Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1926-03-25
CLOVER SEED PRODUCTION
In DANGER

There are four dangers ahead
of profitable clover, alfalfa and
flax production in the North
west. They are dodder, quack
grass, Canada thistles and SOW
thistles. These four stand out
like sore thumb as compared
with the other weeds and diff
culties. They are especially dis
astrous to seed production and
may, if not checked, cause loss
OF, hay crops as well. Dodders are
the worst and are increasing at
an alarming rate.
The worst infestation at pres
ent in Minnesota is found in Isan-
tt county and the adjoining por-
tons of the following named
counties: Anoka, Chisago, Kama
bee, Mile Laos, and Sherburne.
Dodder is also found in scattered
localities in other parts of the
state. From samples sent to the
Seed Laboratory, it has been re-
ported in Big Stone, Dakota, Hen
nepin, Renville and other coun-
ties the past season al counties
in ally. The weed will continue
to spread unless the farmers use
the necessary precaution to pre-
vent new infestations and to ex
terminate the present growth.
There is quite lot of clover
seed being grown in Minnesota
$4,000 bushels in 1925. Sam
pies analysed at the State Seed
Laboratory since January 1, 1926,
have shown from 40 to $4,000
dodder seeds to a pound of clover
seed. A fair idea may be had of
the damage this seed may do
when planted, if we remember
that one good plant of dodder
will destroy about one square
rod of clover in one season.
Farmers should be especially
careful of the seed they buy and
sow. In fact, it is better not to
sow any seed than to bring in
the dodder. The State Seed La
boratory tests samples free of
charge if half pint sample of
representative seed is mailed for
the purpose. address: Seed La
boratory, University Farm, St.
Paul, MIMI. The seed will re-
main in the soil from 6 to 10
years and retain it's ability to
grow.
The seed law, Chapter al,
Session Laws 1913, requires that
all seeds offered for sale, exposed
or otherwise on the market for
sale, be labeled, giving purity,
per cent of termination; and if
it contains any one of the four
seeds above mentioned the rela-
tive number of seeds per pound
shall be given. Know these facts.
Remember them. Demand the la
bells on the seed cOntainer (bag or
box). Don't buy seed grains,
clovers or alfalfa, etc., if any of
these four seeds are marked on
the tag. Even if the tags do
not show these seeds present,
send in a sample to be tested.
Be sure about it. Don't guess
or trust to luck.
At a meeting, Feb. 10th,
called by the county agent, Mr..
Larson, North Branch, the far
mers were interested, but only
about half those present knew
what dodder, was like. Eleven
chairmen of Isanti county sent
in their 1925 annual weed reports.
Not one reported dodder. Why?
1t is there in very alarming guam
tity and will soon destroy clover
seed production for the territory
mentioned if not checked. Now
farmers, if you want to continue
this production of clover seed,
get together, show community
spirit, cooperate and each do his
best to prevent dodder from pro-
ducing seed in 1926. Sow no dod-
der seeds in 1926. If manure is OBJ
tanned where dodder infested
nay has been fed, don't scatter
it on the fields this year. If you
want to know how to control
dodders look for next weeks
paper and read HOW TO KILL
DODDERS".