FIELD CROPS 407 



SCORE CARDS FOR USE IN SELECTING SEED CORN, AS ADOPTED BY 

 THE OHIO CORN IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, NOV. 1908, WITH EX- 

 PLANATORY NOTES: 



FOR USE IN THE FINAL SELECTION OF SEED EARS. 



1. Adaptability 25 



2. Seed condition 15 



3. Shape of kernel 15 



4. Uniformity and trueness to type 15 



5. Weight of ear 10 



6. Length and proportion 10 



7. Color of grain and cob 5 



8. Butts and tips 5 



100 



1. Adaptability: Of first consideration in the selection of seed 

 corn. Indicated by the filling out of kernels, by ripeness and by 

 the apparent utilization of soil and climatic conditions. 



2. Seed Condition: Of vast importance, for seed corn that will 

 not grow is worse than worthless. Indicated by solidity of ear and 

 of kernels on the ear; by brightness of color, especially of germ, and 

 by plumpness of tip. While the germination test is the final ar- 

 biter, the trained eye can determine much. 



3. Shape of Kernel: Kernels should broaden gradually from 

 tip to crown, with edges straight so that they touch the full length, 

 and should be wedge-shaped without coming to a point. Observed 

 from the edge they should have uniform thickness. Thin, shrunken 

 or sharp-pointed kernels are very objectionable. 



4. Uniformity and Trueness to Type: The ears selected should 

 be uniform in size, shape, color, indentation and size of kernel. 

 Uniformity, or trueness to the type determined upon, is essential 

 to progress in corn improvement. Uniformity of kernels is essential 

 to machine planting. 



5. Weight of Ear: To be determined by the use of scales after 

 corn is thoroughly air dry. Many seasons this is not practical be- 

 fore January. WTiere the stand and other conditions or growth are 

 equal, weight of ear is a good indication of productiveness. 



6. Length and Proportion: Length will vary according to en- 

 vironment. No standard can be set by the score card save that set 

 by maturity and proportion. Circumference is measured at one- 

 third the distance from butt to tip. It should not exceed four-fifths 

 nor fall below three-fourths the length. 



7. Color of Grain and Cob: Grain should be free from mixture- 

 Uncertain tints in cob and grain, and off-colored kernels are evi- 

 dences of mixing. White corn should have white cobs, and yellow 

 corn should have red cobs. 



8. Butts and Tips: Kernels should extend in regular rows over 

 the butt and against the shank. The shank, however, should have 

 sufficient size to support the ear. Swelled, open or badly compressed 

 butts, as well as those having kernels of irregular size, are objec- 

 tionable. 



