52 FIELD AND LABOEATORY STUDIES OF CROPS 



Discussion : Many farmers plant their corn fields with- 

 out having tested the vitaHty of their seed ears. This 

 neglect frequently results in a poor stand and a low yield 

 of corn. With better cultural methods and more attention 

 given to the selection of good seed it is possible to double 

 the average yield of corn in many communities. 



One of the most important steps in securing good seed is 

 the elimination of the ears that will not grow. While ears 

 having weak or dead kernels can sometimes be discarded by 

 their general appearance, it is not always possible to detect 

 them by this means. The only safe way is to plant the 

 kernels and see if they will grow. This can be done by 

 taking several kernels from each ear and planting them in 

 a small box filled with sawdust, sand, or soil. A box 10x20 

 inches and three inches deep is a convenient size. Detailed 

 directions for making the germination test are given in 

 Exercise 22. 



