280 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



operation and the comparative effect on growth and fruit production of 

 orchards handled on the soil-mulch system, the sod-mulch system, and 

 where the trees are mulched with straw but planted to alfalfa instead 

 of grass. 



Another experiment has been started to ascertain the difference in the 

 fertilizer requirements of trees growing on the above systems. 



It is the desire of the department to do experimental work on bush 

 fruits, grapes and vegetables and for such work it requires more room 

 than is now available on the grounds. It strongly recommends the im- 

 mediate purchase of the acreage bordering the west boundary of this 

 property. 



Mr. L. F. Waid, Superintendent of the Station grounds resigned on 

 April 1st and has been succeeded by Mr. Donald H. Hootman, formerly 

 of the Horticultural department at the College. 



Respectfully submitted, 



C. P. HALLIGAN, 



Horticulturist. 



East Lansing, Michigan, June 30 th, 1920. 



REPORT OF THE FARM CROPS SECTION. 



Director R. S. Shaw, M. A. C. 



Dear Director Shaw: I herewith present a brief report of the activi- 

 ties of the Farm crops section for the year 1919 and '20. 



The use of more land on the Experiment Station farm through co- 

 operative arrangement with the Farm and Horse department made pos- 

 sible a very considerable development in the scope and extent of the ex- 

 perimental work of the Farm Crops section. Forty-eight acres of 

 land are now devoted to plant breeding work and 50 acres to general 

 crops experiments and increases. The progress of the plant breeding 

 work is reported in letter from Mr. F. A. Spragg, Research Associate, 

 which is hereto appended. The major crops experiments along other 

 lines at the Station and over the State are herewith reported : 



1. Corn Experiments. The annual variety test at the Experinient 

 Station was conducted as usual and supplemented by variety tests at 

 sixteen well distributed points through the State. The results from 

 variety tests, of past and former years, have enabled us to make a de- 

 pendable map, showing the approximate regional adaption of corn 

 varieties. The ear row work of the past year has enabled us to select 

 six best remnants each from 85 ears of Duncan corn and 85 ears of 

 Golden Glow. These remnant half ears were planted in carefully iso- 

 lated increase plats, which should furnisli us, this season, with im- 

 proved strains of adapted Golden Glow and Duncan for multiplication 

 and distribution, through the Michigan Crop Improvement Association. 

 Similar ear row work was begun widi Silver King and continued with 

 Golden Glow and Duncan. Fourteen acres of land is occupied with tlie 

 ear row work and variety tests at the Station. In addition, a test of 

 popcorn varieties was begun. The popcorn industry has become of con- 



