ANNUAL REPORT, 1935 71 



If the differential treatments produce noticeable differences, this problem will 

 be studied more intensively. 



Bud Mutations. (J. K. Shaw and W. H. Thies. ) A few of the probable 

 mutations produced fruit but too scatteringly to give a basis for definite con- 

 clusions. Next year there should be enough fruit for this purpose. The "flat 

 limbed" strain of Gravenstein continues to produce only normal wood. 



Storage of Apples under Various Conditions. (O. C. Roberts cooper- 

 ating with Agricultural Engineering Department. ) Work on this project was 

 continued on much the same lines as last year and the conclusions previously 

 reached were confirmed. Evidence accumulates that, in order to develop and 

 maintain the best quality in Mcintosh, careful attention must be given to 

 storage conditions. 



Some attention was given to the problem of the best date for picking Cort- 

 land. Apples were picked and placed in storage on September 19 and 27 and 

 October 5 and 11. Half of each sample was held continuously at 32° and half 

 put in at 45° which was gradually lowered to 32° after the harvest season. 

 These showed more scald than the first lot. Samples from both lots were 

 brought into a warm room at different times and their condition and behavior 

 observed. Scald was worst on those picked September 27 and no scald de- 

 veloped on those picked October 11. There was not much scald on those 

 picked September 19, but the quality and appearance of the apples was inferior. 

 Those picked October 5 showed little scald and were of good quality and appear- 

 ance. No internal breakdown appeared in any of the samples. 



This test indicates that Cortland apples should not be picked until two to 

 three weeks after the Mcintosh harvest. Further observations must be made 

 before this is well established. 



Tests of Various Spray Materials. (O. C. Roberts cooperating with 

 Entomology and Botany Departments. ) While limited resources prevent ex- 

 tensive tests of the many spray materials offered in the market, this depart- 

 ment has continued during the past year to make orchard tests of those most 

 promising. The results are discussed in the report of the Department of 

 Entomology. 



Removal of Arsenic and Lead Residues from Apples. (O. C. Roberts 

 and J. K. Shaw cooperating with Departments of Entomology, Agricultural 

 Engineering, and the Fertilizer Control Service. ) The problem of possible 

 excessive lead residues is one that confronts our growers. Thus far practically 

 no fruit is washed in this State though several wipers are in use. Our work is 

 directed chiefly toward methods of spraying to avoid the chance of excessive 

 residues. With a suitable spraying program, it is possible to keep within the 

 present lead tolerance established by the United States Department of Agri- 

 culture. Whether residues can be kept below the prospective lowered tolerance 

 of lead is yet a problem. On account of the withdrawal of analytical service 

 by the United States Food and Drug Administration this work will be done 

 by the Station Fertilizer Control Service. Samples of apples sprayed under 

 various programs await analysis. 



Blueberry Culture. (J. S. Bailey.) In the spring of 1935 the blueberry 

 plantation started in 1932 (Plot C ) was enlarged by the addition of 346 plants 

 of the varieties Pioneer, Concord, Cabot, Scammell, Jersey and Rancocas. This 

 plot now covers three-fourths of an acre. Another plantation (Plot D ) was 

 set in the spring of 1935, covering two acres and containing 1948 bushes of the 



