THE DRYING OF TIMOTHY SEED 1. Effect on quality.

On 6 dates during a period of 14 days, S48 timothy seed was combine harvested directly and then dried in layers 6 in. deep at air temperatures of 77, 95, 104 and 122 ° F and airflows of 20 and 35 ft/min. The effect of these drying conditions upon subsequent laboratory germination was measured. An experimental drier of 8 units developed for this work is described. Results showed that the depression of germination by increasing temperatures depended on the stage of ripeness when the initial moisture content was greater than 30% wet basis.® Below this moisture level, no significant depression was found at temperatures up to 122 ° F. Seed of acceptable commercial standard was obtained when harvested at 41-3% m.c.w.b., but only under the gentlest drying treatment, 77 ° F and 20 ft/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]