Laboratory tests have shown that individual wrinkle-seeded pea seeds vary in their ability to continue vigorous growth after germination. After the radicle has broken through the testa, SOme produce normal seedlings, some fail to develop further, while others afe intermediate between these extremes and produce stunted seedlings. Thus some seeds capable of germination Ufe incapable of emerging when planted in the field. Poor growth after germination is accompanied by prolific growth of moulds and bacteria on the seeds.