GREENING SEED 



273 



after two or three months, will sprout readily if temperature is high 

 enough. Potatoes will also shrink if the temperature is too high, 

 and this is also considered injurious. If long sprouts develop in the 

 dark, they are broken off in handling and the second sprouts are not 

 as good as the first. 



Sprouting Seed. Where seed has been held dormant it is good 

 practice to move the seed out into the light in a warm place about ten 

 days before planting (Fig. 107). This will start the eyes into 



FIG. 107. Comparing tubers sprouted in strong light and in darkness. Both tubers 

 were taken from same lot and germinated for 30 days. The one on left in greenhouse in 

 strong light, the one on right in dark chamber. Note long, weak sprouts, and shrunken 

 tuber due to germinating in dark. Strong light "greens" the tuber and prevents shrinkage 

 to a large degree, 



growth, but the sprouts should not become long enough to become 

 injured in handling. Advantages claimed for this method: (1) 

 any dormant seed can be detected and discarded; (2) the potatoes 

 come up quicker and give a more uniform stand ; (3) seed not likely 

 to rot if soil is cold. 



Greening Seed. If potatoes are placed in the light, they turn 

 a greenish color. While the sprouts start, they remain short and 

 stout. Potatoes may be held in the light for two months and remain 

 sound, with short, stubby sprouts. In the light only the strongest 



