Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1916-04-22
THE SEED CORN SITUATION

On account of the continued cold and
wet weather during the summer of 1915
the corn crop made a much slower
growth than usual, and with a few
exceptions, failed to mature.
Immature corn, when used for seed,
does not germinate well and the plants
are apt to be weak and backward in
their growth. Moreover, the unripe
corn harvested last fall contained an
excessive amount of moisture which
favored the development of mold and
other fungus diseases and was RESPONSE
BILE for serious injuries from freezing.
In order to determine the seriousness
of the seed corn situation the Depart
ment of Farm Crops made limited seed
corn survey in representative sections
in ten counties in Southern Michigan.
Inquiries were made as to the amount
of seed corn available and samples
were secured for termination tests.
While results varied somewhat in
different sections, the conditions were
found 10 be very unsatisfactory in all of
the ten counties. II was found that only
| SO per cent. of the farmers had saved
seed corn, and many of these had not
enough for their own use, and much of
that which had been saved was not fit
for planting. The average per cent of
termination, including the weak sprouts
was 53.4 per cent.
1t is readily seen from these figures
that the seed corn situation in Michigan
is very serious. 1t is situation that
will result in thousands, if not millions
of dollars loss to Michigan farmers the
coming season unless an unusual effort
is made by all corn growers to secure
the best possible grade of seed corn.
1t is matter of prime importance
that all seed corn used for 1916 planting
should be tested. A very satisfactory
termination test may be made as fol-
lows: Make flat box 3x20x30 inches
inside measure and fill nearly full with
moist sand then mark into squares two
inches across by cord which is passed
around nails driven in the sides of the
box. The squares in the first row be-
ginning at one end are numbered TO
10, the second IL to 20, etc. After
placing six grains from each ear in their
respective checks, another one-halfi inch
of moist sand is used to cover the corn.
If in any check all of the grains do not
grow or if the sprouts do not show
sufficient vigor, the corresponding ear
should be discarded. 1t is frequently
possible by the use of the individual
ear test and discarding of the dead
and weak ears to secure a good grade
OF seed corn from supply which aver
ages low i'm termination.
1t is not advisable, as rule, to 90 to
other states for seed corn or even TO 90
very far sonth in Michigan, especially if
the corn has been grown on more
fertile soil. In most sections of the state
there is some fairly well matured corn
of the 1915 crop and some 1914 corn that
has been stored in dry, well ventilated
cribs that is suited for planting if care
fully tested by the individual ear
method. Farmers who wish to purchase
seed corn should first investigate the
supply in their own sections. If salts
factory supply is not located this way,
application should be made to the local
county agent or to the Agricultural
College.
The seriousness of the seed corn stu
alton is not generally appreciated and it
is feared that many farmers will have
very thin stands which will produce
only small percentage of the usual
crop. 1t is important that every corn
grower who has not already done so
should test his seed corn at once. Use
the individual ear method and throw
out the dead and weak ears, making a
good grade from your own variety if
possible. III necessary to purchase seed
corn, make arrangements to do so early
as possible, securing varieties adapted
to local conditions.
V. M. SHOESMITH,