7. Preliminary screening of large numbers of entries.

A simple, inexpensive performance test was designed for the preliminary screening of relatively large numbers of entries. Each three‑way cross from the ear‑to‑hill studies was planted in replicated, single‑hill plots. Its performance was compared to that of the single‑cross tester grown adjacent to it.

The better lines obtained by the preliminary tests might be grown in larger populations for additional selection within families if deemed desirable. The remaining material also might be compared in standard yield tests to determine the superior inbred lines and hybrids.