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1020] HORTICULTURE. 235 



Soy boans in I<nva, II. D. Hughes and F. S. Wilkins (Jotca Sta. Circ. 65 

 (W\iO), pp. .'/}. — The iinportance of soy bean culture for different purposes is 

 discussed, tiie requirements of the crop are enumerated, varieties adapted to 

 Iowa conditions are recommended^ and cultural directions are given. Soy beans 

 iinve been grown at the station since I'JIU, niid the better varieties are reported 

 as having yielded from 15 to 25 bu. of seed and from 2.5 to 3.5 tons of hay per 

 acre. The results of tests indicated that planting between May 1 and 20 is 

 likely to be most satisfactory. 



Sudan grass in Iowa, H. I). IIugiiks and F. S. Wilkins (luwa <S7«. Circ. 66 

 (1920), pp. 4). — The advantages of Sudan grass, as indicated by results secured 

 at the station, are pointed out, directions for growing the crop arc given, and 

 till' value of the grass for different purposes is discussed. 



An average yield at the station of 3.47 tons of hay per acre and a range of from 

 2.2 to 5.9 tons per acre is reported. In the experience of the station seeding from 

 .May 25 to June 15 gave generally the best results, and seeding at the rates of 

 2.5, 5, and 10 lbs. per acre in rows 32 in. apart showed relativelj^ little difference 

 in production. For drilling or broadcasting from 10 to 15 lbs. of seed per acre is 

 recommended. 



The influence of length of wheat heads on resulting crops, A. N. Hume, 

 M. Champmn, and M. Fowi.us (South Dakota Sta. BtU. 187 (1919), pp. 139- 

 I'tS). — A study was made of the correlation between the length of parent head 

 :iiid yield of progeny in successive generations of Bluestem wheat (Minnesota 

 I()0). A mniiber of relatively long heads and an equal number of relatively 

 short heads from separate plants were secured in 1912, and the .seeds plantt-d in 

 head rows alternately repres(>nting the long and short heads. Tables are given 

 showing tlie relation as expressed in grams of grain per head row between length 

 in centimeters of mother spike planted in 1913 and direct yield therefrom or 

 yields of progeny in successive years. 



From 1.200 plants grown under identical conditions 260 plants were selected 

 which varied principally in the length of spike. Twenty seeds selected at random 

 from each head were planted in individual head rows in 1913. In the years 1914- 

 1918 tile progeny of the rows were planted so that successive generations could 

 be traced back to their individiial motlu-r plants, but no additional selection was 

 practiced. 



It was found that relatively long heads yielded slightly higher than similar 

 heads on other plants in the tirst generation after the selection of mother heads, 

 but this increase failed to persist in following generations. It is concluded that 

 the length of central spike can not be considered as the indicator of the litness of 

 a given plant to .serve as the mother plant of a line of progeny. 



HORTICULTURE. 



Plant breeding from horticultural standpoints, .1. W. Ckow (Ontario Dcpt. 

 Afir., Ann. lipt. Agr. and Expt. Union, Jfl (1919), pp. 50-'>2). — A brief general 

 review of progress made in breeding hoiticultural plants, with special reference 

 to breeding work in progress at the Ontario Agricultural College. 



Pruning and economy of water, .1. C Whitten (U)iiv. Cat. Jour. A(jr., 6 

 (1920), No. 5, pp. 10. 27, 28).— \ contribution from the University of California, 

 hi which the author calls attention to the importance of judicious pruning in 

 spring or early summer as a means of reducing the draft upon soil moisture 

 (luiMiig a dry season. 



The beneficial action of lime in lime-sulphur and lead arsenate combi- 

 nation spray, R. H. Robinson (Jour. Econ. Ent., 12 (1919), No. 6, pp. J!i29- 

 ■'i3S). — A contribution from the Oregon Experiment Station. 



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