RYEGRASS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21415, 6 March 1935, Page 6

RYEGRASS

CERTIFICATION POLICY EXTENSION OF ACTIVITIES For a considerable number of years the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture has carried out a system of certification of perennial ryegrass. Recently there have been two classes of seed—"certified mother seed" and "certified permanent pasture seed." It is thought, however, by Departmental officers that there was need for another class of permanent pasture seed as ascertained by the use of the ultra-violet light test. Mr R. McGillivray, Fields Superintendant, at Christchurch, in the course of a discussion on the position, mentioned to "Straggler" that consideration had been given to the question of the desirability of introducing a third class of certified perennial ryegrass, to be designated certified commercial perennial ryegrass, the standard of this class to be based on the ability of the ultra-violet light test to determine the perenniality or otherwise of certain lines of seed which were not dealt with under the present certification system. It has now been decided to proceed with the certification of this class of seed, and the regulations governing the certification have alreadybeen drawn up. The Department felt, said Mr McGillivray. that the introduction of this class will be welcomed by farmers and the trade. Under the ultra-violet test only one class of seed, "Certified Commercial Perennial Ryegrass'' is recognised. Such seed is suited for use in the laying down of permanent pastures, but may not be up to the standard set for mother seed or certified permanent pasture seed. Only machine-dressed lines will be considered, and all such lines must have attained a purity of 95 per cent, before being eligible for the light test. The charges levied will be at the rate of 5s 6d for each application, to cover testing fees, plus one penny a bushel to cover the cost of sealing. If the line does not reach the required stand--1 a I'd of purity the charge will be at j the rate of is 6d for the purity test, ! plus one penny a bushel for every four bushels of seed to cover the cost of temporary sealing of sacks. If the line is rejected on the result of the ultra-violet light test the charge will be at the rate of 5s 6d to cover testing fees, plus one penny for every four bushels of seed to cover cost of temporary sealing. Mr McGillivray stated that some merchants had already made application for (he testing of lin§s of perennial ryegrass hold by them, and the testing would be undertaken immediately. SHOW DATES The following dates have been fixed for autumn shows in the South Island: March 16—Mayfield. March 21 and 22—Christchurch (ram fair). March 30—Cheviot. March 26 —Amuri, at Waiau. March 23—Temuka and Geraldine, at Winchester. March 29—Hawarden. March 30—Methven. April 4—Oxford. April 18—Sheffield. April 22—Fairlie.