SEED TESTING 81 



70. FORM 



'Seeds which have developed symmetrically are the best 

 growers. A seed which has been hampered or stunted in 

 its growth is handicapped owing to its lack of food or its 

 deformed embryo. 



Object. To learn whether form has any effect on ger* 

 mination of the seed andgroivth of the plantlet. 



Method. From an ear of corn select grains which grew 

 at the ends where they are misshapen. Select also the 

 same number of perfectly formed kernels from near the 

 middle of the ear. Plant both sets under conditions favor- 

 able for germination. Which kind are first to start? From 

 which kind do the largest number germinate? Which ones 

 put forth the healthier growth? After a month's time 

 which plants look most vigorous? 



71. GERMINATION CAPACITY 

 Object. To study germination capacity. 



The following exercise is modified from Circular 96, U. S. 

 Department of Agriculture, 1910. 



Method. Make a shallow box about 2 inches deep 

 and about 23 X 15 inches. Fill it with sand, sawdust, or 

 soil. Then by means of twine lay it off into squares like 

 a checker board, making ten on the end and fifteen on the 

 side. This is the germinating tray. Choose ten ears of 

 corn and number them to correspond with each of the ten 

 rows in the tray. 



From each ear remove five kernels from each row, reject- 

 ing kernels from the ends of the ears, and selecting those 

 in a spiral around the ear. 

 EXP. BOT. 6 



