The Seed in Plant Production 



387 



The above data were secured from seeds immediately 

 separated from the parent stalk and then dried. When, 

 however, the seeds were allowed to remain attached to the 

 harvested stalks, notable gain in the vitality was shown 

 by those seeds harvested in early stages. In such experi- 

 ments as the last mentioned there is opportunity for con- 

 siderable ripening after the early harvesting, and the 

 results are not contrary to what might be expected. 



According to the experience of some observers, a con- 

 tinued practice of selecting immature seeds may result 

 in the development of an earlier variety. This is some- 

 times, however, at the expense of size, quality, and vitality. 



Kedzie has shown the effect of maturity upon vitality 

 of wheat, and his results are so striking that they may be 

 presented in detail : 



MATURITY AS AFFECTING VITALITY {Kedzie) 



It should be said, however, that so far as ability to 

 grow is concerned, no very narrow restrictions may be 

 placed upon the stage of development of the seed, provided 

 adequate and suitable nourishment can be given the young 

 embryo. In a series of experiments recently carried out 

 by the writer, whereby the young embryos were trans- 

 ferred from the developing seeds to sterile nutrient solu- 



