FARMERS' METHODS OF PRODUCING PURE SEEDS 285 



The strain in question can be kept in a pure condition for its 

 characters, and if it is not entirely pure at the outset a correct 

 method of seed selection will tend to purify it and thus to 

 increase its value. The work for self-fertilized crops is very 

 simple as compared with the production of improved seed of 

 cross-fertilized crops or the production of highly bred livestock. 

 For self-fertilized crops the method outlined is essentially that 

 which is compulsory for the production of registered seed by 

 the Canadian Seed Growers' Association. 



The steps are given here with the understanding that the grower 

 has already obtained the best available variety for his soil and 

 climatic conditions. The chief points are as follows: 



1. The use of a yearly hand-selected seed plot of at least 

 K acre in size, in a good state of cultivation, free from 

 weeds, under a proper rotation, and sown at the regular rate of 

 seeding. 



2. The hand selection from this plot of enough seed of uniform 

 character, thoroughly mature and free from disease, to plant the 

 following year's seed plot. This selection may be accomplished 

 before the plot is harvested or from the shock before thrashing. 



3. The selected heads, panicles, or pods should be thrashed by 

 hand and the seed carefully stored. 



4. The removal of all impurities, weed seeds or mixtures of 

 other varieties, from the seed plot before it is harvested. Purity 

 of seed is important. 



5. The bulk crop on the seed plot should be allowed to mature 

 thoroughly, should be harvested carefully, and used the following 

 year to sow as much of the bulk field as possible. 



According to plans adopted by the Canadian Seed Growers' 

 Association, seed may be registered which is not more than 

 three generations away from the hand-selected seed plot. Such 

 seed is inspected in the field and after being thrashed, and must 

 conform to certain standards of purity and freedom from diseases. 



The seed plot method is of particular interest to farmers for 

 grain crops barley, wheat, and oats. It could be used to 

 advantage for flax, beans, and possibly peas, although in the 

 case of peas the selection of seed would be somewhat more 

 difficult. For these crops there seems to be no good reason 

 why the seed plot could not be a part of the main field, although 

 the grower must not forget that the seed plot needs some extra 

 attention if the work is to be worth while. 



