Viability and seed treatment of flax

The viability of Kansas-grown flax seed, some causes of low germination, and the effect of treating seed on emergence and yield have been discussed. A review of the literature reveals that several factors may influence the seed, including weather conditions during the ripening and harvesting season, method of harvesting, stage of development when harvested, moisture content and temperature in storage, quality of the seed, degree of mechanical injury, embryo exposure, age, presence of seed-borne and soil-borne disease organisms, fungicide seed treatment, and the genetic constitution of the variety. Results on 2,049 farm samples showed an annual variation in the average germination of 18%. Wet weather in July and early August and delay in harvesting were related to low germination. Germination of Linota and Redwing seed was significantly higher than that of Bison or Viking. Samples of Bison contained significantly more broken seeds and impurities than Linota and Redwing in 1943, but the data were not conclusive in 1942 and 1944. Tests on varieties grown in experimental plots showed that Linota and Redwing were superior in germination to Bison and the yellow-seed varieties. Field stands frequently were poorer from the yellow-seed varieties and this was related to lower yields. New Improved Ceresan, DuBay 1452-F, Arasan, Spergon, and Phygon significantly increased the emergence of flax seedlings. New Improved Ceresan and DuBay 1452-F were significantly more effective in increasing emergence at the rate of 1 ounce than at 0.5 ounce per bushel. The yellow-seed varieties Viking and B. Golden gave greater increases in emergence as a result of treating the seed than the brown-seed varieties Linota, Bison, and Redwing. Linota had the least, but nevertheless a significant, increase in emergence following treatment. New Improved Ceresan at 0.5 ounce and 1 ounce per bushel significantly increased the yield of flax in the 1945 tests. The fungicide was significantly more effective at 1 ounce than at 0.5 ounce per bushel. Small increases occurred in the 1946 tests when conditions for seemed ideal for establishment of stands.