Agricultural Research in New Hampshire 43 



mediately if any evidence of spruce budworm injury to their spruce 

 stands is discovered. The department plans to continue its scouting for 

 evidence of an outbreak of this serious pest. 



J. G. CONKLIN 



ORNAMENTALS 



Carnations 



Twenty-four varieties of carnations were tested for quality and pro- 

 duction during the past season. The six outstanding varieties under local 

 conditions are: King Cardinal (scarlet), Olivette (white), Rocalis (dark 

 pink), Peter Fisher (pink), Pollyanna (salmon pink), and Seth Parker 

 (crimson). 



To determine the optimum amount of soil nitrates for carnations, 

 randomized plots were set up in the greenhouse with soil nitrates main- 

 tained at five levels varying from very low to very high. Two replica- 

 tions were made of each treatment. The nutrition, other than the nitrate, 

 and watering ^^•ere kept as uniform as possible in all plots. 



The growth in all plots except those with very low nitrate \\as uni- 

 formly good. Production was slightly lower in the low nitrate plots but 

 stem length was not affected. The plants grown in these plots were 

 somewhat lighter in color, the leaves were narrower, and the stems were 

 more wiry but just as strong as those receiving sufficient nitrate. Plants 

 receiving insufficient nitrate produced fewer side shoots. Although 1 

 ppin. of soil nitrates is not enough for optimum growth of carnations, 

 this work must be carried further to determine the exact optimum or 

 near-optimum level. 



Self-pollination of parent lines is being continued to obtain pure lines 

 for eventual use in hybrid seed production. Progress is well along with 

 the hoped-for hardy carnation. A perpetual flowering hybrid betx^een 

 Diantlms plinnarins and the greenhouse carnations has been backcrossed 

 with several varieties. The resulting seedlings, which closely resemble 

 carnations, will be tested this coming winter for hardiness. 



Chrysanthemums 



Hardy varieties have been originated and either have been, or soon 

 will be, introduced to the trade. These include: 



Exeter — yellow, large, full, double reflex flowers, 15 inches tall, two 

 feet spread; blooms about September 20. 



Franconia — gold, cut-flo\\'er type, large pompon, reflex, good place- 

 ment and spray formation, 36 inches tall; blooms September 20. 



Monadnock — bronzy red, button-type flowers; blooms in August 

 and September. 



Merrimack — orange, reflex, one and one-half to two inches in dia- 

 meter; excellent for mass color effects in garden during late 

 September and late October. 



Sunapee — rich gold, full double pompon, cut-flower type, height 

 36 inches; blooms September 15. 



