122 



Double 

 kernels. 



The percentage of so-called "Double Kernels" in oats is another point 

 of importance. A double kernel consists of the secondary kernel or spikelet 

 enfolded in the glume of the primary spikelet, the kernel of the latter being 

 undeveloped. The development of double kernels is different in different 

 sorts and under different conditions. Gold Rain, for example, produces as 

 a rule, very few double kernels whereas Hvitling and English Potato are 

 .characterized by a relatively high percent. At Svalof the per cent double 

 kernels in all sorts is usually higher than at Ultuna as shown in the follow- 

 ing table. The results here given represent the average of a series of years. 



Leading 

 white oat 

 sorts. 



As explained elsewhere double kernels may be developed as the result of 

 sterility of the primary kernel, a condition which frequently arises through 

 crossing two sorts of widely different character. 



Actual improving work with oats may be said to have begun at Svalof 

 in 1892, since which time great numbers of varieties and pure lines have been 

 investigated. From the Probstier group has been obtained the best material, 

 this group furnishing a wonderfully rich collection of different strains. The 

 most prominent of these strains are 0355 (Victory), 0386 (Gold Rain) and 

 Awnless Probstier (a mass-selected stock). Although, as will be seen later in 

 the table of yields, these sorts excel only slightly, the best old unimproved 

 Probstier variety. 



Victory is at present the leading white oat sort yet produced at Svalof. 

 It is a stiff strawed sort of medium height with stiff upright but rather short 

 panicle giving little indication of its high yielding capacity. The spikelets 

 are as a rule two-kernelled and of medium size, while the glumes are relatively 

 small and short. In stooling ability it is classed as relatively good. This 

 sort has been found most suitable for the southern and western provinces 

 and on clay or clay-loam soils. It came on the market for the first time in 



