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IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



some ordinary newspaper or cloth and fold it as shown in the folder 

 above. Use several thicknesses, so that considerable moisture will be 

 held; care being taken to soak the paper thoroughly. Then place the ker- 

 nels to be tested on the folder and fold the sides down. It is advisable 

 that duplicate tests be made by using several folders. Place some mois- 

 tened paper in the bottom of the box, also a few thicknesses on top, so 

 that sufficient moisture will be insured. Then tie the lid down, so as to 

 prevent evaporation. Set the box in an ordinary living room and the heat 

 will be sufficient for germination. If 94 per cent of the kernels send out 

 strong sprouts within four or five days the corn will be safe for planting. 

 Increasing the number of kernels to the hill does not compensate for low 

 vitality. There may be a good many kernels germinate which when 

 planted with those of strong vitality will send up a stalk which acts as a 

 weed in occupying room and using plant food and moisture. Therefore in 

 making a germination test we should note the evenness with which all 

 kernels germinate. 



Illustration No. III. 



1 2 



Illustrates one of the most convenient methods of testing the vitality of seed corn. 



Figure No. 1 shows the box in which are placed three folders containing samples ot 

 corn to be tested. , , , , . . , , , 



Figure No. 2 shows a folder ready to put in box after the edges have been folded down 

 over the corn. Any box will answer the purpose, although the cigar box represented in 

 the cut, or a wooden one like it, is preferable. 



The folders should be thoroughly moistened before placing the corn in them. Fut tour 

 or five thicknesses of moistened paper in the bottom of the box and as many more over trie 

 samples to prevent drying out. Then shut the cover and wrap string around the box to 

 hold the cover down to prevent the corn from drying out, and set away in the sitting room 

 or some place where the temperature does not fall below 55 degrees. The best tolders are 

 made by taking Ave or six thicknesses of newspaper and cutting in strips about hve or ten 

 inches and folding as shown in the cut. The only precaution necessary is to be sure 

 that the folders are thoroughly moistened before the corn is placed in them tor testing. 

 In two or three days it will be well to examine the corn and if the folders are getting dry, 

 they should be moistened by sprinkling water over them in the box. At the end ot rive 

 days, the samples should be taken out and examined carefully. Everv kernel that has 

 not at this time sent out vigorous root and stem sprouts should be counted unfit tor seed. 

 The corn ought to test not less than 94 per cent to 95 per cent. This method has the 

 advantage of requiring very little attention and makes it possible to see whether tne 

 kernels are making a uniform and vigorous germination, which is very important. 

 Kernels which make a slow, feeble germination are not fit to plant. 



