THE CORN CROP IN THE UNITED STATES. 107 



scientific agriculturist now determines its germinating power 

 and vitality before planting. 



Experiments and demonstrations by scientific men in every 

 state of the corn belt have established some of the following 

 facts : 



1. Seeds with weak germinating power produce: 



(a) Barren stalks, or stalks with small ears or nubbins. 



(b) A weak root system that cannot take up sufficient nourishment 

 for the production of a large stalk or ear. 



2. An ear of corn may have strong, weak and dead kernels at the same 

 time in different parts of the ear. 



3. Ears from the same variety and from the same field may have a 

 low or high protein content. 



4. Horny kernels make more rapid growth than starchy kernels. 



5. Ears with rapid early growth in the field give the highest yield. 



6. Some ears of perfect vitality are slower in starting than others and 

 when classed as weak may be classed as strong at a later reading. 



1. In selecting kernels for a test, take one kernel from each side of 

 the ear two and one-half inches from the butt, one kernel from each 

 side of the ear at the center, and one kernel from each side about 

 two inches from the tip. 



8. Use six kernels in making a test of an ear of corn. 



9. It may be estimated that proper germination counts for at least 25 

 per cent, in judging seed corn. 



One of the most important factors that enters into the prob- 

 lem of securing a stand of corn that will insure a maximum 

 yield, is the selection of the right kind of seed through proper 

 seed tests. 



To understand properly the principles of seed testing, it 

 is important that the student should be familiar with some of the 

 facts relating to various methods employed : 



1. Moisture, heat and air will germinate corn. 



2. A kernel of corn contains nutriment enough to feed root and stalk 

 until the test is complete. 



3. Hard, oily kernels that are not soaked under water from 12 to 18 

 hours will not have an even start with soft, starchy kernels. 



4. Kernels do not germinate under water. 



5. The proper temperature for germination of corn is about 70 to 75 

 degrees Fahr. 



6. If corn is soaked in water, it is ready for the test in 3 or 4 days. 



