Quinby, J Roy 1974, 1982

Tape 1: Plant scientist J. Roy Quinby discusses the development of grain varieties, hybrids and combine types. Cotton, mechanization, chemicals and weather are also mentioned. Tapes 2-3: Quinby discusses his experience at the Texas Experiment Station developing hybrid sorghum.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: J. Roy Quinby

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: May 19, 1974; April 1, 1982

Location: Plainview and Halfway, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend and Richard Mason

Length: 3 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Work with cotton at Chillicothe recalled, Aubrey Lockett, other seed breeders remembered, Development of storm-proof Macha cotton discussed, Development of Martin maize, Early sorghum research in 1904 traced, Research at Chillicothe in 1905, Hybrid grain development examined, Role of publicity in growing use of hybrids, Dr. N. W. Cramer’s work noted, Developments outside the state, combine varieties discussed, Influence of AAA restrictions in the 1930s on establishing combine variety sorghum.

Tape 1, Side 2: Influence of government program (continued), Contribution of Lou Acres noted, Wheatland variety cited, Pop-sorghum, sorghum starch, yellow endosperm, sorghum-sudan hybrids reviewed, Adaptations for mechanical harvest, mechanization noted, Change from small to large combine cited, Contribution of Lubbock station in cotton mechanization given, Need for hand pulling cotton cited, Early irrigation discussed, Chemical farm products examined, Speculations on drought made, R. E. Karper’s influence noted.

Tape 2, Side 1: Father, J. Roy Quinby, Education, Work experience in Imperial Valley, California, Education, Sorghum research, Retirement, Development of hybrid sorghum, Cyto-plasmic hybrid, DeKalb, Asgrow, Pioneer Seed Company, Influence of experiment station.

Tape 2, Side 2: Insect resistant hybrids, Mechanization, Tractors, Government involvement, Depression, Programs, Mechanization (again), Combine harvest, Grain sorghum, Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), Agricultural Soil Conservation Service Act, Sorghum varieties, Kaffir, Sweet, Sudan grasses, Hegari, Wheatland, Martin sorghum, Texas station conversion program, Genetic conversion of sorghum, Tropical varieties, Disease resistance, Insect resistance.

Tape 3, Side 1: Cytoplasmic male sterility, Transmission of sorghum knowledge, Farmer acceptance, Growing conditions, Planting, Irrigation, Pump, Irrigation conditions, Vernon-Chillicothe area, Experiment station.

Tape 3, Side 2: George Moffett, Chillicothe, Texas, Victor Schoffelmayer, Boll weevils (1950-1954), Control methods, Development of hybrid cotton, Production ratio, Sorghum production ratio, Cotton production ration (again), Expense of hybrid cotton.

Range Dates: 1904-1982

Bulk Dates: 1924-1961

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