SEED TESTING 



Fig. 9. Germinatixg Box Used in Individual-Ear Germi- 

 nation Tests of Corn. 



nar}' dinner plates. These should be kept in a room that is main- 

 tained at a temperature of about 68° to 70° Fahr. It takes 

 six days to complete a germination test of most ordinary seeds. 

 Some seeds, however, require a much longer time. The sprouts 

 should be counted at least twice during the test and discarded 

 at each count. The first count is made about three days after 

 the test is started, and the final count at the end of the sixth 

 day, when the total percentage of germination can easily be 

 computed. 



The individual-ear method should be used in a germination 

 test of seed-corn. Sometimes, on account of improper curing, 

 handling or storing, it happens that every seed on the entire 

 ear will not germinate, and, when one stops to consider that 

 it takes only sixteen to twenty ears to plant an acre, the im- 

 portance of each ear is readily appreciated. 



The individual-ear test may be made in different ways, ac- 

 cording to the preference of the person making the test. Soil, 

 sand, sawdust or moistened cloths may be used. 



The individual-ear-test method requires two pieces of appara- 

 tus : (1) a rack, or other device, to hold the ears to be tested, and 



