Grade . 

 Date.. 



EXERCISE 23 

 SEED TESTING 



Object. To test small seeds for germination. 



Directions. 1. This exercise should be given in connection with the 

 preceding exercise. The same sample of seed is to be tested in this exercise 

 for germination and in the preceding exercise for purity. 



2. Secure pieces of blotting paper about 2J/2 inches square. Make 100 

 perforations in each blotter (Fig. 1). Cut other pieces of blotting paper the 

 same size with no perforations. These are to be used 'as bases under the 

 perforated blotters to conduct and store moisture. 



Moisten the blotter and base and place a seed in each perforation. Two 

 of these perforated blotters should be used for each sample of seed, i.e., make 

 each test in duplicate. 



3. Place each perforated blotter and base on a piece of glass and cover 

 with a large drinking glass. By this method the students can better keep 

 watch of the test. The blotter may be placed between two pie tins the lower 

 of which may contain wet sawdust. 



4. The proper temperature is 50-80 F. The seeds may be taken from 

 the blotter as they germinate or a count may be made about 6 to 7 days 

 from the start of the test. 



5. Find the germination percentage and average the counts of the dupli- 

 cate tests. In testing clovers and vetch count one-half of the hard seeds as 

 germinating. If grass seed tests poorly it is well to give it a second test before 

 passing judgement. 



6. Write the counts into the Record. 



Germination Record 



71 



