Seed Disinfection

CERTAIN proprietary seed disinfectants and protectives which contain organo-mercury compounds as their fungicidal basis are now used extensively for disinfecting cereal seed prior to sowing. When correctly used they give an excellent control of many seed-borne diseases, but in some circumstances, injury to the grain may result, and it is the purpose of this note to indicate those conditions which may lead to such injury. These materials are also used for treating such seeds as peas, sugar-beet, etc., but the observations given here are confined to cereals.