40 SELECTION AND CARE OF THE SEED POTATO 



ing it to shrink. Therefore, the plants are stronger, are 

 healthier, and more vigorous if greened, and an increase of 

 yield is the result. The average increase in yield of green- 

 ed over ungreened seed is, in most instances, about twenty- 

 five per cent. 



2nd. The tubers, when planted, mature in a much 

 shorter period when greened, and can reach the market 

 much earlier. Since it takes a shorter period to mature, 

 the potatoes do not have as much chance to take in disease 

 as when left in the soil longer. Again, if the seed is kept 

 in trays and greened, they will keep longer for seed pur- 

 poses than if kept in bins, sacks, or piles. 



In greening, the potatoes should be placed not more 

 than two or three inches deep, and arranged so that plenty 

 of air and light can reach all tubers. They should be kept 

 in a cool, dry, shady place. An open barn or shed is gener- 

 ally used. Seed potatoes should always be kept in moder- 

 ate temperature. Some farmers' ideas of greening their 

 seed are very poor. Their idea of greening is by the sun, 

 never once thinking that the extreme heat is as injurious 

 as frost. The tender potatoes just taken from the soil will 

 stand but little heat in the sun. It is essential that they be 

 kept in the shade. 



In conclusion of this chapter, "Selection and Care of 

 the Seed Potato," I would again emphasize the necessity of 

 good seed, for good seed is far cheaper than poor seed. 



1st. Remember that marketable potatoes can be pro- 

 duced on poor soil with good seed much more easily than 

 poor seed grown on good soil. 



2nd. Good seed may be obtained by a thorough and 

 careful "hill selection." 



3rd. All tubers showing any disease or rot should be 

 rejected. 



