790 Journal of Agriculture. [lo Dec, 1909. 



SEED TESTS. 



(Skooni) Skriks.) 



Alfred J. Ewai-t, D.Sc, Ph.D., F.L.S., Government Botanist and 

 Professor of Botany in the Melbourne Universitii, and Bertha Rees, 

 Government Ret^earch Bursar. 



In the October number of the JoiDiial (p. 630) an account was given 

 of ci series of tests carried out with the seeds obtained from tlie Customs 

 authorities. The results of a further more extended series of tests are 

 given beneath, and these bear out the previous conclusion, that many of the 

 samples of seed reaching Victoria from abroad do not come up to the proper 

 standard either in purity or in germination power. Thus, out of sixty 

 samples examined, no less than forty were below the standard generally 

 accepted as representing a good sample, and even if we allowed for the fact 

 tliat most of our imported seeds come from distant countries, by reducing 

 the standard germination by 5 per cent., no less thar: twenty-six samples are 

 still below the standard, and of tliese twelve are very seriously below it. 

 Some of the samples of Kentucky Blue Grass and of Rye Grass were 

 particularly poor, while IVJeadow Foxtail with 1 per cent, germination is 

 useless, both to the seedsman and the farmer. 



Similarly, in regard to weeds, cauliflower seeds with 64 per cent, 

 germination and 12 percent, of weeds possibly represent the screenings fi-om 

 the seed crop, and Crested Dog's Tail with 38 per cent, of weed seeds gives 

 full scope for adding to the alien weed tioi-a of Victoria. 



The data as yet obtained are in sutKcient to enable us to say much in 

 regard to the influence of the origin of the seeds upon their germination 

 power and capacity of standing transport. A few suggestive facts are, 

 however, to be noticed. Thus, in the case of Fog Grass, three New Zealand 

 samples avei-aged 85 per cent, germination, whereas three samples, probably 

 of European origin, averaged 75 per cent., the average percentage of weed 

 seeds being 10 and 7 respectively. It is surprising how much Fog Grass 

 continues to Vje impoi'ted, although this grass is little better than a weed, 

 and once introduced tends to oxcrrun liett-r pasture plants. 



Tn the case of Kye Gi-ass, the Tasinainan sample with 51 per cent, of 

 weed seeds was one sent to Melbourne for cleaning. The samples tVom New 

 Zealand averaged 79 per cent, germination, whereas those of uncertain 

 origin gave 86 per cent, germination. ()ne of the best of these was, 

 however, possibly derived from New Zealand. In regard to weed seeds, the 

 New Zealand samples averaged 8 per cent., the others 3 pei- cent., but on 

 the other hand the purest and best sample of llye Grass (0-4 weed seeds, 

 93 gei'minat ion) was a New Zealaiul one, of which a huge bulk was 

 impoi-ted. 



Th(> samples of r.uccnic wcrf all pure and the American samples gave a 

 better germination than the Hungarian and I finitcr lJi\er samples. Tlie 

 latter contained, however, 16 pei' cent, of lend seeds, wliicli explains the low 

 pei'centage germination. 



