Science Serves Your Farm. A

West Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources Station Bulletins And Design

1-1-1954 Science serves your farm. A. H. VanLandingham

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Bulletin 363, Part 1 Fall September 1953

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT SMU1N m Bulletin 363, Part 1 Fall September 1953

Annual Report, Parts Published Quarterly by AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION West Virginia University Morgantown, W. Va. Acting Director. A. H. VanLandingham Editor John Luchok Assistant Editor Glenn D. Bengtson SERVES YOUR FARM Photographer David R. Creel Publications Committee: H. L. Barnett, G. C. Anderson, and O. J. Burger. Science Serves Your Farm will be sent free to any resident of West Virginia in response Annual Report of A. H. VanLandingham, Acting Director to a v/ritten request to the Director. Agri- cultural Experiment Station. West Vir- West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station ginia University. Morgantown, W. Va. For the Period 1952-1953

IN THIS ISSUE on the - ^ ON THE CALENDAR NEW PUBLICATIONS 2 BLACK WALNUT VARIETIES 3 jr . . . 4 CORN SILAGE VS. LEGUME-GRASS SILAGE ROUGHAGES FOR WINTERING CATTLE 4 OCTOBER 27-29-Fall Extension Meeting. State For- 5 POULTRY MEAT age and FFA Baby Beef and Fat Lamb Showing Sale, Jackson's Mill. MAGNESIUM IN WEST VIRGINIA SOILS 7 NOVEMBER- IRRIGATION 8 5-6—Joint Meeting of SCS and ASAE State Sections, Roraney.

15-19—Eastern National Livestock Show Meat judging team and Livestock judg ing team. Intercollegiate judging show Animal Husbandry Department wil exhibit eight Aberdeen-Angus anc Hereford fat steers at this show, Tim onium, Md.

20-21—Cumberland Shenandoah Fruii In May, 1944, these fine heifers were Working Conference. West Virginia turned out to pasture at the Reymann host to the States of Delaware, Penn at War- sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, ant | Memorial Experimental Farms North Carolina, and USDA workers After being bred, they were densville. Martinsburg. divided into two groups for feeding trials International Livestock Expo designed to compare corn silage with 29-Dec. 5— sition, Chicago. grass-legume silage. Results of this five- year experiment are given on page 4. 29-Dec. 5—National 4-H Club Congress Chicago. Research in agriculture, as it is conducted by the West Vir- ginia University Agricultural Experiment Station, is State-wide. JANUARY- Walnut varieties were tested in Upshur county. Oak-wilt re- 5-8—Dairy Short Course, Jackson's Mill search may be done anywhere in West Virginia forests. Hybrid corn varieties are tested on private farms in many counties. Soil-development processes are being studied at century-old iron- ore spoil banks. And occasionally, researchers will visit homes and schools to ask the housewife how she prefers to buy chicken, or to check the health of her children. Experimental farms and sub-stations play an important role in this State-wide research program. The Ohio Valley Station, located in Mason County, is a testing ground for new varieties Bulletins of field crops. In eastern-most Jefferson county, the Kearneys- fruit, ville Experimental Farm is a center for research in poultry, 357, Part 4. Annual Report of A. H. Vat and small grain production. The Reymann Memorial Farms, Landingham, Acting Director, Scient Serves Your Farm, June 1953. Hardy County, is the scene of research in livestock production irrigation, poultry housing, and plant diseases. Garden vegetables, forage crops, and floriculture are studied at the Reedsville Current Reports

Farm. E. Fike. Some Aspec 5. S. J. Weese and J. of Every-Other-Day Milk Deliver August 1953. IMPROVED VARIETIES OF BLACK WALNUTS for West Virginia

by Maurice Brooks

Forester _ —

HARVESTING, cracking, and mar- from its parent. Desirable charac- rapidly, developed excellent form keting black walnut kernels has teristics possessed by a parent tree and vigor, began bearing when 8 to become an important local indus- are frequently not passed on to its 10 years old and produced excellent try in some sections of West Virginia. offspring. kernels with good cracking charac- Thus a forest resource, frequently A new walnut variety is establish- teristics. neglected, is now becoming a cash ed when someone selects a single The Thomas trees did fail to bear crop. And as the black walnut tree tree growing in the wild and gives during some years, but these failures grows naturally over a large portion it a varietal name. Usually this occurred in years of general walnut of the State, there are opportunities tree exhibits outstanding character- failure. The Thomas trees were for the expanding of this industry. istics as to kernel quality, cracking superior in their resistance to Nec- Black walnut trees, as they grow ease, disease resistance, and other tria canker, with only two trees de- in the fields and forests, vary widely desirable qualities. It is propogated veloping this fungus disease which in many respects. Some will pro- through budding, grafting, or top- attacks black walnut trees in much duce good kernels, while others will working. After testing, such superior of western West Virginia. not. Some grow fast, others slow. varieties become available from The Ten Eyck trees, despite vigor- Some begin to bear nuts at an early commercial nurseries. ous growth, were the last to reach age, while others will not bear near- Some twenty years ago, four varie- bearing age. But after bearing be- ly so soon. Individual trees also ties of black walnut trees were tested gan, crops of good-quality nuts were vary in their ability to produce a on a farm at French Creek, Upshur produced regularly. Their vigorous crop of nuts every year, and in re- County. Ten trees each of Thomas, growth made them fairly resistant to sistance to diseases. Ohio, Stabler, and Ten Eyck were canker, and they ajspear to be sec- Part of this variation in individual planted on land where seedling ond-best suited to planting in cen- trees is due to the seeding character- black walnuts were growing natur- tral West Virginia. istics of the black walnut. The ma- ally. No commercial fertilizers were The Ohio variety was the first to jority of the wild trees grew from applied, and no care given the trees bear nuts, and these nuts were thin- seedlings sprouted from fertile ker- outside of mowing around them for shelled with superior cracking qual- nels. Each fertile kernel repre- the first few years after planting. ities. But they grew slowly and sented a cross between its parent and The Thomas variety has been by became infected with canker. They another tree. Thus each new tree far the most successful in the Up- growing is in the forest different shur County tests. The trees grew (continued on page 6)

COMPARISON OF FOUR SELECTED VARIETIES OF BLACK WALNUTS

Named Varieties of Rate and Age at Quality of Cracking Resistance Regularity Black Walnut Vigor of First Kernels Qualities to Canker of Bearing Growth Bearing

THOMAS Excellent 8-10 years Good Good Excellent Fair

OHIO Poor 7-8 years Excellent Excellent Poor Fair STABLER Poor 10-12 years Good Good Poor Good

TEN EYCK Good 11-13 years Good Good Good Excellent SILAGE: Corn or Grass-Legume?

for wintering beef cows

by E. A. Livesay, Animal Husbandman and C. J. Cunningham, Associate Animal Husbandman

five years of comparative feeding Both groups of cows were grazed The average winter gain for the INtrials, animal husbandmen at the on the same pasture. The type of corn silage group was 94.2 pounds University Agricul- West Virginia silage fed during the winter was the and for the legume-grass silage tural Experiment Station have only difference in the feed consumed group was 79.8 pounds. found that legume-grass and corn the five-year development of the cows dur- silages are nearly equal—on a dry- by the two groups over The matter basis—for wintering breeding period. ing the five-year period was satisfac- cows. The trials were made to com- The amount of each type of silage tory and there was no practical dif- varied slightly from year to year. pare corn silage with grass-legume fed ference between the two groups. silage from the standpoint of the Moisture contents of the silages Group 1, on corn silage, averaged development of the cows and weight varied slightly, and as the cows de- 806.6 lbs. in weight at the beginning of the calves at weaning time. veloped they were given larger In early December, 1944, 30 year- amounts of silages and hay. Rations of the experiment, and 1163.7 lbs. at ling bred heifers at the Reymann for Group 1 varied from 30 to 37 the finish, an average gain of 357.1 Memorial Experimental Farms were pounds of corn silage and from 6 to pounds. Group 2, on grass-legume divided evenly into two groups. 8 pounds of hay, while Group 2 re- silage, averaged 788.9 pounds at the

Group 1 was wintered for five years ceived from 20 to 33 pounds of grass- beginning and 1143.2 lbs. at the on a ration in which corn silage legume silage and 6 to 8 pounds of finish, for an average gain of 354.3 made up two-thirds of the dry hay. The differences in silage lbs. matter, and Group 2 was wintered weights are due to differences in Table 1 gives the weights of the for the same period on a ration in dry-matter content—each group re- calves at weaning time, adjusted which grass-legume silage made up ceived equal amounts of dry matter to 180 days of age. Five-year aver- two-thirds of the dry matter. The in the silage and equal amounts of age weights of the steer calves are remaining one-third of the dry mat- hay. During four out of the five almost identical. The heifer calves ter in the rations of both groups winters the moisture content of the from the grass-legume silage group came from hays—usually legume- corn silage was much higher than averaged slightly heavier at birth grass hays off the same field from for the grass-legume silage, and con- and also at weaning. No satisfactory which the grass-legume silage was sequently more corn silage had to explanation can be given for this made. be fed. difference.

Table 1. Weight of Calves* at Weaning

First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year Fifth Year Five Year Av. Lot Steers Heifers Steers Heifers Steers Heifers Steers Heifers Steers Heifers Steers Heifers | | |

Corn Silage Group 353.66 343.52 414.90 312.77 380.11 376.10 409.30 363.23 358.00 346.52 388 36 348.54 Legume-grass Sil- age Group 374.78 344.83 390.70 395.50 377.76 367.63 397. 8S 378.53 384.82 357.30 385.67 370.00

*A11 calves were sired by the saiue bull.

Note : Corrected for age difference s to 180 d ays.

Roughages For Wintering Cattle

suggestions to help you stretch feed supplies

by G. C. Anderson, Associate AnimaS Husbandman

inadequate supply of animal Research workers in animal hus- • Cull the cow herd if necessary. THEfeeds in West Virginia is a prob- bandry at the West Virginia Uni- Sell irregular breeders, poor produc- lem to farmers having cattle to versity Agricultural Experiment Sta- ers, and aged animals. Often several winter. Both grains and roughages tion have made several suggestions inefficient animals may be culled are in short supply, and cattlemen which the farmer may find useful in from a cow herd without seriously the nation over are going to be af- stretching his winter feed supply. affecting future income of the herd. fected by the problem. They are listed below. These animals waste feed. By striving for the utmost in feed- • Estimate the roughage supply • Feed the better roughages to ing efficiency, farmers may stretch available on the farm, and the the cattle which profit most from their winter feed supply without in- amount needed for winter feeding. them. In feeding better quality juring the potential productivity of Figure one and a half tons of hay roughages, first consideration should their young animals or their breed- per cow for the season—or about 20 ing herds. lbs. per head per day. (Continued on page 6) POULTRY MEAT - -

what homemakers think

by Norman Nybroten Agricultural Economist

MORE THAN 2,000 homemakers gave views on chickens to station workers.

CONSUMER preference—and the bones in the chickens they buy, but Any attempt to determine an ideal factors which influence consumer the Station researchers do not feel marketing weight for birds, on the preference—must always be fore- that this condition is a problem as basis of information obtained in this most in the minds of those who pro- regards present-day consumer pref- study, would be very difficult. In- duce and market food products on erences. dividual preferences among home- the competitive retail market. The homemakers were asked if makers varied considerably because The most successful producers are they had a preference for either froz- several factors had to be considered those who continually meet the pref- en or fresh chicken. More than 60 in arriving at a preferred weight. erences of the consumer. In order to per cent preferred fresh chicken, and Most important factor in deter- provide maximum satisfaction to his less than 3 per cent stated a prefer- mining the weight of bird desired customers, the producer must know ence for the frozen product. Ap- was the method by which the house- what their preferences are and then proximately one-third of the home- wife intended to cook the bird. market a product that will fulfill makers had no preference in regard Average figures indicate that for fry- these preferences. to a frozen or a fresh bird. ing, homemakers desire a two and Since the average urban home- Homemakers also were asked if one-half pound bird: and for roast- maker in West Virginia buys more they preferred, when buying an en- ing, birds weighing over four pounds than one hundred pounds of chick- lire chicken, to select a bird and were wanted. The choice of the en each year, her preferences are of have the butcher cut it up, or would homemaker also was influenced by utmost importance to the poultry they purchase a bird that had been the number of people in her house- industry. For this reason, agricul- cut up and packaged prior to being hold. tural economists at the West Vir- placed on display? Less than 4 per Table 1 gives detailed informa- ginia University Agricultural Ex- cent were indifferent to this matter, tion concerning preferences as to periment Station have recorded and and 55 per cent said they would weights for different types of cook- studied the "consumer preferences" rather select the whole bird and ing and different sizes of households. of more than two thousand home- have it cut up. Whether or not Nearly three-fourths of the homemakers who buy chicken for use in housewives would pay a premium makers stated that frying was their their kitchens. for this privilege was not determin- in this Each housewife was asked to de- ed study. (continued on page 6) scribe the basis upon which she selects the chicken she buys. Twenty- nine felt per cent said they plump- Table 1. Average Chicken Weights Preferred for Frying, Roasting, ness was most important, and 26 per Stewing or Broiling by Homemakers in Households of Different Sizes cent selected their birds on the basis of skin color. For 15 per cent, clean- Number of Ready-to-cook Chickex Weight Preferred for Different Ways of Cooking liness was the most important fac- People in tor, and 13 per cent wanted a "good, Household fresh appearance." Although 4 per cent of these homemakers rated a pliable breast- bone as the number one criteria, none seemed to worry about crooked bones. This does not mean thai: and over Average housewives will tolerate crooked ROUGHAGES ful to feed with dry roughages. If These protein and mineral sup- protein supplements plements make it possible for cattle from page commercial (continued 4) to make efficient use of low quality arc to be used, purchase a cubed or weanling calves and bred roughages. be given to which contains at pelleted mixture Don't forget molasses. Cattle will heifers, since they cannot utilize least 32 per cent protein. For cows do a better job of cleaning up low poor quality roughage as efficiently with calf, the supplement should be quality roughages if it is sprinkled quality as mature cattle. The good fortified with vitamin A, or each with a 50-50 mixture of molasses roughage that is available for ma- cow should be fed at least 2 pounds and water. Molasses is at present a of its ture cattle should be parceled out of leafy legume hay each day in very cheap source energy and through the winter so that they re- order to supply enough of this vita- use will not only increase the pala- will ceive some each day. min so important in reproduction. tibility of roughages but also hay supply needed energy. • If it is necessary to purchase If enough good quality legume hay, contract the purchase early so is available—8 to 10 pounds per cow • Spray or dust all cattle with a insecticide to control lice, as to get the best quality legume or per day—the protein supplement can good legume and grass hay available. Poor be reduced to one pound per head mange, and grubs. Lousy, mangy, cattle poorly, hay costs just as much to truck in as per day. and grubby winter good hay, and good hay goes farther Some livestock men will find it and will not use feed efficiently. Use for the amount of money invested. necessary to winter growing cattle benzene hexachloride or lindane for • Make maximum use of low on low quality roughages. The pro- lice and mange control, rotenone quality roughages such as corn stov- tein supplements listed above should for grubs. And be on the lookout for rot livestock ail- er, straws, and mature or weathered be increased at least one-half pound foot and other hays. Mature cattle will winter satis- per head per day for growing cattle. ments. Healthy cattle require the factorily on these feeds if they are Remember that bred heifers or least amount of feed. properly supplemented with protein calves should be fed enough to hold At best, wintering a herd of cattle and minerals. To supply these im- theii weight or gain about fifty in West Virginia is going to be a portant nutrients which are lacking, pounds during the wintering period. tough job this year. By following each mature cow should get one and Allow cattle free access to a good these suggestions, livestock men may a half pounds of a good protein sup- mineral mixture, such as one of the be able to stretch their roughage plement daily. Soybean or cotton following: steamed bone meal mix- supplies and reduce hazards to live- that seed cake is recommended. The ed equally with salt, or di-calcium stock health and production meals may be fed if silage is avail- phosphate mixed equally with trace- accompany short and unbalanced able, but they are difficult and waste- mineralized salt. rations.

POULTRY MEAT WALNUTS

(continued from page 5) (continued from page 3) were removed from the plantation favorite way of preparing chicken. Figure 1 gives the weight prefer- Roasting was favored by about 8 per ence of housewives who buy chickens to protect the other trees. cent, stewing by about 6.5 per cent, for frying. The Stabler made the poorest showing of the four. Although kernel quality was satisfactory and cracking fairly easy, the trees grew slowly and were late in bearing. They failed to set crops regularly, and frequently produced no crops when the other trees were bearing. These trees, too, were removed be- for the twenty years had passed because of canker infection. The chart on page 3 summarizes the growth and production characteristics of the four varieties tested in the Upshur County plantation. Commercial cracking plants pos- sess data which show kernel weight of selected variety nuts to be 20 to 30 per cent greater than kernels from run-of-woods nuts. Kernels from selected varieties mean more money on the cash market. Since black walnuts do not come true to seed, it is practically impossible to secure seedlings of uniform high quality from nuts. But any grower who can graft, bud, or top-work can introduce scion wood*

(continued on page 7) PERCENTAGES OF HOMEMAKERS PREFERRING FRYERS OF DIFFERENT READY-TO-COOK WEIGHTS Magnesium in West Virginia Soils

by G. G. Pohlman and W. R. Ross

|AGNESIUM deficiency is not tested medium with 200 to 300 lbs. probably been limed. Most of the common in West Virginia soils. available magnesium per acre, and agricultural limestones used in West This element, which is essential the remaining 7 showed over 300 Virginia contain some magnesium, for plant growth, usually exists in lbs. per acre. Although these figures and may be partly responsible for sufficient quantities to supply plant are not conclusive due to the small the increased content of the soils needs. number of samples studied, the with higher pH. Chemical analysis of rocks and trend (more than one half of the Parent Material Important soils in the State show that the mag- samples low or very low) may be nesium content of these materials is worth noting. Parent material seemed to have comparatively low. So it is possible, some influence Influencing Factors on the amount of with more intensive farming, for exchangeable magnesium. Two magnesium deficiency to become a In reviewing the factors that may sandstone soils, Clymer and Lehew, problem. Plants do not require have influenced the available mag- were generally lower in magnesium large amounts of magnesium, but nesium content of the various soil content than soils derived from finer it is essential to their proper growth samples, the Station workers noted materials. In general, samples taken and development. that soil acidity seemed closely re- from terrace soils tested low in mag- In order to determine specifically lated to magnesium availability. nesium. of the magnesium content some Table 1 shows the pH of the soil From the results of this study, it common West Virginia soils, agron- samples and its relationship to mag- appears that magnesium deficiency omists at the West Virginia Univer- nesium content. may not be expected commonly in sity Agricultural Experiment Sta- The soils that were most acid West Virginia soils that are limed to tion have collected and analyzed contained the least available mag- pH values optimum for common samples of 40 surface soils. These nesium. The 26 low or very low field crops. It may appear in very soils were collected from 12 coun- samples all were of pH less than 5.0. acid soils, or in soils limed with ag- ties, and represent 26 soil series. These samples were taken from land ricultural limestone that is low in that had been neither limed or fer- magnesium. Selected Samples tilized, and are somewhat indica- Care was taken to choose samples tive of the exchangeable magnesium G. G. POHLMAN is head of Department of Agronomy and Genetics and Agronomist. from areas where no commercial fer- content of West Virginia shale and WILLIAM ROBERT ROSS was a graduate sandstone soils. tilizer had been applied. However, assistant in agronomy at West Virginia The sample showing a of some of the soils tested had been pH University and is now with the Soils De- above 5.0 was from soils that had partment, University limed, and it may be that the lime- of Florida. stone contained some magnesium. The researchers found that ex- Table 1. Magnesium Content in Relation to Soil Acidity changeable magnesium, which is the magnesium that is available to No. Samples Having Exchangeable Magnesium Contents plants, was low or very low in over PH 200-300* "-I 100-200* 300-400* | 400-500* | half of the soils tested. Eighteen J samples tested low, with between 3.90-4.95 8 10 2

100 to 200 lbs. available magnesium 5.0-5.95 6 4 3 1 per acre; and 8 samples tested very 6.0-6.95 2 1 2 1 low, with less than 100 lbs. per acre. On the other hand, 7 soil samples

WALNUTS grow into superior walnut-produc- West Virginia University, for a copy ing limbs. of USDA Farmer's Bulletin 1567, en- (continued from page 6) Scion wood may be introduced titled "Propagation of Trees and from superior varieties onto native onto root stock at ground level, or Shrubs." walnut root stock. High quality onto branches in the tree top. Or- trees are available from commercial dinary grafting methods, familiar to are used in either case. nurseries. orchardists, Current Report No. 5 Higher yields, improved kernel Budding introduces only a single quality, more disease resistance, and bud onto the root stock. This pro- Some Aspects of Every-Other-Day a superior tree in general indicate cess is easier than grafting. Mill; Delivery reports on the keeping the value of selected varieties in Budding, grafting, and top-work- qua'ities of bottled milk in homes increasing the profit of the black ing permit a walnut grower to grow that receive milk only every other walnut industry in West Virginia. tested varieties of nuts on old trees day. Factors causing milk deterior- Editor's Note: Scion wood is that are healthy and well establish- ation are discussed, and suggestions taken from the growing tips of ed. Persons desiring more informa- made for preventing such deteriora- limbs ol the desired tree. Normally tion about budding, grafting, and tion. Write for your copy to Direc- Sta- it will be about lead-pencil size. This top working may write to Director, tor, Agricultural Experiment wood tarries the buds which will Agricultural Experiment Station, tion, West Virginia Univeristy. WATER

. . . can mean survival for thirsty plants in a hot dry summer like the last. The effects of this drouth, in terms of feed for livestock, will be felt all winter long. Prime requirement for an irrigation system is plenty of water—usually obtained from a flowing stream or farm pond. Pumping units are usually centrifugal pumps powered by gasoline engines or electric motors. Light- weight aluminum pipe is the best way to get water to the field. Shown below are test plots of a bluegrass- clover forage mixture growing at the Rey- mann Memorial Experimental Farms. The takes water from stream or farm pond. SUCTION HOSE bluegrass and clover have disappeared completely from the non-irrigated plot.

V H

til RRI 1 GATED! 3 PUMP UNIT pushes water through sprinklers. &'

IRRIGATION can mean life for legumes and grasses

land. SPRINKLER IRRIGATION is usually the best way to water thirsty crops on rolling West Virginia farm

Sprinklers in action at the Reymann Memori Experimental Farms at Wardensvi lie - July ' SERVES YOUR FARM

Bulletin 363, Part 2 Winter December 1953

'EST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Bulletin 363, Port 2 Winter

Annual Report, Parts Published Quarterly by AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION" West Virginia University Morgantown, W. Va. Acting Director, A. H. VanLandingham Editor John Luchok Assistant Editor Glenn D. Bengtson Photographer David R. Creel Publications Committee: H. L. Barnett. G. C Anderson, and O. J. Burger. Science Serves Your Farm will be sent free to any resident of West Virginia in response Report of A. H. VanLandingham, Acting Director to a written request to the Director, Agri- Annual cultural Experiment Station. West Vir- West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station ginia University, Morgantown, W. Va. For the Period 1952-1953

IN THIS ISSUE ON THE CALENDAR CHANGES \ on the PERSONNEL \ ^ PORTABLE STONE CRUSHER 6 SOILS POTASSIUM NEEDS OF \ DECIDUOUS HOLLY \ GARDEN LILY RESEARCH ° calender . . . -w CONTROL OF OAK WILT IN 1953 7 HEMORRHAGIC CONDITION IN CHICKS 8 GROWING GOOD PULLETS 9 February

COW STALL STUDIES J" 11, 12-13—State Horticulture Society Meet 11 BACTERIAL WILT OF SWEET CORN ing at Martinsburg. West Virginia LIST OF STATION PROJECTS 1 - 25—Meeting of the Upper Ohio Valley Horticulture Association at Wheeling NEW PUBLICATIONS \\ STAFF OF STATION 14 West Virginia. FINANCIAL STATEMENT J March lbJ NEW LILY VARIETIES 23—The West Virginia Potato Growers As sociation at Elkins, West Virginia. 25-26—State 4-H Ham & Bacon Show MBHHBHH9EI Clarksburg, West Virginia. 29-30-31—Farm Electrification Council Meel an oust c&uen ing at Jackson's Mill, Weston, West Vh ginia.

April

13-14-15—Livestock Round-up and Subjec "Dark Princess," a new lily distinguish- Matter Meeting at Jackson's Mill. Westoi ed by its dark-purple spots and dark West Virginia. border, is one of nine new varieties developed cooperatively by the West Vir- ginia University Agricultural Experiment Station and the Division of Ornamental peteOHstel cAaHfed Plant Crops and Diseases, USDA, Belts- 16. ville, Maryland. Other new lilies arc shown on page H. R. Varney. Director, accepted a poi The "Dark Princess," and the other new lilies released, tion as Chief of Staff for the Senate Cot under trial in practically passed their hardiness tests by growing mittee on Agriculture and Forestry, Was are being all the geographic areas of the country. Now they ington, D.C., for the period Feb. 1, 19 released for propagation by commercial lily bulb growers. to Feb. 1, 1954. So that West Virginia gardeners may see the "Dark Princess" A. H. VanLandingham, Assistant Din this they have been planted and the other new lilies summer, tor, was appointed Acting Director in I in the gardens of the Huntington Park Service and at Oglebay Varney's absence. Robert H. Black, As: was appoint Park, Wheeling. They also are being tested by the Kanawha ciate Animal Husbandman, Acting Assistant Director for the sai Garden Council in Charleston. period. The lily research program here at West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station, which includes a study of The following staff members receh Nov. 1, 1952: O. Burg cultural practices as well as the breeding of new varieties, will promotions since J. Assistant Agronomist to Associate Agrono benefit both the commercial bulb grower and people who like ist; W. H. Childs, Associate Horticultui Varieties which florists may to grow lilies in their gardens. to Horticulturist; John Luchok, Act: grow in greenhouses during the winter months are being Editor to Editor; O. E. Schubert, Assist: Horticultur developed. Horticulturist to Associate and E. H. Tryon, Associate Silvicultui to Silviculturist.

(continued on page 15) PORTABLE STONE CRUSHER

A. D. Longhouse, Agricultural Engineer and K. C. Westover, Horticulturist

THE PORTABLE STONE CRUSHER attached to tractor.

to do with field stones and hammer. The next problem was inches in size. This is not a large WHATlarge rocks that clutter up other- what to do with the stones. Just machine as stone crushers are built, wise tillable fields is a problem hauling them over to ditches or but it is ample for most farm opera- facing many farmers. Loading the hedge rows did not seem to be the tions. It is true that some of the stone on wagons or skids and haul- best answer, especially when this stone must be broken up by hand ing them to fence rows merely adds material, if broken up, could be with a sledge, but it is more econom- to the problem later on when new used in building the many thousands ical to do this than pay the price of a farm practices may require larger of feet of road needed about the larger crusher. Total cost of the fields and the subsequent removal farm. portable crusher ready for use was of these stones. Changing agricul- It was decided to construct a port- about $1,100. tural practices invariably are hin- able stone crusher which could be dered by field stone which interfere used on the farm during periods Construction Details with modern machinery regardless when work was scarce. This would of whether the crop is being planted, help balance the farm labor require- The trailer for the stone crusher cultivated, or harvested. Many fields ments throughout the year, and at is a heavy-duty rig with steel wheels in West Virginia will remain untill- the same time make the stone litter- and I-beam bed pieces on which are able until something can be done ing the fields serve a useful purpose. mounted the engine and crusher. with the stones they contain. Purchase of a new crusher was The over-all length of the trailer is Field stone and large rocks pro- economically out of the question. 9 feet. The crusher is mounted on truding the surface above of the Therefore, it was decided to try to the rear end of the trailer with the ground were a serious problem in purchase a used crusher that could throat toward the rear, so that stone rebuilding the Reedsville Sub-Ex- be mounted on a trailer and be may be placed in by workmen stand- periment Station Farm. Breaking powered by an engine used on some ing at the back. As the stones are up the large boulders that protrud- farm machinery. It was not difficult crushed they fall through the throat ed above ground was partially ac- to locate a used stone crusher that just ahead of the rear axle on to a complished by dynamite and an air would handle stone to up 7 by 12 (continued on page 13)

REMOVING CRUSHED STONE LAYING THE ROADBED S

Potassium Needs

Of Different W. Vo. Soils

H. W. Foirchild, C. B. Sperow, S. N. Little N. M. Baughman, and G. G. Pohlman

**>- POTASH FERTILIZER made a big difference in this clover. Fertilizer used in pot at left, none in pot at right.

project to study the potassium sium to Ladino clover plants at showed 98 pounds of K.v O recovered, status of several soil types in three levels of potassium nutrition. indicating that they had used all of A West Virginia was started by the the 71 pounds applied, plus an ad- Differences in Soils West Virginia University Agricul- ditional 27 pounds from some other tural Experiment Station in the Without potassium fertilization, source in the soil. spring of 1951. Primary aims were: Upshur clay supplied about eight Percentagewise, in the six harvests To estimate the natural ability of times as much potassium as Frede- of Ladino clover, less potassium was several soils to supply potassium to rick loam; emphasizing the great dif- recovered from soils fertilized at a growing plants. ferences that exist in the natural rate of 141 pounds than at 71 To discover if and what soils fertility of West Virginia soils. The pounds. This indicates greater ef- would produce increased yield of soils tested differed greatly in their ficiency of potassium assimilation Ladino clover upon the addition of ability to release potassium, which from soil at the lower level of potas- potassium fertilizer. had been applied as fertilizer, to sium fertilization. To find out how long the effect the Ladino clover plants. When of one application of potassium fer- potassium fertilizer was applied at Yield Response to tilizer lasted in soil. the rate of 71 pounds per acre, Added Potassium Ten major soil types were selected plants growing on Tilsit loam re- On nine out of ten soils, Ladino for study. Bulk samples of each covered only 18 pounds of K o 0, type were secured in different areas while plants growing on Clymer clover responded to 71 pounds of and brought to Morgantown for loam recovered 63 pounds. The potassium fertilizer. This is about

greenhouse study. They were dried, plants growing on Cavode clay loam (continued on page 13) screened, limed to pH 6.5, and pot- ted in quart cans. Phosphate fer- 1. (in per Table Potassium Removed Pounds of K 2 Acre) by Ladino tilizer at the equivalent rate of 1,500 Clover Plants Growing on 10 West Virginia Soils pounds per acre of 0-20-0 fertilizer was added to insure good phosphate Sample A 1 Sample B 2 Sample C 3 nutrition of the plants. Three rates Soil Type Lbs. Lbs. % Lbs. % of potassium fertilization were es- Removed Removed Recovered Removed Recovered tablished—zero, seventy-one, and 142 pounds per acre. In late March, Frederick loam 87 120 46.5 139 36.6 1951, the cans were seeded with in- Monongahela loam . 95 156 S5.9 168 51.4 oculated Ladino clover seed. Six 124 33.8 188 62.0 harvests of hay were taken over a period of more than a year. Each Cookport loam 111 152 57.7 214 72.5 plant sample was air dried, weighed, 113 131 25.3 160 33.1 and analyzed for potassium content. 124 1S6 87.3 212 62.0

Table 1 shows the performance of 132 195 88.7 206 52.1 the ten soil types in supplying potas- Cavode clay loam .. 434 532 138.0* 451 12.0

H. W. FAIRCHILD is Assistant Agronomist 563 614 71. 595 22.5 C. B. SPEROW is Assistant in Agronomy. S. N. LITTLE was formerly an Assistant 799 847 67.6 S86 6.13 in Agronomy. X. M. BAUGHMAN is Assistant Agronomist. G. G. POHLMAN *Probably due to experimental error. iSample A received no fertilizer treatment. is' Agronomist and Head of Agronomy and 2Sample B received an application of 71 lbs. K = per acre. Genetics. -Sample C received an application of 141 lbs. K 2 per acre. 4 Deciduous Holly A New Ornamental Crop

0. M. Neal, Assistant Horticulturist

DECIDUOUS HOLLY prunings help make attractive table arrangement. Also used for other decorations.

Virginia has several native West WEST Virginia Agricultural Experi- pounds. If the annual yield should plants which show much promise ment Station decided to make a prove to be as low as two pounds as a source of income to nursery- study of the species. per mature plant however, cultiva- men and farmers, and for use in In the fall of 1946, a particularly tion of Virginia winterberry would landscaping home grounds. heavy-fruiting clone of this holly be commercially feasible, as there Ilex verticillata, the Virginia win- was observed growing in a swampy would be over 1,000 plants per acre. terberry, is one of the most promis- area of the Reedsville Experiment Observation over this seven-year ing of these. This is a red-fruited Farm. Nurserymen and florists period has shed some light on the native, deciduous holly, which holds agreed that they had never seen reason for crop failures in certain its berries in a bright red condition such heavy-fruited prunings. Dur- years. Three possible causes were horn the time the leaves fall in ing the summer of 1947, a male considered: (1) Alternate bearing, October until sometime in Decem- plant was marked. On April 4, as in some varieties of apple, like ber or January, depending on the 1948, portions of both the male and the York, in which such a heavy weather. Although usually found female selections were dug, divided, crop is borne one year that little growing in damp soil, its use is not and set in two short bigamous rows, food reserve can be stored for the limited to such sites, so that it can four females to each male. The next year, resulting in a very heavy be used satisfactorily for landscap- plants were set six feet apart in the crop one year and a very light crop ing purposes. However, its princi- rows with twelve feet between rows, the next. This reason appears logi- pal value and use at the present on a site adjacent to the original cal, as deciduous holly bears a very time is for the prunings used by plants. The space between rows heavy crop of berries. (2) Another florists in wreaths, table arrange- has since been reduced to six feet explanation advanced is poor weath- ments, and other decorations from by additional plantings. er for pollinating insects when the October until after Christmas. The Growth was poor during the first plants are in flower. If it is cold demand for these prunings is sup- three years because it was not pos- and wet, insects will work the flow- plied at present from limited nur- sible to give the plants proper care; ers little, and pollination will be sery plantings collections in and the however, growth has been excellent poor. (3) The third explanation and wild. The supply often is inade- the last three years. The first crop perhaps the most common reason quate, of poor quality, and some- was harvested this fall, and twelve for any fruit crop failure is late times nonexistent because the shrubs pounds were obtained from eight spring frosts. During the seven fail to set fruit. Quality is deter- plants. Yield varied between plants years the plants have been under mined by the berry load, so desirable from one-fourth pound from the observation the crop failed only plants selected from the wild should lowest yielding plant to six pounds once. This would tend to rule out set fruit heavily. from the highest yielding plant. alternate bearing as an explanation, Since this plant had not been There were two reasons for the dif- as four heavy crops were borne in studied intensively, little was known ferent yield between plants. First, succession. The plants flower in Sbout its culture, the reason for some plants were larger than others, late June or early July when the pci iodic crop failures, etc. However, and, second, half the plants were weather is usually warm and fair, it was known that hollies are dioeci- pruned heavily and half lightly to resulting in active insects and good ous ("only male or only female flow- determine how much wood can be pollination. This late flowering fflrs borne on the same plant) and removed annually without decreas- date, nearly two months after the Ba( both male and female plants ing succeeding crops. Prunings were peach is through, would tend to rule tii ust be present il berries are to be sold for .$.30 per pound. It is to out frost injury as well. However, Broduced. Because of its potential be expected that all plants will ulti- it was noted that the flowers are value to West Virginia nurserymen mately be larger than the heavily borne on current season's growth, and farmers, horticulturists at the pruned plant that yielded six (continued on page 1 1) 1

Garden Lily Research in West Virginia

by S. L. Emsweller, O. M. Neal, and R. N. Stewart

lily breeding and production ing conducted on methods of propa- cultural practices before recommen- THEprogram now being conducted at gation outdoors, on spacing of dations can be made. Many garden the Reedsville Experiment Farm planting stock, and yields that may lilies are grown from seed and work in Preston County is designed to be expected from planting stock of is now under way at Reedsville to de- develop improved varieties of gar- various sizes. termine the optimum time for plant- den lilies and to determine the best Garden lilies are rapidly becoming seed. Since named varieties do cultural practices for their producing of greater importance in gardens not come true from seed, however, tion under West Virginia condi- than formerly and there is an in- they must be propogated asexually. tions. This work is cooperative be- creasing demand for bulbs. It is This is best done by scaling the bulb. tween the West Virginia University believed that here is a crop that Lily bulbs are composed of segments Agricultural Experiment Station may eventually be of interest to called scales. These are attached and the United States Department West Virginia farmers located in to the base of the bulb much like of Agriculture. the higher altitudes and with small the segments of a globe artichoke. The hybridization work is carried acreages of level tillable land avail- When these scales are removed from out in the field at Reedsville able. Lilies thrive best where days a lily bulb and planted about 1 to and in the greenhouses of the Plant and nights are cool, and such condi- 2 inches deep, they soon form small Industry Station of the United States tions do exist in many areas of West bulblets at the base. These bulblets Department of Agriculture at Belts- Virginia. develop into large bulbs that are ville, Maryland. The seedlings are identical with the bulb from which required to grown for 1 or 2 years at Beltsville Lilies Graded they came. The time and then planted in field plots at grow salable bulbs from scales varies Reedsville. Final selections are Lilies are graded by the circum- with varieties, and the proper time made at Reedsville, the selected ference of the bulb and bulbs of to scale and subsequent methods of plants are then propagated at Belts- many varieties, 6 inches and over handling under West Virginia con- ville, and the planting stock is re- are regarded as salable. In a small- ditions also remain to be worked turned to Reedsville for increase in scale experiment conducted at the field. Reedsville, three kinds of lilies were used. They were the Aurelian Hy- Future Work Results brids, the Potomac Hybrids, and Lilium speciosum rubrum. The There is little or no information Results so far attained indicate bulbs were graded for size. It was available on fertilizers for lilies, and that good quality garden lily bulbs found that 3-inch bulbs of all these work along this line will be done can be produced at the Reedsville varieties produced a high percent- at Reedsville as sufficient uniform farm at an elevation of about 1,700 age of salable sizes in 2 years. stocks of lilies become available. feet. At present experiments are be- Much work must still be done on Since lilies are a relatively new crop much work is needed to deter- AURELIN HYBRID—This 16-inch bulb (circumference) differs from the onion mine optimum planting dates, spac- and other bulbs in that its scales are not enclosed. The bulb must be kept moist ing and depth of planting. As this until it is planted. Also, the roots should be kept alive until the bulb is planted. information is acquired it will be made available through Experiment Station publications.

S. L. EMSWELLER is Head, Division of Ornamental-Plant Crops and Diseases, j Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agri- cultural Engineering. Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland. O. M. NEAL is Assistant Horticulturist. R. N. STEWART is Geneticist, Division of Or- namental-PIant Crops and Diseases. Bureau of Plant Industry, and Agricultural En- gineering, Agricultural Research Service,! USDA, Beltsville. Maryland.

Editor's Note: An excellent story of USDA research at the Beltsville Station was published in the August, 1953, issue of Nationa Geographic magazine. Page 207 of thij magazine shows a full-color photograph ol Dr. Emsweller and several of the lilie: with which he has been working. Thes< lilies were developed from the same parent: as the Potomac hybrids. Black and white pictures of these paren plants, auralum and speciosum, may b< seen on page 14 in the September, 1950 issue of Science Serves Your Farm. Control of Oak Wilt Disease in 1953

by R. P. True and F. Waldo Craig

1953 100 more than new oak searchers in 1952 (4). A control pro- able information concerning the INwilt trees were found in West Vir- gram, to be effective, must cause disease. ginia. The disease has now been these trees to be properly utilized There were 106 oak wilt infected found in 26 counties, but the pro- or destroyed before the bark cracks trees located in West Virginia dur- gress of the program and the com- form, exposing the fragrant fungus ing 1953 by the combined effort of paratively small number of known mats below to which the nitidulid the cooperating agencies and the as- diseased trees suggests that the idea beetles are attracted. sistance given by interested foresters of controlling oak wilt is a practical More information is needed on and citizens. In addition, the sur- one. how frequently diseased trees pro- vey located a few more oaks with The control of the oak wilt dis- duce these mats, at what seasons and oak wilt symptoms near diseased ease in West Virginia has been a for how long they may serve as trees and inspected 75 locations shared responsibility. West Virginia sources of inoculum. We think that where the disease had been found University was chiefly responsible under some weather conditions they in 1951-52. In this latter case, only- for learning basic research informa- may not form. They may form the four new oak wilt trees were found. tion on which a sound program of same summer that the trees die, or The survey included airplane control could be established. The during the following fall or spring. and ground observation. The plane State Conservation Commission un- Some mats formed in the fall may covered all of Pendleton and Boone persist dertook to find the diseased trees during the winter. Curl (1) counties, the northern half of Logan within the areas where the formal has found that in Illinois some fun- County and a 10 per cent strip sur- survey was carried out. This they gus mats are exposed throughout vey of the remainder of the State. did with the use of an airplane and the season, but that they are most The areas where oak wilt was known specially trained personnel who abundant in spring. to occur in 1951-52 and the areas spotted and sampled the diseased Many West Virginia oak wilt trees where the airplane spotted diseased trees and sent samples to the Uni- have been found too far from other trees in 1953 were scouted intensive- versity for confirmation. To the dead or diseased trees to have be- ly from the ground. Many roads State Department of Agriculture fell come infected through root graft traveled by the personnel of the the responsibility for destroying or transmission. A considerable num- cooperating agencies were surveyed overseeing the proper safe utiliza- ber have had easily visible wounds repeatedly during the summer. tion of the diseased trees found so to which nitidulid beetles might Trees were processed by cutting that these trees would not serve as have been attracted. Wounds that and burning or safely utilizing the centers for further disease spread. bruise the bark and open an en- trunk and burning the stump and The results of this joint endeavor as trance into the moist cambium re- slash. The trunks used were sprayed carried gion between wood are especially s/ on in 1953 are reported here. with a solution of 4 lbs. of benzene attractive to these insects. The chief research accomplish- The re- hexachloride (36 per cent gamma) sults to wounding studies in rela- ment of 1953 related to the control in two gallons of kerosene. tion to insect transmission of disease of the oak wilt disease was the simul- There have been 211 oak wilt in West Virginia and elsewhere taneous success of field experiments (2) trees found since the survey started (3, 5) suggest strongly that wounds in 1951, 55 in 1952, and 106 in in West Virginia (2) and Iowa (5); made during the spring months are which showed that various species 1953. The more intensive survey more likely to become infected than of beetles belonging to the family of 1953 was surely responsible for those made at other seasons. Nitidulidae can carry the spores of the increase in the number of trees As these and other pertinent facts the oak wilt fungus from sporulat- found, and the greater number of are established, they can be reflected ing fungus mats to wounds in trees found should not be considered in the nature of the control program as healthy trees and so transmit the an indication of a spread of the which each year is based the best disease by overland spread. on disease. information available at the time The 1953 oak wilt trees were con- If this should prove to be the and may itself be a source of valu- continued on page II) only means of overland disease transmission, and it now seems like- Table 1. Oak Wilt Trees Processed in West Virginia in ly to be the most important, it 1953 would indicate that diseased trees Number are not dangerous sources of inocu- of Trees Type of Operation lum for overland spread to distant Confirmed Suspected as Oak Wilt Having Oak Wilt Total trees, until and unless the fungus mats formed beneath the bark arc- 1953 oak wilt trees opened to insects by the cracking of 51 22 73 the bark b) fungus pressure cush- 1953 oak wilt trees cut ions. The importance and mode of and piled to be burned operation of these cushions was first 31 21 52 pointed out b) West Virginia re- 1951-52 oak wilt trees 46 G 52 ft. P. TRUE i^ Associate Plan! Pathologist. Total trees processed i» 1953 177* I. WALDO CRAIG is Entomologist, Wesi Virginia ot Department Agriculture. i m nty-four 1953 oak wilt trees still remain standing, to be processed after fire season.

7 A Hemorrhagic Condition In Chicks

by J. K. Bletner, G. C. Anderson, C. E. Weakley, and J. H. Hare

HEMORRHAGES that caused high were found in the covering of the reporting any difficulty such as was mortality in chicks were unex- brain, inside the intestines, and in noted here, it appeared that some pectedly encountered during the various parts of the respiratory sys- of our feedstuffs might differ in course of nutritional studies at the tem. Hemorrhages in the brain and quality from those used by other West Virginia LTniversity Agricul- the respiratory system did not need investigators. ration tural Experiment Station's chick nu- to be large to be fatal. The simplified basal used in these studies was of trition laboratory two years ago. In the study in which this condi- composed yellow corn meal, 60 per cent; sol- Since that time commercial broiler tion was first observed the losses extracted soybean oil producers in widely separated areas began when the chicks were about vent (hexane) cent; steamed bone have experienced losses due to hem- three weeks old. Total mortality meal, 35 per orrhages in their chicks. The post was approximately 10 per cent dur- meal, 2.5 per cent; limestone flour, mortem lesions in chicks from com- ing the next three weeks. In sub- 1 .5 per cent; iodized salt, 1 per cent; cent: mercial flocks resemble closely those sequent studies mortality from hem- manganese sulfate, 0.03 per fish liver oil concentrate, 0.2 per found in laboratory chicks, but other orrhage was noted as early as the cent; crystalline riboflavin, 150 mil- symptoms are different. The labora- end of the first week of the chick's ligrams per 100 pounds of ration; tory chicks are kept on wire floors. life. Losses during the six-week crystalline vitamin 750 Most commercially grown broiler experimental period ranged as high and B 1L„ per 100 pounds of ra- chicks are grown on solid floors and, as 80 per cent in certain lots of micrograms tion. This ration supports good thus, have access to their own drop- chicks. pings. This difference in the man- growth and feathering in battery- When the hemorrhages were first agement of the flocks may account reared chicks to six weeks of age. observed there was reason to believe for some of the differences in the It contains no feedstuffs that are they were caused by a deficiency of symptoms. However, results of ex- considered to be rich in vitamin K vitamin K. Support for this belief perimental work conducted in the and is somewhat low in fat (solvent was obtained by determining the West Virginia laboratory may be of extracted soybean oil meal usually length of time required for the blood value in helping combat this condi- contains less than 1 per cent fat). from experimental chicks to form tion in commercial flocks. Pour different samples of solvent clots. These chicks had much long- Many of the hemorrhages found extracted soybean oil meal have been er blood clotting times than chicks in the laboratory chicks were large— used. Two of the samples produced from the same hatch fed a more particularly those found under the chicks with high blood clotting times complex ration. A massive dose of skin, between muscles, and in the and high mortality, while the other vitamin K (10 milligrams of mena- body cavity. Smaller hemorrhages two produced chicks with high directly dione) in corn oil was placed blood clotting times but with no K. is Assistant Poultry Hus- into the crops of the experimental J. BLETNER mortality. A sample of soybean bandman. G. C. ANDERSON is Associate 24 hours their blood chicks. Within oil meal that caused mortality due Animal Husbandman. C. E. WEAKLEY is clotting times were within the nor- Associate Agricultural Biochemist. H. to hemorrhage in one trial produced J. range. Since other investiga- HARE was formerly Associate Agricultural mal similar results when used in succes- tors similar rations without Biochemist. had used sive trials. This showed that the meal was a causative factor. HEMORRHAGE IN BRAIN HEMORRHAGE IN BREAST Whenever the chicks were fed the experimental ration supplemented with good sources of vitamin K, such as alfalfa meal, soybean oil, expeller processed soybean oil meal, and either fresh or dried droppings, normal blood clotting times and no mortality resulted. The addition of menadione, a source of vitamin K, at recommended levels stopped mortality within 24 hours but did not consistently reduce blood clotting times to normal. Increasing the level of menadione further reduced blood clotting times. Present-day broiler rations contain certain drugs to control coccidiosis and other drugs to stimulate growth. Some poultry authorities believe certain drugs or combinations of drugs are responsible for the appearance of the hemorrhages and the

(continued on page 11) Growing Good Pullets

by J. K. Blerner, C. J. Cunningham and T. B. Clark

raising is not a compli- obtained for any PULLET one method were range lots but their feed cost less cated job, but a poultryman can not consistent. The method that money than those fed a regular growl- easily be confused by the sugges- produced the best pullets in one ing mash. Feed consumption in the I tions made by "the experts." The year produced the poorest pullets in laying pens appeared to be affected question of how a good, well-bred another year (Table 1). Egg size by many factors. The results were ' chick must be raised to insure that varied with the length of time re- somewhat inconsistent. The method it will capable | be of performing in quired for the lots to start laying. used for growing the pullets did not the laying i house to the full extent of The earlier maturing lots usually appear to have any effect on mature its inherited ability is being debated laid the smaller eggs, whereas the body weight or on mortality. I wherever poultrymen gather. This late maturing lots laid the largest I is not a new question. It has been eggs. Restricting range grown pul- On the basis of these preliminary I debated ever since commercial poul- lets to about 76 per cent of the feed experiments it appears that a poul- I try raising tryman's came into being. Experi- consumed by full-fed range lots or choice of a method for L ment stations have studied the prob- feeding only whole grains and oyster growing pullets should depend on lem for many years. the following: j shells during the growing period Poultrymen must review the gen- delayed the start of egg production. 1. Type of pullet desired—early I eral methods of growing pullets and Pullets fed in this way generally laid maturing with small eggs or I make several decisions. First, should the largest eggs. Pullets confined to later maturing with larger eggs. li the pullets be grown in confinement a house during the growing period I such as in a large brooder house, were the first to come into produc- 2. Available buildings for confine- or should they be grown on a range? tion and laid the smallest eggs. Full- ment growing. I Next, if the pullets are to be grown fed range pullets were usually inter- 3. Available land for range—rela- [ on a range, should they be full-fed mediate in egg production. or should restricted tively free of predatory animals, [ a feeding pro- Since pullets grown in confine- uninviting to thieves, and so gram be followed? Finally, if a ment must be given all the feed they situated as to restricted feeding is fol- not create an ex- j program want, these lots consumed the most lowed, should cessive demand for labor. | they use a limited feed during the growing period. This

. amount of feed or just reduce the usually was about 10 per cent more More critical studies are being ration to whole grains and minerals? than full-fed range lots. The whole made of the more promising meth- The West Virginia University Ag- grain-oyster shell lots usually con- ods observed in the preliminary ex- ricultural Experiment Station has sumed about as much feed as full-fed periments. I grown pullets on all of the above

| listed methods and has studied var- Table 1. Per cent of I iations of several of them. In this Egg Production of Flocks Used in Station I series of experiments all chicks were Studies grown in a brooder until j house they I were at least eight to twelve weeks Method used during - Series I Series II Series III Series IV Series 1 1 r- of age. growing period V Series VI j They were then moved

I from the brooder house to the range lor growing house. When the pul- Full-fed, range, mash and grain .. 51.46 52.53 44.63 55.35 54.56-1 59.29 4 l| lets were 26 to 28 weeks of age they were placed in laying pens. During Limited, 2 hours, 7 days per week .... 54.36 I the brooding period (the first eight to twelve weeks) and during the lay- Limited, 2 hours, 5 days per week .... 49.92 ing period, all lots in any one year were given the same feed and care. Limited, morning Records were kept on egg production, egg weight, body weight, feed Limited, afternoon consumed, j mortality, and other factors. Twenty-seven different lots of Full-fed, 6 days pullets were studied during a six-

year period. Full-fed. all mash .... 47.23 Results of in- these experiments Full-fed, confined .... 49.87 56.99 50.77 48.35 mcated that good pullets can be pro- Full-fed, reduced duced on any of the growing meth- 55.94 ods studied. Production figures for Full-fed, ground the year did differ not enough to grain & minerals .. 59.43 indicate that any one method was Full-fed, whole

Sfiperior to the others. results 3 The grains & nun' ra 1 58.22 54.40" 55.14

K. HI. J. I J. \ER fsee page 8). C. J. lAverage of two lots. ; CUNNINGHAM is Associate Animal Hus- 2AU lots bad Newea tie disease during January.

'in. i; were batched I week earlier than confined lots. bandman. T. li. CLARK is Associate Poul- iCblcki ..•I" batched i weel earllei than confined lots. try Husbandman. Mr ' chicks bad an outbreak or epidemic tremors during the broodl 9 Hue Cow Stall Pj^|(j Studies

I. D. Porterfield Associate Dairy Husbandman and

A. D. Longhouse Agricultural Engineer

EARLIER COW STALL studies revealed that it's easier for cows to rest in modern comfort stall. Cows kept in the comfort stall had fewer injuries, were cleaner, and produced more milk than those kept in tie chain stalls. In new studies the comfort stall is being compared with modified comfort stall and the stanchion stall.

WEST Virginia University Agricul- stall. They are the modified com- lying down, and cleanliness. The tural Engineers and Dairy Hus- fort stall and the stanchion stall. Standard Equipment Company, Bel bandmen are continuing to The latter is familiar to most dairy- Aire, Md., is cooperating in the new study various types of cow stalls men, but the modified comfort stall study. at the University's Dairy Farm in is relatively new. These stalls are Dairymen visiting the University Morgantown. the same width as the comfort stall Dairy Farm are encouraged to see A four-year cow stall study, com- (comfort stall measures 49 by 84 the stalls that are now being studied pleted in 1951, revealed that cows inches), however, they are one foot and seek the comments of Clark kept in comfort stalls (Hoard-type) shorter in platform length. Taylor, Farm Superintendent, in re- had fewer injuries, were cleaner, Data measuring the performance gard to the performance of the cows and produced more milk than those of cows in these stalls are not com- in each stall. kept in tie chain stalls. The complete. Information being obtained A bulletin summarizing four years fort stall is larger than the tie chain is similar to that taken in the origin- of research comparing the comfort stall. al cow stall study. This includes in- with the tie chain stall is now being Two other types of stalls are now formation on production, injuries, prepared. Results of new research being compared with the comfort amount of bedding used, time spent will be reported when available.

A WORD ABOUT NEW PUBLICATIONS . . .

The Fluidized-Grain Conveyor— in Dairy Husbandry; R. S. Dunbar, Roger W. Pease, Assistant Horticul b\ A. D. Longhouse, Agricultural Jr., Associate Dairy Husbandman; turist, Circular 90, January, 1954. Engineer, and H. P. Simons, Chem- and H. O. Henderson, Dairy Hus- This Circular describes a method of ical Engineer, West Virginia Uni- bandman and Head of Dairy Hus- growing chestnuts from seed that is versity Engineering Experiment Sta- bandry, Circular 89, December, suitable for the non-commercial tion, Bulletin 364, December, 1953. 1953. This Circular contains results grower. Describes in detail a method This bulletin contains results of re- of a study conducted jointly by the for fall planting of chestnuts. Con- search conducted in construction Department of Dairy Husbandry tains sections on how to care for and operation of a fluidized-grain and the West Virginia Artificial nuts prior to planting, treating nuts conveyor. Publication contains pic- Breeders Cooperative, Inc., to deter- for worms, planting procedures, care tures and drawings showing the con- mine the amount of, and reasons of seedlings, and transplanting seed- veyor in detail. Bulletin includes for, crossbreeding being practiced in lings. sections on construction details, op- the dairy herds of the State and to All Experiment Station publica- eration, application and uses of the obtain general information concern- tions are available to any resident of conveyor, and power requirements. ing the artificially bred herds in the West Virginia. You may obtain cop Crossbreeding in the W.Va. Arti- State. Would be of interest to dairy- ies by writing to the Director in county ficial Breeders Association—by ]. T. men. Morgantown or from your Godfrey, former graduate assistant Growing Chestnuts from Seed—by agricultural agent. 10 Bacterial Wilt of Sweet Corn

by Edward S. Elliott, Assistant Plant Pathologist

most destructive outbreak of the bacteria which they have been ant varieties has probably THEbacterial not been wilt of sweet corn that carrying to the young plant. New as thorough as it should have been. has been observed in many years generations of the beetles then carry Some of the recently introduced hy- occurred in West Virginia and many the disease from plant to plant brid varieties are not wilt resistant. other states in 1953. Bacterial wilt, thoughout the growing season. One of the first and still possibly also known as Stewart's disease, is Bacterial wilt is easily identified the best resistant variety is Golden most damaging to early varieties early in the season. The young corn Cross Bantam. Other resistant varie- of sweet corn. Field corn is not or- is stunted and wilted by the disease. ties include Aristogold, Hoosier dinarily as susceptible to the disease. Long pale green or yellow streaks Gold, Marcross, Carmeleross, Io- The severity of the disease in any often appear on the leaves. As the chief, and Ioana. season is directly related to the cold- plants grow, the disease is spread to Most field corn varieties are rela- ness of the previous winter. A mild healthy plants by the feeding insects. tively resistant. Infected plants winter results in more bacterial wilt On the larger plants, bacterial wilt is rarely die before they tassel. the following summer. A series of not so easily identified; there it may Seed of many non-resistant relatively sweet mild winters allows the cause only local narrow streaks. As corn varieties are on the market. If disease to become more destructive the corn approaches maturity, the the winter is mild in this region, each year. The recent mild winters only indication of the infection may it would be profitable for anyone in this region allowed the disease to be many streaks of dead tissue in buying sweet corn seed in the spring build up to epidemic proportions the leaves. to make sure that it is one of the this past summer. The use of sweet corn varieties good, resistant varieties, such as The bacteria which cause the dis- resistant to the disease is the best those suggested above. ease are usually carried through the means of controlling bacterial wilt. The spread of the disease during winter in the bodies of a tiny flea Resistant varieties will not elimin- the growing season can be controlled beetle which feeds on corn. Greater ate the disease, but a much higher to some extent by making weekly numbers of these adult flea beetles yield can be expected than if sus- applications of DDT or Methoxy- live through mild winters than ceptible varieties are planted. Except chlor to kill the corn flea beetles. through cold winters. They feed on for the past year the disease has not Apply H/ lbs. of actual insecticide germinating corn the following 2 been a major problem since the per acre. Best method of control, spring and in the process transfer 1930's, thus the testing of new resist- however, is use of resistant varieties.

OAK WILT 5. Norris, Dale M., "Insect Transmission DECIDUOUS HOLLY of Oak Wilt in Iowa." Plant Disease Re- (continued from page 7) porter 37.417-418, August 15, 1953. (continued from page J centrated in three areas: the Eastern 5) as with the grape, J and that the buds ' Panhandle, the southwestern coun- HEMORRHAGIC CONDITION are present many weeks I lies of Kanawha, Boone, Mingo, before they r (continued from page 8) open. In 1949, it was found Wayne, Lincoln, Cabell, and Put- that mortality. None of the drugs or they are tender during this nam, and the counties of Marshall, period. combinations of the drugs studied Heavy frosts on May ' Monongalia, Wetzel, Tyler, and 29 and June 9 have had any consistent effect on that year killed the buds, and there Doddridge. Even within these areas, blood clotting times. Even com- was no fruit. - further concentration occurred. In It is believed that binations of extremely high levels this is the reason for most crop I Pendleton County, 52 oak wilt trees of such drugs when included in the failures. were located in the western half of experimental ration containing 2 file county and only three in the Observations to date justify draw- per cent alfalfa meal had no notice- eastern half. There were no oak ing several rather definite conclu- able effect on clotting times. sions. These are as • ;'wih trees found in the southeastern follows: Limited observations in West Vir- hall of Boone County, but 15 were 1. ginia of commercially-grown broiler A 6 by 6-foot planting distance 1 located in the northwestern half. is satisfactory. chicks having symptoms of a hem- Literature Cited orrhagic condition have failed to re- 2. Plantings containing both sexes I 1. Curl. E. A. "Studies on the Availability veal any chicks with prolonged on frost-free sites will seldom, if of Oak Will Inoculum in Illinois" (Abs.) blood clotting times. Workers in ever, MPhytopath 43:469. 1953. experience a crop failure. other states - Dorsey, C. K., F. F. Jewell, G. have sometimes obtain- J. Leach, 3. A female plant and a male and R. p. True. "Experimental Tranmis- ed beneficial results from giving plant on the home grounds should jon '.I Oak Wilt 1j\ Four Species of Nitidu- vitamin K to commercial flocks suf- lidae." Plant provide enough primings for decor- Disease Reporter 37:419-420. fering from hemorrhages. Their Augusi V,. vr,?,. ating a home. i csults have not consistent. 3 Jeffrey, A. R.. "The Relation of Oak been Wounds Made During Spring Wood Forma Thus, the exact relationship of 4. This plant should be an excel- 'ion lo Transmission of Oak Will." Plant the laboratory observations to the lent addition to the list of cash crops Diseasi Reporter, Nov. I",. 1953. hemorrhagic conditions found in on relatively small acreages in West I (,.. ( Leach, /. . K. Dorsey, R. I>. True, '"'' commercial chirks is not clear at Virginia. II. L. Barnett., "Insects and the Oal Will Fungus." Science Serves Your Farm, this time. Laboratory studies of Plantings cm be obtained from Decern bei IT,2. this problem are being continued. many nurseries.

11 These station projects were active in the year 1952-53

charac- Maintaining profitable stands of alfalfa (Abbreviations for funds supporting pro- Study of the design and operating teristics of a grain conveyor using fluidi- (RM 10; coop. Plant Pathology) jects: A.—Adams; BJ—Bankhead-Jones; M in corn (RM 22; coop. Rey- —Northeastern Region Research and Mar- zation principles (S 63; coop. Engineering Weed control Station) mann Farms) keting; NEM—Northeastern Region (mar- Experiment exploratory investigations Forage crops varieties, strains, and species keting). Research and Marketing; RM- Preliminary and (S for W.Va. (RM 26, NE 10) Rcsearch and Marketing; P-Purnell; SCS pertaining to agricultural engineering —Soil Conservation Service; S—State; USDA 97) influencing the —United States Department of Agriculture. Determination of factors Animal Husbandry drying rates of grains (P 55; coop. Engi- neering Experiment Station) Administration Effect of selection in cross breeding on Investigations to determine the optimum broilers within certain heavy breeds of Title stall for dairy cows (RM 5: coop. Dairy Planning Cooperative Research under chickens (A 7; coop. Reymann Farms) and Marketing Act Husbandry) I of the Research Improving marketing value of turkeys bv To determine the most efficient and eco- iRM 11) cross breeding (PUBLICATION ONLY) characteristics of biological vari- nomical methods of removing manure Statistical (BJ 5) (Hatch and litter from dairy barns (RM 6; ables 3) Breeding efficiency of dairy cows (BJ 42; coop. Dairy Husbandry) coop. Dairy Husbandry) Agricultural Biochemistry Design, construction, and testing long hay- thyroid stimulants and de- blowers (RM 15) The effects of fattening of Unidentified growth factors in proteins Study of the design and operating charac- pressants on growth and teristics of a barn baled hay drier using swine (PUBLICATION ONLY) (BJ 47) I A 13) \scorbic acid metabolism (PUBLICATION supplemental heat (RM 21) Effect of heredity and environment on keel ONLY) (BJ 48; coop. Home Economics) A study of some of the factors involved in deformities in White Leghorns (BJ 53) Factors needed to supplement rations for using supplemental irrigation on W.Va. Effect of prophylactics and therapeutics for satisfactory growth, reproduction and pastures (RM 24; coop. Dairy Husbandry, controlling coccidia in chickens (BJ 55; lactation (BJ 51) Agronomy) coop. Reymann Farms) Miscellaneous chemical investigations (S 5) Nutritional requirements of the brood sow poultry feeds (S 68) Glycine content of Agronomy and Genetics (BJ 64) (P 57; Broiler rations for high efficiency Legume grass silage vs. corn silage for win- Husbandry) coop. Animal Corn genetics and breeding (BJ 3; Reymann tering beef cows (S 53; coop. Agricultural in W.Va. Human nutritional status studies Farms, Ohio Valley Farm, University Ex- Biochemistry, Reymann Farms) Economics) KM 7. NE 4; coop. Home periment Farm, N. E. Corn Conference, Coccidiosis and Newcastle disease (S 88) intake to nutri- Relationship of nutrient W.Va. Extension Service) Exploratory or preliminary investigations subjects (RM 39, tional status in human Reclaiming eroded soils (BJ 17; coop. For- on diseases, feeding, and management of Economics, Univer- NE 16; coop. Home estry, Reymann Farms, SCS. USDA) farm animals (S 89) Service) a sity Health The effect of fertilizer treatments and Floor space requirements of broilers in systems on the yield and quality centrally heated house (S 93; coop. Rey- Economics cropping Agricultural of tobacco (BJ 19; coop. Ohio Valley mann Memorial Farms) Farm, USDA) Fat calf vs. feeder calf production in W.Va. Custom rates for farm jobs (BJ 60) breeding of superior strains (S 95; coop. Reymann Memorial Farms) coop. Bureau Selection and Taxation in W.Va. (BJ 63; 103: of red clover for W.Va. (BJ 43; coop. Hay versus hay and silage for ewes ( S of Agricultural Economics) Plant Pathology, Extension Service, coop. Agricultural Biochemistry) of consumer choice on egg marketing Effect USDA) Broiler management investigations (S 104; (S 62; coop. USDA) Barley breeding and testing (BJ 54) coop. Reymann Memorial Farms) A survey of a stranded town: Elk Garden, The interrelation of soil fertility, planting Development of satisfactory broiler rations W.Va. (S 67) rate and geometry of spacing in relation (S 105; coop. Reymann Memorial Farms) library service in W.Va. (S 101) Public hybrid corn varieties Silages for cattle and sheep (PUBLICA- production on W.Va. farms to yield of various Seasonal milk coop. Agricultural 58) TION ONLY) (P 34; (P 48; coop. Dairy Husbandry) (BJ Field crop variety testing (S 6) Biochemistry) Organization as a factor affecting 4-H club Soil survey work in W.Va. (S 8) Methods of feeding growing pullets (P 39; work (P 64; coop. Extension Service) coop. Reymann Farms) farm prac- Alfalfa investigation (PUBLICATION The diffusion of recommended ewes for ONLY) (S 10) Comparison of native and western tices in two W.Va. counties (P 65) Crop rotation experiments (S 11) production and longevity (P 41; coop. Marketing W.Va. eggs (RM 2, NEM 5) various fertilizers (S 14) Reymann Farms) Marketing economies and consumer benefits Crop responses to following a mine seal- The relation of birth weight within breeds in W.Va. Changes in condition from an even milk production type ing, tile draining and surface treatment to growth rate of purebred mutton (RM 3, NEM 1) acidized by run-off mine water lambs (P 50) Inter-market price relationships for milk in soil (PUBLICATION ONLY) (S 40) Nutritional requirements of swine for and dairy products in W.Va. (RM 17, Road-bank stabilization (PUBLICATION growth (P 62) NEM 1) (S Breed as a factor in the production of ewes Techniques for measuring consumers' choice ONLY) 50) Killifer furrows in eroded black shale for retained for flock reproduction and for KM 25; coop. Bureau of Agricultural coop. Reymann Farms) the production of market lambs and Economics) run-off (S 58; Characteristics of flow from a large spring wool (P 63: coop. Reymann Memorial Marketing livestock in W.Va. (RM 28, SM 7) coop. Reymann Farms) Farms) An appraisal of the economic efficiency of (S 59; testing of grass and Some chemical and physical analyses of the marketing Shenandoah Valley apples in The establishment and legume species and strains for soil conser- blood of dairy cows (RM 8, NE 1; coop fresh fruit markets (RM 29) vation (S 87; coop. Nursery Division, SCS; Dairy Husbandry) Lowering milk marketing costs in W.Va. Preliminary investigations in soil science Improving the reproduction performance (RM 32, NEM-1) (S 94) of turkeys (RM 9) ( onsumer preferences and demands for W.Va. pastures (PUBLICA- Transmission and immunity of vaccine poultrv and poultry products (RM 36, Studies on 30-1; coop. USDA) strains of Newcastle disease in chicks fol- NT.M-5) TION ONLY) (P nutrient availability studies—foliar lowing adult vaccination (RM 23, NE 5) Marketing forest products in W.Va. (RM Plant potassium in- Causes of sterility in cattle (RM 30, NE 1; Forestry) nitrogen, phosphorus and 38; NEM-6; coop. Artificial teractions as influenced by fertilization coop. Dairy Husbandry, W.Va. Livestock feed marketing and purchasing in and soil nutrient supplies (P 45) Breeders' Coop.) W.Va. (RM:C-703 ES194, Title II, also phosphorus and potassium supplying S 99: coop. Bureau of Agricultural Eco- The fixing power of several important nomics) and Dairy Husbandry W.Va. soils (P 58) fertility and management Agricultural Engineering The influence of The feeding of thyroprotein to dairy cattk on several Ladino clover-grass mixtures (BJ 38; coop. Agricultural Biochemistry Design and construction of a pasteurizer of (P 59) Animal Husbandry) commercial capacity for nut meats (S 57; The lime requirements of a number of page coop. Horticulture) W.Va. soil types (P 60) (continued on 14) 12 STONE CRUSHER crush, and the need for crushed stone for farm roads. The crusher (continued from page 3) has proved to be an economical in- n&tu {UdJUuxUtoHA. 3 by 3-foot plate, i/ -inch thick, 8 vestment on the Reedsville Experi- which provides a smooth surface for ment Station Farm. Stones are being shoveling. cleared from fields that heretofore cultivated, and are Power Requirements have never been Scientific Papers being broken up to form better 459. M. Slaley. R. P. True. The Forma- The 7 by 12 crusher requires roads. These operations utilize labor J. tion of Perithecia of Cbalara quercina ft found fall about 12 horsepower, was during the winter and months, in Nature in West Virginia. Phyto- that the International Harvester when there is little or nothing else pathology, Vol. 42: 691-693, December Cub tractor engine with drive pully to do. 1952. as mounted on the International Plans for the portable crusher will 46(1. J. H. Hare. Some Chemical Charac- teristics of West Virginia Black Wal- Harvester Baler is adequate for this soon be available from the Depart- nuts. Proceedings of the West Virginia job. It had to be mounted on the of Agricultural Engineering, ment Academy of Science, Vol. 24, June 1953. trailer with the drive pully toward Virginia University, Morgan- West 461. Georgia Amick, R. S. Marsh, C. F. the front and the radiator next to town. Taylor. Walter D. Foster. Soil Applica- the crusher. This gave a longer tions of BHC Results in "Off-Flavor" in American distance between centers for the Canned Peaches. Fruit Grower, Vol. 72: 17, September 1952. belting so that tension adjustments POTASSIUM NEEDS 462. Norman Nybroten. Consumer Choice could be made. (continued from page 4) and Research in Standards for Con- sumer Grades. Journal of Farm Eco- to the potassium in an appli- Alterations and Engine Control equal nomics, Vol. 35: no. 1, February 1953. 0-12-12 cation of 600 pounds of an 463. Maurice Brooks. Ferns Associated It to was necessary make some fertilizer, and certainly indicates With Black Walnut Trees. American changes in the throttle location on that at least some soils in West Vir- Fern Journal. Vol. 42: no. 4. 124-130. December 1952. the cub engine because of the pulley ginia require potash fertilizers. 465. K. Bletner, T. B. Clark. C. E. drive and idler. The throttle was Four of the soils gave lower yields J. Weakley, A. H. VanLandingham. relocated on the opposite side of the the addition Jr.. of Ladino clover upon The Effect of Sulfaquinoxaline in Dif- engine. linkage is simple, and The of 142 pounds of potassium fertilizer ferent Ration Formulations on Growth the job of converting over was not than when no fertilizer was added. and Feed Efficiency of Coccidia-Free Chicks. Poultry Science, Vol. 32: 733- difficult. In all but one case, the highest rate 739. July 1953. Mounting the idler pully and its of application of potassium fertilizer 466. H. L. Barnett, John M. Staley. Isola- lever is a bigger problem, but stand- resulted in less yield than the small- tion of Compatibility Types of Endo- parts ard International Harvester er rate. No explanation can be conidiophora fagacearum from Oak from the baler were used. This given for this. Wilt Trees Naturally and Artificially Phytopathology, Vol. 43: job is not too difficult, if the farmer Table 2 shows the per cent in- Inoculated. no. 6, 341-343, June 1953. has access to the usual farm shop crease in yield due to added potas- 469. G. Anderson, H. Hare. K. tools and a welder. C. J. J. sium fertilizer. Bletner, C. E. Weakley. A Hemorrhagic Condition in Chicks Fed Simplified Operating the Crusher Ration. Poultry Science, Vol. 33: 291- Table 2. Per cent Increases in 298, January 1954. As seen in the accompanying Yield of Ladino Clover Due to 470. C. K. Dorsey, F. F. Jewell, J. G. photograph the crusher is hauled Fertilization Potassium Leach, R. P. True. Experimental along the farm road by a tractor Transmission of Oak Wilt by Four (Harvest 1 and 2) and the stones have been piled Species of Nitiduidae. Plant Disease along the edge of the road prior to Reporter, Vol. 37: no. 8, 419-420, Aug- Potassium Treatment ust 1953. crushing. To operate the crusher Pounds Pee Acre Soil Type K = 471. E. H. Tryon, R. W. Pease. Shading at full capacity at least four or five 71 Lbs. 142 Lbs. Effects of Natural Canopies on Holly men are necessary. One must feed Characteristics. Castanea, Vol. 18: no. Zoar loam —10 — 5 2, September 1953. the machine and one shovel away Clymer loam 5 —22 crushed rock from beneath the Dekalb loam 13 10 472. V. G. Lilly, H. L. Barnett, B. G. Anderson. Effects of Allithiamine machine, while two or three are re- Cookport loam 20 71 The Upshur clay 21 3 on some Thiamine-Requiring Organ- quired to break up stone that are Monongahela loam 25 — 1 isms. Science, Vol. 1: 548-549, November too big the crusher. If all of for Frederick loam 28 —22 1953. the stones are small enough without Cavode clay loam 37 479. Roger W. Pease. The Response of breaking them up, then two men Tilsit loam 38 4 Rooted Cuttings of Ilex Opaca to can feed while two are shoveling Rayne loam 40 7 Overhead Irrigation in a Lath House. West Virginia Agricultural Experiment away. After the had become men Station, December 1953. acquainted with their duties it was Lasting Effect of Added Potassium possible to lay about eighty feet of Bulletins road in six hours. This road aver- How long did the effect of one 363, Part 1. Annual Report of A. H. Van- aged eight inches deep and twelve application of potassium fertilizer Landingham, Acting Director. Science feet wide, or about thirty cubic last? On most soils, the yield ef- Serves Your Farm, September 1953. yards. fects lasted for three cuttings. On 364. A. D. Longhouse and H. P. Simons. Cookport loam, the soil most respon- The Fluidized-Grain Conveyor. Decem- Crusher Economical ber 1953. sive to potassium fertilization, the through the Whether or not a farmer can jus- increase in yield lasted Circulars tify building a stone crusher for his sixth cutting. The effect of potas- 89. T. Godfrey, R. S. Dunbar. Jr., and own use depend upon his abil- sium fertilization in this experiment J. will H. O. Henderson. Crossbreeding in iiv to find a second-hand stone crush- did not last beyond one cropping the West Virginia Artificial Breeders 'i, the amouni ol stone he has to season. Association. December 1953. 13 Norman D. Jackson, BSF, For. Supt. Forestry Christian B. Koch. MSF, Asst. in For. C. A. Myers, Jr., M.F., Asst. in For. Mobile circular sawmill for farm woodlots W. H. Reid, MSF, Assoc. For. in W.Va. &talflf oj datum (BJ 44) E. H. Tryon, Ph.D., Silviculturist Efficient forest management practices for cut-over and burned-over Home Economics W.Va. hardwood forest lands (BJ 49; coop. Conserv. Faith W. Chalmers, M.S., Asst. Nutritionist Comm.) Mildred Davis, M.S., Asst. in Home Ec. 11, 1953 Jean Animal repellents on hardwood fores; November Horticulture trees (BJ 56) Administration R. S. Marsh, M.A., Hort. Influence of various degrees of thinning on Alderman, Ph.D., Assoc. Hort. the rate of residual Iivin Stewart. LL.B.. Ph.D., LL.D.. D. C. growth yellowpoplar President of the University W. H. Childs, Ph.D.. Hort. trees (BJ 57) H. R. Varney. Ph.D.. Director A. P. Dye, M.S., Asst. Hort. Growth of vegetation and rate of soil de- Carlton B. Lees, M.S., Asst. in Hort. velopment on old iron-ore spoil banks (on leave Feb. 1. 1953 to Feb. 1. 1954) Hort. A. H. VanLandingham, Ph.D., Mason E. Marvel, M.S., Asst. in (BJ 59) Acting Director O. M. Neal, Jr., B.S., Asst. Hort. Improvement of farm game and wild life Robert H. Black, Ph.D., Roger W. Pease, M.S., Asst. Hort. conditions of the soil conservation dis- Acting Assistant Director O. E. Schubert, Ph.D., Asst. Hort. trict (S 42) K. C. Westover, Ph.D., Hort. Plantings of forest trees and shrubs at Agronomy & Genetics Greenland Gap (S Plant Pathology, Bacteriology, 56) Ph.D.. Agron. Determination of optimum growth of W.Va. G. G. Pohlman, and Entomology N. M. Baughman. M.A.. Asst. Agron. hardwoods (S 60) Ph.D., Plant Path. V. L. Bolyard, B.S.. Asst. in Agron. J. G. Leach, Wood pins for mine roof support (S 102) E. Ph.D., Asst. Plant. Path. D. R. Browning, M. A., Asst. Agron. Robert Adams, Test specimens for wood adhesives (RM 16) 0. Burger, Ph.D.. Assoc. Agron. H. L. Barnett, Ph.D., Mycol. Management of forest land for sustained- J. Black, Ph.D., Special Consultant B. L. Coffindaffer. B.S.. Grad. Asst. William yield, mine timber production (RM 19; Plant Pathology. (Dr. Black is from Henry W. Fairchild, Ph. D., Asst. Agron. in coop. Forest Products Association) Edinburg, Scotland.) Everett C. Flesher, Jr., B.S., Grad. Asst. Timber management for the market de- Foster L. Brown, Grad. Asst. S. L. Galpin, Ph.D.. Hydrol. mands in southern W.Va. forests (RM 31) Cartledge, A.B., Technician William L. Haltiwanger, Ph.D., Asst. Agron. Maria H. Ph. D., Dale A. Ray. Ph.D., Asst. Geneticist C. K. Dorsey, Entom. Home Economics John Eichenmuller, M.S., Charles B. Sperow, Jr., B.S., Asst. in Agron. J. require- Collins Veatch, Ph.D., Assoc. Agron. Asst. in Plant Path. Space, facilities, and structural Edward S. Elliott, Ph.D.,, Asst. Plant Path. ments for activities relating to the busi- Animal Husbandry M. E. Gallegly, Jr.. Ph.D., Asst. Plant Path. ness of the farm and home in W.Va.

E. A. Livesay, D.Sc. An. Husb. Francis J. Gough, B.S., Grad. Asst. (RM 27, NE 7; coop. Agricultural En- G. C. Anderson. Ph.D., Assoc. An. Husb. Edwin Gould, B.S., Entom. gineering, Extension Service) Frederick F. M.S., Grad. Asst. J. K. Bletner, M.S., Asst Poult. Husb. Jewell, T. B. Clark, M.S., Assoc Poult. Husb. V. G. Lilly, Ph.D., Physiol. Horticulture Ph.D., Plant Path. C. J. Cunningham. B.S., Assoc. An. Husb. C. R. Orton, D.V.S., Assoc. An. Path. Robert Pristou, B.S.. Asst. in Plant Path. Improvement of potato varieties for W.Va. J. O. Heishman, H. M. Hyre, M.S., Assoc. Poult. Husb. David O. Quinn, A.B., Grad. Asst. (A 11; coop. Plant Pathology) Robert H. Ingram, Ph.D., Asst. An. Husb. Gwendolyn Stewart, M.S., Asst. in Bact. Selection, breeding, and propagation of the vaccillans D. A. Munro, D.V.S., Asst. An. Path. R. P. True, Ph.D., Assoc. Plant Path. lowbush blueberry vaccinium Norman O. Olson, D.V.S., An. Path. H. A. Wilson, Ph.D. Assoc. Bact. (BJ 12) Effect of certain chemicals on color, finish J. A. Welch, Ph.D., Asst. An. Husb. Miscellaneous and maturation of apples (BJ 61) Biochemistry (Agricultural) D. R. Creel, Photog Miscellaneous horticultural investigations Glenn D. Bengtson, B.S.. Asst. Editor W. R. Lewis, Ph.D.. Biochem. (S 27) Foster, Ph.D.. Lillie L. Chapman. M.A., Asst. Biochem. Walter D. Variety tests of tree and small fruits (S 29) Assoc. Agr'l Statistician Edmond R. Cole. B.S.. Grad. Asst. Variety and strain studies of vegetables Luchok, , Editor Damon C. Shelton, Ph.D., Assoc. Biochem. John B.S.J. (S 31) Traxler, Chief Clerk William E. Nutter, B.S.. Grad. Asst. Martha R. Production, development, and marketing of Orville L. Voth, M.S.. Asst. Biochem. hillculture products in W.Va. (S 49) C. E. Weakley, Jr., M.A., Lily bulb production trials (S 61; coop. Assoc. Agr. Biochem. USDA) Nutrition of apple trees in W.Va. (S 65, Dairy Husbandry Projects of Year also P 56; coop. University Experiment H. O. Henderson, Ph.D., Dairy Husb. Farm, Entomology, Plant Pathology) R. A. Ackerman. M.S., Asst. Dairy Husb. Effect of new growth substances on the R. S. Dunbar, Jr., Ph.D., Assoc. Dairy Husb. preharvest drop of apples (S 66; coop.

James F. Fike. MS , Asst. in Dairy Husb. Experiment Farm, Entomol- (continued from page 12) University 1. D. Porterfield, M.S., Assoc. Dairy Husb. ogy, Plant Pathology) S. J. Weese. M.A., Assoc. Dairy Husb. The use of type and production records as Chemical thinning of apples and peaches Economics (Agricultural) and a basis for a dairy cattle improvement (S 69; coop. University Experiment Rural Sociology program (BJ 45; coop. Agricultural Eco- Farm) nomics, Ayrshire Breeders Assoc.) Apple and peach insect control (S 91: coop W. W. Armentrout. Ph.D., Agr. Econ. Methods of feeding and rumen inoculation University Experiment Farm, USDA H. Clarke, M.S., Assoc. Agr. Econ. J. as they affect the growth and develop- Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quar Homer C. Evans, M.S., Asst. Agr. Econ. ment of young dairy calves (BJ 62; coop. antine) W. S. Hutson, B.S., Asst. Agr. Econ. Animal Husbandry) Improvement and selection of ornamentals Norman Nybroten, Ph.D., Agr. Econ. Preliminary or exploratory investigations indigenous to W.Va. (S 96) W. F. Porter. Jr.. Ph.D.. Asst. Rural Sociol. on diseases, feeding, and management of Propagation and selection of edible nut G. E. Toben. M.S.. Assoc, in Farm Mgt. dairy cattle (S 86) bearing trees suitable to W.Va. (S 98)

Engini i ring (Agricultural) Miscellaneous investigations of dairy pro- Harvesting, handling, and packaging ol A. D. Longhouse, Ph.D., Agr. Engr. ducts (S 90) peaches (S 100; coop. University Ex W. H. Dickerson, M.S., Assoc. Agr. Engr. The transmission of milk and butterfat periment Farm, Mt. Fruit Sales, Inc.) Roy E. Emerson, M.S.. Asst. Agr. Engr. production and body conformation by Improvement of apple juice (P 61; coop dairy sires (P 14; coop. USDA) Agricultural Biochemistry) J. T Reid. M.S.A.E.. Asst. in Agr. Engr. The keeping quality of milk in home re- Selection of nursery crops and propagatior Forestry frigerators (P 49) methods (RM 35) W. C. Percival. Ph.D.. For. Prepartum milking of dairy heifers (P 51; John F. L. Bell. BSF. Asst. For. coop. Agricultural Biochemistry) Plant Pathology, Bacteriology, Maurice Brooks, M.S., For. The effect of water hardness on cleaners and Entomology J. B. Bvers, BSF, Asst. For. for dairy utensils (P 66) Kenneth L. Carvell, DF, For. Some chemical and physical analyses of The relation of genetics and environmenta R. F. Dugan, M.F.. Asst. For. the blood of dairy cows (RM 8, NE 1; factors to growth, physiology and repro A. W. Goodspeed, M.F., For. coop. Animal Husbandry) duction of fungi (A 6, revised, 1952)

14 ...

Financial Statement for the Year July 1, 1952, to June 30, 1953

Bank- Bankhead-Jones Sec. 9 Non- Classification of head Research & Marketing Federal Receipts and Disbursements Jones Funds

RECEIPTS

Received from the Treasurer of the U.S 514,997.45 $15,000.00 SliO.000.00 $05,792.28 $72,053.79 $26,300.00

State appropriations Main station 144,730.00 144.730.00

Substations 55,350.00 55.350.00

Special

Special grants, etc 11,300.00 11,300.00

Sales 223,664.60 223,664.60 Miscellaneous 370.00 370.00 Balances forward July 1, 1952 80,589.23 80,593.78

. . Total Receipts S15.000.00 | S15.000.00 S60.000.00 $72,053.79 $26,300.00

DISBURSEMENTS

Personal services $ 9,528.79 $12,890.08 $50,171.61 $53,032.91 $57,288.53 $19,208.13 $1,000.00 $191,144.60 S394.264.65

164.33 90.37 1,216.76 1,233.10 3,914.93 2,058.87 1,500.00 5,274.22 15,452.58

Transportation of things . . . 6.30 1.161.14 1,167.44

Communication service 1.50 1,343.75 1,345.25

Rents and utility services . . . 819.25 14.88 51.24 72.00 1.80 17,409.47 18,368.64

Printing and binding 2.714.01 3,525.73 253.74 569.43 2,375.50 9,438.41

Other contractual services . 330.54 108.16 350.12 229.98 26,909.93 27,928.73

Supplies and materials 673.27 1,192.50 5.721.08 5,036.35 4,783.19 2,604.56 110,277.95 130,288.90

Equipment 1,100.35 827.05 2,545.13 2,800.49 5,391.28 1,623.11 34,014.20 48,301.61

Lands and structures (contr.)

Total Disbursements . $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $60,000.00 $65,794.28 $72,053.79 $26,297.38 $2,500.00 389,910.76 646,556.21

Reverted Balances .... 2.62 269.38 272.00 Non-Reverted Balances

Available for 1953-54 . $125,823.69 $125,823.69

Anatomical and histological changes in Cause and remedy for red clover failures Assistant in Bacteriology; and Orville L. diseased plants (A 10) in W.Va. (RM 14; coop. Agronomy) Voth, Assistant Biochemist. Nutrition of fungi and bacteria with especial The toxicity of cumulative spray residues During this same period the following reference to substances which induce, in soil (RM 18; coop. University Experi- Associate stimulate, or inhibit growth and repro- ment Farm, Bureau of Entomology and resigned: Genevieve C. Berg, Plant Pathologist; Donald P. Brown, As duction (BJ 2) Plant Quarantine) sitant Agricultural Engineer; R. O. Gus- Spray injury and fungicidal efficiency of Oak Wilt (RM 33; coop. SCS) Forester; H. Hare, orchard spray as influenced by the Improvement of tomato varieties for W.Va. tafson, Associate J. Associate Biochemist; Donald G. Hebb. weather (BJ 6) (RM 34; coop. Horticulture) Testing new fungicides with particular Forest Superintendent; V. K. Johnson, As- Neal, reference to their application to potatoes sistant Animal Husbandman; C. W. PERSONNEL CHANGES Assistant in Genetics; Donald G. Rode- and vegetable crops (BJ 32) Engineer- Forest tree diseases, Sub-2, chestnut blight (continued from page 2) heaver, Assistant in Agricultural R. Sands, Assistant (S 18; coop. Forestry, Horticulture) New appointments within our research ing; and Mary Alice Bacteriology. Miscellaneous plant disease investigation staff since Nov. 1, 1952 include Robert E. in (S 19) Adams, Assistant Plant Pathologist; John Miscellaneous insect and insecticide studies F. L. Bell, Assistant Forester; William DAIRY DAY, 1954 (S 24; Black, Special Consultant in Plant Pathol- Apple measles (P 19) ogy (from Edinburg. Scotland); Glenn D. The Seventh Annual West Vir- Black rootrot of apples (P 21) Bengtson, Assistant Editor; Verlon L. Bol- ginia University Dairy Day will be Control of loose smuts of wheat and barley yard, Assistant in Genetics; Kenneth L. through centralized hot-water seed treat- Carvel], Assistant Silviculturist; R. S. Dun- held at West Virginia University ment (PUBLICATION ONLY) (1' 40, bar, Jr., Associate Dairy Husbandman; Dairy Farm, Morgantown, on June <'),,(> Agricultural Agron- Eichnemuller, Assistant in Plant Engineering, John J. 30. omy) Pathology; Edward S. Elliott, /Assistant Each year, the VVVLJ Dairy Day Microbiology ol snip mine seepage water in Plant Pathologist: Robert H. Ingram, As- relation lo plain growth and soil condi- sistant Animal Husbandman; Norman D. provides an opportunity for persons 1' tions 1 53; loop. Agronomy) Jackson, Forest Superintendent; C. R. interested in dairying to view the Decay as a fartor in sprout reproduction of I'hini Pathologist (returned from Orton, latest developments in dairy research ellowpoplai 'I' 54; coop. Forestry) leave of absence in Liberia); Dale A. Ray, at the West Virginia University Ag- Storage and market diseases of tree fruits Assistant Geneticist; Damon C. Shelton, 'KM I",: coop. Agricultural Economics) Associate Biochemist; Gwendolyn Stewart, ricultural Experiment Station. 15 .

NEW LILY VARIETIES

Lilies shown on this page were developed cooperatively by the West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station and the Division of Ornamental Plant Crops and Diseases, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland. In all, nine new varieties were developed. Baker and Adams are not shown here. Dark Princess is on our cover. At left is the Mountaineer variety. Mountaineer variety plants range from 2 to 3 feet in height and bear dark-red outward-facing flowers that do not fade in full sunshine. The flowers are 3 to 4 inches in diameter and flat, the petals recurving slightly.' The plants reproduce rapidly by means of both splitting of the mother bulb and numerous stem bulblets. The plants flower from early June to early July. Descriptions of lilies on this page are based on plants growing in West Virginia and at Beltsville. Under other climatic conditions the plants may vary in height and time of bloom. It will probably be a year or so before these lilies will be generally available in large numbers.

Plants grow to a Plants range from 2^/ to SHASTA— Plants range from 5 to 6 feet POTOMAC HYBRID— CAVALIER— 2 spotted in height bear trumpet flowers that height of 5 to 6 feet and bear V/2 feet in height and bear upward- and 6 to 8 inches in diameter. facing yellowish-orange flowers. Petals are white on the outer surface and yel- pink flowers outward and the petals are spotted with dark-brown spots con- low at the base of the inner surface of The flowers face with their tips centrated toward the base of the petals. the petals. Flowers are about 6 inches form a flat surface across the open slightly recurved. These plants retain Cavalier flowers are 3|/2 to 4 inches in long and 5J/2 inches foliage throughout the growing diameter and slightly recurved. The trumpet. The plants are in bloom by their season even when grown in full sun- Cavalier variety is very floriferous and July 15 to 25 and bear stem bulbils. about July 20. blooms from early June to late June. Same parentage as Baker and Adams. shine. The plants bloom

in/heig'r MEGA Plants range from 2 to 3 feet in height and bear BRANDYWINE— Plants range fri^m©tofS fe^ flowSRs.flowSfts. rf light-ca nary-yellow flowers that face almost outward at about bear light-yellowish-ora/ige outwardi facing f.etfcl' 3 to 4>inch^s a 30° angle from the horizontal. Flowers are 3 to 3'/2 spotted with dark purple spots. Flowers are early to late June inches in diameter. Variety blooms from early to late June. in diameter. This variety flowers from 16 MAR 3 1 1954

>, % r VEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIGN Bulletin 363, Part 4 Summer July 1954

Annual Report, Parts Published Quarterly by AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION West Virginia University Morgantown, W. Va. Director H. R. Varney Editor John Luchok Assistant Editor Glenn D. Bengtson Photographer David R. Creel

Publications Committee : O. J. Burger, H, L. Barnett, G. C. Anderson. Science Serves Your Farm will be sent free to any resident of West Virginia in response to a written request to the Director, Agricul- tural Experiment Station, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va. Annual Report of H. R. Varney, Director West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station For the Period 1953-1954

THIS ISSUE IN on the NEW PUBLICATIONS 2 ^ SARVICEBERRY-AN EDIBLE ORNAMENTAL 3 O. M. Neal calendar . . . 4 ^ GRASS AND LEGUME SILAGE FOR SHEEP J. A. Welch, E. A. Livesay, W. R. Lewis GROWING AMERICAN HOLLY 5 AUGUST- Roger W. Pease 16-19—State Dairy Show, Jackson's Mill ALFALFA 6 NARRAGANSETT-BEST SEPTEMBER- O. J. Burger 6,7,8—Curriculum Workshop, Staff of Divi- SULFAQUINOXALINE PREVENTATIVE MEDICATION 7 sion of Home Economics, Morgantown Mill /. K. Bletner, T. B. Clark, N. O. Olson 14—State Dairy Cattle Sales, Jackson's 15—State Dairy Cattle Sales. Jackson's Mill aft oat c&uen> steal futMUcaii04i4> Under this spreading elm on the West Virginia University Agricultural Experi- ment Station Animal Husbandry Farm Bulletins are some of agriculture's most profitable 363, Part 3. Annual Report of H. R. Var- animals . . . yet, in West Virginia, their Director, Science Serves Your numbers have declined in the last twenty ney, Farm. Spring, 1954. years. Considering present market prices 365T. C. K. Dorsey and M. E. Gallegly. and values, there should be many more A General-Purpose Garden Pesticide. flocks of sheep throughout the State. June 1954. Realizing the value of sheep production and the important 366T. H. A. Wilson. The Effect of Cer- in the role it should play in West Virginia farming, the West Virginia tain Pesticides on Nitrification Soil. June 1954. Agricultural Experiment Station is conducting research on prob- 367 Norman Nybroten. Pricing Medium lems confronting the sheep raiser. One study compares the and Large Eggs Relatively for Maxi- is best western ewe with the native ewe to determine which mum Value. June 1954. deals in for producing market lambs and wool. Another study 368. Mildred Jean Davis and Mary Lane selecting the breed of ram which will best service a western ewe Swartz. Farm and Home Business Cen- for producing replacement ewes. A study of lambs compares the ter Studies. June 1954. weight at birth and the age at market weight for the Corriedale, Circulars Southdown, and Hampshire breeds, as well as for lambs within each breed. In the nutrition of sheep, a study is under way to 91. A. D. Longhouse and I. D. Porterfield. compare the value of grass-legume silage with hay as a winter Dairy Cows Need Larger Stalls. April 1954. roughage. (A report on this study—see page 4.) 92. Roy Emerson, Mildred Jean Davis, and Visitors to the Experiment Station farms frequently ask Mary Lane Swartz. An Adjustable- "How do you keep pastures so clean?" The answer is sheep Height Table for the Laboratory or

. . . rotated regularly on the pastures, they do a good job of Home. June 1954. cleaning up weeds and waste plants that other livestock refuse. 93. Collins Veatch. Spring Oats Trials in West Virginia, 1949-1953. June 1954. 94. Homer C. Evans and W. S. Hutson. Consumers' Reaction to Tree-Ripe Peaches. June 1954. n Edible Ornamental

by O. M. Neal. Assistant- Horticulturist

FARM families have been harvest- blueberry (which first resulted from toon, and to botanists by its generic ing wild fruit, both for home use controlled crosses) became available. name, Amelanchier. This close rela- and market, since the country was tive of the apple and pear was an Ornamental and Dessert settled. Many of these fruits, such ingredient of pemmican, the K- as the gooseberry, currant, persim- A third American fruit which ap- rations of the Indians. The white mon, raspberry, blackberry, plum, pears to have possibilities both as a man has found them palatable out of cherry, grape, strawberry, and apple dessert fruit for home plantings and hand, with sugar and cream, and in were cultivated and improved in as an ornamental is the sarviceberry. pie, as well as following canning the before or as the Old World New. It is also known in various parts of and freezing. World was being settled. Selected the country as serviceberry, june- Apparently, the prevalence, pro- clones were given varietal names berry, shadbush, sugarplum, saska- ductivity, and absence of diseases of and these varieties were brought (continued on page 4) across the Atlantic. Some of these SARVICEBERRIES can be preserved OLD SPECIMEN of the largest species varieties failed completely, while for winter use by canning or freezing. of Sarviceberry found in West Virginia. jar of fruit is six years old. others were successful; but most of This Amelanchier arborea (Mich, f.) Fern. the varieties of these fruits which are now cultivated are the result of years of careful selection and breeding of the European varieties to obtain plants adapted to the new conditions. In some cases species of the New World were combined with varieties of the Old to obtain the desired result. Only two cultivated dessert fruits, which are of considerable commercial value in the United States at the present time (the cranberry and the blueberry), originated entirely from native species. These two oops arc produced on land which was of little value for other crops, but which became extremely valuable following the development ol the cranberry and blueberry industry. In the case oi the blueberry this dates only from the 1930's when named varieties of the highbush Grass and Legume Silage for

by J. A. Welch, E. A. Livesoy, and W. R. Lewis

INCREASED emphasis on grassland the end of hay and silage feeding, ond-cutting alfalfa: the remainder farming in West Virginia means about the first of April. ' Lambs of the hay was fair to good quality • that more farmers are interested were weighed at birth and at two- second-cutting alfalfa-grass mixture. in making silage from forage crops. week intervals thereafter. Fleece The silage in both years was made Grass silage is an excellent roughage weights were taken on the ewes at from first-cutting alfalfa-grass mix- for cattle, but there is very little shearing. tures and consequently was made of experimental information on the During both years, the average coarser material than the hay. Next value of hay crop silages for sheep. daily consumption of hay by the year it is planned to feed hay and Silage made from alfalfa and ewes fed only hay was about three silage made from comparable for- grass mixtures has been fed to the and one-third pounds. The ewes age, cut at the same time. breeding ewe flock at the West Vir- fed hay and silage consumed about ginia University Animal Husbandry one and two-thirds pounds of hay Results Farm for several years. Hays and per day and about four and one- The results to date show that sil- silages made from alfalfa and grass quarter pounds of silage per day. age made from first-cutting alfalfa- mixtures have given excellent results Although the ewes getting silage grass mixture is a valuable feed for when fed together, but until 1952 were fed all they would eat, they wintering the breeding ewe flock. no experimental comparison had did not consume enough silage to The fact that equal performances been made to determine the relative give them a dry matter intake as were obtained in the two lots, al- values of hay alone and both hay high as the ewes fed only hay. The though those getting silage were and silage for wintering ewes. hay-fed ewes consumed on the aver- fed less dry matter, indicates a more In the fall of 1952, and again in age one-third pound more of dry complete consumption and utiliza- 1953, the flock of purebred ewes was matter per head per day than the tion of forage materials when they divided into two lots as equally as ewes in the silage-fed group during are ensiled. possible on the basis of breed and 1952-1953. Dry matter intakes have It is generally recommended that age. When barn feeding began in not been computed for 1953-1954, some hay be fed with silage to breed- December, one lot of ewes received but a similar relationship is antici- ing ewes because of the bulkiness alfalfa hay both morning and eve- pated. of silage. This may be as little as ning and the other lot was fed alone pound per head daily. The falfa hay in the morning and silage Performance Judged silage may be fed either in the morn- made from first-cutting alfalfa in The performance of the ewes was ing or evening or both times, but the evening. judged by changes in ewe weights we believe that it is better to feed Both lots were fed all the hay or during late pregnancy and during • silage when the ewes have plenty of silage readily they would clean up early lactation, by birth weights of time to eat it and hence we feed it and each lot received equal amounts lambs, by growth of lambs until at the evening feeding. If large of grain. Both groups of ewes had barn-feeding stopped, and by fleece amounts of silage are to be fed, it is access to bluegrass pasture whenever weights of ewes. No appreciable necessary to feed it twice daily. the weather permitted. difference was noted between the The ewes were weighed three two groups of ewes in any of the Hus- J. A. WELCH is Assistant Animal times during each trial; at the be- above measurements in either year. bandman. E. A. LIVESAY is Animal Husbandman and Head of Animal Hus- ginning of the experiment in De- It should be pointed out that bandry. W. R. LEWIS is Agricultural cember, just before lambing began about half of the hay fed during Biochemist and Head of Agricultural Bio- in early February, and just prior to 1953-1954 was excellent quality sec- chemistry.

SARVICEBERRIES wood) and again as the fruit ripens on extremely frosty sites in West (continued from page 3) during June. Some species have Virginia have not missed a crop in sarviceberry in West Virginia, which large flowers and small fruit, others fifteen years. Selections set at the are serious in other areas, has led small flowers and large fruit. Berry Reedsville Experiment Farm in former and present horticulturists flavor varies from insipid to rich, 1948 have borne annually, includ- at the West Virginia Agricultural and growth habit from long-lived ing 1949 when there were heavy Experiment Station to consider the shrubs two feet high to long-lived frosts on May 28 and June 8, more sarviceberry worthy of evaluation trees of forty feet. Some kinds will than a month after flowering. and possible improvement as a fruit- produce abundantly every year, both These excellent characteristics are ing ornamental. One of the six on frosty, poorly-drained bottom- desirable in an ornamental plant, species which occur naturally in the land and on dry hillsides. All species but a fruit to be successful must also State is found only in a few areas at appear to be perfectly winter hardy, be productive. Although numer- high elevations, but the other five and their cultivation in the northern ous reports of heavy yields of large are numerous and wide spread. great plains has been encouraged fruits circulate every summer, no The sarviceberry is striking in late for that reason. Their resistance to accurate records were available. April when covered by white flowers spring frosts is even more unusual To obtain this information, two

(about two weeks before the dog- than their winter hardiness. Plants (continued on page 8) THE BROOKS HOLLY near French Creek.

demand for American holly The behavior of rooted cuttings In April, 1953, equal numbers of THEfor ornamental planting is increas- from twenty-six female trees has the rooted cuttings from Ridgeway ing. There is also an increasing been observed over a period of and Brooks were transplanted to a insistance that the trees produce years, and the two producing the shaded, well-drained cold frame berries while they are very young most upright and rapidly-growing equipped with overhead irrigation and that they grow rapidly in a com- plants were selected for trial. One, and to a cultivated plot without ir- pact, symmetrical form without the the Brooks holly, is a vigorous old rigation. The plants in the culti- necessity of pruning. tree growing near French Creek. vated plot were mulched with four Rooted cuttings from berry-form- The other was selected in Monon- inches of peat moss but not watered ing or female holly trees produce galia County and for convenience during the growing season. In both berries early—often in their first was called the Ridgeway. Twenty- cases about two pounds of a 5-10-10 year—provided they are in the pres- five cuttings from each' tree were fertilizer were added to every one ence of a non-berry-forming or male taken on August 15, 1952, and hundred square feet of surface. In tree. They also inherit from the treated as outlined in Circular 87. the unwatered block a supplemen- parent tree its natural growth habits. Ridgeway rooted 100 per cent and tary application of cottonseed meal In May, 1953, the West Virginia Brooks 96 per cent. (continued on page University Agricultural Experiment 7) Station, in cooperation with the Na- ROOTED CUTTING from Brooks tional Conservational Nursery at holly ROOTED CUTTING from Ridgeway 13 months after transplanting, showing Holly 13 months after transplanting. Beltsville, Maryland, published Cir- spindly form and few lateral shoots. Has compact form, many lateral shoots. cular 87 describing a method for rooting softwood cuttings of Ameri- can holly.*

Cuttings Studied

Rooting holly cuttings, however, is only one step in producing young trees of the type desired. Few female holly trees produce rooted cut- pings which grow into upright, compact young trees without pruning. During the past three years the Sta- tion has conducted trials with two objectives: to select a female tree whose rooted cuttings have the growth habits desired, and to discover a method for growing the pewly-rooted cuttings which' will produce eighteen-inch plants in eighteen months.

"Can be obtained upon written request to Pirector, West Virginia Oniversity Agricul- tural Experiment Station. Morgantown, or from county agricultural ag( in 1857 was introduced into Minne- sota from Boden, Germany, by Wen- NARRAGANSETT— delin Grimm. Yield Best Alfalfa for West Virginia Farmers The greatest emphasis in evaluat- ing the alfalfa varieties was placed | on their forage production. All the Burger, Associate Agronomist by 0. J. varieties were harvested for maximum hay production. The yield ALFALFA is recognized as the most Alfalfa varieties were seeded at performance of the varieties at Mor- nearly perfect forage. As hay, it Morgantown in April, 1950, and at gantown and Point Pleasant is Point Pleasant in 1951. Only is unsurpassed for livestock feed- July, shown in Tables 1 and 2. ing. As pasture, it has a high-carry- named-varieties common to both At Morgantown, Narragansett and ing capacity and produces large tests will be discussed here. Williamsburg were outstanding with gains when properly managed. respect to productivity. Each acre Varieties It makes excellent silage if pro- yielded more than three tons of hay perly handled, and makes good feed Many varieties of alfalfa are avail- per year. Although Williamsburg when chipped or ground into meal. able in quantity. Varieties studied appears to yield as well as Narra- Its nutritive value is high, since it are as follows: gansett, the over-all performance of is an excellent source of carbohy- Buffalo—A selection from an old Narragansett makes it superior. drates, minerals, and vitamins. line of Kansas Common. It shows a Narragansett produces a finer type When adequately fertilized with higher stand survival than Kansas of forage and is more leaf-hopper minerals, it is a soil-improvement Common in the northern alfalfa resistant than Williamsburg. Nar- crop and one of the most vigorous areas of the United States. It re- ragansett would be expected to be and economical fixers of atmospheric covers rapidly after cutting and is more hardy since it is a variegated nitrogen. resistant to bacterial wilt. alfalfa, whereas Williamsburg is a Alfalfa plays an important part Atlantic—A variegated alfalfa; common. More forage can be pro- in United States agriculture, where that is, it is a result of a natural duced by growing these varieties pasture and hay furnish more than cross between purple-and yellow- with timothy or bromegrass. Both half the feed consumed by livestock. flowered species. It is a vigorous, grasses are highly compatable with And it is highly important in West high-yielding variety, adapted to alfalfa. Virginia, where production of ani- Eastern states where bacterial wilt At Point Pleasant yield data are mal products is accomplished with is not a serious factor. Atlantic was available for only two years. The the grassland system of farming. In released by the New Jersey Agricul- superiority of Narragansett is evi- the last forty years the alfalfa acre- tural Experiment Station. dent and quite remarkable. Al- age in West Virginia has increased Narragansett—A new variety of though the yield of Williamsburg from 1,000 to 72,000 acres. Yield variegated alfalfa originated at the is only average and slightly less than per acre, however, has not changed Rhode Island Agricultural Experi- Buffalo, it would still be preferred very much. Yield per acre can be ment Station. It is a vigorous and to Buffalo because of its breeding increased if superior fertility and hardy hybrid that produces high history. harvesting practices are used. Even vields. It is characterized by a The growth recovery of Williams- so, good practices cannot overcome spreading to upright growth habit burg, Atlantic, and Narragansett the effect of using poorly adapted and has a large, much-branched varieties is shown in the accompany- varieties. root system that resists heaving. ing photographs. It is evident that To determine the performance of Williamsburg—A variety of com- Williamsburg recovers more rapid- the various alfalfas, the improved mon alfalfa developed at the Vir- ly after cutting than does Narra- varieties were seeded in uniform ginia Agricultural Experiment Sta- gansett, which in turn is superior to nurseries at two West Virginia Ex- tion. It was developed from Kansas Atlantic in this respect. But, as periment Station farms. They were Common. It is resistant to Sclero- mentioned earlier, the fineness of evaluated as to yielding ability, dis- tinia stem rot. growth and resistance to leaf-hopper ease and insect resistance, and Grimm—A variegated alfalfa and damage along with its superior har- growth characteristics. is a descendant, of the Grimm which (continued on page 8) Su Iraq uinoxa line preventative medication—

Its Effect on the Subsequent Laying Performance of Pullets

by J. K. Bletner, T. B. Clark, and N. 0. Olson

DRUGS suitable for use in prevent- rated from the non-medicated ones. 1. At ten weeks of age the pullets ing serious outbreaks of coccidio- This procedure was possible be- that were fed the medicated feed had sis in chickens have been readily cause the chicks were identified by a slightly heavier average body received and put to use by poultry- wing band numbers. Egg produc- weight than those fed non-medicated men. Such drugs when used accord- tion for each group was determined feed. This difference is assumed ing to recognized sale dosage levels from trapnest records. Although to be due to the effect of the drug will usually produce either a larger this procedure made it impossible to in controlling light infections of coc- pullet or broiler. However, the obtain feed consumption data, it cidiosis. The mature body weights producer of market or hatching eggs had the advantage of exposing both were equal, indicating that the ten- is most interested in the effect of medicated and non-medicated pul- week weight difference was unim- drugs used during the growing per- lets to the environmental conditions portant in egg-producing flocks. Egg iod on egg production and mortali- found in each laying house pen. production and laying-house mor- ty in the laying house. He is par- Egg production was recorded over tality were not affected. The large ticularly hopeful that by preventing about a ten-month period. difference in egg production be- serious outbreaks of coccidiosis he The procedures used during the tween the two years was due to an will produce healthier, more produc- second series of experiments were outbreak of Newcastle disease dur- tive pullets, but he is suspicious also the same as those used during the ing the laying period of the second of the possibility that a drug used first series except that twelve pens series of experiments. during the growing period may have of chicks were used. These data indicate that under a detrimental effect that does not be- the conditions of these experiments come apparent until after the chick Coccidiosis Appears the use of sulfaquinoxaline to pre- has reached sexual maturity and is vent coccidiosis during the growing in the laying house. No major outbreaks of coccidiosis period had no detrimental effect on Sulfaquinoxaline is one of the occurred during the first series of the laying house performance of the drugs that may be used to prevent experiments. However, during the pullets. Had a more severe coc- outbreaks of coccidiosis in chicks. second series coccidiosis appeared in cidial infection been present during The effect of feeding preventative four of the six non-medicated pens. the growing period, the non-medi- levels of this drug during the grow- These four pens were treated with cated pullets might have been af- ing period on the laying house per- control levels of sulfaquinoxaline fected and shown lower egg produc- formance of pullets has been studied for two days, placed on non-medi- tion with higher mortality. Since at the West Virginia University Ag- cated feed for three days, and again coccidiosis frequently causes severe ricultural Experiment Station. treated for two days. This was suf- loses in growing chicks, the use of ficient to control the outbreaks. either sulfaquinoxaline or some Chicks Grouped The results of the two series of ex- other recognized coccidiostatic drug The study was begun using day- periments are summarized in Table is advisable. old White Leghorn chicks. They were grown on sawdust litter under Table 1. The Average Egg Production, Body Weight, and Mortality electrically-heated brooders. During of Medicated and Non-Medicated Pullets the first series of experiments the chicks were divided into eight Number of Number of Eggs Avg. Body Weight Mortality in groups. Four groups were fed a reg- Pullets Per Pullet Growing Period Laying House ular starter and growing ration to Housed Housed 10 Weeks Maturity ten weeks of age. The other four were fed the same ration to two None pounds pounds per cent weeks of age, but for the next eight 175 204 1.60 4.11 7.21 217 159 1.91 4.23 5.82 weeks their ration contained sulfa- 182 1.76 4.17 6.52 quinoxaline which was added at the Sulfaquinoxaline rate of four ounces per ton of feed 211 203 1.69 4.12 4.63 (0.0125%). 243 158 2.00 4.24 9.38 4.18 7.00 At about ten weeks of age the 181 1.85 pullets were placed on a grass range where they remained until they HOLLY of Brooks showed no mortality and were developed enough to go into a median height of 13.5 inches. One (continued from page 5) the laying pens. After the tenth Ridgeway plant grown without ir- week no medication was used for was spread over the peat moss. As rigation died, and the average coccidiosis and no attempt was made reported in Scientific Paper 479 of height of those remaining was 5.0 to keep the medicated pullets sepa- the Agricultural Experiment Sta- inches. Without irrigation two of tion, the irrigated cuttings of Ridge- the Brooks plants died, and the K. BLETNER is Assistant Poultry Hus- [, way showed no mortality and a average height of those remaining bandman. I. I',. CLARK is Associate Poul- height of 14.5 inches on Sep- Bj Husbandman. N. O. OLSON is Animal median was 4.5 inches. Pathologist. tember 29, and the irrigated cuttings (continued on page 8) NARRAGANSETT West Virginia. Alfalfa researchers propagation and to determine how at the West Virginia University Ag- long an improvement program (continued from page 6) ricultural Experiment Station are might take. The first fruit was har- alfalfa a diness gives Narragansett constantly testing new varieties. If vested in 1952, two years after seed- in over-all perform- decided edge a certain variety should prove it- ing and several years sooner than recent tests conducted ance. In self superior, it will be recommended had been expected. A number of Region, throughout the Northeast through the Agricultural Extension these seedlings were selected for to be superior Narragansett proved Service. further observation, and the others to the other varieties tested. Good alfalfa hay is always in de- were distributed in the fall of 1953 mand. Yields need to be increased to 4-H Club members for trial in Varieties Available and they can be increased. Some of home plantings. All of these varieties will be avail- the essentials for successful alfalfa Horticulturists at the West Vir- able to farmers in West Virginia for growing are (1) good drainage, (2) ginia University Agricultural Ex- the 1955 planting season. Farmers fertile soil, (3) adequate applica- periment Station feel that if the should plan theii seed needs early, tions of lime, phosphorus and pot- desirable growth, flowering, and and then have their seed dealer get ash at the proper time, (4) correc- fruiting habits of the different spe- them the variety they want. Seed tion of boron deficiencies, and (5) cies can be combined by careful should be ordered by variety name. use of high-quality certified seed of selection and breeding, varieties will At the present time, Narragansett the Narragansett, Williamsburg, At- be obtained which will be welcome,

is the best variety for most areas of lantic, or other adapted varieties. both as ornamentals and fruit plants.

Table 1. Yield in Tons Dry Matter per Acre (Adjusted to 12 Per cent Moisture) of Some Varieties of Alfalfa. Average of Four Replications HOLLY (Morgantown—Three Years) (continued from page 7) Results 1951 1952 1953 Average These results indicate that rooted Varieties 3-Cuts 2-Guts 3-Ctjts _ 3-Years Tons/Acre Tons/Acre Tons/Acre Tons/Acre cuttings from both Brooks and Ridg- eway, when transplanted in rich,

2.82 2.86 2.49 2 72 light, well-drained soil on a shady 2.98 3.46 2.87 3.10 site, can be expected to grow about 3.69 3.03 3.52 3.S6 a foot the first season if the soil is 3.74 3.80 3.17 3.57 kept moist. However, all of the 3.29 3.35 2.77 3.14 3.30 3.47 2.87 3.21 young plants were spindly and had few, if any, lateral shoots.

Table 2. Yield in Tons Dry Matter Per Acre (Adjusted to 12 Per cent In April, 1954, the plants were Moisture) of Some Varieties of Alfalfa. Figures Are Averages of set in the field, fertilized with two Four Replications pounds of 5-10-10 fertilizer to one (Point Pleasant—Two Years) hundred square feet, and mulched with four inches of ground com cobs. About one pound of am- 1952 1953 Average sulphate to 3-Cuts monium one hundred Varieties 2-CUTS Tons/Acre Tons/Acre Tons/Acre square feet was spread over the corn cob mulch. On May 20, 1954, the new lateral shoots rising directly 2.26 3.40 2.00 2. SO from the trunk of each plant were Narragansett 2.64 4.14 3.39 counted. The Ridgeway plants Williamsburg 2.17 3.34 2. SO averaged eleven shoots each, and the 2.03 3.26 Brooks plants two and one-third Average 2.22 3.41 2.82 shoots. A typical Brooks plant with few new lateral shoots and a ragged SARVICEBERRIES requiring only 143 to fill a cup. appearance and a Ridgeway plant

(continued from page 4) The cup count of the second picking with many new lateral shoots are plants were selected in the spring of was 148, the third 174, and the shown in the accompanying photo- 1950 and enclosed in one-inch mesh fourth 201. The berries were round, graphs. The Ridgeway is develop- chicken wire. Both were in home the largest having a diameter of ing a symmetrical, compact form. plantings near the Reedsville Ex- 18/32 inch. The smaller bush pro- Each of the illustrated plants was periment Farm. One plant had duced II14 quarts weighing 16.8 eighteen inches tall. Because the been obtained from a nursery and pound in three pickings. The ber- Ridgeway plants are comparatively planted on an old road fill. The ries of this clone were smaller, the uniform in appearance and height, other had presumably been selected cup count rising from 178 to 212, to it can be expected that they all will from the wild, but had been owned 229, and the maximum diameter be at least eighteen inches tall and by a family many years. Both were being only y2 inch. The yield of densely foliated by October, 1954, propagated from suckers. Neither both plants was considerably higher eighteen months after transplanting. had been pruned, fertilized, or given than the owners estimated, and both The performance of the Ridgeway any other care after setting 8-15 compare favorably with other small- holly indicates that it may prove to years earlier. The larger plant fruit production. be an unusually desirable female

; yielded 19 4 quarts weighing 28 Seeds from this 1950 harvest were parent tree, and that the perform- pounds in four pickings. The ber- planted to determine the difficulties ance of its rooting cuttings should ries in the first picking were largest, which might be encountered in seed be observed more fully.