Plant breeders rely on statistics to link plant genes to traits of agricultural importance. In the 21st century, we have terabytes of computing power. In the early 20th century, breeders pushed the boundaries of statistical capability with the help of the Millionaire Calculator. Invented in 1892, the Millionaire allowed a trained operator to make calculations with unprecedented speed and accuracy. To quote an advertisement of the time:
“…the only calculating machine on the market today that requires but one turn of the crank for each figure in the multiplier or quotient”
This Millionaire, recently unearthed from the basement of Bradfield Hall, was used by HH Love, Plant Breeding faculty member and department chair 1942-1949. Love was a pioneer in statistical analysis of quantitative data and its application to breeding of corn and small grains. In 1909, Love developed a course in biometry to meet growing student interest in the topic.
Read more about the history and operation of the Millionaire
Read more about the Evolution of Plant Breeding at Cornell
Read more about current research activities in the Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics