Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1918 — A SEED CORN TEST AT PURDUE OF MUCH VALUE [ARTICLE]

A SEED CORN TEST AT PURDUE OF MUCH VALUE

Tests of seed corn selected at random from the display at the state show at Pardue university January 17. completed yesterday by J/ A. McCarty of the crops and soil department, showed that 82 per cent of the old corn would gferminate and only 42 pei cent of the 1917 crop held as seed would grow. These figures reveal the value of old corn as seed for the 1918 crop and the dependence that must be placed on it. In a few instances the new corn germinated perfectly, a few ears from Sullivan and Clay counties, which had been stored properly after selection last fall, showing 100 per cent. Many ears, however, proved to be “dead” as far as germinating qualities were concerned. These had been selected for seed by the various members of the corn growers’ association who believed they would grow. Several ears from Tippecanoe county tested only 30 per cent. These preliminary tests at the university show the general condition of the seed cbm in Indiana and reveal the importance of the survey on seeds and labor which will be made next week in the state. The county and township councils of defense, co-operating with Federal Agent Bausman are ready for the big drive in this county and the several dozen workers will start the canvass Monday morning.