SEED GERMINATION 169 
more effort? The difference in the quality of seed will 
often make a difference in yield. 
Testing Increases Yields.—Some interesting experi¬ 
ments have shown that one ear of seed corn will yield 
three bushels or more of corn. If one ear of corn planted 
upon each acre is dead, it is easy to figure how the yield 
may be decreased almost one-tenth. Not only should the 
question of seed germination be considered, but also 
Fig. 123.—Good and poor seed corn. 
weakness caused by insects and diseases. Much of our 
corn is infected with a moth whose larvae bore into the 
grain, robbing it of its stored food. These moths and 
weevils'might have been killed with carbon disulphide 
when the seed was stored during the fall. The germina¬ 
tion test made in the spring should eliminate any seeds 
which show injury from insects. 
Testing Eliminates Diseases.—Another great factor 
in the study of seed germination is the discovery of 
molds or rots in the young plant. These diseases are 
