Middletown transcript., 1907-02-23
SEED TESTING

One OF the most important things for
the farmer to consider at this season of
the year is the seed which he is to plant
in the spring. Whatever the crop, it is
Of the highest Importance that the seed
be the best that can be secured.
It is too often the case that the grower
pays little or no attention to the source
OF his seed or to the variety. II possible,
he should know the condition of the
crop from which the seed was taken, es-
pecially with respect to productivity and
the amount of disease. He shoHld make
sure that the variety is one which is
suited to his locality, very productive and
not particularly subject to any OF the
more important diseases. The good
dairy man breeds only from his most
productive cows, and those free from
disease. The good poultryman breeds
only from his best layers. So othe farmer
should plant seed Of only such varieties
as are productive and especially suited
to his locality.
Not less important than the variety
and past history Of the seed is its condi-
ton at time of planting. 1t should be
pure, that is, free from any considerable
numbers Of weed seeds, adulterants, and
inert matter. 1t must have high per-
centage of termination. 1t is urged,
that, where any amount of seed is to be
bought, guarantee from the dealer re-
garding the percentage OF purity and
termination be required. A test of
sample should then be made to insure
that the seed is up to the guarantee.
Maine has law requiring that all seed,
in quantity exceeding one pound, sold in
the state, be sold under guarantee Civ
ing the PERCENTAGE Of purity and germiha-
ton. The tests on which this guarantee
is based are provided for by State funds,
and are under the control of the Expert
ment Station. The law also provides for
regular inspections and tests, similar to
the fertilizers inspection in practice in
Delaware. Other States have similar
laws regarding seed testing.
Since no law OF this sort exists in
Delaware, each grower should make it
point to see that the seed he is to plant
is OF good variety, shows high per-
centage of termination, and is free from
any considerable quantity of weed seed or
inert matter.
In grass, clover, wheat and similar
crops, the purity test is very Important,
for in such seed many weed seeds may be
present, which can only be detected by
careful examination. Inert matter con-
sisting of bits of dirt, sand, broken seed |
and other rubbish makes up large per-
centage of some OF the cheaper grades Of |
seed of these crops.
The termination test should be made |
for all seed. In such crops as tomatoes,
cantaloupes, corn, etc, it is of more i'm
portance than the purity test, which in
prepared seed OF these and
similar crops, should not be necessary.
The Delaware College Agricultural Ex-
pertinent Station takes this opportunity
to offer assistance to any person in Della
ware, who may be interested in testing
their seed for purity or gerniination We
would earnestly urge that those who have
not planned to test their seed this year,
make preparations to do SO. If the de-
tails of the work are not properly under
stood, write to the Experiment Station,
and full instructions will be cheerfully
given. 1t is urged that the grower learn
o test his own seed, as by so doing, he
will be able to see for himself, after few
rials, the Importance of this work The
Experiment Station is, however, prepared
o make both purity and termination
ests, and will do this free OF charge to
my one who will send sample of seed.
Each sample sent to be tested should
'e enLlosed in strong, securely fastened
'ackage, and be accompanied by a state
nent, giving the following Information:
'anIe under which seed was sold; name
nd address Of seller; price paid; If pos
ble, where and when grown; name and
ddress of sender.
The amount necessary to make the test
ill vary with the kind of seed OF the
mailer vegetable seed, and seed of most
rasses and clover, one or two ounces
ould be needed. OF the larger seeds
lch as cereals, peas, beans, etc, three
: four ounces would be necessary to
make complete test.
Delaware College Experiment Station,
Newark, Delaware.
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