UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Agricultural Experiment Station 
 
 College of Agriculture E. J. Wickson, Acting Director 
 
 BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 
 
 CIRCULAR No. 16. 
 
 (November, L905.) 
 
 NOTES CONCERNING SEED-WHEAT, 
 
 By <i. W. SHAW. 
 
 While farmers, grain-dealers, and especially millers, have generally 
 lamented the occasion of such unusual havoc to the grain crop as char- 
 acterized that of the past season, yet it may not he without some com- 
 pensating advantages, if growers will but take the very auspicious 
 occasion to rid themselves of undesirable seed. It is hoped that the 
 damage to the crop of 1905 may be more than compensated by the 
 greater attention given to the selection and adaptation of seed, so that 
 the ultimate result will make for profit to all parties interested in cereal 
 culture. 
 
 Many of the conditions on which success in wheat-growing depends 
 are beyond the control of the farmer. Other conditions, particularly 
 the variety, purity, and quality of the seed sown, are so entirely within 
 his control that he alone must be responsible for the results dependent 
 upon these factors. 
 
 Manifestly one of the main elements iri the production of a strong 
 seedling is a strong, sound seed. With cereal crops this is an ever- 
 recurring question, and unfortunately is one frequently neglected by 
 the parties most interested. Further, it is highly prejudicial to the 
 highest results that there are numerous erroneous ideas, held very tena- 
 ciously, as to several points concerning seed-wheat. There is little 
 doubt but that much of the present condition of low yield is due to the 
 lack of attention to the rational selection of first-class seed. This fact is 
 being constantly emphasized by the inquiries made of the Station as to 
 the quantity of inferior seed which should be used to make up for its 
 admitted deficiencies. 
 
 On account of the extreme conditions which obtain in most parts of 
 the State with reference to seed-wheat, as a result of the damage 
 from the rust attack of 1905, it is deemed best to set forth some 
 of the facts which seem to have been quite thoroughly demonstrated 
 with reference to the matter of seed-wheat. No apology is offered 
 for thus presenting the work of other stations touching upon the 
 points herein covered, inasmuch as the special cereal work inaugurated 
 in tliis State by the California Experimenl Station in cooperation with 
 
the T. S. Department of Agriculture has only been in operation for 
 a single season, a period entirely too short to yield results at all conclu- 
 sive from its own experience. The circular serves but as an introduction 
 to the work, to call the attention of fanners to certain results which have 
 been obtained elsewhere. 
 
 In the light of the positive evidence secured by numerous investiga- 
 tions it may be said that it is eertainly possible to add to the vitality 
 of our wheat crop through more careful and rational attention to the 
 seed. 
 
 Effect of Change of Seed. — There is a very widespread belief among 
 grain-grow r ers that there is a necessity for frequent change of seed because 
 of actual deterioration due to continued culture under the same soil con- 
 ditions. This idea is held to such an extent as to be well nigh univer- 
 sal. Yet, the most carefully conducted investigations, without a single 
 exception, go to show that not only is there no benefit to be derived 
 from, the mere change of seed, but that actual loss occurs, except only 
 ivhen there is a change to a better type of wheat, or to a more vigorous 
 grain of the same type. But this is not the main object usually in the 
 mind of the grower. Farmers are continually changing seed; the one 
 having a stiff soil must have seed from a sandy soil, and he with a 
 sandy soil must buy seed from a heavy soil. Then again, seed is fre- 
 quently brought long distances and often from regions of very different 
 climatic conditions, with the hope that some immediate increase will be 
 obtained in the yield. 
 
 Such indiscriminate change of seed is a most potent factor against 
 proper seed improvement, and there will be little hope of improve- 
 ment if one must give up a desirable strain every few years for one 
 grown on some one else's land. 
 
 The North Dakota Experiment Station 1 conducted some extensive 
 experiments to thoroughly test this idea, "embracing thirty-nine dif- 
 ferent samples of wheat of known history representing the varied soils 
 of the State/' These samples w T ere grown at the Station under con- 
 ditions which "make such comparative test of great certainty as to 
 equality of condition. * * * Wheat grown for a number of years 
 on widely varying types of soils were then planted in direct and 
 similar soil association." It was found that standard types of wheat 
 of the same variety brought from different soils and grown side by side 
 at the Station, no matter how marked was the difference in the appear- 
 ance of the original seed, all gave approximately the same results. 
 "In those in which slight variation did occur it was found that other 
 elements constituted the matter of cause. That is to say, seed grain 
 from a special type of soil has not been found to vary in the product 
 because of the fact that it came from a peculiar soil." 
 
 'Bulletin 17, North Dakota Experiment Station: H. L. Bolly. 
 
— 3 - 
 
 These results were further corroborated by similar tests of injured 
 wheats, the only apparent difference in these samples being that the 
 product fr<)») weak *ccd was very inferior in quantity. 
 
 To further test the idea of gain from a change of soil, seed was sent 
 from the Station to various types of land in other portions of the 
 State. 
 
 The result of these and other experiments indicates that varieties of 
 wheat do not degenerate per se, at least within any reasonable length 
 of time, by being grown continually upon any one soil. In other 
 words, that a given type of soil seems to produce certain well-defined 
 characteristics in the kernel of whatever variety may be grown upon it. 
 
 That Darwin, that great observer of nature's laws, did not share in 
 the idea of degeneracy is indicated from his statement: "I never have 
 seen grain which has either been improved or degenerated by cultiva- 
 tion so as to convey the change to the succeeding crop." * He also 
 cites Dalbret as having cultivated 160 kinds for a period of thirty 
 years, all of which kept true. 2 
 
 Results obtained at the Ohio Experiment Station further confirm 
 this idea. Velvet Chaff and Silver Chaff have been grown continuously 
 without change of seed for twelve years; no loss of quantity or capacity 
 to yield is noted. 3 
 
 4 At the Indiana Station, Fultz, Michigan Amber, and Velvet Chaff 
 have been grown eleven consecutive years. The average yield for the 
 first ten years was 27.3, 29.4, and 29.8 bushels. The eleventh year 
 (1894) the yields were 39.67, 35.66, and 27 bushels, from which Pro- 
 fessor Latta says: "It is high time that the farmer everywhere should 
 abandon the notion that wheat will 'run out'." 
 
 5 The North Dakota Station, in discussing the same matter, cites 
 results with six varieties of wheat the exact history of which was 
 known, as follows: 
 
 Bushels. 
 Average yield of wheat from seed home grown continuously (7 years) ._ 22.(>7 
 Average yield of wheat from seed which had taken a vacation for three 
 
 years': Minnesota first and second crop .. 18.55 
 
 Difference in favor of the old seed 4.12 
 
 Average yield of wheat from Minnesota seed grown in North Dakota 
 
 one year 21.K8 
 
 Average yield of wheat from seed direct from Minnesota 20.<>4 
 
 Difference in favor of the older seed 1.24 
 
 Average yield of wheat from Minnesota seed grown in North Dakota 
 
 two years 36.59 
 
 Average yield of wheat from Minnesota seed grown in North Dakota 
 
 one year 31.00 
 
 Difference in favor of the older seed 5.59 
 
 •Animals and Plants under Domestication. Vol. I, p. 38. 
 
 2 Citation from Loisleur: Des Longchamps, Considerations sur les Cereals, pp. 15 70. 
 
 3 Bulletin 42, p. 88, Ohio Experiment Station. 
 
 4 Bulletin 51, Indiana Experiment Station. 
 
 5 Bulletin, North Dakota Experiment Station, p. 422. 
 
_ 4 — 
 
 Here is shown ;i case in which a change of srcd was the only factor, 
 the selection of the seed and its manner of growing having been the 
 same. 
 
 'Prof. T. L. Lyon, of the Nebraska Experiment Station, in experi- 
 ments continued from 1899 to l ( -)04, comes to the following conclusion: 
 "That a variety brought from a more humid to a drier climate will not 
 do as well for a number of years as the same variety 'which has been 
 grown in the dry climate continuously." 
 
 In the light of these carefully conducted experiments we may safely 
 lav down the principle that unless the change be for the purpose of 
 obtaining a better variety or a stronger seed there can be no advantage 
 resulting from a change of seed-wheat, and in case seed be purchased 
 from a portion of the country where climatic conditions are quite unlike 
 those of California tin 1 seed is not likely to be at its best for several 
 years. 
 
 If seed shows signs of running-out it simply means that proper care 
 has not been taken in the selection of the seed to remove small, shriv- 
 eled, and light-weight kernels, and to use only plump kernels. With 
 proper care in the selection of seed, wheat does not deteriorate from 
 any change within itself. But to maintain the standard of yield rare 
 must he talm) in the selection of the best seed and to practice rational 
 methods of rotation, manuring, and tillage to maintain the fertility of 
 the soil. 
 
 Large vs. Small Kernels for Seed. — This is another of the mooted 
 questions among growers, aiubthe evidence presented below is respect- 
 fully submitted for their consideration: 
 
 The Nebraska Experiment Station presents the following results of 
 two years' trials: 
 
 From heavy seed . .. 
 From ordinary seed 
 From light seed 
 
 Turkey Red Wheat-. 
 Yield per Acre: Bushteli 
 
 1899. 
 
 2!). 5 
 27.5 
 23.0 
 
 1900. 
 
 29.3 
 26.3 
 26.7 
 
 Big Frame Wheat. 
 
 Yield per Aere: Bushel 
 
 1900. 
 
 25. 1 
 
 25.8 
 20.5 
 
 27.7 
 25.8 
 21.2 
 
 The average yield for both varieties for each-year is as follows: 
 
 1900. 1901. 
 
 From heavy seed 27.3 bu. 28.5bu. 
 
 Prom ordinary seed . - (i -~ ( " 25.9 ^ 
 
 From light seed — 21.8 ' 2d.a 
 
 Bulletin si), Nebraska Experiment Station. 
 

 
 Yield oj 
 
 rat a and Straw. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ii>oi. 
 
 1902 
 
 L903. 
 
 Average. 
 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Straw. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Straw. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Straw. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 Straw. 
 
 LARGE HEADS. 
 
 From large grains 
 
 From small grains 
 
 b a. 
 29.3 
 
 22.7 
 
 toils. 
 
 2.12 
 
 1." 76 
 
 bn. 
 27.50 
 23. 4(i 
 
 Ill IIS. 
 
 1.50 
 1.36 
 
 bn . 
 
 40.31 
 
 39.58 
 
 tans. 
 
 3.44 
 
 3.41 
 
 bn. 
 
 32.37 
 28.5(5 
 
 tons. 
 
 2.35 
 
 2.18 
 
 MKDITM HEADS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 From largo grains 
 
 From small grains 
 
 29.3 
 29.0 
 
 2.04 
 2.13 
 
 30.41 
 
 27.80 
 
 1 .63 
 J. 36 
 
 38.33 
 26.25 
 
 3.65 
 
 3.36 
 
 32. (.8 
 31.01 
 
 2.44 
 
 2.28 
 
 SMALL HEADS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 From large grains ... 
 From small grains. .. 
 
 28.2 
 
 26. 1 
 
 2.21 
 2. IS 
 
 24.60 
 20.00 
 
 1.13 
 .90 
 
 32.50 
 31.14 
 
 3.00 
 2.72 
 
 28.63 
 25.75 
 
 2.11 
 1.93 
 
 GENERAL SELECTION. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 From large grains 
 
 Fromcom'l sample 
 
 From small grains 
 
 30.4 
 22.9 
 24.5 
 
 2.27 
 
 1.84 
 1.85 
 
 20.60 
 20.60 
 14.30 
 
 .88 
 
 1.08 
 
 .70 
 
 34.79 
 34.47 
 31.46 
 
 2.73 
 2.72 
 2.61 
 
 28.60 
 26.00 
 23.42 
 
 1.96 
 1.88 
 1.72 
 
 1 The Tennessee Experiment Station presents the following data: 
 
 T u Weight of 
 
 Large Heads. Grains, lbs. 
 
 Large grains 2418.7 
 
 Small grains 2375.0 
 
 Medium Heads. 
 
 Large grains 2300.0 
 
 Small grains 2175.0 
 
 Small Heads. 
 
 Large grains 1850.0 
 
 Small grains 1868.7 
 
 General Selection. 
 
 Large grains 2087.5 
 
 Commercial sample 2068.7 
 
 Small grains 1887.5 
 
 The results given below were obtained by Dr. N. A. Cobb, New South 
 Wales 2 , the experiments covering three years, and were far too exhaust- 
 ive to consider each separately. Suffice it to say that with numerous 
 check-plots the investigation embraced twenty-four varieties of wheat 
 separated into large, medium, and small grains, as in the above-named 
 experiment, and the average results obtained were as follows: 
 
 Bushels per Acre. 
 1st year. 2d year. 
 
 From large plump grain 32.02 10.34 
 
 From medium plump grain 26.77 8.66 
 
 From small plump grain 24.86 6.50 
 
 Large and Plump vs. Small and Shriveled Seed. — For the present 
 season the results presented under this head should have special appli- 
 cation, since there are so many farmers, as a result of the extreme rust 
 conditions of 1905, who have on hand nothing but badly shriveled 
 (pinched) seed. The question is constantly being put to the Station 
 authorities as to the value of pinched grain for seed purposes, and it is 
 
 1 Bulletin No. 4, Vol. XVI, Tennessee Experiment Station, p. 77. 
 
 2 Seed Wheat: Misc. Pub. No. 625, N. S. \V. Department of Agriculture. 
 
hoped that the following results secured by Dr. N. A. Cobb in New 
 
 South Wales 1 in a most painstaking investigation may prove suggestive. 
 
 These experiments covered five varieties, which gave the following 
 
 average results, they being uniformly in favor of the plump seed: 
 
 From plump seed 20.18 bu. 
 
 From shrunken seed 18.52 " 
 
 That the germination of such seeds is fair is indicated by a test made 
 by the writer of this circular, which showed 9*2 per cent of the grain 
 actually germinated; but the plantlets were very weak and undoubtedly 
 their vitality would always remain low. 
 
 It is not easy to give an accurate definition as to what is meant by 
 shriveled seed, but the following illustration will serve to show the 
 contrast between plump and shriveled seed as here discussed. Doubt- 
 less the entire discussion is due to the fact that extremelv inferior-look- 
 
 Fig. 1. A good type of seed-wheat: 
 natural size. 
 
 Fig. 
 
 A type of seed very much shrunken 
 natural size. 
 
 ing seed will actually germinate and to a certain extent grow and bear 
 a crop, and under favorable conditions may even produce a good yield. 
 This fact has unfortunately given rise to much carelessness in the 
 selection of seed-wheat, which must be overcome if we are to secure the 
 highest results in grain culture. 
 
 These results are in entire harmony with what we know as to the 
 necessity of securing vigorous, plump seed in the case of alfalfa and 
 other crops. The same fact is recognized by the farmer with reference 
 to the parentage of his animals, but unfortunately the idea holds that 
 the case is different with wheat. It is to be hoped that grain-growers 
 will take advantage of the condition of much of the local supply of 
 wheat to secure new seed, and start with a good type of seed-wheat. 
 
 In this connection it may be mentioned that there will be no more 
 favorable time than this to make a trial of some of the harder winter 
 wheats, especially that desirable bread variety known as "Turkey 
 
 1 Seed Wheat: Misc. Pub. No. 625, N. S. W. Department of Agriculture. 
 
Red," which gave so much promise last season when grown alongside 
 of our more common varieties. 
 
 Prevention of Smut. — An examination of a large number of samples 
 of California-grown wheat shows a deplorable lack of attention to the 
 prevention of smut. Farmers doubtless do not realize the large loss 
 which occurs from this trouble. In a number of cases the samples 
 have shown as high as 10 per eent of smutted grains — an amount suf- 
 ficient to seriously affect the profit from the crop. This is more to be 
 deplored since the methods which can be employed are both easy of 
 application and extremely effective. 
 
 There are three methods which can be recommended as well nigh 
 positive in result, when the seed has been properly treated. These 
 methods are set forth below 7 in the order in which they are recom- 
 mended. 
 
 FORMALDEHYD METHOD. 
 
 Use one pound of formaldehyd (40 per cent strength, known as for- 
 malin) to 50 gallons of water. The solution may be placed in barrels 
 or tanks until used. The wheat may be dipped into the solution in 
 loosely woven bags or wire baskets, allowed to remain for ten minutes, 
 and then drained to save all the liquid possible, and dried when it is 
 ready to sow. 
 
 If it is preferred, the seed may be spread on a clean canvas or board 
 floor and the formaldehyd solution applied with a sprinkler, or hose and 
 nozzle, constantly stirring and mixing the grain with a rake or shovel 
 until all the kernels are thoroughly wetted, when it is allowed to dry. 
 
 Be sure to get 40 per cent formalin. Dealers sometimes give a 25 or 
 30 per cent formalin for a 40 per cent. 
 
 The formalin should be weighed in order to make sure that a full 
 pound to each 50 gallons of water be used. The cans in which the 
 formalin comes often contains only three fourths of a pound, hence the 
 necessity of this precaution. 
 
 This treatment has an advantage over some others, in that it is not 
 poisonous to persons handling the material. 
 
 BLUESTONE OR COPPER SULFATE METHOD. 
 
 This is the method practiced almost exclusively in California. Its 
 lack of effectiveness in many cases may generally be traced to a lack of 
 thoroughness in the work. The details of the treatment are the same 
 as in the formalin method. 
 
 A solution is made by dissolving 1 pound of blue vitriol in 4 gallons 
 of cold water, and dipping the wheat in the solution, as above, until the 
 grain has become thoroughly wet, after which it is immediately dried. 
 Or the wheat may be piled upon a floor or canvas, and thoroughly 
 
- 8 — 
 
 sprinkled or sprayed with the solution while the grain is being con- 
 stantly shoveled over, so that every grain becomes wet over the entire 
 surface. Care should be taken that the solution is of uniform density 
 by thoroughly agitating just previous to use. 
 
 HOT- WATER METHOD. 
 
 When the proper care is taken this method has proven very effective. 
 
 Utensils Required. — 1st, a boiler or large kettle in which to boil 
 water; 2d, a vessel for cold water; 3d, a vessel for water at 120°-132° 
 F.; 4th, a vessel, barrel, or tank containing water kept constantly 
 between 132° and 135° F.; 5th, a drying place where the grain is dried 
 so it will pass through the drill or seeder; and 6th, an accurate ther- 
 mometer to keep the temperature of the water within the above limits. 
 
 How to Proceed. — The vessels having been arranged and filled with 
 water at the proper temperature, some convenient bulk of well-cleaned 
 seed-wheat is taken in a loosely-woven bag and immersed in the first 
 vessel containing water at 120°-132° F., keeping the wheat in constant 
 agitation by moving the bag in the water, or by stirring the wheat. In 
 about five minutes, when the seed will be well warmed and thoroughly 
 wet, it is raised out and most of the water allowed to drain out, then 
 immersed in the second vessel containing water at 132°-135° F., moving 
 or stirring as before, and keeping close watch that the temperature does 
 not fall below 132°. After twelve minutes it may be taken out and 
 spread out to dry at some place where it will not be contaminated with 
 fresh spores. When it is dry it may be sown. Some advise dipping in 
 cold water at last, but that retards the drying, and should be omitted. 
 
 Cautions. — 1. Keep the water in the first vessel well up to 132° in 
 temperature, as the cold wheat will lower it rapidly. 
 
 2. Keep the temperature within the limits stated for the second vessel 
 (which should be a large one), or the method will not give the desired 
 results. 
 
 3. He sure the thermometer registers correctly. 
 
 4. The seed-wheat will swell somewhat, and one third to one half 
 more bulk of seed must be sown to remedv this result.