asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state what varieties of seed oats (black and white) are available to oat growers in the Free State from Free State sources; if those varieties can be guaranteed true to name, and also to germination and purity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Varieties of Seed Oats.
As regards black oats there are no stocks of pedigree seed from Saorstát sources at present available though there are, I am informed, considerable quantities of commercial seed of Black Tartary and other black varieties to be obtained. Any intending grower of pedigree black oats can, however, easily obtain a licence to import free of duty sufficient seed to provide him with stock for the following season. Up to a few years ago pedigree black oats seed was being produced at the Cereal Station, Ballinacurra, and at the Albert Agricultural College, but there was so little demand for it and so great difficulty in disposing of it that it was decided to produce white oats only. The position at present is that considerable quantities of the varieties, Victory II, Glasnevin Success III, Glasnevin Sonas and Potato, are available from native sources. All are true to name and are sold by seedsmen under the guarantee of germination required by regulations under the Weeds and Seeds Act.
For some years past the Department of Agriculture have had in operation a scheme whereby seed merchants are supplied with stocks of pedigree Victory II and Glasnevin Sonas which they distribute to growers from whom they purchase the produce for sale as seed in the following season. This scheme, it is believed, ensures that seed of both varieties sufficient to meet the demand of growers is in the hands of merchants and farmers. About 750 barrels of seed are available for distribution under the scheme in the coming season. In districts where Glasnevin Sonas is the more suitable variety to grow pedigree seed of that variety is distributed from the Albert Agricultural College.
The Minister forgot the important part of the question. I want to know if those varieties can be guaranteed true to name?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
Can the Minister say what means are taken during the pollenation period to see that they will not be affected by other varieties of seed? Are there any means taken to avoid that?
Dr. Ryan
There is very close inspection, and unless they can be guaranteed, on inspection, true to name the certificate will not be given.
I do not think they can be guaranteed true to name.
Dr. Ryan
Where a certificate is given, yes.
Can the Minister say if there will be any supplies of Glasnevin Ard Rí oats available for the current season?
Dr. Ryan
Not very much.
Will there be any available next year?
Dr. Ryan
Possibly next year.