NINETEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IX 483 



TEST YOUR CLOVER AND TIMOTHY SEED. 

 By C. M. King- and L. H. Pammel. 



Quite a number of queries reach, the Botanical Section with reference to 

 the quality of clover, alfalfa, alsike and timothy seeds. 



The tests made show considerable variation. Many new seeds are be- 

 ing introduced with impure seed. The vitality in some cases is low. 



There is great need that farmers should buy only seed which has been 

 tested for germination and purity. If you want your seed tested without 

 cost send small samples (2 ounces) to the Botanical Section of Iowa State 

 College, Ames, Iowa. 



On account of the present attractive prices, much clover and timothy 

 seed of inferior grade is finding its way into the spring market. Such 

 seed frequently contains dangeroiis weed seed, such as Canada thistle, 

 quack grass, horsenettle, dodder, wild carrot and chicory, and the seed is 

 often of low vitality. We have had some samples so old or poorly cared for 

 that tests showed almost no germination. Some samples also, carry a heavy 

 percentage of dirt and waste. These conditions emphasize the need of in- 

 specting seed before buying it. 



In case of our regular dealers thruout the state, interest in good seed 

 may be depended upon; the difficulty is in reaching that considerable quan- 

 tity of seed which comes into the market from miscellaneous sources, often 

 seed of forgotten history, or seed from outside of the state, sent in by parties 

 who fail to conform to the Iowa Seed Law. 



In sound, bright, uniform seed a slight percentage of harmless im- 

 purities is negligible; when the impurity content is large however this 

 first cost factor is worthy of consideration. But seed samples vary from 

 sound seed of every degree of brown and shrunken seed, entire samples, or 

 in mixture. Poor looking seed is sure to be of inferior quality of germina- 

 tion; much of it proves to be non-germinable, weak or dead seed. Use of 

 such seed ensures the farmer sweeping loss in his crop, besides the slight 

 loss in dollars at purchase. 



Alsike and timothy seed mixtures are especially liable to introduction of 

 waste material and low grade clovers, since such adulteration is not read- 

 ily apparent on casual inspection. 



It is wise to know whether one is paying for good seeds or for weeds 

 and waste. The best seed is the only economical seed to buy. 



LEGAL STANDARDS OP PURITY AND GERMINATION (OR RE- 

 QUIREMENT FOR SALE) FOR IOWA. 



Purity Germination 



percentage percentage 



Alfalfa 96 80 



Alsike 90 75 



Red Clover 92 80 



Timothy 96 85 



Superior or even acceptable seed reaches a much higher grade of ex- 

 cellence than is required by the legal standards; and much higher grades 

 than the above are guaranteed for high grade seed, as indicated by the 

 following table: 



