lO 
Colorado Experiment Station 
potatoes from the screenings, and using these for seed. This 
method is preferable to the former, but is not recommended in 
good farming. 
Seed Plots 
The question whether the farmer should grow his own seed 
or purchase the same from the seed grower is open for discussion. 
Personally, we believe that every potato grower should grow his 
own seed, and have his own seed plot. This will enable him to 
give his seed plot different treatment from the main crop without 
much additional expense. 
Whole Versus Cut Seed 
Whether whole seed is better than cut seed depends upon 
the conditions under which the grower is operating. In districts 
where the fusarium disease is prevalent, and where conditions are 
such as to require the farmer to irrigate up his seed, whole seed is 
]')referable. Whole seed wdll, as a rule, under these conditions, give 
a better stand, as the seed is not so apt to rot when whole. In 
sections Avhere the soil conditions at planting time are favorable, 
cut seed will give equally good results. There is one objection 
to whole seed, namely, many varieties have numerous eves, espe- 
ciallv at the seed end, and are apt to produce a hill with numerous 
weak shoots. Avhich invariably produce small tubers, while with 
cut seed, where only one or two eyes are left to the piece, the 
shoot or shoots are stronger, more vigorous, and more productive. 
More seed is also required in planting whole seed and when seed 
stock is high it adds considerable to the total expense. 
Under dry farming methods, whole seed is preferable to cut 
seed, since a whole seed does not rot as readily as a cut seed, 
thus giving the plant a better chance to establish itself, and a 
longer time during which it can obtain food supply from the 
seed. The question of the size of the whole seed is one of im¬ 
portance to the grower. In general practice, the seed should not 
weigh less than 1 ounce or ounces. If too small, the growth 
from the seed is weak and the plant produced lacks vigor and 
productiveness. Seed about the size of an average hen egg is 
best. The size of the cut seed will depend somewhat upon the 
soil conditions, though pieces weighing not less than Ij^ ounces 
should be used in general practice. 
Treating Cut Seed 
Experienced potato growers have found it advantageous to 
cut the seed three or four days before planting, and sprinkle the 
seed with air-slaked lime. This has a tendency to dry off the 
