11 March, 1918.] 



Wheat Variety Tests. 



169 



Object of Variety Trials at State Farms. 



A portion of the permanent experiment fields at the "Werribee, 

 Wyuua, and Rntherglen Farms, and at Longerenong College is devoted 

 to annual variety trials conducted in this way, generally 20 plots, each 

 half-an-acre in area, being sown at each centre. The results provide a 

 basis for a comparison of the yields of standard varieties of wheat, as 

 well as those of any promising new varieties and crossbreds. The plots 

 also form part of a scheme designed to systematically improve the bulk 

 seed wheat sold to farmers. The steady improvement of the wheat so 

 produced is insured by the process of hand selection which takes place 

 prior to sowing in the variety plots, the produce of which, Avhen tested, 

 furnishes the seed for the bulk plots. All plots are sown on well-worked 

 fallow with 60 lbs. seed and 112 lbs. superphosphate per acre. 



Results of Variety Trials, 1917-18. 



Longerenong. 



Plots soAvn second week in June — Rainfall (May-October), 

 inches : — 



Bush, per acre. 



11.84 



i 



