SECTION XI 

 SPECIAL METHODS 



FOR a detailed discussion of sterilization see one of the 

 standard works on bacteriologic technic. Here only special 

 phases of this subject will be considered. 



Seed Sterilization. Although a great number of methods 

 employing various agents have been recommended for 

 removing micro-organisms from seed, only a few of the 

 more promising ones will be given. Where it is not neces- 

 sary 'to render the seeds free of bacteria, but merely to 

 destroy the majority of the flora, alcohol may be used. 



Fig. ii. Apparatus for seed sterilization. 



Among the chemicals that have proved satisfactory for 

 sterilizing seed, mercuric chlorid, hypochlorate of lime, and 

 silver nitrate are the most commonly used. The effective- 

 ness of these substances depends on many factors: strength 

 of solution, time of exposure, temperature, pressure, and 

 nature of the seed coat. 



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