Seed Certification Scheme

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 59, Issue 6, 15 December 1939, Page 465

Seed Certification Scheme

Summary of Operations for Season 1938-39

J. H. CLARIDGE,

Seed Certification Officer, Fields Division, Wellington.

HpHE seed certification returns for £ the 1938-1939 season indicate that for most crops an increased production of certified seed is recorded. Particularly is this so in the case of browntop, cocksfoot, and red clover seeds, but an actual decrease in production of certified seed of Italian ryegrass, potatoes, and rape is shown. Extensions of the seed certification scheme'have been made in the past season to cover broad red clover and subterranean clover. ' . Inquiries for certified “Government Stock” seeds have been greater than in past seasons, and many merchants and farmers have therefore been disappointed at the short supply .of seed thus caused. The policy of the Department to produce more seeds of selected strains is being pursued, and to this end further contracts have been arranged for the production of “Govern, ment Stock” grass and clover seeds. Perennial Ryegrass z A gratifying increase is recorded in the production of certified perennial ryegrass seed. It is indeed unfor-

tunate that this increase . has been largely offset by the reduced germinations of this seed experienced in practically all seed-growing districts. In this connection it is considered that the season just past has been the worst experienced since the introduction of certification. Certainly it has disorganised to a considerable extent the normal trading in certified perennial ryegrass seed. I ' The production of certified “Pedigree” seed has, increased from 5,000 to nearly 10,000 bushels, while the produce of such seed certified in the “Mother” and “Permanent Pasture” classes totals a further 20,000 bushels. The total production of “Mother” seed has 1 increased from 29,000 bushels to more than 54,000 bushels. Approximately 165,000 bushels were certified in the two classes, “Permanent Pasture” and “Commercial.” Cocksfoot The production of certified cocksfoot seed (991,0001 b. was more than 30 per cent, greater than in any one previous season. This increase has been caused

largely by an improved yield of 1801 b. per acre. The Akaroa district is still the main cocksfoot seed-producing area, although its supremacy is being seriously challenged by Mid-Canterbury. No other district approaches either of these in the production of certified seed. White Clover More than one ton of white clover seed received recognition- in the “Pedigree” class during the 1938-39 season. The season’s total in the “Mother” and “Permanent Pasture” classes was almost 200 tons. It is interesting to note that whereas in the 1936-37 and 1937-38 seasons “Mother” seed , comprised approximately 14 per cent, of the total, this proportion increased to more than 30 per cent, during 1938-39. This trend is very suggestive that “Mother” seed is being utilised in the establishment 'of areas for seed production, with consequent good effect on the general quality of the white clover seed harvested. It is estimated that probably 90 per cent, of the country’s white clover crop

is now entered for certification, approximately two-thirds of this quantity being accepted as certified seed.

Browntop

An exceptionally good browntop harvest z has resulted in the recognition as certified of more than 600,0001 b. of seed, as compared with the previous highest season’s production of 385,0001 b. An increased area entered for certification has been a further factor in this phenomenal increase.

Red Clover

• Consequent upon a very favourable harvest season for Montgomery red clover, production of certified seed has risen from 45,0001 b. to 144,0001 b. This increase has been followed by a welcome reduction in price. Yields of this seed have averaged out at 1511 b. per acre. The 1938-39 season has seen the introduction of a certification scheme to cover broad red clover also. . A nucleus of 80 acres produced 16,1681 b. of seed, which was certified as “N.Z.-grown Broad Red Clover.” Indications are that a rapid development in the 'certification of this type' of seed can be expected.

Italian Ryegrass

Due largely to lower yields, the quantity of Italian ryegrass seed certified is less than in either of the two preceding seasons. This is unfortunate in view of the undoubted merit of this strain of seed, and of the generally inferior nature of much of the uncertified seed. An increase in the production of certified seed would be very welcome to all farmers who know the value of really good Italian ryegrass as a. temporary pasture. . . •

Phalaris Tuberosa

More than 100 acres of phalaris tuberosa were harvested for seed during the 1938-39 season, and with a more consistent yield than has been experienced in previous seasons, the total certified product amounted to more than 12,0001 b. Germination of this seed has been rather unsatisfactory, although it is understood that this fault is not uncommon in seed harvested overseas.

Subterranean Clover

In order to give an assurance as to the type, of locally-produced subterranean clover seed, a scheme of certification has been introduced. Nearly

five tons of seed were obtained from the 70 acres harvested, all this seed being of the mid-season (Mt. Barker) strain. ' .

Seed Wheat

The acreage of seed wheat accepted for certification in the 1938-39 season showed a slight increase over that certified in the previous season. A higher proportion than usual of the threshed grain was sealed and tagged after machine dressing, . almost 60,000 bushels of seed being so treated. Nearly 40 per cent, of this quantity was of the Cross 7 variety, while the varieties Solid Straw Tuscan and Hunters 11. each represented approximately 20 per cent, of the total certified.

Seed Potatoes

Although a reduction was recorded in the number of potato crops inspected, the acreage involved in the 1938-39 season was the- highest on record. Similarly, the acreage accepted acres —was also greater than in any previous season. Because of the general shortage of potato supplies during the season, much of the crop normally re-

served for seed purposes was diverted to domestic use. . As a result, a considerable reduction was recorded in the quantities of tubers finally tagged after . grading. • , • • - No material alteration is shown in the relative importance of the varieties under certification. The five main varieties, Aucklander Short Top, Dakota, Arran Chief, Inverness Favourite, and King Edward, together account for 90. per cent, of the area inspected.

Brassica Crops

It has still been impossible, because of adverse seasonal conditions, to produce sufficient supplies of certified rape seed. Low yields averaging 3cwt. per acre were experienced from the 60 acres harvested, and there was finally sealed 275 cwt. of the Broad Leaf Essex type and 350 cwt. of the Giant type.

General

The accompanying table gives the quantities of the various seeds certified each Season since 1931-32. It should be noted that this table includes only seed in a machine-dressed or graded condition, and does not include seed

harvested but not submitted for machine-dressing or (in the case of potatoes) .tuber inspection.

Persons or firms interested .in . the complete tabulated results for the season should make application to the

Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, Wellington.

Reductions accounted' for by changes in regulations. Total estimated value of seed certified (1927-39), £1,333,422.

Seed. Chief consideration upon which Certification is based. Quantities of Seed finally certified. .1931—32 1932-33 ±933—34 1934-35 1935-36 "1938—39 1935—36 1936-37 1936-37 1937-38 1937-38 1938-39 Potatoes (tons) Varietal purity, cropping-power, and freedom' from . virus di3,453 2,641 Wheat (bushels) sease - ... . . ■ ■ . . Varietal- purity' and freedom 818 938 1,806 1,821 2,845 3,132 3,453 2,641 from loose and stinking smuts 818 1,806 HMM 1,821 2,845 3,132 *1,283 .. . 7,001 6,012 11,110 25,646 47,465 44,158 59,619 White Clover (lb) Perennial r y efrom loose and stinking smuts *1,283 *6,131 7,001 33,731 6,012 20,337 11,110 93,381 25,646 56,092 47,465 460,930 44,158 405,530 59,619 445,704 grass (bushels) *6,131 33,731 20,337 93,381 56,092 460,930 405,530 445,704 Genuine perennial type 81,186 245,667 119,019 - 182,386 279,305 129,495 189,717 229,637 Browntop (lb.) Cocksfoot (lb.) Freedom from red top . . (Agrostis palustris) Type as exemplified in the pro198,343 138,843 118,978 384,588 212,734 371,358 255,981 612,345 Ked Clover (lb.) Freedom from red top . . (Affrostis palustris) ? Type as exemplified. in the produce of Akaroa Peninsula . . Type conforming to that of English grown Montgomery red 171,720 622,765 200,560 715,982 657,319 334,374 691,376 991,673 clover . \ / . . . . Brassicas (lb.) Varietal, purity and freedom 198,343 138,843 118,978 ,384,588 '212,734 371,358 255,981 612,345 171,720 622,765 ; 200,560 715,982 657,319 ’ 334,374 691,376 991,673 Brassicas (lb,) 1,550 3,763 17,263 v 32,193 23,620 28,140 45,275 143,499 Italian ryegrass (bushels) Phalaris tuberosa (lb.) Subterranean Clover (lb.) clover Varietal purity and freedom from disease .... A rapid-growing high-producing ' type, showing recovery after cutting ... . .< - Freedom from other species . . Type purity 1,550 3,763 17,263 25,515 32,193 522 5,121. 23,620 24,503 6,669 2,701 28,140 12,432 12,549 . 1,533 45,275 34,482 .13,632 4,542 143,499 19,917 10,380 12,746 10,763 Estimate- value of seeds finally certified . . .. £57,358 £142,585 £79,018 £154,725 £184,501 £168,845 . £200,630 £268,425

TABLE GIVING QUANTITIES OF EACH SEED CERTIFIED AND ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF SEED CERTIFIED IN EACH SEASON.