CRESTED DOGSTAIL.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18805, 29 November 1932, Page 12

CRESTED DOGSTAIL.

SEED COLOUR QUESTION.

darker shade better.

RECENT RESEARCH

(Bv \V. A. Jacques, 3n a Massey Agricultural College Bulletin.) Recent work on crested dogstail jt Massey Agricultural College h * thrown light on to the questioni J colour in the seed, and it is thought that some of the results may also De applicable to seeds of other S rasses ' Until recently farmers both he and in Great Britain have demanded seed of a bright yellow colour and have neglected the darker samp' esFor New Zealand conditions this bii o ht seed appeared satisfactory, as the mination was high. W hen exporte . Great Britain, however, it was found that it lost a portion of Its germination capacity en route, and in some cases this was considerable. It was found that samples of darker colour couid withstand shipment better than the seed of a lighter colour, and this in itself suggests a greater vitality and a more perfect state of maturity, and the results’ of the trials confirm this opinion. . , , . In crested dogstail that is harvested normally and stored rationally seed colour can be regarded as an indication of* the maturity or ripeness of the grain. As the maturity progresses the green colour gives place to greenish Yellow and then to colours daikei than yellow, and the final colour so attained varies with the different plants. Some plants produce seed which never becomes darker than orange brown; others produce seed which is almost black; while between these two there are many intermediate colour stages.

Germination Capacity and Vitality. When seeds are tested at the official seed testing station at Palmerston North a certificate is issued showing the percentage of seeds which germinate in eight and eighteen days. The eighteen-day figures represent the final count in the germination test, and arc quoted by the seedsmen when giving the germination capacity of that particular line. In practically all cases ttie golden yellow samples give a high figure, and for New Zealand conditions at least appear satisfactory. It is only after a consideration of the eight-day figures that their weakness is apparent. The interim (eight-days) count shows that actually such seeds are immature and have a much lower vitality than seeds which have developed sufllicently to attain the brown colour. This in itself may not be a serious drawback under New Zealand conditions, but this lack of vitality Us one of the causes which are undermining the demand for New Zealand seed abroad. It is fortunate for Nc>v Zealand that Ireland, her main competitor in the English market, has a poor climate for seed production and frequently has only unattractive samples to offer. In a current year’s seed catalogue sent out from England New Zealand dogstail seed is offered at the same price as Irish seed (is fid), but the germination figure is 10 per cent lower than the Irish seed. This in itself is sufficient to reduce the demand for the New Zealand seed. It thus devolves on the Dominion growers to produce an attractive sample which has the requisite high germination capacity. This can only he attained by allowing the seed to become more mature. The crops should be cut at a stage which will give a light brown seed sample; this will still be attractive and pleasing in appearance, and, what is more, it will be an excellent product.

Relation of Colour to Seed Weight. As colour deepens so does the individual seed weight increase. It was found that brown seeds were 20 to 33 per cent, heavier than the canary yellow seeds from llie same plant. This not only indicates a better filled seed, but also a grclaer food reserve, which will enable the dogstail to better withstand early competition in the pasture. To some extent it compensates for the loss which occurs from shedding due to allowing tlie crop to stand longer before being cut. When everything is considered the balance is very much in favour of the darker seed, providing it lias been well stored. Where "stripped” seed has been allowed to heat, frequently extremely dark samples result, and these actually should be regarded with suspicion. The critical test is vitality and germination, and these should toe considered before any other factor. It is not intended to convey the impression that with the purchase and use of the best seed all dogstail problems are solved, but it does mean that toy so doing the best results can toe expected from the material that is at present in commerce, and that the Home samples of New Zealand seed will at least compare favourably will) tiiose produced in Ireland.