EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 



441 



HOW TO FIELD SELECT CORN FOR SEED 



The proper time to field select seed corn is in late September or dur- 

 ing October when corn is sufficiently mature and ready to husk. In mak- 

 ing the selection, the best way is to walk down the rows with a sack 

 tied over the shoulders, or carrying a basket, plucking those ears which 

 are considered desirable. Mature ears borne on vigorous plants grow- 

 ing under average conditions, which are carried at the right height, 

 about the center of the stalk or just below, and with tips slightly droop- 

 ing, should be selected, then properly stored. Ears should not be taken 

 from lodged or "down" stalks, since the root systems of such plants 

 may have been weakened by fungous diseases, which may be carried in 

 the seed. 



If field is to be harvested for silage, or is immature, due to early 

 frost, vigorous plants carrying heaviest and most mature ears should 

 be cut and shocked at edge of field. After standing for several days or 

 until ears are firm, the ears should be husked and cured for seed. 



Further selection for uniformity of type and composition can be made 

 through the winter or when making the germination test. By proper 

 field selection, any farmer in Michigan has it in his power to markedly 

 improve his corn variety. 



10. Good seed corn cfin only be secured by selecting in the field from standing stalks, drying 



immediately and storing properly. 



