1066 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The various crops showed different degrees of resistance, which is believed to be 

 partly due to the age of the seed, although it was observable in fresh seed with a 

 weakened vitality. All degrees of vitality were represented in each individual sam- 

 ple, and it is concluded that the weakest seeds lost their power to germinate when 

 soaked in the salt solution, while in the resistant seeds the germination was delayed. 

 It was also found that the parts of the embryo were differently affected, the plumule 

 appearing more resistant than the radicle. Seeds of grains taken from the germinat- 

 ing chamber and transferred to fresh soil continued their growth normally, but were 

 retarded as compared with seeds not treated with the salt solution. 



Seed inspection, C. D. Woods and Bessie G. Tower (Maine Sta. Bui. 125, pp. 

 26). — This bulletin contains the text of the Maine laws regulating the sale of seeds, 

 and the results of analyses of samples of seeds collected by the station in 1905 and 

 received from correspondents from 1902 to 1905. A list of weed seeds from the 

 samples tested is given and attention is called to the free analysis of weeds, seeds, 

 fertilizers, and feeds by the station. 



HORTICULTURE. 



Department of agriculture and horticulture, V. A. Clark (Arizona Sta. R[>t. 

 1905, pp. 10-15). — Attention is called to the intense heat and light in Arizona and 

 the effect of these on plant growth. Shading has been found a specific for many 

 crops which are injured or even killed in the open. Where the summer heat raises 

 the surface soil to so high a temperature as to interfere with root growth mulching 

 has been found a specific remedy. Deep planting of trees has also been practiced 

 successfully to overcome this trouble. 



The results secured at the station with a number of fruits and vegetables during 

 the season are briefly stated. Guavas have been successfully grown, both in the 

 open and in shade, and withstand a temperature of 19° F. The McNeal variety of 

 garden pea was less injured by frost than the American Wonder variety. A study 

 is being made of varieties of olives in Arizona. No insect nor fungus pest has been 

 found as yet to attack this crop. 



Some alfalfas from Sahara and Arabia promise to surpass the strain commonly 

 raised at the station in growth during the hot months. The yields of 3 varieties of 

 durum wheats in comparison with the Sonora variety are given. In every case the 

 yield was considerably higher, and the straw, though taller, showed less tendency 

 to lodge. It also rusted much less. Pea plants from light-weight seed died as a 

 result of weather conditions a number of days earlier than from heavy seed. It is 

 believed that considerable valuable work can be done along the line of seed selection. 



Report of the horticultural department, J. Troop (Indiana Sta. Rpt. 1905, 

 pp. 19-21). — An outline of the experimental work of the department during the 

 year, with some of the chief results obtained. In the use of pedigreed strawberYy 

 plants the results of a single season's work indicate clearly that "the pedigree theory 

 as applied to strawberry plants has been overdone." 



In some fertilizer experiments with tomatoes great differences in the productiveness 

 of individual vines, due to individuality, were observed. In spraying experiments it 

 is found just as essential to spray for the second brood of codling moth as for the first 

 brood. San Jose scale has been found in 44 counties of the State. A new aphid was 

 discovered during the summer of 1904, which seems to be especially partial to 

 Houghton gooseberry bushes. The aphid is briefly described and has been given 

 the name of Aphis houglrfonensis. 



Fruits and vegetables, E. B. Ferris (Mississippi Sta. Bui. 87, pp. 2-7).— An 

 account is given of the commercial culture and marketing of a number of varieties 

 of fruits and vegetables, including potatoes. 



