The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-03-21

sowing time. Since the Dodder seed
is of about the same size as that of
red clover, it is almost impossible to
separate it from alfalfa and red clov-
er seed, consequently those persons
growing alfalfa and red clover for
seed should attack the pest while it is
still growing in the field. One of the
ways recommended, and perhaps the
best one, is to go into the field some
time before the alfalfa and red clover
is ready to cut and cut the infested
patches AS the Dodder is not a per-
ennial, but comes up from seed each
year, it may be rather easily controll-
ed in this way.
In the case of Yarrow and Dock
in the timothy, we have a different
proposition. The Dock seed is heavy
and larger than the timothy and may
be screened out if desired; the seed
of the Yarrow is very light, but not
light enough to be famed, out. Of
the two probably Yarrow is the worst
pest, as it is one of those perennials
that spread from year to year by un-
foreground rootstalks, driving out the
timothy during its advancement
When the field is badly infested with
yarrow and dock probably the best
treatment would be to pillow up the
field and after few years of cultiva-
ton reseed it.
In summing up the seed tests we
have observed the following:
l. Seeds of all degrees of purity
from ~ per cent to 1913 have been
tested.
2. OF all seeds tested, orchard
grass and Kentucky blue grass av-
,erage the lowest per cent of purity,
and barley, crimson clover, field peas,
rape, vetch and wheat average the
highest per cent of purity, which was
90 per cent better.
2. Seeds containing the foulest
kinds of seeds are alfalfa, red clover,
white clover, oats and timothy
4. OF all seeds tested for germina-
ton, the lowest averages of viability
were forage and lawn mixtures, 72.8
per cent, orchard grass 70 per cent,
Kentucky blue grass 70 per cent and
all OF the following were between 75.3
per cent and IS per cent: Katir corn,
flower seeds, garden seeds, red top
alfalfa and bronze grass. On the other
hand, barley, buckwheat, millet, oats,
field peas, rye, Speltz, vetch, and
wheat averaged above IS per cent. In
the case of alfalfa, in which germina-
ton average was only $40 per cent,
it may be noted that this does not
represent the viability average on &C
count OF the large number OF hard
seeds that will not terminate in
six-day test. In the case OF flower
and garden seeds, it was different
These seeds were mostly in small,
sealed packages and they demonstrate
what is generally believed, that pack
ct seeds are, as whole, of inferior
quality when compared to bulk seeds.
We tested lbs samples OF garden seed
and they should have had much
higher average than $50 per cent,
which was shown by our results.
5. The seeds grown In our state
and tested by us were as whole,
plump, and of good weight, |
there being very few immature and |
shrivelled seed among them, and with |
few exceptions they hace been free
from inert matter.
Those in charge of the pure seed
work appreciate the wholesome atti- |
tude of the seed dealers in this state |
toward the pure seed work. They
have found that, even though there
have been exceptions to certain parts
Of the law, yet these people desire |
some kind of seed law and that
they are willing to do what they can
to improve the seed conditions in
Idaho.
In fact the outlook for the seed |
business in Idaho is bright and the
Improvement in the samples sent
is for testing purposes has been es-
oecially noted recently. With a few
Years OF endeavor on the part of the !
seed growers and seed dealers on
'ne hand and the seed commissioner
IN the other, am sure that a very
much imnroved cond;A;o. Z.