16 



THE VITALITY AND GERMINATION OF SEEDS. 



phlox, where the germination was only 0.5 per cent, or a loss in vitality 

 of 99.3 per cent as compared with the control. These results were 

 closely followed by a loss in vitality of 95.9 and 92.7 per cent for the 

 pans} r and onion seed, respectively. The percentages of germination 

 in the other cases, except the U B" sweet corn, pea, and bean, were 

 sufficient to have produced a fair stand, i. e. , if we consider that fur 

 too many seeds are usually sown. But a decrease in the percentage, 

 of germination means seeds of a low germinative energy. Even 

 though the final percentage of germination be up to standard, the 

 retardation may be of vital importance. A very good example of the 

 retardation in germination is shown in the tests of the watermelon 

 seeds. In the control sample 94 per cent of the seed germinated in 

 47J hours, while the seed returned from Mobile showed, during the 

 same time, a germination of only 12 per cent; yet the difference in the 

 final germination was only 0.3 per cent in favor of the control. Like- 

 wise the seed returned from San Juan germinated only 20 per cent in 

 47 hours, the final germination being 96 per cent or only 2. 3 per cent 

 lower than the control. 



Many similar cases might be mentioned in which the final per- 

 centages of germination, as shown by the first set of tests given in 

 Table I, represent a loss such as might be justly considered well within 

 the limits of normal variation. However, that all of the samples of 

 seed were injured as a result of the unfavorable climatic conditions is 

 shown in the second set of tests set forth in Table II. In the letter 

 case the seeds remained in the various places nearly twice as long as 

 those used for the first test. 



TABLE II. Effect of climate on vitality as shown by percentage of germination second test. 



