206 STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. ; 



OTHER DISEASE. 



Whereas most of the time has been spent in the investigation of the potato 

 diseases of the Upper Peninsula, a httle time has been devoted to making 

 observations on the diseases affecting the other crops grown at the Station, 

 more particularly black stem rust of wheat and rust of sunflowers. 



Owing to the increased importance of the latter, as a silage crop in the Upper 

 Peninsula, the control of sunflower rust has become urgent and to this end 

 preliminary seed treatment experiments were undertaken in 1921. 



With an expression of appreciation for the hearty cooperation you have 

 given to the disease work carried on at this Station, I am 



Respectfully, 



J. E. KOTALA, 

 Research Assistant in Plant Pathology. 



Chatham, Michigan, June 30, 1921. 



Superintendent D. L. McMillan, 



Chatham, Michigan. 

 Dear Sir: 



I herewith submit a brief report of the experimental crops work for the year 

 ending June 30, 1921. 



The data obtained from the grain plots of 1920 would indicate that spring 

 barley, oats and field peas can be grown very successfully; while spring wheat, 

 winter wheat, soy beans and corn can be grown successfully only when the 

 season is especially favorable, or, in the case of soy beans, and corn, when 

 seeded well to the southern boundary of the territory. Black Stem Rust is 

 the principal cause of failure of the wheat crop, as well as soy beans and corn. 

 This disease is prevalent throughout the territory, causing the growing of 

 wheat to be classed as an uncertain crop. 



Experiments with forage crops would indicate that mixtures of oats and 

 vetch, or peas and oats, is a very dependable short season hay crop. Sun- 

 flower experiments would indicate the most successful method of growing 

 the crop for silage, is to seed early, in rows from 30 to 36 inches apart, at from 

 6 to 8 pounds of seed per acre. 



Potato experiments in progress, indicate the necessity of careful selection 

 work to secure disease free seed, stock of high yielding powder. Green Moun- 

 tains and Rurals are the outstanding varieties in variety test plots. 



Cooperative work in studying and classifying pea varieties, is in progress 

 with the East Lansing Station. One hundred and fifty-four strains are being 

 tested this year. Commercial pea varieties are being tested for grain and 

 forage production. A strain of English field peas is being increased for dis- 

 tribution, also a strain of Alaska canning peas. 



Cooperative crop testing in various counties has been increased with the 

 addition of Mr. John Hammes as field man. Twenty-three demonstrations 

 have been placed in twelve counties of the Upper Peninsula. 



Respectfully submitted, 



G. W. PUTNAM, 

 Research Assistant in Farm Crops. 

 Chatham, Michigan, June 30, 1921. 



