SILVER BEET SEED.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1840, 28 August 1913, Page 10

SILVER BEET SEED.

CHANCE FOR LOCAL GROWERS. Now that it has been successfully demonstrated that the cultivation of silver beet for Stock feeding purposes is desirable, many inquiries have been forthcoming as to where suitable seed stocks may bo secured. As was intimated in this column recently, reliable seed of known variety and germinating power are extremely hard to secure. Hitherto seed merchants have not been called upon for supplies, consequently they are not now in a position to supply the sudden demand. The Department of Agriculture has only a very limited quantity in hand, scarcely more than will be required for experimental purposes, therefore -no supplies aro available from that source for outside demands. It is the intention of the authorities this year to select and preserve seeds of approved varieties at tho various, experiment farms, which will be available for distribution next season. Seed morchants, too, are moving in the direction of securing varieties of recommended seed from abroad. It is reported that 0110 of the leading European seed firms, has decided to cultivate silver beet seed of the typo recognised by the Department, which will reach the New Zealand market in duo course. It might be suggested that local fanners who havo plots of silver beet established would find it profitable to save tho seed from plants that havo proved robust and prolific in foliage. With the newly-created demand, which -is sure to become more extended, it will be some time before the markets sufficiently well stocked.to meet requirements. In addition, locally-grown and, tested seed should command better prices than the imported article grown tinder different environment.