teeth or awn-points they distinguish the species. Thus, A. brevis and A. strigosa are characterized by such awn- or tooth-lke projections (Plates III, 2, a, and IV, a), while for other species, such as A. pubescens and A. Smithit, the number or the scabrous character of the nerves is a dis- tinguishing feature. In common cultivated varieties, the lemma is never toothed or awn-pointed, and rarely scabrous, but the number and the prominence of the nerves are variable, and may in some cases be used in classification. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901), alone of the earlier investi- gators, frequently mention the prominence of the nerves of the lemma as a minor distinction for varieties within small groups.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 103
In the present classification the number of nerves in the glume and in the lemma, and the prominence of nerves in the latter structure, are used *- as descriptive terms and sometimes to aid in the identification of varieties. The number of nerves in the glume varies from seven to thirteen, but in most varieties it is usually nine; in the lemma the usual number is seven, although the limits are from five to ten. The prominence of the nerves is a relative character the estimation of which must be left to the judgment of the investigator. The number and the prominence of the nerves are inheritable characters and in a given variety do not vary beyond the characteristic limits. The nerves of the glumes may easily be counted in the green spikelet, while those of the lemma are more distinct in the matured grain.
THE AWN
The awn, or beard, of Avena is an extension of the midrib of the lemma, emerging from the epidermis at about the middle of the grain. In wild forms it thus appears on all grains of the spikelet, and usually is genic- ulate and, below the knee, twisted (Plate I, 1, a). The form and the per- sistence of the awn are usually included by botanists in descriptions of Avena species. In most cultivated varieties the awn is carricd only by the lower grain, and is usually straight, weak, and scarccly twisted. A few cultivated varieties, however, have awns which are rather strongly twisted and occasionally geniculate. Trabut (1911), in tracing a series of A. sterilis between the wild and the cultivated types, observed a grad- ual reduction in the number of awns per spikelet and in their genicu- late and twisted form. Zade (1912), on crossing a cultivated variety with A. fatua, found that in hybrids of the first generation the lower grain only of the spikelet was bearded. Nilsson-Ehle (1914) found awns to be produced more numerously by white and black grains than by yellow grains, the latter apparently containing a factor which inhibited their development.
The appearance of numerous strong awns in cultivated oats is regarded by many as a mark of degeneracy resulting from unfavorable conditions for growth. There is not sufficient evidence, however, to prove that such so-called reversions are anything more than intermediate forms which occur in the mixed population of cultivated oats; for, while certain vari- eties are awnless, many of the best varieties, as Swedish Select, have numerous, rather strong, awns, and frequently in varieties of the A. sterilis
104 W. C. ETHERIDGE
group all grains of the spikelet are awned. Roberts and Freeman (1908), on investigating the ““degeneracy”’ of the Texas Red variety, found merely a mixture of two distinct forms.
In systematizing cultivated oats the awn is a character of much taxo- nomic value. K6érnicke and Werner (1885) made the primary division of their principal group according to the number of awns in the spikelet. Thus, varieties with awnless or one-awned spikelets were separated from those with two-awned spikelets; and for the distinction of individual varieties of the former group the presence or the absence of awns was coordinated with the color of grains. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) fre- quently used the presence and the form of awns as secondary characters for the distinction of groups. With respect to awns, they divided the grains into three groups: (1) awnless; (2) outer grains with coarse, deciduous awns; (3) outer grains with finer, persistent awns. Atterberg (1891), Nilsson (1901), and Bohmer (1911) made no use of the awns in classification, although Bohmer (1908-09) believed that varieties might be grouped according to the classes of Denaiffe and Sirodot, even though their group relationship would often be uncertain. Broili (1910) believes the awn to have little or no systematic value. :
In the present classification the presence or the absence of awns has been | regarded as a character of secondary importance and frequently used in © that order. Geniculate awns appear often only in a few half-wild varieties, but in such cases they are recognized as a distinguishing character. No statistical studies have herein been made of the inheritance in frequency of awns, but in respect to the actual presence or absence of awns, together with their form, the varieties under study have by observation remained
’ eonstant.
FORM OF THE GRAIN
A differentiation of the form of grains, including plumpness, or fullness, size, and specific outline, has been a prominent feature of most of the previous systems of classification. Atterberg (1891) based his classifi- cation mainly on the size (weight) of the grains, and on the following shapes: pointed, short, barley-like, and full, or plump. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) incorporated in their system the method of Atterberg, and in addition employed other shapes of the grain, described as slender and duckbill. Nilsson (1901) and Bohmer (1911) made the form of the grains subordinate to the character of the panicle; and the latter author,
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 105
while employing certain of the classes suggested by Atterberg, referred also to the points of the grain and to its ventral groove.
In the present studies the form of the grain, considered with reference to any or all of its characteristics mentioned above, has been found to exhibit a marked transitional tendency; and therefore, in attempting to organize into groups a large number of varieties on the basis of differences - in their grain forms, one soon meets with difficulty in determining the group relationship of particular varieties. ‘The characteristics of form are also very difficult to describe. Thus, certain forms are not accurately defined by the terms plump and long-pointed; only the relative condi- tions are stated, and the distinction is left to the judgment of the person using the classification.
Being, then, a transitional character and a relative one, the form of the grain can have only a very limited use in classification. It has been used occasionally in the present work to divide small groups reduced to as few members as possible by previous separations on the basis of more sharply defined taxonomic differences.
COLOR OF THE GRAIN
The color of the grain, or, more definitely, the color of the lemma when ripe, has been accorded various degrees of importance in classification by other investigators. K6rnicke and Werner (1885) used color alone to distinguish the main groups of varieties in A. sativa and A. sativa ori- entalis. Nilsson (1901), in arranging the Svalof system, made the color of the grains and the coordinating form of panicles the main distinction for principal types. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) characterized main groups of. varieties by stating the range in their color; and to describe single varieties they made numerous fine subdivisions of color within each group. Dufour and Dassonville (1903) believe that color is one of the most important characters for the differentiation of groups, but that it must be considered en masse rather than in individual grains. Bohmer (1908-09) used color only as a final means of distinguishing varieties within groups characterized by the form of panicles, spikelets, and grains. Fruwirth (1907), also, believes color to be of little importance in classifi- cation. Atterberg (1891) mentions it only as a descriptive character. _
In the present classification color is in some cases made the basis for the separation of principal. groups. It is the most conspicuous character
106° W. C. ETHERIDGE
of the oats grain; it is with certainty inherited; and therefore it is of par- ticular use in identification and description. To be sure, the color of a given variety is not absolutely stable, for under changes of environment it may pass into different tones of the same general hue, which, however, do not transgress the limits of the type. Nilsson-Ehle (1909) has reported the constancy of color inheritance in oats grains, although noting a slight variation under changes of environment — due, he believes, to the influ- ence of the soil. He finds the range in variation of dark-colored forms to be only from brown to black, and the reverse. Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) also found color to be accurately inherited; but by the influence of environment, they said, black grains shade toward gray but never toward red, while brown grains shade toward red but not toward gray. Bohmer’s investigation (1908-09) of dark-colored varieties gave results similar to those of Denaiffe and Sirodot; and in studying yellow varieties also, he found these to shade into various tones of yellow but never into white. Zade (1912), in noting the inheritance of characters in A. fatua, found the colors of the grain accurately reproduced.
It appears, then, that the basic types of color in grains are not tran- sitional, but merely variable within certain limits; therefore it is only necessary to differentiate the colors properly in order to use them as means of distinguishing varieties. In doing this, however, one must not attempt to make fine subdivisions of color, for the distinction may be > lost by variation within the type. The following classifications of color are given to illustrate the use of the character by different authors:
Zade (A. fatua)
Brown or black. Gray. White.
Kornicke and Werner (various species) White. Yellow. Gray. Brown or red. Black.
Nilsson (A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis) Light
Dark Many fine subdivisions in color between varieties of each class.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 107
Bohmer (A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis)
Light-colored: White, white-yellowish. Yellowish, yellow. Dark-colored: Black, brown, red, gray.
Denaiffe and Sirodot (A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis) Light-colored: White, white-yellowish, yellow. Dark-colored: Black, red, gray.
In the present classification, several large groups of varieties are pri- marily divided, with respect to color, merely as dark-colored (black, brown, red, gray) and light-colored (white, yellow), but further division on the basis of color is made only in groups that have been reduced by separations according to differences in other characters. This apparent reluctance to make immediate further separation on the basis of color is not due to lack of faith in the stability of the character, but merely because, for convenience in classification, the use of other characters is expedient. In three years of investigation the colors of grains have been found con- stant within the limits of the classes outlined in this paragraph. With respect to variability of color types, the observation may be added that from year to year unlike weather conditions at the time of ripening will cause slight variations in the color of a given variety. Thus, if the matur- ing period is during bright, dry weather, the grains are brighter and more pronounced in color than if the maturing period is during wet and cloudy weather. Black or yellow grains that ripen under the latter atmospheric conditions show a tendency toward smoky brown and pale yellow, although never becoming reddish brown or white. The stage of maturity at which the grain is harvested also affects its shade of color, all colors being more pronounced when the grain is thoroughly matured than when it is either slightly immature-or allowed to weather after the maturation period has passed.
DIMENSIONS OF THE GRAINS
Although Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) minutely characterized the grains by absolute measurements and often used the same feative to distinguish secondary groups of varieties, other investigators, while including the dimensions of grains in the detailed descriptions of varieties,
108 W. C. ErueripcEe
have not used them for the differentiation of classes. In the present — classification the dimensions of grains are scldom used for any but a descriptive purpose. There are very few varieties the grains of which | may distinctly be characterized by dimensions. In nearly all varieties | the measurements of grains cannot be classified; they are transitional between types and between individual varieties.
DOUBLE-GRAINS
The so-called ‘‘double-grain”’ in cultivated oats is a condition of the spikelet in which the second grain is either partly or wholly inclosed by the lemma of the defective first grain (Plate X XI, 3). It is found only in spike- lets that have two grains, and has been considered by other writers both as a mere abnormality and as a varietal characteristic. Atterberg (1891) believed double-grains to be due to unfavorable conditions of weather at the time of ripening, and therefore of no importance in classification; — but he also noted their more numerous occurrence in certain varieties than in others. Fruwirth (1907) speaks of normally developed double- grains, and observed a varietal tendency to produce them. Nilsson-Ehle (1906) apparently regarded double-grains as a character of little impor- tance in oat breeding, since under the environmental conditions existing in Sweden they composed but a small proportion of the total number of grains in the panicle. He found, however, among different varieties a de- cided range in the occurrence of double-grains, in respect of which -there was a varietal stability under somewhat different environments. The investigation of Bohmer (1908-09) shows a greater tendency by
some varieties than by others to produce double-grains, but the variation —
in their production was greater as between seasons than as between vari- eties. Krogmann’s data (1908) show a considerable range among varieties with respect to the kernel content of double-grains.
From the foregoing views the status of the double-grained spikelet may be defined as an abnormality resulting from incomplete development, but toward which there is a varietal tendency. This conclusion has been fully confirmed in the present work, but in the production of double-grains a varietal tendency much greater than that reported by others has been observed. For example, in the widely different varieties Storm King and Canadian, the typical spikelet is double-grained, although the data of Nilsson-Ehle and those of Béhmer show, in varieties of Swedish and
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 109
German oats, proportions of double-grains ranging only from 0.3 to 4.4 per cent of the total number of grains. The value of double-grains as a character in classification is therefore only local, and their occurrence in certain varieties may in moct cases be considered a measure of the lack of adaptability of the variety to its environment. However, since the limits of environment under which double-grains predominate in certain
varieties cannot be stated, they must in such eases be accepted as a varietal - characteristic, subject, perhaps, to place variation. On that basis they are used in the present classification as a supplementary character for the identification of the few varieties in which, under this environment, they form the typical predominating spikelet.
Double-grains may readily be identified when mature. Many observers, however, have apparently mistaken double-grains for the very unusual single-grained spikelet. One rarely finds a so-called single-grained spike- let which on examination does not prove to be really a double-grain with the first or the second grain, or both, defective or rudimentary.
THE SPIKELET
Without considering separately its parts, the spikelet as a morphologic entity presents only two. characters useful in classification, namely, its attitude and the number of grains it carries.
Attitude of spikelets
In different varieties the attitude of the spikelets may be observed as pendant, pectinate, and confused (pointing in all directions) (figs. 12, 13, and 14, respectively). All these forms are found among varieties of A. sativa orientalis and they are in some cases useful in classifying the members of that group. In all other varieties, however, only the pendant form is found, and hence no distinction by the attitude of spikelets is to be made outside of the A. sativa orientalis group.
Number of grains in sprkelet
In the common cultivated forms of oats the number of grains carried by the spikelet ranges from one to three, with the exception of A. nuda, the spikelets of which often bear four, five, or even six grains. There are no varieties bearing exclusively one-, two-, or three-grained spikelets,
110 W. C. ETHERIDGE
e fet \) Vn Ar } \ A \\ eee | \ CAN . \ : i f cae sn \ \ an | Ui Vi = h Sy be 7 oo \ \ ‘ Sa / 4 SS J oe , e \ | I} a ee \ \ Fic. 12. PANICLE FORM O
‘k \y
I
\
\
|
SE, \ \\ PX
AV -
TI
\ F ENA STERILIS AND AVENA FATUA, SHOWING PENDANT ATTITUDE OF SPIKELETS
- A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 111
“and any distinction by this character must be according only to the prevailing number of grains. In all previous classifications the pre- vailing number of grains in the spikelet has been given greater or less prominence in the characterization of groups. Atterberg (1891) distinguished three main groups of his system by this means. Other investi- gators, however, have 7 made less use of the character, employing it as a supplementary distinction or only in ‘special cases.
The chief objection to the use in classification of the number of grains in the spikelet is because of the uncertain defi- nition of one-, two-, or three-grained — spikelets. Shall the definition be based on the number of fully developed grains, or shall it include de- fective grains? Thus there is no definite point
Fig..13. PANICLE OF AVENA gt which fully devel- SATIVA ORIENTALIS, SHOW- ‘ ; ING PECTINATE aTTITupE Oped two-grained spike- Fic. 14. PANICLE OF AVENA OF SPIKELETS ; lets ean be separated as SATIVA ORIENTALIS, SHOW- : : ING CONFUSED ATTITUDE OF a class from those of the defective double-grained _ sprxeiets
112 W. C. ErHeripGEe
type; nor can the latter be segregated as a class from so-called one-grained spikelets, which in reality are nothing less than extreme cases of double- erained spikelets. And, could such distinctions be established, there is no assurance that the classes thus arranged would remain constant under a change of environment. Binger (1906) has found the number of spike- | lots per panicle to vary greatly with the moisture content of the soil, and | there is no reason to believe that the number of grains per spikelet would’ not vary also.
In the present classification the number of grains in the spikelet is used only in a few special cases, when as between individual varieties of a small eroup there is a marked difference in respect to this character. In the detailed descriptions of varieties the prevailing number of grains is men- tioned merely as a record for this environment.
MATURING PERIOD
The maturing period, an important factor of the economic value of varieties, has a very limited use in classification. Varieties may be spoken of as early or late only in a relative sense, and not as actually defining a characteristic by which they may be identified. There is mutability of maturation in response to different climates and different soil conditions; and while for each variety there are also limits beyond which its ripen- ing period does not fluctuate, these cannot at present be accurately estab- lished. The data from comparative tests of varieties under different environments, by which a range in ripening periods might be fixed, are unfortunately often rendered untrustworthy by the confusion of varietal nomenclature. In this classification the writer is therefore limited to state- ments of the ripening periods of varieties only as applying to the present environment; such statements as a rule being for the most general pur- pose of description, although for the extremely early varieties Sixty- Day and Kherson the time required for ripening is aed as a supplemen- tary means of distinction.
COLOR OF GLUMES AT MATURITY
The color of the ripened glume differs but little in cultivated varieties. Nilsson (1901) has distinguished pale golden from a deeper, brighter tone of the same color, and he uses the two shades of color in the description of single varieties. Kérnicke and Werner (1885) often employed’ the
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 113
character for the same purpose, but Fruwirth (1907) considers it of no value. While under given conditions a distinction in the color of the glume may be observed, the difference is slight and is largely dependent on the stage of ripening at which the observation is made and on the climatic environment; therefore the character is an inconstant one and is not worthy of use in classification.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAINS
Although the absolute weight of the grains, and their proportion of kernel and hull, were used in classification by Atterberg (1891) and by Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901), no other investigators have employed these characters for the separation of a large number of varieties. Bohmer (1908-09) _argues that the physical properties are too easily influenced by conditions of climate and soil to be reliable characters in classification. His extensive data show not only that in the weight of grains there was from year to year a greater difference than was covered by the classes of Atterberg and the French authors, but also that in a given year the position of the grain in the spikelet would determine its group relationship in weight and kernel content. Thus, in respect to these characters, outer grains would fall into higher classes than inner or middle grains. ‘There is an abundance of other data to support Béhmer’s conclusions. Fruwirth (1907) shows the same wide difference between outer and inner grains in weight and in proportion of kernel, and he also finds that both properties are influenced by the position of the grains in the panicle; grains borne by the upper branches are heavier and richer in kernels than those borne by the lower branches, on which there are a greater number of sterile flowers. Lippoldes (1904) shows further a difference between the weight of grains from various stems of the same stool.
As to the effect of soil and moisture on the physical properties of the grains, Biinger (1906) found that poor soils, low in moisture, produccd light grains, small kernels, and many sterile spikelets. The effect of an extreme range in seasons on the weight and the kernel content of the oats grain has been shown by Seton (1903), Edler (1905), and Berry (1912), all of whom found that much larger and plumper grains were produced in cool, moist seasons than in-hot, dry seasons. Berry, who classified the grains of oats into several types on the basis of physical y:roperties, believed that the distinction between his classes might be greatly modified,
114 W. C. ETHERIDGE
or even obliterated, by a radical change in climatic environment. The conclusions of Jensen (1899) would seem to provide a basis for Berry’s conclusion, for Jensen, on collecting varieties of.oats from many countries, found that by far the heaviest grains came from countries having an insular or a coast climate.
In view of the many factors influencing them, the physical properties of‘ |
grains are of no use in any classification beyond a mere arrangement of market grades. Classes based on such characters could not be expected to remain constant under the extremely wide range of climatic environ- ment in this country. And even under given conditions of environment, the variation in weight and in kernel content, according to the position of the grain in the spikelet and in the panicle, would make difficult an accurate arrangement of types.
THE PANICLE
The panicle, or loose flowering head, exhibits among the wild forms of Avena no distinct taxonomic differences. Botanists mention the length and the form of the panicle as a general descriptive feature but not as a specific distinction. Among cultivated varieties, however, two characters of the panicles may be directly utilized in classification. These are its form, and certain peculiarities in the structure of its rhachis.
Form of the panicle
The form of the panicle is determined by the attitude of the branches. These may form the common, roughly equilateral panicle, as in A. sativa (fig. 24, page 136), or the unilateral panicle of A. sativa orientalis (fig. 13, page 111), or any variation of these types. In both the contrasting types the branches issue from various sides of the rhachis, but later assume different attitudes. The branches of the equilateral panicle spread out- ward from various sides of the rhachis and extend upward at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and, shortening toward the apex, form a rough pyramid. fPanicles of this type may be compact and stiff, with each branch in an ascendant attitude along the line of its initial angle for its entire length; or they may be open and lax, with the branches ascend- ant but finai!y drooping from the middle outward. In unilateral panicles the branches incline from one side of the rhachis, and, extending upward
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats ~ 115
at an acute angle, are somewhat appressed, often being in contact with the rhachis itself. Varieties with such unilateral panicles are commonly termed side, flag, banner, or horsemane oats.
As between the unilateral and equilateral types, the whorls of branches are not different in number; nor is there in this respect any varietal distinction within each type, the number of whorls commonly varying from five to eight in each variety. Thus the relative compactness of the panicles of different varieties depends on the attitude and the number of the branches and the length of the internodes, but not on the actual number of whorls of branches. The apex of the panicle differs slightly among varieties of each type. In some varieties it is straight, erect, and short; in others it is longer; somewhat tenuous, and drooping. The difference, however, is not well marked, and the two forms are often transitional in the same variety.
The form of the panicle has been used in all previous systems of classifi- cation, except that of Atterburg. Nilsson (1901) found among the varie- ties at Svalof the following types:
. Stiff panicles. . Hanging panicles. . Bushy panicles.
. Loose panicles. . Side panicles.
Ou ODD =
These were coordinated with light- and dark-colored grains to dis- tinguish ten main groups of varieties. Bohmer (1908-09) adopted the panicle types employed by Nilsson, and, with modifications in their description, used them as the chief distinction of his main classes. K6érnicke and Werner (1885) made a distinction only between the unilateral and equilateral types of panicles, while Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) used the form of panicles only as a descriptive feature and not as a means of separating the groups of varieties.
As may be seen from the descriptions of the panicle types of Nilsson and of Bohmer (1908-09:12-15), these authors made several sub- divisions of the equilateral, or spreading, form, according to the elongation of the rhachis and the angle at which the branches depended from their axes. Ulander (1906), Fruwirth (1907), and Broili (1910) have all mentioned these types, and Broili has illustrated them, thus indicating their appearance in almost any large collection of varieties. And indeed
116 W. C. ETHERIDGE
the types are not uncommon, for all of them have been recognized among the varieties of the present classification. But the establishment of groups of varieties according to such fine subdivisions in the form of panicles was found to be exceedingly difficult and impracticable. There is a clear and constant distinction between the unilateral and equilateral
forms, but subdivisions of either form, while well defined between certain « }
varieties, are transitional between others. In fact, often the panicles of the same plant were found to exhibit a transition between certain forms described by Nilsson and by Boéhmer. It would not be possible, there- fore, to establish accurately the group relationship of a large number of varieties in a system based on fine distinctions between forms of the panicles. There would be uncertainty in many cases as to which of two transitional groups should include a given variety.
In the present classification the A. sativa orientalis group is distinguished by its unilateral panicles, and there is no probability of confusing the one- sided, appressed panicles of this group with the equilateral, spreading panicles of other groups. Beyond this primary distinction, however, the form of panicles is employed in but few cases, and then only as a supplementary character for the separation of smaller groups.
The rhachis
The rhachis, which is that part of the stem running through the panicle, commonly shows among the forms of Avena no taxonomic differences. It is usually slightly flexuous, and uniform throughout its length. In marked contrast to this general form, however, there are a few varieties, mostly of the A. sativa orientalis group, in which the rhachis exhibits two peculiarities of structure—an extremely flexuous form, and an abnormal node at the point from which arises the lowest whorl of branches (fig. 15, a). The peculiar node is very striking. It is situated at a somewhat geniculate bend in the rhachis, and its diaphragm is usually wanting. Lacking a nodal diaphragm, the stem is hollow at this point in contrast to its solidity at normal nodes (fig. 15, B). Below the genicu- late bend is a normal, although branchless and leafless, node, and the two nodes, although in some cases fused, are usually from one to four inches apart. The branches probably originate at the outlying normal
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 117
node, but fuse with the stem until finally they issue from the knee-like bend, which thus becomes nominally the first node of the panicle. ‘The dia- phragm of the first node is usually, but not always, absent. In some cases, when the first node, or bend, is fused with the outlying node, the diaphragm is present, although often more or less defective; but in such cases the diaphragm thus appearing is doubtless a part of the usual outlying node. Without special histological studies of its structure, little can be said of this peculiarity of the rhachis, although for its present taxonomic use the foregoing general description is suffi- cient. Neither the ab- normal node nor the extremely fle xuous form of the rhachis has been used in pre- vious classifications of varieties of oats, al- though Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901) have described and __ illus- trated the former. For a few varieties of the present classifica-
tion, however, these - Fic. 15. THE ABNORMAL NODE IN CERTAIN VARIETIES OF exceptional characters AVENA SATIVA ORIENTALIS
provide a marked dis- | A, Section of stem and rhachis showing the lowest whorl of branches : z issuing from a bend in the rhachis at which the nodal diaphragm is tinction, and for that wanting, while the true node, branchless, lies some distance below; B, section of stem and rhachis showing the lowest whorl of branches aris- purpose they are used. inz from a normal node at which the nodal diaphragm is well developed -
THE LEAVES
In the leaves of cultivated oats the varietal differences are found in their margins and dimensions. K6érnicke and Werner (1885), in describing varieties, mentioned the ciliate margins and the length and width of leaves, but they did not use these characters in classification. Among certain groups of varieties, however, the leaves differ greatly. Thus there is a marked distinction between the fine, narrow leaves of Sixty-Day and Kherson, and the wide, coarse leaves of-Storm King and Sparrow-
118
unlike. The varietal difference in size of the leaves is better expressed |.
Fic. 16. SECTIONS OF OATS LEAF SHOWING (A) GLABROUS MAR- GINS AND (B) CILI- ATE MARGINS
when at maturity the leaves become shriv- eled the cilia are obscure.
THE LIGULE AND THE AURICLE The ligule, a scarious, cartilaginous append-
W. C. ETHERIDGE
in width than in length, for the latter dimension is the less constant in a given variety and, because of the drying and breaking of the tips, is often difficult to ascertain correctly. However, the dimensions of the leaves are not here used in classification, but merely as a minor character in description. The only important character of the leaf used in this classi- fication is the presence:or the absence of its cilia, or marginal hairs (fig. 16). The cilia, when present, are to be found on the margins of all leaves below the uppermost one, and they are a definite, inherited, and easily observed mor- vhological character, sometimes useful in dis- tinguishing varieties. They are best observed in the green plant, for
age borne at the orifice- of the sheath, is characteristic of the Gramineae and is rarely wanting (fig. 17). Indeed the ligule is such a fixed and definite morphological character of the grass family that its structural vari- ation and its absolute length are frequently used by botanists as a feature in the char- acterization of separate species. Within species of the Gramineae, the absence of the ligule is so distinctly unusual that it is
A B
Fig. 17. A NORMAL LIGULATE AND AURICULATE LEAF —
A, Leaf bending away from the stem at its junction with the sheath; B, sec- tion of leaf showing on the inner side the ligule
of remarkable value for fixing the identity of a single variety or of a group
of varieties.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 119
There are but few cases reported in which members of the Gramineae have been found to lack this character. The writer has observed it to be wanting in Fchinochloa crusgalli ‘var. muticum, H. Walteri, and E. frumentacea. Emerson (1912) discovered a type of dent corn (Zea mays indentata) which lacked not only the ligule but also the auricle. He found that the progeny of self-pollinated plants of this type inherited with certainty the non-ligulate and non-auric- ulate character of the parent, and that in crosses with normal plants the peculiar char- acter segregated as a recessive one in hybrids of the second generation. From a description and illustration by Collins (1909) it would appear also that in plants of a certain type of Zea mays from China the ligule and the auricle were absent, or at least rudimentary. Nilsson-Ehle (1909) reported the absence of the ligule in the variety Jaune Géant 4 Grappes of A. sativa orientalis, and he, like Emerson, found the character to be strictly inheritable and to act as a recessive one in the second-generation hybrids. In the same species, Schneider (1912) noted the non-ligu- late character of the varieties Golden Giant and Giant Banner, although he made no studies of its transmission.
In the present studies the absence of the ligule and the auricle has been observed only in certain varieties of A. sativa orientalis, two cf which correspond to the varieties reported by Nilsson-Ehle and by Schneider. In all these varieties the leaf is approximately con- tinuous in structure with the sheath and its characteristic form may easily be recognized. Unlike the ordinary leaf, it does: not bend away from the stem at its junction with the
A
Fig. 18. AN ABNORMAL NON-LIGU- LATE AND NON-AURICULATE
, LEAF A, Showing how the leaf lies close to the stem for most of its length; B, sec- tion of the leaf and sheath, showing on the inner side the non-ligulate character
120 W. C. ErxHerinvcr
sheath, but extends upward, and for a part of its length it is nearly parallel with the stem (fig. 18).
The non-ligulate and non-auriculate character of the leaves is a remark- able distinction for certain varieties of A. sativa orientalis, and is used in the present classification to separate such varieties from those of the same group having the common ligulate and auriculate leaf. The character has not previously been used in the classification of varieties of oats.
THE SHEATH
The sheath, or lower tubular part of the leaf which envelops the culm, offers few characteristic differences that may be used in classification. The differences are only in relative length and color; and, since the latter is subsequently discussed in relation to the color of the young plant, the only difference to be considered is in length.
With respect to its length the sheath may be divided into two classes — those that partly cover, and those that completely cover, the internodes. Sheaths of the latter type are found only in varieties the leaves of which have no ligule nor auricle. In such varieties the sheath passes without apparent interruption into the leaf, and the continuous structure lies close to the stem to a point some distance above the node. Since in this case the greater length of the sheath is distinctly correlated with the more definite non-ligulate and non-auriculate character of the leaf, it is not in itself considered a specific character and is therefore not worthy of especial use in classification or description.
THE CULM
The culm, or stem, has not previously been used in classification except with respect to its quality, that is, its relative hardness and stiffness. Nilsson (1901) and B6hmer (1908-09), in characterizing groups of varieties, mention the quality of the culms but do not refer to their height and their number per plant. On the other hand, Kornicke and Werner (1885) mention the latter two characters in describing individual varieties, but do not use them in classification. The value in classification of the height, the number, and the quality of culms is very doubtful; for these characters are largely influenced by conditions of growth, and they fluc- tuate within a wide varietal latitude. Quality and height are also purely relative characters which can be judged only by comparison among maliy
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 121
varieties; and, while they may. be used in general description, such ' characters are not in themselves a reliable means of distinction.
—
-
PUBESCENCE AT THE NODES
Another character of the culm having a minor descriptive value is the | pubescence slightly above and below the nodes. This differs among | varieties, but not sufficiently to warrant an important use in classifica- tion (fig. 19). '
THE ROOTS
There are no varietal differences of roots that may be used in classification. Schneider (1912), from studies of the vegetative characters of oats, believes the ratio of the -root mass to that of the parts above ground is a varictal characteristic and is constant under different environments; but his plants were grown in pots, and hence were not exposed to extreme -conditions. Biinger (1906), on the other hand, found under field conditions that the mass ratios of all parts of the oats plant were directly related to soil fertility and soil moisture. In the present study py eee aa no structural differences have been found among the roots stem __ sHow- _of different varieties, and, although often there were marked axe i ) Sigcaos, differences in root mass, such differences were found also NODES anp within the same variety, being merely an expression of a ieee ee more vigorous growth. THE NODES
B
HABIT OF PLANT IN EARLY GROWTH
The habit of the culms in early growth is one of the most important characters of the oats plant. It has not been considered by previous investigators, probably because the varieties classified displayed only the common erect habit. Among varieties of the present classification, however, there are three distinct forms in early growth — spreading, semi- spreading, and erect (fig. 20). The young plants of the first type are } prostrate in early growth and send out spreading tillers, which later become erect from a somewhat decumbent base. Those of the semi-spreading type are less prostrate than those of the spreading type, and between the time of shooting and that of heading their tillers slant rather than
122 W. C. ETHERIDGE
spread. The third type is erect in early stages and the tillers develop from an upright base. :
In later stages, even at maturity, plants of the first type may readily be distinguished from those of the second and third types by the somewhat decumbent character of the base. The distinction at later stages between the semi-spreading and erect types is somewhat difficult and can be | determined only by a careful comparison of their bases, which differ only * | in the greater angle at which the culms of the former type bend away from the root crown. The observation of the habit of growth should not, however, be made at such late stages, but at, or shortly after, the
Fig. 20. HABITS OF EARLY GROWTH
A, Spreading; B, semi-spreading; C, erect
period of tillering, or shooting. At this time the differences are very © marked and readily ascertained, and they afford a reliable distinction for groups of varieties.
COLOR OF YOUNG PLANT
Although Denaiffe and Sirodot (1901), and K6rnicke and Werner (1885), included in their descriptions of varieties the color of the young plants, they did not use the differences in color as a means of classifica- tion, nor did they differentiate the color of sheath and leaves from that of the glumes.
When the plants are young there are but few distinct types of color among varieties of oats; and because of the difficulty of correctly defining
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 123
it under field conditions, the color of the young plant is of but minor importance in the classification of varieties, being generally useful only in their description. In the present work the color of the plant is employed as a supplementary character for identification only in the case of the variety Canadian, which exhibits at the time of full heading a distinct pale green color of sheaths, leaves, and glumes.
As a feature of the general descriptions of varieties included in the present classification, the following color types have been observed: (1) Leaves dark green, slightly glaucous; sheaths dark green, very glau- cous, their general appearance being grayish green; glumes medium green, slightly glaucous. (Plate V.) (2) Leaves light green, often streaked and not uniform in color; sheaths medium green, glaucous; glumes bright green, barely glaucous. (Plate VI.)
Before recording observations of color, it is necessary first to learn by careful inspection the different color types in the general mass; then, by selecting representative plants of each color type, the corresponding color of a given variety may be determined by comparison. In order to define color ccrrectly the observation must be made during a calm, bright period, for in wind and shifting light accurate judgment of color is extremely difficult. It is also essential that colors should be always determined at a definite stage in the growth of the plant. Perhaps they may most accurately be judged at the time of full heading, that is, when the panicle has completely emerged from its sheath. An estimation of color at other periods of development will give different values: if earlier than the time of full heading, the bloom, a grayish covering of sheaths, leaves, and glumes, will not have fully developed and the color will be brighter; at a later time, the green color of all parts is being reduced as maturity approaches.
SUMMARY
In the classification of varieties of oats, the following characters are available for the distinction of main groups, or species, for the differentia- tion of subgroups, and for the identification and description of varieties:
To distinguish A. nuda from A. sterilis, A. fatua, A. brevis, A. strigosa, A. sativa, and A. sativa orientalis.
a. The free, or naked, caryopsis. To distinguish A. sterilis from the remaining species. b. The persistence of the upper grains to their rhachillas,
124 W. C. ETHERIDGE
To distinguish A. fatua from the remaining species. ce. The distinct articulation between the grains and their axes. To distinguish A. brevis and A. strigosa from A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis. d. The awn points or teeth of the lemma. To distinguish A. sativa orientalis from A. sativa. e. The unilateral panicle. To classify varieties of all groups. f. Habit of early growth. . Color of grains. . Liguie and auricle — present or absent. Awns — present or absent, and their character if present. . Hairs of callus (basal hairs) — present or absent, and their character if present. . Hairs of lemma — present or absent. . Hairs of rhachilla — present or absent, and their character if present. . Rhachis — form and nodes. . Cilia of leaves — present or absent. . Nerves of lemma — number and character. . Color of immature plant. . Spikelets — attitude and number of grains. . Form and length of grains. . Panicles — form. 15. Culms — relative size. 16. Double-grains. 17. Relative maturing period.
pol SOONAAP WHE
ea me Wh —
In addition to the above characters, the following may be employed in general description:
1. Dimensions of panicles. 2. Dimensions of leaves.
3. Quality of culms.
4. Height of plants.
5. Relative length of sheath.
Physical properties of the grains, such as weight and proportion of kernel to hull, are too easily influenced by environment to be reliable in classification.
The characters employed for the complete differentiation of each of the main specific groups — A. sterilis, A. sativa, and A. sativa orientalis — are not used in regular order, but according to expediency in classification. Thus the color of grains may be the chief distinction of subgroups, or it may be merely a supplementary character in the identity of small sections or single varieties; and other characters are often transposed in a similar manner. Such irregularity in the use of characters seems justified, how- ever, in a classification which, like the present one, is artificial within ° the specific groups. A classification of the cultivated varieties of any crop could proceed but little beyond the arrangement of a few main groups if it were limited to a strictly logical and systematic use of charac-
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 125
ters; for most characters of cultivated plants have become more or less modified under cultivation, and many of them, although distinct in wild forms, no longer afford reliable marks of identity for cultivated varieties. They cannot be traced through the complexity of cultivated forms; their distinctiveness gradually disappears under the ameliorative influence of cultivation, and is at times inhibited by the presence of factors introduced through hybridization. Hence, with the exception of a few specific differences, the characters available for classification of the varieties of any crop are more or less transitional, and few of them are alone sufficient to establish the identity of a given variety. Therefore the sum of many slight differences must be employed, and by such accumulation the small subgroups, and finally the individuals, may be distinguished.
CLASSIFICATION OF GROUPS
The principal cultivated varieties of oats, together with their basic wild species, may be classified as eight more or less distinct groups, accord- ing to the following outline:
A. Kernel loose within the surrounding hull; lemma and glumes alike in texture. ....
Avena nuda. 125 AA. Kernel firmly clasped by the hull; lemma and glumes different in texture. B. Upper grains persistent to their rhachillas..................... Avena sterilis. 126 BB. Upper grains easily separating from their rhachillas. C. Lemma extended as teeth or awn points. D. Lemma with 4 teeth or awn points.................. Avena abyssinica. 130 DD. Lemma with 2 teeth or awn points. ;
E. Lemma elongate, lanceolate, with distinct awn points.............. Avena strigosa. 130
EE. Lemma short, abrunt, blunt, rather toothed than awn-pointed...... Avena brevis. 130
CC. Lemma without teeth or awn points.
D. Basilar connections of the grains articulate............... Avena fatua. 131 DD. Basilar connections of the grains solidified.
EK. Panicles roughly equilateral, spreading. . ; . Avena sativa. 132
EE. Panicles unilateral, anpressed......:........ Avena sativa orientalis. 154
AVENA NUDA
Avena nuda differs from all other species of Avena by three remarkable characters: (1) the lemma and the palea do not clasp the kernel as in other forms, and the kernel is therefore loose, or free, within the hull; (2) the rhachillas of the three- to many-grained spikelet are so elongate that: the uppermost grains are borne above the glumes; and (3) the glumes
126 W. C. ETHERIDGE
and the lemmas are similar in texture. Kornicke and Werner (1885) distinguished five types of A. nuda, according to the form of the panicles (unilateral or equilat- eral), the number of awns in the spikelet, and the color of the kernels. The present classifica- tion, however, does not include specimens exhib- iting all the variations . described by Ké6rnicke and Werner, since only the equilateral form of panicle is represented. (Plate VII, and fig. 21.) At the present time A. nuda is of no impor- tance as a cultivated plant in either Europe or America, although *% is used in China, where according to Schulz (1913) at least one form has been grown for more than a thousand years.
AVENA STERILIS
The wild forms of Avena sterilis are dis- tinguished chiefly by the persistence of the ‘ upper grains to their axes. The two parts do not easily separate, as in other forms of Avena, and the grain on being removed from the spikelet carries with it its axis,
Fig 21. PANICLE OF AVENA NUDA
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 127
or rhachilla, itself (Plate I, 1). The basilar connection of the lower grain, however, is like that of other wild forms, such as A. fatua.
Cultivated varieties of A. sterilis retain to a marked extent the character of the basilar connections of the wild forms. Their upper grains do not separate from their rhachillas, while between the lower grain and its peduncle the lines of articulation are still evident. Another distinction of cultivated A. sterilis forms is the elongated caryopsis, this being of greater length than in most other varieties. (Plate II, 1, and fig. 12.)
The cultivated forms of A. sterilis are widely distributed. They are the principal oats of the whole Mediterranean region, the main groups being A, sterilis -byzantina and A. sterilis algeriensis. In the United States also the A. sterilis forms are widely cultivated, the well-known varieties Red Rustproof and Burt being the principal representatives.
The following description covers the cultivated forms of A. sterilis:
Culms spreading or semi-erect in early growth, fine and stiff; leaves narrow; panicles equilateral; glumes usually longer than in the other cultivated groups; awn usually present on the outer grain and frequently on the inner grain; basal hairs usually present; basilar articulation of the outer grain evident; rhachilla of the outer grain shorter than in most other cultivated forms, while the rhachilla of either the outer or the inner grain is so solidified with the callus of the succeeding grain that the parts do not separate without tearing away the rhachilla itself; cary- opsis more elongate than in most other cultivated groups.
_ Key to varieties
A. Grains dark-colored, brown or black. PAGE B. Grains black; awn usually present on both tke outer and the inner grain......
A. sterilis nigra. 127
BB. Grains brown to brownish black; awn seldom present on the inner grain
Sterilis Selection. 129
AA. Grains light-colored, yellow or brownish yellow. B. Plants spreading in early growth; basal hairs long (3-6 mm.)..Red Rustproof. 129 BB. Plants semi-erect in early growth; basal hairs short (1-2.5 mm.) or wanting. C. Basal hairs present; basilar articulation of outer grain evident; grains dull
eee a oe een | ee ee ees Oy es Burt. 129 CC. Basal hairs wanting or seldom present; basilar articulation of outer grain usually.solidified; grains dun-colored....... 0... i. eee ee eee King. 130
Descriptions of varieties
Avena sterilis nigra (Plate VIII, 1, and fig. 22).— Culms spreading in early growth, fine, stiff, glabrous or sparsely haired near the nodes; sheaths dark
128 W. C. ETHERIDGE
green and glaucous at period of full heading, partly covering the internode; leaves colored as sheaths, narrow, margins glabrous or sparsely ciliate;
Fic. 22. PANICLE OF AVENA STERILIS (CULTIVATED)
(Panicle representing the varieties Avena sterilis nigra, Sterilis Selection, Red Rustproof, Burt, and King)
panicles short, sparsely branched and fruited, the branches stiff and ascending; spike- lets 2-3-grained; glumes dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, unusually long (28-34 mm.), usu- ally 9»erved, sometimes 8- nerved; grains black, elongate, outer grains re- markably long (20 —25 “mr oa long-pointed; lemma _ glabrous, usually 7-nerved; awn usually pres- ent on both the outer and the in- ner grain, scarce- ly twisted; basal hairs always present, numer- ous, bushy, long (3-6 mm.);_basi- lar articulation of the outer grain
very marked; rhachilla of the outer grain short (2-2.5 mm.), strong, gla- brous, persistent to the second grain. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; late in maturing.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 129
Sterilis Selection (Plate VIII, 2, and fig. 22).—-Culms semi-erect in early growth, otherwise similar to those of A. s ertlis nigra; sheaths, leaves, pan- icles, spikelets, and glumes similar to those of A. sterilis nigra, except that the glumes are shorter, ranging from 20 to 27 mm., and usually have. fewer nerves, 8 nerves being common, although 7- or 9-nerved glumes are occasionally found; grains brown to brownish black, somewhat elongate, outer grains 18-22 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma glabrous, with.7 obscure nerves; awn usually present on the outer grain but seldom on the inner grain, seldom twisted; basal hairs usually present, medium long (2-4 mm.), few to many; basilar articulation of the outer grain nearly solidified, although the lines of separation are usually evident; rhachilla of the outer grain short (2-2.5 mm.), strong, glabrous, persistent to the inner grain. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; late in maturing.
This variety was found mixed with several varieties of black oats of the A. sativa group.
Red Rustproof (Plate VIII, 3, and fig. 22).— Culms, sheaths, leaves, pan- icles, spikelets, and glumes similar to those of A. sterilis nigra, except that the glumes are shorter, ranging from 25 to 30 mm., and have-fewer nerves, 8 nerves being common, although 7 or 9 nerves may occur; grains brownish. yellow, somewhat elongate, outer grains 18-24 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awn usually present on the outer grain, frequently on the inner grain, seldom twisted; basal hairs numer- ous, long (8-6 mm.), bushy; basilar articulation of the outer grain evi- dent; rhachilla of the outer grain short (2-2.5 mm.), strong, glabrous, persistent to the inner grain. Plants 6-9 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Red Rustproof were found under the following additional names: Appler, Bancroft, Belgian Vinter, Dun, 100 Bushel, Red Algerian, Red Rustproof (Red Texas), Red Rustproof (Texas Red), Red Rustproof Selection, Regenerated Swedish Select, Swedish Select, Victor, White Maine.
Burt (Plate IX, 1, and fig. 22).— Culms semi-erect in early growth, other- wise similar to those of A. sterilis nigra; sheaths, leaves, panicles, spikelets, and glumes similar to those of A. sterilis nigra, except that the glumes are shorter, ranging from 25 to 30 mm.; grains dull yellow, elongate outer grains 18 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awn usually present on the outer grain and frequently on the inner grain, seldom twisted; basal hairs usually present, numerous, short (1-2.5 mm.),
130 W. C. ETHERIDGE
fine; basilar articulation of the outer grain evident; rhachilla of the outer grain short (2-2.5 mm.), strong, glabrous, persistent to the inner grain. Plants 5-8 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
Specimens of the Burt variety were found under the following addi- tional names; Early Ripe, Red Rustproof, Unnamed. |
King (Plate IX, 2, and fig. 22)— Culms semi-erect in early growth, . | otherwise similar to those of A. sterilis nigra; sheaths, leaves, panicles, spikelets, and glumes similar to those of A. sterilis nigra, except that the glumes are shorter, ranging from 20 to 25 mm., and usually have fewer nerves, 8 nerves being common, although 7 or 9 nerves may occur; grains dun-colored, somewhat elongate, outer grains 18-22 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awn frequently present on the outer grain but rarely on the inner grain, seldom twisted; basal hairs wanting or seldom occurring; basilar articulation of the outer grain usually solidified, although occasionally the lines of articulation may be seen; rhachilla of outer grain short (2—-2.5 mm.), strong, glabrous, persistent to the inner grain. Plants.5-8 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
AVENA ABYSSINICA
Avena abyssinica, according to Schulz (1913), is distinguished by the structure of its lemma, which extends into four teeth. Kérnicke and Werner (1885) give a similar description. Schulz states also that in cultivated forms of A. abyssznica the basilar articulation of the grains is solidified; and Trabut (1911) notes a transition of this character between the wild and the cultivated forms, the wild forms having a fragile articu- lation, while in the cultivated forms the grains are retained.2 The A. abyssinica form is grown in the desert regions of Abyssinia and southern Arabia, chiefly for forage.
AVENA STRIGOSA AND AVENA BREVIS
The closely related groups Avena strigosa and Avena brevis are distin- guished by the structure of the lemma, this having two teeth or awn points at the apex. A. strigosa has a lanceolate lemma which extends into distinct awn points, while the lemma of A. brevis is short, abrupt, and blunt, and is rather toothed than awn-pointed although in one form the
9No specimens of A. abyssinica are included in the present classification.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 131
teeth are considerably extended. The basilar articulation in both these species, like that in A. sativa andin A. sativa orientalis, is solidified. (Plate IV, Plate III, 2, and fig. 23.)
These species have been but little used as cultivated plants, although they still have an isolated cultivation incertain parts of Europe.
AVENA FATUA
Avena fatua is specifi- cally distinguished by the close investment of its kernel, by the distinct articulation of all its grains, and by its hairy, single-pointed lemma. In observing the last-named character, one should not mistake the occasional split-pointed lemma _ for the distinctly toothed or awn-pointed lemma of A. brevis and A. strigosa.
A. fatua is generally believed to be the ancestor of A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis, the two forms which represent the great majority of the cultivated varieties of oats and which are distinguished from the wild form as artificial species by the solidified basilar articulations of their grains (page 132). Because of this relation- ship, a description of A. falua is here given:
Culms semi-erect in early growth, small to medium large in size, gla- brous; sheaths light green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading;
Fig. 23. PANICLE OF AVENA BREVIS
132 W. C. ETHERIDGE
leaves colored as the sheaths, narrow, margins glabrous; panicles equi- lateral, wide-spreading, lax, drooping, the branches drooping from the middle outward; spikelets 2-3-grained, although the inner and middle grains often drop at maturity; glumes light green and barely glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually 9-nerved; grains black,
brown, yellow, or gray, elongate; awn present on all grains, twisted and — |
geniculate; lemma covered with long, stiff hairs; basal hairs present in a bushy ring; rhachilla covered with hairs; basilar articulation of the grains distinct, all grains of the spikelet readily separating from their axes. Plants 8-12 dm. tall; medium late in maturing. (Plate I, 2, and fig. 12.)
A form of A. fatua transitional between the wild and the cultivated species is found in A. fatua glabrata, received from the Office of Cereal Investigations, United States Department of Agriculture. In this form the basilar articulation of the grains is much reduced, although still dis- tinct. The grains are of three colors — black, yellow, and gray (Plate X); the lemma is usually glabrous and the basal hairs are much reduced; the awn is as strong as in the wild form, although frequently wanting on the inner grains of the black and the gray type; and the rhachilla is haired in the yellow type, but usually glabrous in the black and the gray. | .
AVENA SATIVA
Avena sativa and Avena sativa orientalis, the two groups that include the great majority of cultivated varieties, are distinguished from the foregoing groups by a combination of the following characters: (1) the close investment of the kernel by the hull, as contrasted with the loose - kernel of A. nuda; (2) the single, more or less abrupt, point of the lemma, as compared with the toothed or awn-pointed lemma of A. brevis, A. stri- gosa, and A. abyssinica; and (3) the easy separation of the upper grains from their rhachillas, and the solidified articulation of the lower grain, as compared with the persistent upper grains and the slightly articulate lower grain of the cultivated forms of A. sterilis. (Plates II, 2, and III, 1.)
The A. sativa and A. sativa orientalis groups differ specifically only by the unilateral form of panicle of the latter group. There is another char- acter, the non-ligulate and non-auriculate leaf occurring within the A. sativa orientalis group, which is not found among varieties of A. sativa; but this is not a group characteristic, as it occurs only in a few varieties. Other characters, such as the abnormal node, previously discussed,
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS £33
extremely wide leaves, and large, coarse stems, are more frequently found in A. sativa orientalis than in A. sativa. Finally, the early habit of growth of A. sativa orientalis is always erect, while that of A. sativa may be erect, semi-erect, or spreading. At present A. sativa orientalis is grown in the same districts as is A. sativa, but less extensively. It is better adapted to the more northerly range of the environment of oats culture.
There is some doubt as to the authenticity of A. sativa orientalis as a specific group. It is generally treated as a differentiation of the A. sativa group and is believed by Schulz (1913) to have been derived probably from a different form of A. fatwa from that which gave rise to the com- moner form of A. sativa. In the present study, A. sativa orientalis is regarded as a subgroup of A. sativa, and its varieties are placed in a special group merely for convenience in classification.
The description of A. sativa is as follows:
Culms spreading, semi-erect, or erect in early growth, large, medium, or small; leaves narrow to medium wide; panicles equilateral; awns occurring only on the outer grain and often wanting; basilar articulation of the grains solidified, but the upper grains are not persistent to their rhachillas, as in A. sterilis, and the middle and inner grains are easily removed.
Key to varieties PAGE
A. Culms spreading, or turf-like, in early growth, numerous in each plant (winter oats). B. Grains dark-colored, black, brown, or gray; culms glabrous; plants late in
maturing. C. Grains black to brownish black; awn present or wanting, seldom geniculate; Senin Or TemVves MIANTOUS. 2. fo. eee Re bs cas oe ee eet C. I. 606. 135 CC. Grains gray to yellowish gray; awn usually present, usually geniculate; minneunsat aves eminte 808 7. Cero oo Winter Turf. 136 BB. Grains light-colored, white to yellowish white; culms hairy near the nodes; eee Set Wea TUE Se A Ee EC. oS bas eo ee Culberson. 137
AA. Culms semi-erect or erect in early growth, few to a plant (spring oats). B. Grains dark-colored, black to brownish red. C. Awns numerous in the panicle. D. Grains brownish red to brown; panicles stiff, the branches ascending. . . Black Norway. 137 DD. Grains black or brownish black; panicles lax, the branches drooping from
< the middle outward. EK. Panicles coarse; glumes 9-10-nerved; plants semi-erect in early Pee AA ia a ie Na i a elit wi d's ats any i a> 6 hn Victor. 139
EE. Panicles fine; glumes 8—9-nerved, seldom 10-nerved; plants erect in ~ early growth. F. Grains glaucous; rhachilla glabrous.................. Monarch. 139 FF. Grains not glaucous; rhachilla haired.......,...,Black Mesdag. 139
134 W. C. ETHERIDGE
CC. Awns wanting or few in the panicle. D. Lemma laterally beset with hairs at about its middle...Black Diamond. 141 DD. Lemma glabrous. : ©. Grains glaucous :: 6. 6).% 34 aceon Monarch Selection. 141 EE. Grains not glaucous. F. Panicles narrow, short; plants semi-erect in early growth; grains Dblneke so 3355 ois) ted ee ea Joannette. 141 FF. Panicles wide-spreading, long; plants erect in early growth; grains brownish black to brownish red. G. Grains brownish red; rhachilla usually glabrous. ..C. I. 620. 142 GG. Grains brownish black; rhachilla usually haired. H. Panicles extremely long, wide-spreading, and lax, the branches drooping from the middle outward; hairs of the rhachilla few and appressed; grains usually 15-18 mm. Fong?! 7 > oes ha ee een eee Old Island Black. 142 HH. Panicles medium long, stiff, the branches ascending; hairs of rhachilla numerous and erect; grains usually 18-22 im. long. i \.2..<.+ Labs Sea ee North Finnish. 142 BB. Grains light-colored, yellow to white. C. Lowest whorl of panicle branches usually issuing from a geniculate bend in the rhachis at which the nodal diaphragm is wanting or rudimentary. D. Panicles narrow, the branches sharply ascending; rhachis scarcely Mewes oi iiss 205599 ee Ps OO Tet eee Garton 473. 143 DD. Panicles wide-spreading, the branches stiff but not sharply ascending; rhachis remarkably flexuous..:°.. 025... ¥c.<) ee oe Garton 691. 143 CC. Lowest whorl of panicle branches issuing from a normal node, : D. Panicles short, sparse; culms fine; plants extremely early in maturing. . Kherson, Early Champion, Sixty-Day. 143 DD. Panicles medium to extremely long, more or less prolific; culms medium _ to large; plants medium to late in maturing. E. Grains bright yellow. F. Basal hairs numerous. G. Basal hairs short (1-2 mm.); 3-grained spikelets numerous; panicles stiff, the branches ascending. . .Awnless Probsteier. 146 GG. Basal hairs long (2-5 mm.); 3-grained spikelets seldom occur- ring; panicles lax, the branches drooping from the middle outwards... 0... <4 Sp elepeeeeee Japan Selection. 147 — FF. Basal hairs usually wanting, if present few and weak. G. Awns usually wanting; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes extremely short (18-22 mm.).......2....... Golden Drop. 147 GG. Awns numerous; 3-grained spikelets numerous; glumes of medium length (20-28 mm.). H. Awns usually present; spikelets usually 3-grained........
- ie
by
HH. Awns numerous in the panicle, but frequently wanting in
the spikelet; spikelets 2—3-grained...... Green Russian. 148 EE. Grains white to yellowish white. i*, Grains extremely short, outer grains usually less than 15 mm.
G. Leaves, sheaths, and glumes a conspicuous light green at period of full heading; double-grains very numerous....Canadian. 148
GG. Leaves, sheaths, and glumes dark green at period of full heading; double-grains seldom occurring.......... Tobolsk. 148
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 135
PAGE FF. Grains medium to extremely long, outer grains usually exceeding 15 mm. G. Awns usually present and geniculate. H. Basal hairs numerous, long (2-5 mm.), bushy; grains rather short (15-18 mm.); spikelets 2—3-grained....... . Silvermine Selection. 149 HH. Basal hairs wanting, or few, weak, and short (1-2 mm.); grains long (18-22 mm.); spikelets usually 2-grained....
C. I. 602. 149 GG. Awns wanting to numerous in the panicle, seldom geniculate. . H. Basal hairs long (3-6 mm.), numerous... .. Early Dakota. 1£0
HH. Basal hairs short or wanting. I. Panicles long, lax, spreading, the branches often drooping from the middle outward. J. Awns wanting or few in the panicle..... Irish Victor. 150 JJ. Awns numerous in the panicle. Kk. Grains medium long (16-19 mm.)..Danish Island. 150 IXK. Grains extremely long (18-22 mm.)............ Early Gothland. 151 — II. Panicles short to medium long, stiff, compact, the branches ascending. J. Awns wanting or few in the panicle......... Belyak. 151 JJ. Awns few to numerous in the panicle. KK. Rhachilla usually sparsely haired; lemma scarcely concave in the region of the awn; awns few in the panicle. L. Grains short-pointed.......:.... Silvermine. 151 LL. Grains long-pointed.......... Scottish Chief. 152 IKXK. Rhachilla usually glabrous; lemma concave in the region of the awn; awns numerous in the panicle. L. Basal hairs usually present, short but bushy aneb prominent 29... . fobe. 2 da. Ges June. 152 LL. Basal hairs wanting or weak and inconspicu- ous. M. Awns usually strongly twisted; 3-grained spikelets predominating.............. Swedish Select. 153 MM. Awns straight or somewhat twisted; 2- grained spikelets predominating....... : Lincoln. 154
Descriptions of varreties
C.I.!° 606 (Plate IX, 3, and fig. 24) — Culms spreading in early growth, but later erect from a somewhat decumbent base, small, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, narrow and fine, margins glabrous; panicles narrow, stiff, the branches slightly drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, 7-8-nerved; grains black to brownish black,
100 ffice of Cereal Investigation, United States Department of Agriculture.
136 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Fic. 24. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA
(Panicle representing the varieties C. I. 606, Winter ‘l'urf, Culber- son, and Joannette)
elongate, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, long- pointed; lemma of the | outer grain with 7 ob- scure nerves, usually | glabrous but occasion- |}
ally with a few lateral | hairs; awns few to nu- |
merous in the panicle, twisted or not twisted, seldom geniculate ;basal hairs usually present, few, short (1-2.5 mm.), and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2.5-3.5 mm. long, beset with numerous stiff hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; late in maturing. Another — specimen similar in form to that just described carried © the name C. I. 607. | Winter Turf (Plate XI, 1, and fig. 24).— Culms similar to those of C. I. 606; sheaths light green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading; leaves col- ored as sheaths, narrow and fine, margins cili- ate at the lower third; panicles similar to those of C. I. 606, but some- what broader and longer ; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes light
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 137
green and barely glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually 9-nerved, in some cases 8-nerved; grains gray to yellowish gray, plump, conspicuously striped, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, short-pointed:
| lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 conspicuous nerves; awns
numerous in the panicle, twisted, and usually geniculate; basal hairs |} usually present, few or numerous, 14 mm. long, weak; rhachilla of the | outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), usuaily carrying a few weak hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; extremely late in maturing. 3
Specimens of the variety Winter Turf were found under the following additional names: Dewey, Gray Winter, Oregon Gray, Silvermine, Sonoma, Virginia Gray Winter, Winter Turf Selection.
Culberson (Plate XI, 2, and fig. 24).— Culms similar to those of C. I. 606, but hairy near the nodes; sheaths, leaves, panicles, spikelets, and glumes similar to those of Winter Turf, except that the margins of the leaves are usually glabrous or only sparingly ciliate, and the glumes are more commonly 8-nerved than 9-nerved; grains white to yellowish white, elon- gate, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually present, usually twisted, frequently geniculate; basal hairs few and weak, 1-3 mm. long, often wanting; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually glabrous, hairs if present few, short, and weak. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
A specimen of the variety Culberson was found under the name Burt.
Black Norway (Plate XI, 3, and fig. 25.)— Culms erect in early growth, large, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full head- ing; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous or sparsely ciliate; panicles broad, stiff, the branches ascending; spikelets 2-grained, seldom 3-grained; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, 9-10-nerved; grains brownish red to brown, ‘plump, outer grains usually 14-17 mm. long, short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 prominent nerves; awns usually present, usually twisted, seldom geniculate; basal hairs usually wanting, if present short (1-2 mm.), few, and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain short (2-2.5 mm.), usually haired. Plants 9-12 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Another specimen of the variety Black Norway carried the name White Schoenen.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 139
Victor (Plate XII, 1).— Culms semi-erect in early growth, large, coarse, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous or sparsely ciliate; panicles long, broad, coarse, wide-spreading, lax, the branches usually drooping from the middle outward; spikelets 2-grained, 3-grained spikelets seldom occurring, double-grains many; glumes dark green and | slightly glaucous at period of full heading, 25-30 mm. long, 9-10-nerved; grains black to brownish black, very large and coarse, outer grains usually 18-22 mm. long, rather short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, ' the number of nerves varying from 7 to 10; awns usually present, strong, coarse, twisted, often slightly geniculate; basal hairs wanting on most grains, although often present, short to medium long (24 mm.), and stiff; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually weakly haired. Plants - 10-14 dm. tall; medium late in maturing. | Specimens of the variety Victor were found under the following addi-
tional names: Black Egyptian, English Wonder, Garton 306, Garton | 396, Garton 453, Garton 1174. | ' Monarch (Plate XII, 2, and fig. 26).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, glabrous or hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, narrow to ' medium wide, margins glabrous; panicles wide-spreading, lax, the branches drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading, 20-27 mm. long, usually 9-nerved, in some cases 8- or 10-nerved; grains brownish black, glaucous, elongate, outer grains usually 15-19 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually numerous in the panicle, scarcely twisted; basal hairs usually present, short to long (2-5 mm.), fine, and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), usually glabrous. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Monarch were found under the following additional names: Hennesey, Martinsburg, Red Rustproof, Swedish Red, Tartarian, Texas Red.
Black Mesdag (Plate XII, 3, and fig. 26).— Culms erect in early growth, large, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous; panicles wide-spreading, lax, the branches usually drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2-grained, although 3-grained spikelets occur;
140 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Fia. 26. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA
(Panicle representing the varieties Monarch, Black Mesdag, Black Diamond, Monarch Selection, C. I. 620, Old Island Black, Japan Selection, Canadian, Tobolsk, C. I. 602, Early Dakota, Irish Victor, Danish Island, and Early Gothland)
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 141
glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading, 22-27 mm. long, usually 9-nerved, in some cases 8-nerved; grains black or brownish black, elongate but well filled, outer grains usually 18-22 mm. long, rather short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually present, twisted, sometimes geniculate; basal hairs seldom occurring, if present few, short (1-2 mm.), fine, and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, haired, the hairs long and stiff. Plants 8-10 dm. long, medium early in maturing.
Black Diamond (Plate XIII, 1, and fig. 26).— Culms semi-erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as sheaths, rather narrow, margins glabrous except for the ciliate auricle; panicles long, wide-spreading, lax, the branches drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes dark green and glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, 9-nerved; grains black te brownish black, plump, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain, and frequently that ’ of the inner grain, laterally beset with hairs, 7 obscure nerves; awns usually wanting; basal_hairs few to numerous, fine, short to medium long (1-3 mm.); rhachilla of the outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), usually carrying a few fine hairs. Piants 8-10 dm. tall; late in maturing. —
Monarch Selection (Plate XIII, 2, and fig. 26).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, and hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, nar- row, margins glabrous; panicles long, narrow, lax, the branches ascending; spikelets 2—3-grained; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period © of full heading, rather short (18-22 mm.), 9-nerved; grains black, brownish black, or brownish red, glaucous, elongate, outer grains 15-19 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; swns usually wanting; basal hairs wanting or few, fine, weak, short (1-2 tam.); rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, its hairs short and numerous. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
Joannette (Plate XIII, 3, and fig. 24).— Culms semi-erect in early growth, fine, stiff, glabrous; sheaths light green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading: leaves colored as the sheaths, narrow, margins glabrous; pani- cles fine, narrow, stiff, the branches ascending; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes light green and barely glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually 8-nerved, sometimes 7- or 9-nerved; grains black or
142 W. C. Ersermce
brownish black, plump, outer grains 14-19 mm. long, short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns few in the panicle, usually wanting in the spikelet; basal hairs usually present, few, long (2-4 mm.), fine; rhachilla of the outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), usually with long, stiff hairs. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Joannette were found under the following additional names: Jeannette, Nichol’s Black. z
C. I. 620 (Plate XIII, 4, and fig. 26).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous or sparsely ciliate; panicles extremely long, wide-spreading, lax, the branches drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading; grains brownish red, rather elongate, outer grains short (12-17 mm.), either short-pointed or long- pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually wanting; basal hairs short (1-2 mm.), fine, and weak, or wanting; rhachilla of the outer grain 2.5-3.5 mm. long, usually glabrous. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Old Island Black (Plate XIII, 5, and fig. 26).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large and stiff, shghtly hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, the margins glabrous or sparsely ciliate; panicles extremely long, wide-spreading, lax, the branches drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually 8-nerved, sometimes 9- nerved; grains black or brownish black, elongate, outer grains 14-18 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grains glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually wanting; basal hairs wanting or few, short (1-2 mm.), weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually with a few appressed hairs. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
Another specimen of the variety Old Island Black was found under the name Black Anthony.
North Finnish (Plate XIII, 6, and fig. 25).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large and stiff, glabrous or hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous; panicles wide-spreading, stiff, the branches ascending; spikelets 2-3-grained; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 143
at period of full heading, 22-26 mm. long, usually 9-nerved; grains brown- ‘ish black, elongate, outer grains usually 18-22 mm. long, long-pointed; ' lemma of the outer grains glabrous, with 7 rather prominent nerves; awns usually wanting; basal hairs wanting or few, short (1-2 mm.), and weak; ' rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, with numerous erect hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
_ Specimens of the variety North Finnish were found under the following
additional names: Black American, Black Arctic, Swedish Red.
Garton 473 (Plate XIV, 1, and fig. 27).— Culms erect in early growth, large, coarse, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, extremely wide, margins ciliate at the lower third; panicles narrow, stiff, the branches sharply ascending and the lowest whorl of branches issuing from a geniculate bend in the rhachis at which the nodal diaphragm is wanting or rudimentary; spikelets 2-grained, double-grains very numerous; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading, 25-30 mm. long, usually 9-nerved but may be 10-11-nerved; grains white or yellowish white, large and coarse, outer grains usually 18-22 mm. long, short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain with 7-11 conspicuous nerves, usually 7-nerved, glabrous; awns numerous in the panicle, coarse, usually twisted, in some cases slightly geniculate; basal hairs wanting, or short (1-2 mm.), few, and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, glabrous or with a few weak hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Garton 473 were found under the follow- ing additional names: Garton 855, Golden Rain, Regenerated Swedish Select. ?
Garton 691 (Plate XIV, 1, and fig. 27).— Similar to Garton 473, except that the panicle is longer and wide-spreading, with stiff but not sharply ascending branches, and that the rhachis is remarkably flexuous.
Kherson, Early Champion, Sixty-Day.— Characterized chiefly by short, sparse, fine, stiff panicles (fig. 28), fine stems, and early maturity. In the specimens of Kherson and Sixty-Day, yellow and white grains occurred in various proportions, while in the specimens of Early Champion the grains were white. The grains of Kherson and Sixty-Day were separated as yellow and white, and each class was found to reproduce its color accurately. As the original introduction of Kherson oats by the Nebraska Experi- ment Station in 1896 was a yellow-grain variety, the white grains
| |
A Ciass IFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 145
found among the specimens under study are regarded merely as a mix- ture of Sixty-Day, introduced later. Accordingly the names Kherson and Sixty-Day are here applied respectively to the separated yellow and
| white forms.
PAGE
A. Grains yellow. ee ah). ae ge a Kherson. 145 i wae nmerons im the pawicie........-0.5...0....55. 606 .8.. Kherson Selection. 145
AA. Grains white. B. Spikelets usually 3-grained. C. Grains short, 15-18 mm.; awns few in the panicle............. Sixty-Day. 145 CC. Grains extremely long, 18-22 mm.; 2was numerous in the panicle......... Sixty-Day Selection 145 _ BB. Spikelets usually 2-grained, 3-grained spikelets seldom occurring. Early Champion. 146
Kherson (Plate XIV, 2, and fig. 28).— Culms erect in early growth, fine, stiff, either smooth or slightly pubescent at the nodes; sheaths dark green, glaucous; leaves colored as the sheaths, fine, narrow, short, margins smooth; panicles short, sparse, fine, stiff, the branches ascending; 3-grained spikelets numerous in the panicle, often predomimating over 2-grained spikelets; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at time of full-heading, 9-nerved, in some cases 8-nerved; grains yellow, somewhat elongate, outer grains 16-20 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 5-7 obscure nerves; awns usually wanting, if present short and weak; basal hairs seldom occurring, if present few and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, glabrous. Plants 6-9 dm. tall; extremely early in maturing.
Kherson Selection.— Differs from Kherson only in the greater number of awns in the panicle.
Sixty-Day (Plate XIV, 3).— Differs from Kherson only in having white, slightly shorter grains.
Sixty-Day Selection (Plate XIV, 4).— Differs from Sixty-Day in its longer, larger, and horn-white to yellow grain, more frequent awns, occa- sional 10-nerved glume, and somewhat later maturing period.
Among the mixed specimens of Kherson and Sixty-Day were found the following additional names: Appler, Bucium, C. I. 579, Champion, Cul- berson, Daubeney, Early Champion, Early Illinois, Hays, Kherson (Nebraska No. 1), Ray’s 5610, Seventy-five Day, Sixty-Day (C. I. 165), Sixty-Day (C. I. 639), Sixty-Day (Minnesota 261).
146 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Early Champion (Plate XIV, 5).— Differs from Sixty-Day in its pre- | dominating 2-grained spikelet, somewhat plumper grain, and occasional —
Fic. 28. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA
(Kherson)
ing, 23-27 mm. long, 9-10-nerved; grains bright yellow, somewhat elon- gate, outer grains 16-20 mm. long, rather long-pointed; lemma of the
stiff, the branches
hairs of the rhachilla, | which when present } are few and weak. ! Specimens of the | variety Early Cham-‘¥} pion were found jj under the following }) additional names: Champion, Dau- beney, Iowa Silver- mine, New Cham- pion, Seventy-five Day. _ Awnless Probsteter (Plate XIV, 6, and fig. 25).—Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, usually hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glau- cous at period of full | heading; leaves col- ored as the sheaths, medium wide, mar- gins smooth; panicles - medium long, wide,
ascending; spikelets 2-3-grained; glumes dark green and some- what glaucous at period of full head-—
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS 147
outer grain glabrous, with 7 prominent nerves; awns wanting or seldom occurring; basal hairs numerous, short (1-2 mm.), bushy; rhachilla of the outer grain 1.5-2.5 mm. long, glabrous or with a few weak hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Awnless Probsteier were found under the following additional names: American Banner, Appler, Danish.
Japan Selection (Plate XV, 1, and fig. 26).— Culms, sheaths, and leaves similar to those of Awnless Probsteier; panicles rather long, lax, wide-spread- ing, the branches drooping from the middle outward; spikelets usually 2- grained; glumes colored as those of Awnless Probsteier, 20-25 mm. long, 9-10-nerved; grains bright yellow, elongate, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awn usually wanting; basal hairs usually numerous, medium long (2-4 mm.), and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually glabrous. Plants 7—9 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
The variety Japan Selection was found as a mixture among specimens of white-grained oats bearing the names Japan and Lincoln.
Golden Drop (Plate XV, 2, and fig. 25).—Culms, sheaths, and leaves simi- lar to those of Awnless Probsteier; panicles medium in size, wide, stiff, the branches ascending; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes colored similarly to those of Awnless Probsteier, remarkably short (18-22 mm.), 9-nerved; grains bright yellow, plump, outer grains short (13-16 mm.), short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually wanting; basal hairs usually wanting, if present few, short, and weak. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Golden Drop were found under the following additional names: Early Mountain, Golden Rain, Hunt, Kirsche, Large Yellow, Tartar King, White Queen, Wideawake, Yellow.
C.I.603 (Plate XV, 3, and fig. 25).—Culms, sheaths, and leaves similar to those of Awnless Probsteier; panicles of medium size, stiff, the branches ascending; spikelets usually 3-grained; glumes dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, 8-10-nerved; grains bright yellow, rather elongate, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, rather long- pointed; lemma, of the outer grains glabrous, with 7 prominent nerves; awns usually present and not twisted; basal hairs usually wanting, if present short, _ few, and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain extremely short (1-2 mm.), glabrous. Plants 7-9 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
148 | W. C. ETHERIDGE
Another specimen of the variety C. I. 603 was found under the name Golden. Green Russian (Plate XVI, 1, and fig. 25).—Culms, sheaths, and leaves similar to those of Awnless Probsteier; panicles similar to those of C. I. 603, but somewhat larger; spikelets 2-3-grained; glumes dark green and some- what glaucous at period of full heading, 20-28 mm. long, 9-10-nerved; grains — bright yellow, somewhat elongate, outer grains 16-20 mm. long, rather “) long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 prominent nerves; awns numerous in the panicle, but frequently wanting in the spikelet, usually not twisted; basal hairs usually wanting, if present few, short, and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, glabrous. Plants
7-10 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Green Russian were found under the following additional names: American Triumph, Anderbeck, Big Four, Bonanza King, C. I. 582, C. I. 608, Columbia, Early Champion, Golden, Golden Beauty, Golden Cluster, Great Dane, Holstein Prolific, Irish Victor, Minnesota 202, Rossman, Siberian, Watson, Welcome.
Canadian (Plate XVI, 2, and fig. 26).—Culms erect in early growth, large, weak, glabrous; sheaths pale green, slightly glaucous; leaves colored as sheaths, but streaked and not uniform in color, wide, 20-25 mm., margins ciliate at lower third; rhachis slightly flexuous; panicles long, lax, drooping at the apex, branches wide-spreading and drooping from the middle outward; 2-grained spikelets (usually double-grains) predominant, 3-grained spike- lets seldom occurring; glumes pale green, 9-nerved; grains white to pale yellow, very short and plump, outer grains 13-16 mm. long, short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, usually 9-nerved; awns present in about one-half the total number of spikelets, long but seldom twisted, and rarely geniculate; basal hairs wanting or few, short to long (1-5 mm.), weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2.5-3.5 mm. long, glabrous. Plants © 9-11 dm. tall; medium early in maturing. |
Specimens of the variety Canadian were found under the following additional names: Abundance, Canadian White, Lincoln, Probsteier, White Tartar. }
Tobolsk (Plate XVI, 3, and fig. 26).—Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, glabrous; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full head- ing; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins smooth; panicles ~ medium long, wide-spreading, lax, the branches drooping from the middle
_ A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats 149
outward; spikelets 2-grained; glumes dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, 9-nerved; grains white, plump, outer grains extremely short (usually 12-15 mm.), short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns numerous in the panicle, usually twisted, sometimes slightly geniculate; basal hairs wanting; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, glabrous or with a few weak hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium early in maturing.
Another specimen of the variety Tobolsk was found under the name Wisconsin Pedigree No. 3.
Silvermine Selection (Plate XVII, 1, and fig. 25).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins smooth; panicles of medium size, somewhat lax, the branches often drooping; spikelets 2—3-grained; glumes dark green and glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually 9-nerved, sometimes 10-nerved; grains white, plump, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, short- pointed: lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 prominent nerves; awns usually present, twisted and geniculate; basal hairs numerous, long (2-5 mm.), bushy; rhachilla of the outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), usually glabrous. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
The variety Silvermine Selection was found as a mixture among several specimens of Silvermine and other white-grained varieties.
C. I. 602 (Plate XVII, 2, and fig. 26).— Culms erect in early growth, medium large, stiff, glabrous; sheaths light green and glaucous at period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, wide, margins smooth; panicles extremely long, wide-spreading, lax, drooping at the apex, the branches usually ascending; spikelets usually 2-grained; glumes light green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually 9-nerved, sometimes 10-nerved; grains white, elongate, outer grains 17—22 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually present, twisted and geniculate; basal hairs usually wanting, if present few, short, and weak; rhachilla of the first grain 2-3 mm. long, usually with a few weak hairs. Plants 9-12 dm. tall; late in maturing. {-
Specimens of the variety C. I. 602 were found under the names Cana- dian and C. I. 597, and were also found as a mixture among several other varieties of white-grained oats.
150 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Early Dakota (Plate XVII, 3, and fig. 26).— Culms, sheaths, leaves, and- } glumes similar to those of C. I. 602, except that the culms are usually hairy near the nodes; panicles long and spreading, often drooping at the apex, although the branches are usually ascending; spikelets usually 2-grained; grains yellowish white, rather elongate, outer grains 15-18 mm. long, rather long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns wanting or few in the panicle; basal hairs numerous, long (3-6 mm.), bushy; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, haired, the hairs often numerous and conspicuous. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Early Dakota were found under the following additional names: Abbott, Big Four, Early Gotham.
Trish Victor (Plate XVIII, 1, and fig. 26).—Culms, sheaths, leaves, pan- icles, and glumes similar to those of Early Dakota; spikelets 2—3-grained, 2-grained spikelets predominating; grains white or yellowish white, some- what elongate, outer grains 16-19 mm. long, usually long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns wanting or few in the panicle; basal hairs usually wanting, if present few, weak, and short; rhachilla of the first grain 2-8 mm. long, usually glabrous. Plants 8-11 dm. tall; late in maturing. |
Specimens of the variety Irish Victor were found under the following additional names: Alaska, American Banner, Czar of Russia, Early Illinois, Fourth of July, Golden Fleece, Great Dakota, Green Mountain, Japan, Lincoln, Mammoth White Side, Minnesota 202, Siberian Sixty- Day, Stavropol, Sunshine, Swedish Select, Twentieth Century, Welcome, | White, White Bedford, White Bonanza, White Main, White Queen, White Sensation, Wilson’s Prolific.
Danish Island (Plate XVIII, 2, and fig. 26).— Culms, sheaths, leaves, panicles, spikelets, and glumes similar to those of Early Dakota; grains white or yellowish white, elongate, outer grains 16-19 mm. long, long- pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns numerous in the panicle; basal hairs usually wanting, if present few, weak, and short; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3.5 mm. long, glabrous. or with a few weak hairs. Plants 9-12 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Danish Island were found under the following additional names: Champion, Garton 689, Green Mountain, Heavy Weight, Red Rustproof, Unnamed White.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats” 151
| glumes are somewhat longer; spikelets 2-3-grained; grains white to yellow- | ish white, elongate, outer grains 18-22 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of | the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns numerous in the | panicle, usually not twisted; basal hairs extremely short (1-2 mm.), nu- / merous; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually haired. Plants | 9-11 dm. tall; late in maturing.
| Specimens of the variety Early Gothland were found under the following | additional names: Banner, Danish, Schoenen.
| Belyak (Plate XVIII, 4, and fig. 25).— Culms erect in early growth, me- | dium large, stiff, hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at | period of full heading; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins | glabrous; panicles medium long, rather broad, somewhat compact, stiff, / erect, the branches ascending; spikelets 2—3-grained; glumes dark green } and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, 20-25 mm. long, usually | 9-nerved, sometimes 10-nerved; grains white to yellowish white, plump, } outer grains 16-19 mm. long, short-pointed, the dorsal side concave in the region of the awn; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure ) nerves; awns wanting or few in the panicle, seldom twisted; basal hairs wanting or extremely short; rhachilla of the outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), usually glabrous. Plants 9-11 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
Another specimen of the variety Belyak was found under the name White Belyak.
Silvermine (Plate XIX, 1, and fig, 29) late er sheaths, leaves, panicles, and glumes similar to cee of Belyak, except that the panicles are more elongate and their branches ascend more sharply; spikelets 2—3-grained, 2-grained spikelets largely predominating; grains white to yellowish white, plump, outer grains 16-19 mm. long, short-pointed, the dorsal side scarcely concave in the region of the awn; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns wanting or few in the panicle, usually not twisted; basal hairs usually wanting; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually with a few weak, short hairs. Plants 9-11 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Silvermine were found under the following additional names: American Banner, Big Four, Big Four (Salzer’s), Boehmerwald Mountain, Bussey, Canadian, Curel 6, Danish Island,
152 W. C. ETHERIDGE
Emperor William, Funk, Funk’s Great Dane, Garton 364, Great American, Great Dakota, Illinois Ger- man, Lincoln, Muin- nesota 368, Morgan- fellow, National, New Zealand, Swedish Se- lect, Welcome, Wide- awake, Zhelannii. } Scottish Chief (Plate’ XIX, 2, and fig. 25).— Culms, sheaths, leaves, — panicles, spikelets, and — glumes similar to those of Belyak; grains somewhat similar to those of Silvermine, but longer (17-20 mm.) and long-pointed; hairs of the rhachilla more prominent than in Silvermine. Plants 8-11 dm. tall; medium late in maturing. | Specimens of the va- riety Scottish Chief were found under the following additional names: Goldmine, New Johnson, Swedish Select, White Tartar. June (Plate XIX, 3, and fig. 25):— Culms, sheaths, leaves, pan- icles, and glumes similar to those of ©
Fig. 29. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA
(Silvermine) Belyak; spikelets 2-3-
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 153
grained, 3-grained spikelets predominating; grains somewhat similar to those of Belyak, but in some cases longer (16-20 mm.); awns numerous in _the panicle, slightly twisted; basal hairs numerous, short (1-2 mm.), | bushy; rhachilla of the outer grain short (1.5-2.5 mm.), glabrous. | Plants 8-11 dm. tall; medium late in maturing. | Swedish Select (Plate XIX, 4, and fig. 25).— Culms, sheaths, leaves, | panicles, and glumes similar to those of Belyak; spikelets 2—3-grained, 3- | grained spikelets predominating; grains similar in form, size, and color to | those of Belyak; awns very numerous in the panicle, strongly twisted, black | at the base; basal hairs wanting, or extremely short, few, and weak; | rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, usually glabrous. Plants | 8-11 dm. tall; medium late in maturing. | Specimens of the variety Swedish Select were found under the following | additional names: Abundance, Abyssinian, Achottatt, American Banner | (Wisconsin 36), American Triumph, Archangel, Avena (Zook), Bancroft, | Banner, Barley, Beseler, Beseler I (C. I. 592), Beseler II (C. I. 589), Beseler II (C. I. 600), Big Four, Big Four (Minnesota 353), Black Bell (C. I. 496), Bumper Crop, Canada Cluster, Canadian (Minnesota 429), Sot or0, C. 1.°576; C:. 12-594, C. I. 604, C.-I. 605, C. 1.618, Clydes- | dale, Clydesdale (Michigan 104), Colorado, Conqueror, Czar of Russia,- | Danish, Danish (C. I. 441), Danish Giant (C. I. 672), Danish Island, | Danish White, Delmaine, Early Champion (Minnesota 267), Early | Gothland (Minnesota 26), Early Gothland (Minnesota 295), Early Goth- | land (Minnesota 431), Emperor William, English, Fichtel Mountain, } Fulghum, Garton 436, Garton 436 (C. I. 565), Garton 450, Garton 466, Garton 611, Garton’s Swedish Select (Minnesota 430), Golden Cluster, | Golden Fleece, Golden Rustproof, Goldmine, Great American, Great | Dakota, Great Northern, Green Mountain, Heavy Weight, Henderson’s Large White, Hungarian White, Illinois German, Imported Clydesdale, Improved Ligowo (Minnesota 6), Improved Ligowo (Minnesota 281), Trish Victor, Japan, Kirsche’s Original (Minnesota 437), Leutewitz (C. I. _ 593), Ligowo (C. I. 525), Ligowo (C. I. 500), Ligowo (C. I. 599), Ligowo
(C. I. 640), Ligowo (Minnesota 6), Ligowo II (C. I. 492), Lincoln, Lincoln | (C. I. 575), Lincoln (Minnesota 340), Minnesota 270, Minnesota 436, | Morganfellow, Mortgage Lifter, National (Salzer’s), New Alberta, New | Danish, Newmarket, Newmarket (Minnesota 428), Nichol’s White Comet, | Oderbrucker, Oregon Gray Winter (C. I. 436), Pickett (Michigan 102), | President, Progress, Prosperity, Regenerated Abundance (C. I. 642), | Regenerated Swedish Select, Regenerated Swedish Select (Minnesota 383),
154 - W. C. EvrxHeripcGe
Rejuvenated White Bonanza, Rejuvenated White Bonanza (Minnesota 403), Roosevelt, Roosevelt (Minnesota 391), Scotch, Scottish Chief, Senator, Sensation, Siberian, Siberian White, Silvermine, Sparrowbill, Stube (Michigan 100), Swedish Prize Taker, Swedish Select (C. I. 134), Swedish Select (C. I. 674), Swedish Select (Wisconsin 4), Tartar King, Twentieth Century, University 6, Unnamed White, Victory, Welcome (Burpee’s), Wernicke’s Golden, White, White Beauty, White Bonanza, White Danish, White Maine, White Probsteier, White Queen, White Russian, White Schoenen, White Tartar, White Waverly, Wideawake, Wisconsin Pedigree 1, Wisconsin Pedigree 2, Wisconsin Pedigree 4, Wis-— consin Pedigree 5.
Lincoln (Plate XX, 1, and fig. 25).— Similar to Swedish Select, with the following exceptions: 2-grained spikelets usually predominating, rather than 3-grained spikelets; grains somewhat elongate; awns straight or somewhat twisted.
Specimens of the variety Lincoln were found under the following additional names: Alaska, American Banner, American Beauty, Banner, Barley, Bavarian, Bland’d White, C. I. 571, C. I. 601, C. I. 617, Clydes- dale, Colorado 37 (C. I. 619), Garton 572, Garton 572 (C.1. 564), Garton 572 (Minnesota 407), Great Dane (C. I. 613), Green Meuntain, Hvitling, Improved American, Jobnson, Junghaus, Kirsche (C. I. 578), Lactone, Ligowo, Lincoln (C. I. 577), Lincoln (C. IL. 715), Michigan Wonder, — Minnesota 103, Minnesota 343, Myrick, Myrick Banner (Minne- sota 348), National, National (Salzer’s), New Sensation, Peerless, “Seedling” (Michigan 101), Sensation, Shadeland Climax, Silvermine, Sparrowbill, Swedish Select, Tartarian (C. I. 713), Tartar King, Victory (C. I. 560), Western Star, White, Wideawake, Wisconsin Wonder.
AVENA SATIVA ORIENTALIS
Culms tall, erect in all stages of growth, generally large, thick, coarse, few in a plant, sheaths usually longer than in A. sativa and A. sterilis; léaves in most varieties wide and coarse; ligules and auricles wanting in some varieties; panicles unilateral, the branches arising from various sides of the rhachis but converging mostly to one side and being usually sharply ascending or appressed; rhachis in some varieties marked by its extremely flexuous form and by a geniculate bend at which the nodal diaphragm is wanting or rudimentary, although at the bend issue the lowell
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATS’ 155
_ whorl of branches; awns when present on the outer grain only, and often | wanting; basilar articulation of the grains solidified, as in A. sativa. (Plate III, 1.)
Key to varieties
A. Grains dark-colored, black, brown, or gray. PAGE B. Ligules and auricles wanting. C. Awns numerous in the panicle; rhachilla of first grain 2-3.5 mm. long, sparsely haired; grains elongate.......................... Garton 748. 155 CC. Awns wanting or seldom occurring; rhachilla of first grain 1-2 mm. long, SUmRr ONS, PMNS PUTA 8 yon sls ask wi a Snore «nv ondesty ek Garton 784. 156 BB. Ligules and auricles present. C. Grains gray; rhachilla of first grain 1. 5-2 mm. long, glabrous; culms usually gnareeiy aired mear the nodes... . 6 oi. cow nee ieee se Garton Gray. 156 CC. Grains black to brown; rhachilla of first grain 2.5-3.5 mm. Jong, sparsely hastens) culms PlabTOUS.- 8605. vb ase kien ee ee Black Tartarian. 157 | AA. Grains light-colored, white or yellow. ) Pm emer mad aurictes wantime. 05 2. ee ee ee Golden Giant. 157
BB. Ligules and auricles present.
C. Outer grains remarkably short, rarely exceeding 15 mm. in length; spike- lets confused in attitude (pointing i in all directions)......... Sparrowbill. 158
CC. Outer grains ranging between 16 and 20 mm. in length, rarely less than 15
mm.; spikelets drooping or pectinate in attitude.
D. Nerves in the glume 11-13; branches of the panicle not appressed, usually
drooping from the middle outward..................... Garton 585. 158 DD. Nerves in the glume 8-10; branches of the panicle appressed.
E. Panicles thickly branched and fruited, compact and stiff, the lowest whorl of branches i issuing from a bend in the rhachis at which the nodal diaphragm is wanting or rudimentary; margins of leaves ciliate; doubie-grains very numerous.
F. Basal hairs wanting; nerves of the lemma 8-10; gpikelet usually SPIER te Alot SB chin ot one sos kes ‘ove we Storm King. 159 FF. Basal hairs frequently present; nerves of the lemma 7-8; spikelet in about equal numbers double-grained or normal. Tartar King. 160 EE. Panicles sparsely branched and fruited, elongate, slender, lax, droop- ing, the lowest whorl of branches issuing at a normal node; margins of leaves glabrous; double-grains few.
F. Awns rare; 3-grained spikelets rare.............. White Tartar. 161 _ FF. Awns numerous in the panicle, usually present in each spikelet; 3-grained spikelets frequent................ Green Mountain. 162
Descriptions of varieties
| Garton 748 (Plate XX, 2, and fig. 30).— Culms erect from early growth, | medium large, coarse, glabrous; sheaths dark green and somewhat glaucous | at period of full heading, fully covering the internodes; leaves colored as | the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous; ligules and auricles wanting; | rhachis barely flexuous; panicles unilateral, short, stiff, sparsely branched | and fruited, the branches appressed, the lowest whorl of branches always | issuing from a normal node; spikelets pendant or pectinate in attitude,
156
W. C. ETHERIDGE
2-3-grained; glumes dark green, somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, rather short (20-25 mm.), 8-10-nerved, usually 9-nerved; grains black or smoky brown, with colorless points, rather elongate but well
N\ AW AN \\ \X\
\
Fig. 30. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA ORIENTALIS
‘Panicle representing the varieties Garton 748 and Garton 784)
filled, outer grains 15-18 mm. long; lemma of _ the outer grain glabrous, with 7 prominent nerves; awns numerous in the panicle, black and twisted at the base, often slightly genic- ulate; basal hairs wanting; rhachilla of the outer. grain 2-3.5 mm. long, sparsely haired. Plants 7-10 dm. tall; medium late in maturing.
Garton 784 (Plate XX, 3, and fig. 30).— — Similar to Garton 748, with the following ex- — ceptions: grains rather plump and somewhat — glaucous; awns wanting or seldom occurring; rhachilla of the outer grain remarkably short (1-2 mm.), glabrous.
Specimens of the variety Garton 784 were found also under the names Black Tartarian and Garton 74.
Garton Gray (Plate XX, 4, and fig. 13).—. Culms erect in early growth, medium large, usually sparsely haired near the nodes; sheaths — dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, scarcely covering the inter- — nodes; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous; ligules and auricles well developed; rhachis barely flexuous; pan- — icles unilateral (resembling the type shown in figure 30, although somewhat longer and more prolific), the branches issuing from a normal node; spikelets pendant or pectinate in atti- tude, 2-3-grained; glumes dark green, some- what glaucous, medium long (25-30 mm.),
9-nerved; grains gray or mottled gray and dull yellow, elongate, outer grains 16-20 mm. long, rather long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually present, black and twisted at the base; basal hairs usually wanting, when present short, weak, and
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 157
| | few; rhachilla of the outer grain 2-3 mm. long, glabrous or occasionally with | a few fine, short hairs. Plants 9-13 dm. tall; medium late in maturing. Black Tartarian (Plate X XI, 1,and fig. 13).—Culms erect in early growth, ' large, coarse, glabrous; sheaths dark green and somewhat glaucous at period | of full heading, scarcely covering the internodes; leaves colored as the | sheaths, extremely wide, margins ciliate; ligules and auricles well developed; | rhachis often very flexuous; panicles thickly branched and fruited, com- | pact and stiff, the branches appressed, the lowest whorl of branches | usually issuing from a geniculate bend in the rhachis at which the nodal | diaphragm is wanting or rudimentary; spikelets pendant or pectinate | in attitude, 2-3-grained; glumes dark green, somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, medium in length (23-27 mm.), 8—9-nerved, usually - 9-nerved; grains black or brown, somewhat elongate, outer grains 16-20 | mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7-8 | prominent nerves; awns usually present, dark-colored and twisted at the | base, sometimes slightly geniculate; basal hairs usually wanting, although | often present, short and weak; rhachilla of the outer grain 2.5-3.5 mm. | long, usually carrying a few short, stiff hairs. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; | late in maturing.
| Specimens of the variety Black Tartarian were found under the following additional names: Alberta, Black Beauty, Black Egypt, Black Egyptian (Salzer’s), Black Prolific (Salzer’s), Black Tartar, Danish White, Garton’s Black, Probsteier, Sensation.
Golden Giant (Plate X XI, 2, and fig. 13).—Culms erect in early growth, medium large, coarse, usually glabrous but in some cases slightly hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, fully covering the internodes; leaves colored as the sheaths, me- dium wide, margins glabrous; ligules and auricles wanting; rhachis usually straight but may occasionally be slightly flexuous; panicles unilateral, sparsely branched and fruited, slightly drooping at the apex, the branches appressed, the lowest whorl of branches always issuing from a normal node; spikelets pendant or pectinate in attitude, 2-3-grained; glumes dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, rather short (20-25 mm.), 9-10-nerved, usually 9-nerved; grains bright yellow, elongate, outer grains 18-22 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns usually present, dark-colored and slightly twisted at the base; basal hairs usually wanting,
158 | W. C. ETHERIDGE
if present short, weak, and few; rhachilla of the outer grain 1.5-3 mm. long, usually glabrous but occasionally with a few weak, short hairs. Plants 8-12 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Golden Giant were found under the following additional names: Golden Giant Side, Jaune Géant a Grappes, Seizure.
Sparrowbill (Plate X XI, 3, and fig. 14).— Culms erect in early growth, large, coarse, glabrous; sheaths dark green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading, scarcely covering the internodes; leaves colored as sheaths, medium to extremely wide, margins glabrous; ligules and auricles well developed; rhachis often extremely flexuous; panicles thickly branched and fruited, compact, stiff but sometimes slightly drooping at the apex, the branches appressed, the first whorl of branches usually issuing at a normal node but often at a geniculate bend in the rhachis where the nodal diaphragm is wanting or rudimentary; spikelets confused in attitude, 2-grained, rarely 3-grained, double-grains very frequent; glumes light green and barely glaucous at period of full heading, short (20-25 mm.), 8*9-nerved; grains white shading into pale yellow, outer grains remarkably short (12-15 mm.), plump, full, short-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns wanting or rare; basal hairs generally — present, weak, few, irregular in length (1-5 mm.); rhachilla of the outer grain short (2 mm.), glabrous. Plants 8-10 dm. tall; late in maturing.
Specimens of the variety Sparrowbill were found under the following additional names: Daubeney, Dun, Early Blossom, Standard Challenge, Swedish Select, White Egyptian.
- Garton 585 (Plate X XI, 4, and fig. 31).—Culms erect in early growth, me- dium large, coarse, hairy near the nodes; sheaths dark green and glaucous at period of full heading, scarcely covering the internodes; leaves colored as the sheaths, medium wide, margins glabrous; ligules and auricles well developed; rhachis barely flexuous; panicles somewhat unilateral, '! although the branches are not appressed but rather drooping from the middle out- ward, the lowest whorl of branches always issuing from a normal node; spikelets pendant in attitude, 2—3-grained, double-grains numerous; glumes dark green and slightly glaucous at period of full heading, remarkably long (27-32 mm.) and wide, 11-13-nerved; grains dull yellow or white mottled
11 The Sialtdhcatson of Garton 585 is uncertain. Its panicle is intermediate i in form between A. sativa - and A. sativa orientalis. It is placed in the latter group merely for convenience in identification.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED OATs- 159
| glabrous, with 7-9 } prominent nerves; /awns few in the } panicle,coarse but | usually not twist- }ed; basal hairs / usually wanting, | if present few and | weak; —rhacbilla | of outer grain re- | markably — short |} (15-2 mm.) in | proportion to the | size of the grain, | glabrous or occa- | slonally with afew | weak, short hairs. | Plants 10-12 dm. | tall; medium late | in maturing. | Storm King | (Plate XXII, 1, | and fig. 32).— | Culms erect inear- ly growth, large, | coarse, glabrous; | sheaths dark green / and glaucous | at. period of full | heading, scarcely covering the inter- nodes; leaves - colored as sheaths,» Fic. 31. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA ORIENTALIS medium to ex- ria: a pea _ tremely wide, margins ciliate at lower third; ligules and auricles well
160 W. C. ETHERIDGE
K developed; rhachis very flexuous; SSE : f
panicles thickly branched and nS fruited, compact, stiff, the branches 9} : RK appressed, the first whorl of J} i~ branches arising from a geniculate WS
Wie
bend in the rhachis at which the §}t nodal diaphragm is wanting or
\\ rudimentary; spikelets pendant or NEN pectinate in attitude, 2-grained, double-grains predominating;
\ N glumes dark green and barely glau- ‘\ cous at period of full heading,
i \ rather long (25-30 mm.), 9-10-
\ nerved; grains white, often \N splotched with dull yellow, coarse;
outer grains of medium length
\ (16-20 mm.), very broad, full, \\ rounded, acuminate-pointed; NX \ \ lemma of the outer grain glabrous, SX usually with 9 prominent nerves; RAN awns few in the panicle, usually AN not twisted; basal hairs usually NN wanting; rhachilla of the outer grain | ) RANG 2.5-3 mm. long, glabrous, sunken, | WSS often inclosed by the edges of the is ane lemma. Plants 8-11 dm. tall;
~ medium late in maturing. } \ Specimens of the variety Storm : N King were found under the following
additional names: Avena (Wilcox), C. I. 583, Garton 364, Garton White, Senator, Side, Silver White, Tartar King, Waverly, White Plume. Tartar King (Plate XXII; 2, and fig. 32).—Similar to Storm King, 7 with the following exceptions: spike- Fic. 32. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA ORIENTALIS lets in about equal numbers double-
(Panicle et rome tag Storm King grained or normal; grains more
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 161
/ elongate; lemma of the outer | grain 7—8-nerved; basal hairs | frequently present, few, short, and weak.
| Specimens of the variety _ Tartar King were found under | the following additional names: | American Banner, Black Great | Mogul, Canadian Cluster, | Clydesdale, Garton 610, Han- | sen’s, Henderson’s Large | White, Long’s White Tartar, | New Zealand, Swedish Select, | White, White Plume, White | Tartar. |
| White Tartar (Plate XXII, 3, | and fig. 33).—Culms erect in | early growth, medium large, | glabrous; sheaths medium | green and somewhat glaucous | at period of full heading, | scarcely covering the inter- | nodes; leaves colored as | sheaths, narrow to medium | wide, margins smooth; lgules | and auricles well developed; | rhachis barely flexuous, often | tendril-like at the end; panicles | medium to extremely long, | sparsely branched and fruited, | slender, frail, lax, drooping, the | branches appressed, the lowest | whorl of branches arising at a | normal node; spikelets pend- / ant or pectinate in attitude, | 2-prained, rarely 3-grained; | glumes dark green and barely
Fic. 33. PANICLE OF AVENA SATIVA ORIENTALIS
(Panicle representing the varieties White Tartar and Green Mountain)
162 W. C. ETHERIDGE
glaucous at period of full heading, short to long (20-30 mm.), 9-10-nerved; grains white to yellowish white, elongate, outer grains 16-19 mm. long, long-pointed; lemma of the outer grain glabrous, with 7 obscure nerves; awns rare; basal hairs usually absent, if present few, short, and weak;
rhachilla of the outer grain short to medium long (2-3 mm.), glabrous @
or in some cases carrying a few short, fine hairs. Plants 10-15 dm. tall; late in maturing. |
Specimens of the variety White Tartar were found under the following additional names: American Banner, Danish, Dun, Great Northern, Lincoln, Long’s White Tartar, Minnesota 271, Pinal Progress, Read’s Green Mountain, Tartarian, White Russian.
Green Mountain (Plate X XII, 4, and fig. 33).—Similar to White Tartar, with the following exceptions: awns numerous in the panicle, usually present in each spikelet; 3-grained spikelets numerous.
Specimens of the variety Green Mountain were found under the following additional names: Read’s Green Mountain, White Russian, White Tartar.
CONCLUSION
In the foregoing classification fifty-five varieties have been distinguished within the three common specific groups A. sterilis, A. sativa, and A. sativa orientalis. Within each group the varieties are systematically arranged with respect to such morphological differences as appear to best fulfill the twofold requirement of constancy in inheritance and ease of observation. It cannot be said that the arrangement is according to the strictest order of relationship, for, as previously explained, the modifi- cations in the structure of cultivated plants do not permit a strictly logical taxonomy. Thus a group of varieties having dark-colored grains may include forms that are actually more closely related to certain varieties within a group of light-colored grains than to other members of the dark- | colored group. But in a classification which, like the present one, deals with a large number of closely related and interrelated forms, the actual degree of relationship must, in the arrangement of varieties, be sub- ordinate to expediency in identification — which purpose the classification of varieties of cultivated plants chiefly serves.
While the classification presents its arrangement of varieties according to the modifications in their characters as exhibited in the present environ-— ment, the arrangement is based mainly on a fundamental morphology
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 163
| which should reasonably be expected to exhibit similar modifications under | other environments. The key for the identification of varieties should | therefore, under a wide range of environment, be effective to the point of | fixing, at least within narrow limits, the identity of unknown forms.
| The choice of variety names herein made is not an attempt to standardize ) the nomenclature, but rather to point out the names under which the | described varieties are probably most frequently grown. As previously | explained, the name for a given variety was chosen when it occurred | more frequently than any other name among specimens of the variety | collected from many different sources. The nomenclature of varieties | cannot properly be fixed by a single person acting independentiy of others | who may prefer their own choice of names; but it is important to show | that in the lack of a standard nomenclature the name applied to a variety | very often has no significance, for numerous different names may be | applied to the same form, and the same name may be applied to | different forms.
| Finally, the classification does not take into account differences in the | ability of varieties to yield. It is quite possible that many of the synonyms | of a given variety may represent forms which differ greatly in this respect | and yet exhibit no fundamental variations in structure by which they | may be distinguished.
7 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The writer desires to acknowledge his indebtedness to Professor E. G. | Montgomery, of the Department of Farm Crops, Cornell University, | under whose direction the work was done, for valuable suggestions and | criticisms; to C. W. Warburton, of the Office of Cereal Investigations, | United States Department of Agriculture, for the gift of many of the | specimens included in the classification of varieties; and to Miss Fanny E. | Cassel for accurate and painstaking work in the illustration of grains | and structural figures.
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1908 The deterioration of Red Texas oats in Kansas. Kansas Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 153: 147-164.
Schneider, Georg 1912 Vegetationsversuche mit 88 Hafersorten. Landw. Jahrb. 42: 767-833.
Schulz, August 1913 Abstammung und Heimat des Saathafers. Zeitsch. gesam. Getreidewesen 5: 139-142.
A CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED Oats’ 167
Scofield, C. S. 1903 The description of wheat varieties. U. S. Plant Indus. Bur. Bul. 47:1-19.
Seton, R. S. 1903 Experiments on the growth of oats. Great Britain Bd. Agr. and Fisheries. Annual report on the distribution of grants for agricultural education and research in the year 1902-1903, p. 77-81.
= Irabut, L.
1911 Observations sur l’origine des avoines cultivées. Fourth Con- ference Internationale de Génétique, Comptes rendus et rapports, p. 536-546. Translation in Journ. hered. 5 (1914): 56-85.
Ulander, A.
1906 Die schwedische Pflanzenziichtung zu Svalof. Eine kurze Dar- stellung. Journ. Landw. 54: 105-124.
Zade, A. . 1912 Der Flughafer (Avena fatua). Deut. Landw. Gesell. Arb. 229: or. ?
. 4 . Be ee f\ :
INDEX TO VARIETY DESCRIPTIONS
(Synonyms are in italics)
; PAGE NRE cae tS id oa cadets Semis & 150 MME AGHCO ey ig so a ne ss hedide alee 148, 153 SRS ee earns ree cae 153 RRB ee. Ol es Sys wae 153 MN Dp os a A ie 150, 154 ON ie Sa eee 2c ASS American Banner........ 147, 150, 151, 154, 161, 162 | American Banner (Wisconsin 36)... ... 153 PeeeeyTCas Deduly ~. cs. ws oc a eked aes 154 American Tromph............... 148, 153 RE oot 5g oy sy ein ws Ce 148 ia. ie Was ozs he - 129, 145, 147 NE Oa et fc AES 153 Meeapena (WIUCOL) .. oo. beeen c te es 160 = ESS erm ea 153 Avena ADYSSHNICA.......-2-5---25-55- 130 Mvettad DFEVIS.. 6. 0. 2. oh ae ee eed 130 TEs eae anne er 131 mvena tatua clabrata........ .... 0s. 132 aS Se ee reas ee 125 DS 2 re errr 132.1338 Avena Sativa orientalis............ 132, 154 re ww salva | 126 | Avena sterilis algeriensis............. 127 Avena sterilis byzantina.............. 127 SeAwena Sterilis Migra):...........5.... 127 Senwena Sirigosa... =: =... 2. eee ee 130 = Awnless: Provsteier.................- 146 RN Re hes 0k a x sas oe Mat 129, 153 NE 8 a aaa ge enn 151, 1538, 154 ae eee .153, 154 NMI Sori eT Ht ny sos aida OAR A 154 IES a ea a 129 CMRI 22 Air a 5. atts baits « 151 ROPE MIETE AS Side 5,2 -. wise, saps As PEs 153 Pere Petre BP)... sates view bs 153 emer be (Cd. G89). cos ee kee pe es 153 SUR RS 2o0 0) Re are 153 PM is hak. > 148, 150, 151, 153 | Big Four (Minnesota 353)............. 153 rane Gsa@izer’s) 4... .... 6.2. soauee 151 Bene PePICOD.. =. 6 ls os SES 143 PEM SMEG So os oun ws ps. Cs 142 RES a See ee Toon tee a 143 PIC ERE eo se ee. ee Bo 157 Seeder, 2 £06)... 5.) wedsaune. 153 aN IIT Se ps SR 141 WRN ESM as. a ok ee as ee ee 157 ere Moypoan.. 2... eae. 139 | Black Egyptian (Salzer’ s) St Ee 157 Biloek Great Mogul. -.........6....0%. 161
169
De ORI och ncarecs yuu ac ag os 2S 139 OB a Oe ee I ee 137 Miack Prohifie (Salzer’s). 000... ee 157 Pe ITE oe aoe ey oe ate a BR 157 MP SETAC RARE oy eae to, Bae 157 Were POrtgriat 3. eae ce 156 MP AV er See ba Bae 154 Boehmerwald Mountain............... 151 MMMEIEME ME CIED N. wie. oc ag bo. hela. 2 Pee 148 PURO eth ie oe toa) see 145 MURCI RE BOM. noo) a2) win ul hte ka ORO 153 eR eh Fo os oak aes bee 154 MMe ica fa. Sta tha: sh oun: NOE 129 BPO reales Cpe. Sg A 137 Rae te fk i cays Nev se a as das Bh 151 CAMA OMT 5 oc oS ee 153 ee ea el ace 148 ae ee ee, ae 149, 151 Canadian (Minnesota 429)............ 153 Canadian Cluster. cons cs oe Re 161 Wapedia Vigie.. oo oS ee 148 ee ert 8 oe on bs 2 EE 154 RG re Wn Bg hike a fk oka sD 145 gee ee co in Sg cco 153 AS GOSS AR REI aie ea a es 153 CRS pg OR GN Seka ane es Sean a 153 NOES” SE SS a aes, PE 153 low he ea sake oh. ety Bs 153 ot BETS SS NE AES Tie Fi Se ORO ee ee 154 ee Se hs a ee a ea em 154 ME Ne ist ft Foss eu Bahn’, 153 PO MMOS Rint Te Be eee ih B 153 We NE eS ne ee Nya ot TS tee 154 ED Sa ea area ae Pe 153 oi RON RS ie ER ee ae ee 153 eR nee ese A ees ees 154 ee a ee ee Oe ae he 154 Bee ea a ot 5 2") Ck eed, 145 RCE RES Fe late ane ang NSS en 148 Go ae Bi ie J et EN occa ponds, 160 ee fee fe se ae 153 Ee GEO Te eee hele aah ape ae gd 153 C2 RS | a aa Reo ees P= ae 153 Oh SES 5 ROE Gite Pers ~ i RTE A S 153 Ree 28 Pe Tae eh acne DAA, bye ATRL 153 ree eS) ia eo el bik GeCkney 149 Pe Re i Soh 5 SL eo Sw ws sida TE 153 UI ge hn 5 Ree 153 Ee eh eee es CE bis ep: 154 Oe ie. So sss Sy, cp hs tee 149 SME oi oy aha ae oa 147 EMM Sih gc, Vow was SMe ok ioe 153
170 PAGE CR RIO. Meriva mack ash ole rel gant See 153 BOG 5 Fn tc te Oe 135 (aU aa sacle ghee a 136 ee OE ccd, BAY Se 148 Cy GER Sn one heretic Rae 154 COE Bi a). NCAR tl roel SE a. 154 CRAG Fo RS aS oe Oe oe 153 Oe GUS poo sande ake Se 154 CS GIR, ow sci ogyauane eau te eee 142 EIN aren CO ae 145 ORR GAG in Rag hte cg Ce Oe a ee 153 Ch Ge oh eee nee eae ee 153 eS) oy 5 Pe pe cet aah id EN AEE 153 gr LON Fach ok Miche hed Sa eate ces teat cat afin Manche 154 oie Bigs ob. UNS an eon een Sh STR 154 CPS REG a ee BEE oe ee 154 Cee A Ls oo. Ee ES 145, 146, 150 CMCNOGF E08 pe Hoh oye os PSY 153, 154, 161 Clydesdale (Michigan 1 ges le ee ae 153 CRANGED Ao eh is ior MAE Pe ae ER 153 Calorade FF (Cot. GI9).. 5 oP POR 154 COs Be A ON ee 148 CORGQuert OR ie. Bil s Bel ee 153 NI HN scent We GL ANY cs Ciel gy 137 CAMIOFB ORG 5.2 nce Ga ot Lines Ys GF see 145 ME Gs iikuys y oteia le Bela aly OO 151 ear OT RUREUE. Ys 0n'ea se 16 oe ee 150, 153 EES D628. einen 2 alae 147, 151, 158, 162 Drawish 4000 SEt yo) dei ia ae ee 153 Danish Giant (C.F. 622) 5 Gets sel eee 153 anes staat chek es liad BRS 150 Dienielt Fal so os iain c Fo ee 151, 153 Pach We Bile. 33 pes ARR oo ke 158, 157 PREG OEE Cre ee ae ok ee 145, 146, 158 PRE ein hoc 2), Les Ri alta tae ae 153 DRA OE wt Sd Coe Pe 137 WOME Sc Run es 6 er SS eS Whe 129, 158, 162 De, ea ne A Oe ED 158 Eany Champiog: 23. foo a oe 143, 146 Early Champion. . ..145, 148 Early Champion (M innesota 267) a 153 Eee Wt ides, Oona SS A 150 po Ee US Se oh ROL enn oa Sle a 2 150 Ree Cota F036 5-8. ey SS 151 Early Gothland (Minnesota 26)......... 153 Early Gothland (Minnesota 295)........ 153 Early Gothland (Minnesota 431) ........ 153 POS COTS al a a ee ea 145, 150 Oe MOunaIe. .dee ea back ben i 147 Man re So Eek ny Pet Be oe ae 130 POR POT WULGT: Fo. soci > oa 152, 153 | i ee ee as bee) 168 pena W ORE. or I Re eS 139 eras PA ONE oo oe et i 153 PUNE PUIG sis eet. oie cet hey oa 150
INDEX TO VARIETY DESCRIPTIONS
PAGE Falghum. oo. 2..: via. eens eee eee 153 Pole. se sae eee 152 Funk's Great Dane... 6. 625 ee 152 Garton 74.5 0.060) nisl ti eee 156 Garton 306. <i.8 oi cee 139 Garton S64 oda oes a te eee 152, 160 Garton S96. 0 255)2.28 8 tee 139 Garton 436 020. actin. tia eee 153 Garton 436 (C. E835) >: oe 153 Glabton 450 .: (20; hae 153 Garton: $58... 324. Ve Pn eee 139 Garton £66 «3 oc wh eee 153 Garton 473....0. .: 00 <g 144 ee eee 143 Garton 878 Oh. oie eo 154 Garton 572.(C. I. S693. oe eee 154 Garton 572 (Minnesota 407)........... 154 Gatton B85... 35.2 5. eae en Sais 158 Garton G10. a eee 161 Garton Gil... és). Cor eee 153 Garton 6899 oo in os Lee 150 Garton 691 22 2.35.4... ees ee 143 Garton 748. fo. coi eee 155 Garton 784. 2.23 su. A eee 156 Garon 855... eee 143 Garton L172 oo epic wane eee 139 Garion Gray. ....:... 34229 se See 156 Garton’s Black... 2... 22 see eee 157 Garton’s Swedish Select (Minnesota 430). 153 Garton White. . 0.22... 53 foes eee 160. Golden. oan ok be ee 148(2) Golden Beaula.. oes oh ee ood ante 148 Goldén Clusters... 5 32 ed se 148, 153 Golden ‘Drop:...5..5.02552 4. eee 147 Golden-F leece.. oc Se ee 150, 153 Golden Giant... 7... ee ee 157 Golden Giant Bide v.02 62 a Ya eee 158 Gulden: Wain. 5.00. See 143, 147 Golden Rustproof.........: oes ee 153 Goldimnihes . ooo lees sok Ome sealaee 152458 Gray. Winter. 2202's BR 137 Greai. Antertpatns. 6) 5620 AS ie ee 1523) “bSa Great. Dakota. 2x3. calisn OOS 150, 152; \i56 Great, Danes. 53 bo. os eee 148 . Great Dane (CT. 613) :: ...... eee 154 Gren. Northern «0 66 he aS 153, 162 Green: Mountain... ... . ..2.02.. S70 162 Green Mountain .......... 150 (2), 158, 154 Green Russian... . 3s. 1440.2 ae 148 Hansen's 2-¢ i gassing s thas eee 161 OSS 0 8s AG EE 4 eee 145 Heaty Weight. 2 ke iiss a eee 150, 153 Henderson’s Large White...........153, 161 Hennesey; .. fio a es eee 139 Holstein Prot fie eo: Y eens es eee 148 Hungarian While p22 52505 eas eee 153.
INDEX TO VARIETY DESCRIPTIONS
PAGE RRs, fk 2.8, Soo bo eae as die OR 147 MME OY way ox mas ohh, aks adel SS 154 Te | | 152.353 weaporied Clydesdale.......2: 2.6. 85. 153 Merve American. . 0.0.6... 154 Improved Ligowo (Minnesota 6)........ 153 Improved Ligowo (Minnesota 281)...... 153 ME SS SIUGEMEETIG. “<i. ow a sralate ~ p a we 146 rR he re ire yt LR 150 ES po ee ee ea ee 148, 153 eh a es. Sia aise 0%» 147, 150, 153 eee eieruon .. ) tse. ee 147 Jaune Géant & Grappes.............05 158 NT RE re ne eee. ks aie 142 9 ON ee eee ae a aeeered Mert 141 ES Fe SB ak. bk dite RO 154 I Ste eas oe Ses 152 0 eS a Mie ae ee ea a ee 154 Kherson. . ‘% is 145 Kherson (Nebraska No. 1 Pe iy Aas 5) Eierson Selection... ......... 22) 02° 145 fost =e: Ea. i an ese ert 130
SE ee eae ee 147 Whe Fo TS). ok tn ee Se. 154 Kirsche’s Original (Minnesota 437)..... 153 WIE. Re, SOs eee 154 ECS FCNIOTE.. Po ee ee CL Te et i+ Peer (GT. DOS). Se SR a: 153 MONEE IPE n wd ate «le Rs 154 ES SRE Gal 5 2 a aa = Sa 153 Mee POO) Boe Peo ccs 153 Meat, F2 OOD)... ose caro ee e 153 Meret. £040)... vee ee 153 Ligowo (Minnesota 6)...............6. 153 agowald (C. I..492) .. 2 eee. 153 ES a ee re ae ac) ie 154 Bancoiln.........147, 148, 150, 152, 153, 162 Mamma sd O70) 56. aE 153 IMU PART Pare cn. o>. astodeees 154 (TSI SES Soy @ C9 i ee ree 154 Lincoln (Minnesota 340).............. 153 mes Woe TOF. ei o 161, 162 Mammoth White Side................. 150 oT a a rs oe air 139 Se Sa ae ae a Ts 154 ULES SES ea air eee 154 MUNI Pe ea ee es 153 EMER eo 2 eles Ye 153 ecm Wonder. ko ee ee 154 MI oe LS kek 153(2) OE 8) eS So ee 153 MMMM TIA Aro, ok 5. ERI OE 154 PrmnenOs. 202. 55.5.....0........'. 148,150 SE OP Sea oe a rrr 145
Minnesota 267.............:00200-05 153
PAGE
Biwnncodig e0 ol i vas se 153 mira 27.1... Wea. NSA Bees 162 Wanncsoia 262... 52s 8 ane Sess: 153 Mianreante, BOR 8 2 Ge Ot 3 153 perineee ie pall es os. eed sh owes 1538 Marinesote SAG* fe. 22ers Sa 154 PERSE oS Rs BE ae Ase 154 Rivnnesata Bas. 62 2. yee. Oe: 153 PSPS: IO oo esr he os kbar we a wee 152 ME ncspitGae . 65 s2 018 sire 153 Marvicson Se ks SE ks Os 154 TORTS BO SR ae awe wes ee he 154 PIETERS ui Gk a2 ak ine a + & Re 154 Pn ee) eo 158 Meehescia te so ki ee oS 153 WeeMeSONE eee bOI SPS nee 8 ees 153 ES i re ae pe To 153 Biienecgig wen... ts ee ys bi. ead 153 Barapa a. RS 153 Mie ee > es ws RS 139 Motiaccit Selection: 23)... 0.620860. 141 PEGG i ve es A EBS Wiirlgegeate se... se 153 TEGO Re «sels: 55 bc on se 154 Myrick Banner (Minnesota 348)....... 154 Witipammers ee so ae EES 152, 154 National (Salzer ’s).. 5 os tetas Oe DNeraskd i anle ot oe GOR sos 145 fea Ce SSS rr 153 New Champion........... ee. ics 146 ee ee ek TN 153 Wea Tomnsots oF 5 i. coh eR ae. PT 152 eet sc ee RT. 153 Newmarket (Minnesota 428)........... 153 i amseneaisn soot ok Oo es 154 fe ATE, i a ee a 152, 161 Nichol’s Black.......... AS, ee ae es 142 Nichol’s White Comet................. 153 Narth Findish.2 5.2: .... eetiowd). 142 eeriereeies... 83.2 os, cee. 088 153 Oldiscid pase so ee ae 142 Ree oe od. PR BO ee 129 reson Grays. <2. i ee ee 137 Oregon Gray Winter (C. I. 436)........ 158 Perrigwan 4: 2s Set ret 154 Pickett (Michigan 102)... 2.0... 5800.8 153 Pee os tS eo LI 153 PMC PEON iis sa ORS CT 162 Pe en eS ea ek oe 148, 157 Ce Os) 3 nas oe, Lia Rehan eS a 153 De), re re rae pea Degttioe’, Gee 153 Mercere. gc ek Whe OSL weg tds 145 Read’s Green Mountain.............. 162(2) MIR ERMINE cu «cn glow ok ck. os Oe ees 129 ee Ramee... pce eis 129
172
PAGE Hod Rusted) | 2 25. ee 130, 139, 150 Red Rustproof (Red Texas)............ 129 Red Rustproof (Texas Red)............ ee Red Rustproof Selection............... 129 Sed Teves: oe a ee 129 Regenerated Abundance (C. I. 642)...... 153 Regenerated Swedish Select.... . 129, 143, 153
Regenerated Swedish Select (Minnesota = | eae eA ele ire sie MEF 153 Rejuvenated White Bonanza. . siete
Rejuvenated White Bonanza (M innesota EUED cas, ico seats maw ci tana Wy, Ae 154 Reaesecdll ss. io has ss SA ee 154 Roosevelt (Minnesota 391)............. 154 Radmin... ese ee 148 alee ess a eee 151, 153,154; ee
ICROCR Soo 3 aS isos Ae Ee ee ene ee ek os oe ae ee mon Scditish Citef 5. fo. Se ee 152 medeten Ee MIeF. id 38s Nake 154 “Seedling” (Michigan 101)............ 154 NOt: Ces ow dS ee 158 EMR Sosy. Late ne eae 154, 160 Sensation. . Ob estes .154-(2), 157 Seventy-five Day Spaeth eal) Seer 145, 146 Shadelind Chimaz. 020 05 Jen ae 154 Co). |, ha ir eee 148, 150, 154 Siberian White..........! NER ee ime S 154 PIRI. ees i oD eS i a ale 160 Serer. |: ../ 24 Us 22s Se 151 =); AREER IRETIE 282, ee ae 137, 154(2) . Sitvermine Selection... . ..2 6% .098). 149 aber While: oor EG Se eee 160 SreyeDayy 52: ee Ra eee 143, 145 ety Day... oa Le 150 Miaty-Day (C1. 166) 2 ee 145 Sisty-Day C7. G39)... i 145 Sixty-Day (Minnesota 261)............ 145 siaty-Day Selection. 2.3... >. See 145 MONI SO 8 i i ke 137 Sparrowhel 2220. SEE Se 158 wperombelt.| eos Lo es Ae :. 154(2) Stindard Challenge... 5... 03. S808 158 miaropel |. se AL OAD eae 150 srerins SOleCiNME. oot fo 129 Steet Mig. OSS Ee Nak 159 Stube (Michigan 100).............. .. 154 SHARES | SR i ON Oe 150 Swedish Price: Taker oki) os os 154 Saiediak Weed... 5%. «oat eee oh 139, 143 Swedish Select... gd keee aint END 153 Swedish Select. .129, 150, 152(2), 154, 158, = Swedish Select (C. | 34) Sh eee 154 Swedish Select (C. I. 674). ............ 154
Swedish Select (Wisconsin 4).......... 154
INDEX TO VARIETY DESCRIPTIONS
PAGE Vatiasian . 05 eee ... 139; nkee Tartarian (C. I. 718)..... nish Sia . 154 Tartar King: .. 2. 2... 7 ee 160 — Tartar King............. 144,154 @ 1g Tetras Red... 3.1.32 eee 129, 1389 — Tobolsk. ... . i é.2e:see 72 erg 148 Twentieth Century: crated ee 150, 154 Umiversity 6... Sao ¢ 40. HOS 154 Usyinemed. 5. a eee 2. 30 Uimnamed White: : 20 so. Sea 150, 154 Vietor © 243-222 oe bee 139 Valor oc en ocd eee 129 Victory... 22 ee eee 154 Victory (CUE. 866). 2 154 Virginia Gray Winter... .......<t ee 137 Waison.. oso. eo eee 148 Weerty. pen ee) ee eee 160 Weenie 8 on PER ee as, 150, 152 Welcome (Burpee’s) >... .. 7.22 ee 154 Wernicke's Golves.o.= + ki ieee 154 Western, Siar ..000..023 >... 230 154 te. see eee 150, 154(2), 161. White Beauty. 2.5 oo Se eee 154 White Bedferd 2... 2.4.) 2S eee White Belyak:. coc Saas 151 White Bonanzz............010... ae White Dehish 2. 2020 nee 154 White Equptien. 0.2. Ce See 158 Witte Main... > 220 Ss eee 150 Witte Mame...020 eee 129, 154 White Plume... 2... eee 160, 161 White Probsieier:....:. 2. Aa ee 154 Wine QOuéen. 2. Ses ae 147, 150, 154 Witte Russian. . 222s See 154, 162(2) White Schoenen. 5.22. SBA Se 137, 154 Witte Sensctio2. 0... eee ee 150 Winte: tartar: O02. oi). ieee eee 161 White Tarter.. .148, 152, 154, 161, 162 White Waverly. Ela eas te 14 & Wrteawake .-. el Se 147, 152, 154(2) Weer? eo ee eee 160 @& Wilson’s' Prolific... . .. .: 20.4 Winter Turf...) .. >. 2 eee 136 Winter. Turf Selection...) ce. eae 137 Wisconsin foo. eee 154 Waconsta 96 2 ee ee eee 153 Wisconsin: Pedigree A =: oo. CS ee 154 Wisconsin Pedigree 2... .........2. ee Wisconsin Pedigree No. 3............. 149 Wisconsin Pedigree 4.............0.0. 154 & Wisconsin Pedigree 6... >... Vee 154 @ Wisconsin Wonder.......... pd Re 154 Valois ocfac kin. 2) See 147 Ghelanmi 60 dona. 0 a ue 152 Bae 98 ih ieee . 153
Memorr 10 PuLaTE I
TYPES OF SPIKELETS AND BASES OF OUTER GRAINS
1, Avena sterilis (wild form). A. the complete spikelet, with its strong awns and hairy lemmas; B, base of the outer grain, showing its distinct articulating surface and the remnant of the rhachilla, which was torn away with the persistent inner grain
2, Avena fatwa. A, the complete spikelet, with its strong awns and hairy lemmas; B, base of the outer grain, showing its distinct articulating surface and its rhachilla from which the inner grain casily separates,
Memoir 10 Puatr II
TYPES OF SPIKELETS AND BASES OF OUTER GRAINS
1, Avena sterilis (cultivated form). A, the complete spikelet, with its glabrous lemmas and reduced awns; B, base of the outer grain, showing its evident articulating surface and the remnant of the rhachilla, which was torn away with the persistent inner grain
2, Avena sativa. <A, the complete spikelet, with its glabrous lemmas and reduced awns; B, base of the outer grain, showing its non-articulate surface and its rhachilla from which the inner grain easily separates
Memorr 10 PuateE III
TYPES OF SPIKELETS AND BASES OF OUTER GRAINS
1, Avena sativa orientalis. A, the complete spikelet, with its glabrous lemmas and reduced awns; B, base of the outer grain, showing its non-articulate surface and its rhachilla from which the inner grain easily separates
2, Avena brevis. A, the complete spikelet, showing toothed projections of the lemma; B, base of the outer grain, showing its non-articulate surface and its rhachilla from which the inner grain easi!= separates
1orr 10 — Puate IV
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SPIKELET AND BASE OF OUTER GRAIN OF AVENA STRIGOSA
A, the complete spikelet, showing the awn-points of the lemma; B, base of the outer grain, showing its non-articulate surface and its rhachilla from which the inner grain easily separates
Memorr 10 PLaTE V
A COLOR: TYPE OF SHEATHS, LEAVES, AND GLUMES OF THE IMMATURE PLANT
Memorr 10 PuaTE VI
A COLOR TYPE OF SHEATHS, LEAVES, AND GLUMES OF THE IMMATURE PLANT
Memorr 10 . Puate VII
AVENA NUDA
1, Complete spikelet, with elongate rhachillas; 2, a single grain (the lower) dissected to show the kernel and the loosely enveloping lemma and palea
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VARIETIES OF AVENA SATIVA
1, Black Diamond; 2, Monarch Selection; 3, Joannette; 4, C. I. 620; 5, Old Island Black; 6, North Finnish. In the case of Monarch Selection, it has been impossible to reproduce the characteristic glaucous coating, or bloom, of the grain
Memorr 10 Piatt XIV
VARIETIES OF AVENA SATIVA
1, Garton 473 and Garton 691; 2, Kherson; 3, Sixty-Day; 4, Sixty-Day Selection; 5, Early Champion; 6, Awnless Probsteier
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