THE SEED VALUE OF FROST-DAMAGED WHEAT AS DETERMINED BY ITS COMMERCIAL GRADE, BUSHEL WEIGHT AND SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT
Following the occurrence of extensive frost damage in August of 1950 nearly 300 samples of bread wheat were collected from a widespread area of Saskatchewan. The adequacy of the commercial grading system in evaluating such grain for seed purposes was determined by comparing grade and bushel weight of each sample with its germination. Commercial grade provided a reasonably reliable index of frost damage in wheat.Composite samples, consisting of distinct types of frost damage, served as the basis for a method of predicting germination and emergence of individual samples. The method provided a satisfactory means of determining the value of frosted grain for seed.The effect of certain treatments on vigour of seedlings from frosted wheat was tested by means of the various composite types. Seed treatment with a mercuric fungic de was found to be practicable and shallow seeding into moisture was emphasized. Seed dressings with gamma BHC, at the rate recommended for wireworm control, were more injurious to frosted than sound wheat. Seedlings from frosted grain were more susceptible to common root rot, H. sativum, and drought than seedlings from sound grain. The slower growth rate of the former was doubtless a contributing factor.