20 



THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



V 



Fig. 11. Potatoes sprouted in the dark (original). 



Potatoes should not be used for planting that show a brown-ring discoloration 

 at the stem-end. (For further information regarding this stem-end rot see " Fusarium 

 wilt" under diseases.) (Better still, 'avoid using potaoes which show disease of any 

 kind, that are off-type, or are of an inferior appearance. 



Greening Seed. After seed has been sorted out it is a good plan, if extra-early 

 production is required, to sprout the seed in the light. (A few weeks before planting- 

 time the potatoes are put in shallow boxes with seed-end up. The potatoes are then 

 put in a bright, airy, cool place, where the temperature is low enough to prevent 

 sprouting. After a few days the potatoes will turn green ; then the temperature is 

 increased. In a few days the warmth will start the buds and in the light the 

 sprouts will grow short and stubby. The sprouts should be allowed to grow so long 

 that they will be broken off in planting. If the seed is to be treated it should be 

 done before it is spread out to green. 



Where potatoes are sprouted in the light, only the strongest terminal buds start, 

 and the seed is usually planted whole. 



Selection of Seed. A more careful selection of seed-potatoes could be profitably 

 practised by the average grower. Insufficient attention is given to purity, freedom 

 from disease, varietal characteristics, etc. Selection may be made while the crop 

 is growing or after it has been dug and in the cellar. However, if best results are 

 to be obtained, it is better to combine both field and cellar selection, for this reason : 

 In cellar selection potatoes are picked out which are uniform, smooth, true to type, 

 free from tuber-diseases, etc. ; but unless the growing crop is considered, two very 

 important factors are neglected 1 namely, vigour of the crop and freedom from those 

 diseases which can only be detected in the growing crop; therefore it would seem 

 advisable for the grower to stake the more vigorous hills and save the tubers from 

 those for seed. 



