294 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[lo May, 1909. 



current is not too strong, and that a mixture of colloidal solutions of 

 metals has a greater stimulating action than the same solutions when 

 separately applied. 



The influence of manganese sulphate was tested by dipping the seeds 

 in 0.2, I, and 5 per cent, solutions of the salt for i and for 3 hours, 

 followed by washing and soaking in water, and germination at 25-30° C, 

 with the following results. 



BARLEY SOAKED IN MANGANESE SULPHATE SOLUTION FOR I HOUR. 



Streiif^'th of Solution. 



o'2 % 



i-o% 

 5-o% 



Percent. Germination 

 after s Days. 



'4- 

 2S 



I'ei- Cent. Gennination 

 after 12 Days. 



68 

 46 



BARLEY SOAKED IN MANGANESE SULPHATE SOLUTION FOR ^ HOURS. 



The chief effect of the manganese sulphate appears to be to hasten the 

 germination of a small percentage of the seeds. This action is best shown 

 by the 5 per cent, solution. The total germination is, however, but little 

 affected, and is if anything depressed, except in the case of the seeds im- 

 mersed for an hour in a i per cent, solution. In most of the seedlings the 

 root- development was excessive before the plumule escaped, so that the 

 malting value would be poor. After three weeks a few seeds in each 

 sample were apparently still .sound but showed no signs of germination. 

 Such would be quite useless for malting purposes and hence the tests were 

 not continued further. 



Even had treatment with manganese sulphate proved satisfactory, the 

 serious question of its effect on the malt would have been necessary to 

 consider. The 5 per cent, solution discolours the grain somewhat, and 

 very possibly the same stimulus which hastens the germination of some of 

 the stronger grains prove fatal to those in a weak condition. 



The only remaining method of chemical treatment would be by colloidal 

 solution of metal5>, which is practically akin to electrolytic treatment. 

 Unfortunately, no properly equipped seed testing laboratory exists in 

 Melbourne, and the Botanical Department of the University has neither 

 the space, means nor apparatus required lo carry out a research of this 

 character to a satisfactory character. A supply of the seed has, however, 

 been forwarded to Professor Adrian Brown, Professor of Brewing at the 

 University of Birmingham, who is one of tli(^ world's authorities in .regard 

 to such matters and who may possibly be able to suggest further lines of 

 investigation of a practicable conclusion. In the meantime, the onlv treat- 

 ment of any value appears to be given by stripping off the palese (adherent 

 husk), but it is doubtful whether anv satisfartorv method could be devi.sed 

 of doing this cheaply without injuring the germ, and so rendering the 

 harlev u.seless for malting purposes. 



