Hide Article Text (OCR)
SINCE SOME MONTANA farmers may be forced to plant frosted wheat next spring, David J. Davis, superintendent of the Montana grain inspection laboratory, suggests that all such seed be given a germination test shortly before planting.No germinating research with frosted wheat has been done here for some time, Davis explains. However, the results obtained in earlier trials are probably accurate today.These trials showed that the earlier the frost hit the wheat, the poorer the germination. This is because green wheat has more moisture and suffers more damage. Wheat' that was frosted just before harvest was damaged very little.Time of Test ImportantAnother point is that frosted wheat will show a greater percentage of germination a month after harvest than immediately after harvest. But a year after harvest the germination will be low again, indicating that the seed loses its germination with time.The only way to know whether spring wheat will grow is to run germination tests about TWO WEEKS BEFORE SEEDING TIME, Davis says. He suggests that farmers do this themselves in their home, using the following easy method.Dampen two or three thicknesses of ordinary paper kitchen towels. Place 100 kernels of the spring wheat on these towels. Then put two or three thicknesses of paper towels over the top of the kernels. Keep as close to 70 degrees as possible.Keep Seeds Moist, WarmIt also is a good idea to put moist muslin over the top of the towels. Keep towels and muslin thoroughly moistened throughout the test. The sprouts should be large enough to count in seven days.Davis suggests making the germination test in the home because the grain laboratory here already is flooded with germination test requests.Test for GerminationJust BeforeytLEFT: Marvin Berg, assistant in the Montana Grain Inspection laboratory, uses a new seed counting machine. The panel in hi* hand has 100 small holes. By means of a pump, suction is applied to the rear of this plate, and when wheat is scattered over the surface, the suction pulls a kernel over each of the 100 holes. Then the plate is placed on top of a cloth, aa shown in the picture, the suction released and the 100 kernels are deposited.BELOW: Wheat kernels after germinating on the damp cloth as shown in the picture above.Seed Wheat Frosted?
Newspaper Details
Montana Farmer Stockman
Great Falls, Montana, US
Thu, Feb 01, 1951
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous A.
WI, USA 27 Oct 2021
Other Publications Near Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls Daily Tribune
Great Falls Tribune
Montana Farmer Stockman
Rocky Mountain Husbandman
Great Falls Weekly Tribune
