RESULTS OF SEED TESTS 

 Made July 1, 1938, to June 30, 1939 



This report contains the results of the inspection for 

 the State Department of Agriculture of four hundred and 

 twenty-six official samples collected throughout the State 

 during the period from July 1, 1938, to June 30, 1939. 

 Each of these samples was analyzed and the results 

 mailed to the retail dealers concerned. In addition to 

 these official samples, fifty-six private samples were 

 analyzed, making a total of four hundred and forty-three 

 samples inspected.* 



This season there are an increased number of 

 samples falling below in germination, and in many cases 

 this lack of vitality seems to be directly related to the 

 date tested as appearing on the tag accompanying the 

 seed. A few of these samples bear the dates 1931, 1933 

 or 1934, and several 1935, 1936 or 1937. Millets, red top, 

 and timothy lose their viability rather rapidly from one 

 year to another, and it would seem unwise to keep these 

 seeds over more than one year. In any case, they should 

 be tested annually. 



The state seed law requires that all seed be labelled 

 to show its quality. The buyer is protected by observing 

 the guarantee. The purpose of the seed inspection work 

 is to determine, within reasonable limits, whether a 

 sample of seed is as good as its guarantee. Samples 

 found "below" must be remarked or removed from sale. 



The attention of seed purchasers should be called to 

 the fact that the germination figure is based on the pure 

 seed present, and is a statement of the number of seeds in 

 every hundred that are capable of growth. The value of 



*Miss Ruth Davison and Miss Esther Jewell assisted with the 

 purity and germination tests herein reported. For their services 

 the writer wishes to express grateful acknowledgment. 



