March, 1933] Agric. Research in New Hampshire 17 



the lots delayed than in the one stored immediately, a larger propor- 

 tion of the five-day apples are marketable due to their practical free- 

 dom from brown core. 



Little difference was noted in the finnness of the fmit in all lots by 

 June 1, but that stored five days late had lost 3 pounds in the pres- 

 sure test when put into storage, the 10-day apples 4% pounds and 

 the 20-day from 5 to 6 pounds. The delayed lots were kept at room 

 temperature previous to storage. The fruit given immediate storage 

 was distinctly firmer throughout the commercial period. It also tested 

 the highest in acidity and its ground color j^ellowed the least. The lot 

 stored after the 20th day was lowest in acidity, yellowed most, and 

 had the poorest flavor. (Purnell Fund) 



Pollenizers on Trial 



In the pollination studies, good sets were obtained on Mcintosh with 

 pollen of the Milton, Melba, Starking, Delicious, Cortland and Fa- 

 meuse. As in previous years, Baldwin was found to be useless as a 

 pollenizer in the Mcintosh orchard, according to L. P. Latimer. {Pur- 

 nell Fund) 



Observations on Fruit-Bud Formation 



Heavy applications of phosphorus failed to increase fruit-bud form- 

 ation significantly in the Woodman orchard in 1932. 



Further field tests this year on the effect of time of application of 

 nitrogenous fertilizers do not alter conclusions previously drawn, re- 

 ports G. F. Potter. {Adams Fund) 



Electric Hot Beds Practical 



Electric hot beds in which heat is supplied by a nichrome-wire re- 

 sistance unit within a lead cable proved practical for New Hampshire 

 conditions in preliminary tests last spring. Electric energy consump- 

 tion per 3x6 hot-bed sash was 1.94 kw. hours per day in ]\Iarch and 

 a})i5roximately one hour in April and May. 



The air temperature in the beds varied from 34 to 112 degrees in 

 March, 48 to 111 in April and 48 to 110 in May. The lowest outdoor 

 temperature was six degrees as recorded in March. The use of bur- 

 lap mats at night seemed to increase the average soil temperature and 

 is recommended both for safety and economy of operation. This in- 

 vestigation was in charge of J. R. Hepler. {Miscellaneous Income) 



Tomatoes Grow Well in Sand 



Tomatoes grown in sand and fed plant food in solution at the rate 

 ol one quart per week for each vine yielded better than those raised 

 in soil, according to two years' trials by J. R. Hepler. 



During the spring months the Sunrise variety was grown success- 

 fullj^ in sand culture in the greenhouse, averaging 5.8 pounds of fruit 

 per plant. The Marglobe was tried as a winter crop in both sand 

 and soil cultures, yielding approximately 2.5 pounds in the sand and 

 slightly more than 1.5 pounds in the soil. The difference was due 

 largely to the bigger fniits in the sand crop. Point rot was prevalent 

 in the soil-grown fruits but not in the sand. 



