EXERCISE 39 



Fig. 47. Germination-box tester 



TESTING SEED CORN 



Statement. Only vigorous seeds will produce vigorous plants. Only a germination test made 

 before the seeds are planted will answer the question as to what proportion of the seeds will grow. 



Object. To ascertain what proportion of the corn 

 which the farmers of the neighborhood are expecting 

 to plant will germinate and which ears will produce 

 vigorous plants. 



Materials. Shallow box, clean, fine sand ; nails ; 

 string ; a piece of white cloth ; seeds to be tested such 

 as 50 ears of corn. 



Directions. 1 . Germination-Box Method. Entirely 

 around the top of the box drive nails partly into the 

 edges, 2 inches apart. Tie string to these nails both 

 ways across the box in such a manner that the box 

 will be divided into 2-inch squares. On the edge 

 across the top and between the nails letter each space. 

 On the edge down one side and between the nails number each space. Label each ear of corn to be 

 tested by placing a tag on it marked A-i, A-2, A-3, etc. Plant in the square six kernels taken from 

 different parts of an ear. When the tester is filled, cover the kernels with sand to a depth of about 

 one half an inch. Water as needed. After the kernels have germinated, record the results. 



2. Rag-Doll Method. On the strip of cloth about 12 inches wide and 2 yards long mark a heavy 

 black line lengthwise in the center. Mark cross lines about three inches apart on one half of the cloth. 

 Number each rectangle thus made and place ker- 

 nels of corn, from ears numbered to correspond, in 

 the space. Beginning at the end of the cloth that 

 is not lined, roll it up, being careful not to disturb 

 the kernels. Tie the roll at the ends and at the 

 middle. Soak the roll for an hour in water and 

 place it in a warm place for the seed to germinate. 

 At the end of a week examine the seeds. 



Questions. Is it possible to determine by the 

 appearance of the kernel or germ whether or not 

 the grain will germinate? Is vigorous seed of 

 more importance at the first planting when the 



ground is wet and cold than for late planting when the soil is warm, and why ? What does it 

 cost per acre to plant corn over ? What when the ground must be replowed ? Which is the 

 better prospect for a good crop, corn which is planted early or that which is planted late? Get the 

 judgment of some of the best farmers of the neighborhood on this point and their reasons for their 

 answers. Ask them also what they estimate to be the loss per acre in planting corn over, including 

 the possible reduction in the yield due to later planting. What is the safest insurance you can suggest 

 against a poor stand? Does your school test the seed corn for the farmers of the community? 



References. Waters, H. J. Essentials of Agriculture, pp. 147-148. Ginn and Company. Montgomery, 

 E. G. The Corn Crops, pp. 192-195. The Macmillan Company. Myrick, Herbert. The Book of Corn, 

 pp. 71-72. Orange Judd Company. Morgan, J. 0. Field Crops for the Cotton Belt, p. 238. The Macmillan 

 Company. Duggar, J. F. Southern Field Crops, pp. 138-139. The Macmillan Company. 



[78] 



Fig. 48. Rag-doll tester 



