92 PROTECTION OF PLANTS — 1923-24 



The Uspulun treated seed emerged ahead of the controls, produced a much 

 stronger growth, and germinated with the highest percentage. There appeared 

 to be a distinct stimulation due to this treatment, instead of marked injury as 

 with formalin. Dry storage for a month did not have any injurious effects on 

 the germination the treated seeds germinating with a higher percentage than 

 the controls. 



A comparison of the root systems of the seed, treated by the different 

 methods, revealed a similar condition to the tops. The Uspulun treated seed 

 had the greatest development of roots. 



All of the formalin treatments, from the experiments carried on, appear to 

 be equally safe with the hulled varieties of oats, and equally injurious to the 

 Liberty oats. As a means of reducing, or preventing, seed injury to the Liberty 

 oats, both the copper carbonate and the Uspulun treatments aie worthy of 

 note. The writer considers that the Uspulun treatment is the better one, 

 because of the apparent stimulative effect on germination which it produces. 



SUMMARY. 



As result of work carried on with three varieties of hulled oats, and one 

 hull-less, to determine the effects of formalin, copper carbonate, and Uspulun 

 on germination, it was found that: 



1. The hulled oats could be subjected to the formalin treatment necessary 

 for smut disinfection without injury occuring to germination. Dry storage 

 for several months did not induce seed injury. 



2. The Liberty oats were seriously injured by the different methods of 

 formalin treatment for smut. Dry storage after treatment increased injury. 



3. With the Libert}'^ oats, the temperature of the formalin solution was 

 found to be a factor in the production of injury. 



4. Presoaking the seed in water before the formalin treatment was found 

 to reduce seed injury with Liberty oats. 



5. The characteristic type of injury due to formalin treatment was observed 

 to be a retardation in emergence o" a kiUing of the radicle, rather than injury 

 to the plumule. 



6. Dipping the seed in a milk of lime solution after the formalin treatment 

 was found to be distinctly advantageous in reducing seed injury. 



7. Copper carbonate did not reduce the germination of the hulled oats. 



8. The germination of the Liberty oats when treated with copper carbonate 

 was usuall}^ as good as the control. 



9. Oat« treated with copper carbonate and drj^ stored for several months 

 were not reduced in germination. 



10. Uspulun was found to be non-injurious to the germination of the hulled 

 oats. It appeared to be a stimulant to germination in the case of the Liberty 

 oats. 



