Vitality of Seeds. 

 By Alf. G. Edquist. 



[Read November 21, 1918.] 



In March, 1918, were commenced a number of experi- 

 ments for the purpose of finding a practicable way of safely 

 storing grain for lengthy periods against the ravages of rats, 

 mice, weevil, and rain. The object in our investigation was 

 to determine, if possible, that dry grain (wheat) could be 

 stored safely in an atmosphere rich in C0 2 or of nitrogen, 

 from harvest to the time of seeding, and even for longer 

 periods, without impairing its vitality or germinating 

 qualities. 



The report recently issued by Dr. Hargreaves, of the 

 Chemistry Department, has necessitated the publishing of 

 the following results. We had already been experimenting in 

 this direction, and now have the pleasure of submitting 

 further evidence of the value of the work done by the 

 Department of Chemistry. 



Why C0 2 and Nitrogen were chosen. 



1. It was recognized that C0 2 gas would quickly 

 asphyxiate any animal life existing in the wheat, and prevent 

 eggs of weevil and other beetles from hatching. 



2. Carbonic acid gas is easily and cheaply generated. 



3. It can be stored under pressure and safely transported 

 to any part of the State. 



4. It is perfectly safe and easily manipulated by any 

 intelligent person. 



5. It does not quickly destroy the vitality of dry wheat, 

 and therefore might prove a safe medium in which to store 

 seed wheat from harvest time to the time of seeding. 



6. Carbonic acid gas is heavier than air, and readily 

 displaces it. 



Nitrogen was chosen because it fails to support life, is 

 inert, and readily available without the use of gas-generating 

 apparatus. 



Experiment 1. — To prove whether or not dry grain 

 respires. 



Method. — A glass tube closed at one end was partly filled 

 with dry wheat harvested in 1917. In the open end of this 

 tube was sealed a straight piece of narrow glass tubing. A 

 retort stand supported the apparatus with the open end of the 



