FORMALIN TREATMENT FOR OAT SMUT 611 



Each test was on the basis of 200 kernels. The rag doll method 

 was used, since a large Dumber of tests could be taken care of 

 in a rather small space. When the rag doll method is used il 



is advisable to place the oats on folds o\' the cloth arranged in 

 successive tiers. It is essential that aeration is net retarded. In 

 most cases the tests were ready to read within six days. Some 

 of the readings indicate a marked variation even in the same 



Series. Inconsistent tests were checked over again, hut in some 



eases the results did not improve the average of the readings. 

 The cause could not he determined in every case, which was il- 

 lustrated by good and poor readings alternating in the same 

 tester under identical conditions. The rag doll method is 

 not as accurate as a good commercial tester, unless it is given 

 careful observation. 



The Held plots uya] were 1-5 of an acre in size. With the 

 exception of 45 plots in the series of 290, they were all the 

 same shape, being 3x33^ feet. The soil was not as uniform as 

 would be desirable; neither was the seed bed in as tine shape 

 as it should have been owing to variable climatic conditions and 

 lack of horse power. The resulting yields were, no doubt, in- 

 fluenced and will have to be discounted to a slight degree, since 

 variations occur which can not be attributed to the treatments. 



The plots were seeded April 10th and 11th. the grain being 

 planted by hand in furrows one inch deep made with a hand 

 marker. The rate of seeding was three bushels per acre, the 

 grain having been previously weighed out for each row. placed 

 in an envelope, and labelled. As the season progressed weed 

 growth was kept down by frequent hoeings. 



Harvesting was done by hand. The crop from each plot was 

 shocked and labeled. At threshing time each plot was threshed 

 separately in a small nursery thresher and the weight of the 

 grain secured. 



Results of thi germination tests, based upon tables XIX and XX. 



Conclusions to be drawn from Table XX — showing the effect 

 of various formalin solutions and time of covering on the ger- 

 mination of oats. For each grade of solution the amount used 

 per bushel of oats ranged from 1, 2. 4. 6 and 8 pints and the 

 treated oats were then covered up for 0, 1. 2. 4. 6, 8, 10 and 12 

 hours respectively. 



