EXERCISE 47 

 TREATMENT OF SEED OATS FOR SMUT 



Object. To demonstrate a practical method of treating 

 seed oats for smut. 



Explanation. Smut in grain is caused by a parasitic 

 plant growing through the tissue of the grain plant. Smut 

 usually appears as a black, powdery mass of spores, and 

 may destroy the entire head of grain. Smut is produced 

 from smut spores as other plants are produced from seeds. 

 Smut frequently appears in oats and often greatly reduces 

 the yield. 



A solution made of one pint of formaldehyde added to 

 fifty gallons of water is effective in treating oat smut. 



The smut spores become ripe soon after the oats head out 

 and are then blown about through the field by the wind. 

 Many of the smut spores cling to other heads and kernels. 

 When the seed is planted the next year, the fungus grows 

 up within the young seedling. At flowering time the smut 

 becomes visible and the head develops into a mass of smut 

 spores. 



Equipment. 1. One half bushel of oats. 



2. 50 c.c. of 40 per cent solution of formaldehyde. 



3. A four-gallon crock. 



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