In:
Canadian Journal of Research, Canadian Science Publishing, Vol. 20c, No. 11 ( 1942-11-01), p. 539-557
Abstract:
Experiments with non-sterile soil in large seed beds showed that such soil, if maintained in proper condition, could be used with satisfactory results for tests of seed germinability and of certain kinds of seed-borne diseases in cereals.Non-sterile soil was more easily handled than autoclaved soil and it did not require fresh preparation for each planting.The amount of soil-borne infection in the seedlings was neligible when friable, non-sterile soil was kept moist and at 20 °C.A comparison of the results from 120 different lots of seed showed that a test of seed in non-sterile soil was equal in some respects, and superior in others, to a test on moist paper or to a test on nutrient agar in Petri dishes as a means of measuring seed germinability, seed-borne disease, and physical injury to the seed. With barley seed, a plating test, in addition to the soil test, was found necessary to indicate the amount of seed-borne infection due to Helminthosporium teres.A table of tentative recommendations, based on tests with several thousand seed lots, is given. Seed disinfection is recommended where the smut spore load exceeds 1:128,000 or where seed decay or seedling blight reduces the percentage of healthy seedlings from non-disinfected seed below 91%. Increases in rates of seeding are recommended when the percentage of healthy seedlings, even after seed disinfection, is less than 91% but more than 50%. Seed germinating 50% or less after disinfection is to be discarded.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1923-4287
Language:
English
Publisher:
Canadian Science Publishing
Publication Date:
1942
