SEED CERTIFICATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 January 1940, Page 3

SEED CERTIFICATION

INCREASED PRODUCTION SCHEME EXTENDED REVIEW OF GENERAL POSITION.

The New Zealand seed certification returns lor the 1938-39 season, indicate that for most crops an increased production of 'certified seed is recorded, state. Mr. J. H. Claridge, seed certification officer, Fields Division, in the “Journal of Agriculture.” This increase .is noticeable particularly 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 “Government Stock”’ grass and clover seeds. A gratifying increase is recorded in the production of certified perennial ryegrass seed. It is indeed unfortunate 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. The production of certified “Pedigree”' seed has increased from 5000 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 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 and White Clover. 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 chal-lenged-by Mid-Canterbury. No other district approaches either of these in the production of certified seed. 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 ■l4 per cent, of the total, this proporttion increased to more than 30 per cent, during 1938-39. This trend is very suggestive that “Mother” seed is being utilised in the establishment or 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. Good Browntop Harvest.

An exceptionally good browntop harvest 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. 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 in-troduction-of a certification scheme to cover broad red clover also. A nucleus of 800 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.

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. Subterranean Clover. 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.

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.

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—3,2B4 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 reserved 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 varities 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. 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.