Poor Seed 95 



Seed Testing. In buying seed we must never take 

 it for granted that the germination will be perfect. 

 To make sure, a sample of the seed should be tested 

 for germination and for purity. The simplest method 

 is to sow a definite number of seeds in a shallow pan 

 filled with moist sand. 



The fact that a seed sprouts does not always mean 

 a full stand in the field. Some weak seeds may 

 germinate and then fail completely to make proper 

 growth. Allowance must be made for this possibility 

 where germination tests are made in the laboratory or 

 at home. In testing for germination, the purity of 

 the seed is also to be considered. As a rule there is 

 no danger of truck seed introducing weeds, due to the 

 fact that vegetable gardens are kept in a clean state 

 of cultivation. The honest seedman may be trusted, 

 too, to screen his seed carefully. 



Effect of Fertilizer on Seed. With the hope of 

 hastening germination, truckers apply various fer- 

 tilizers to the seed bed. This practice cannot be too 

 strongly discouraged, especially when muriate of pot- 

 ash and nitrate of soda are used. These two fer- 

 tilizers when used in strengths of one per cent, or more 

 inhibit the germination of the seed, whether applied 

 directly or mixed with the soil. Phosphoric acid or 

 lime when not used in excess seem to have no injuri- 

 ous action on germination. However, on no account 

 should commercial fertilizers be brought into direct 

 contact with the seed. The injury in this case is not 

 apparent on the seed coat, but it will appear on the 

 young tender sprouts. Although much remains to be 



