Agricultural Research in New Hampshire 49 



Borax on Strawberries 



In 1940 borax was applied to a strawberry bed during the early 

 spring of the second year of growth. Although there was some reason 

 to believe that the soil in which the plants were growing might be defi- 

 cient in boron, the yield was not improved. When the borax was applied 

 at the rate of 50 to 100 pounds per acre some injury was noted in the 

 plants. The berries were somewhat inferior, and the yield was cut down. 



A bed that was set in 1 940 was treated with borax about the time the 

 first runners were formed in early August. The best yield was obtained 

 in 1941 from plots which received 25 pounds of borax per acre and on 

 those which received no borax. Although the yield was smaller on plots 

 that received 50 pounds of borax, it was not significantly less statistically 

 than that obtained with lesser amounts. One hundred pounds of borax 

 caused a significant increase in yield and 200 pounds still more. In this 

 test there was a high correlation between yield under the different treat- 

 ments of borax and the number of runners formed per plant. With 100 

 and 200 pounds of borax, fewer runners were formed than with lesser 

 amounts or with the controls. The correlation was .898. (Horticulture 

 Department) 



Raspberry and Blackberry 



The best of the old varieties, the most promising of the new, a num- 

 ber of foreign species and a collection of promising wild material are 

 growing in the test plot. Some of the most promising of these have been 

 crossed in the greenhouse with the object of producing raspberries and 

 blackberries that will be satisfactory in this section. Ordinary cultivated 

 varieties are subject to severe winter injury. (Horticulture Depart- 

 ment) 



Variety Tests of Other Fruits 



Of all the varieties in the ne\v r planting of grapes, Kendaia has shown 

 promise of being hardy and vigorous, producing mature vines at an early 

 age. Among the peaches Cumberland seems to be the most hardy in 

 fruit buds during the winter. In 1941 it was the only variety that pro- 

 duced any quantity of fruit. From appearances the same will be true 

 this year. (L. P. Latimer) 



Variety Trials of Fruits and Vegetables 

 In Northern New Hampshire 



Variety trials were begun this past season on a small scale and are 

 being expanded to a considerable extent. Plants and seed are being fur- 

 nished to cooperators who report on their behavior. In this way it is 

 hoped to determine which of the new varieties are adapted to the north- 

 ern area of the state. Some of our breeding material also shows promise 

 for that section. Some of this work was requested by "land-use plan- 

 ning" participants. (Horticulture Department) 



Breeding Improved Tomatoes 



New Hampshire Victor, a strain of similar breeding to the standard 

 Victor, except more disease resistant, was distributed to growers in the 



