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MCINTCSH STRAINS 



Rogers Mcintosh continues to be the outstanding strain in respect to amuunt 

 and type of red color of all the strains which are being studied at Amherst. 



The analysis of this year's crop from the Mcintosh strain orchard revealed 

 that the percent cf apples with 90^ or more red color ranged from a lov7 of 28 to a 

 high of 90. As was the case last year, Rogers had the highest rating while strain 

 39 (a striped type) had the poorest. This year there was more difference between 

 Rogers and the next best strain. Strain 1 having only 76% of its crop with 90% 

 red color. Percent of color for the other strains was Greening, 7S%; Strain 8, 

 69%i Strain h^, b2$\ and strain 12, $9%. 



All of the blush strains except Rogers produced some striped apples. Strains 

 1, 8, U5 and 12 had more striping than Greening. VJ"hether or not this striped 

 condition is due to an unstable condition of the strains or to the possibility that 

 the strains are not true "bud sports" remains to be determined. There is evidence 

 that some strains are not stable and that careful selection must be practiced to 

 maintain their desirable characters. It is encouraging that so far Rogers appears 

 to be a stable strain and continues to produce high colored fruit of the blush 

 type. 



— W. D, Vfeeks 



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MULCHING THE STRATOERRY BED 



Occasionally reports are received indicating that some grower v/ho did not 

 mulch his strawberry bed experienced less injury than anticipated. To omit the 

 mulch another season would be hazardous and a gamble. Our winter climate calls for 

 the protection of our strawberry beds. 



Mulching has been practiced to an increasing extent ever since 186^ when 

 John Knox of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, demonstrated the value of applying a mulch 

 to this crop. Thus the use of stravf has a direct connection with the name of this 

 berry. Southwest Texas is one of a very few regions where mulching with straw or 

 other material is not practiced commercially. 



As soon as cool November v/eather has checked growth and hardened off straw- 

 berry plants, a mulch about three inches thick should be applied for winter protec- 

 tion. It prevents heaving of plants caused by freezing and thawing, prevents 

 crown injury, delays spring growth until more favorable weather, and avoids winter 

 drying of plants. During the fruiting season, the mulch conserves soil moisture, 

 discourages weeds, keeps fruit clean, and pickers prefer it to bare soil. 



Experience suggests a mulch ^vhich does not mat down so closely that plants 

 are smothered, remains where placed; is free from troublesome weed seeds, is 

 easily applied, and is also cheap. 



Where obtainable, marsh hay or swale grass is as good as straw, and cheaper. 

 Seaweed has proved practical for local use. On Cape Cod pine needles have been 

 used, but the supply is limited and the mulch rather too compact. Baled straw 



