President Spright Dowell,
Auburn, Alabama.
Dear Dr. Dowell:
I have the honor to submit herewith the Thirty-sixth
Annual Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station
of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
Yours very truly,
M. J. Funchess,
Dean and Director.
Alabama Polytechnic Institute
Auburn, Alabama
Gov. W. W. Brandon,
Montgomery, Alabama.
Dear Sir:
I take pleasure in transmitting to you the Thirty-
sixth Annual Report of the Alabama Agricultural Ex-
periment Station of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
Respectfully,
Spright Dowell,
President.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Peanut Meal as a Protein Supplement to Corn for Fattening
Hogs in the Dry Lot, J. C. GRIMES AND W. D. SALMON (Alabama
Station Bulletin 224) .- The value of peanut meal as a protein
supplement to corn is pointed out. The use of 5 to 7 parts of
corn to one part of peanut meal is recommended.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS
AND PERIODICALS
GARDNER, W. A.-Decomposition of Certain Organic Toxins
by Vanillin Decomposing Organisms. Science, 1924., LX, pp. 390
Vanillin decomposing organisms were not able to decompose cum-
arin, quinoline, benzidine, caffein, or resorcinol. The results sug-
gest specificity of the vanillin decomposing organisms.
GARDNER, W. A.-The Decomposition of Salicylic Aldehyde by
Soil Organisms. Science, 1924. LX, pp. 503. Bacteria do not grow
on, nor decompose salicylic aldehyde in solution cultures.
GARDNER, W. A.-The Decomposition of Certain Toxins by
Known Organisms. Science, 1926. LXIII, pp. 545. Of twenty
microorganisms in pure culture, but two, Psuedomonas pyocyaneus
and Bacillus fluorescens liquifaciens, decomposed vanillin, while
none of the twenty decomposed cumarin, caffein, or resorcinol.
MILES, L. E.-A Pyrenomycetous Leaf Spot of Bur Clover.
Phytopathology, 1925. XV, 677-689. A Pyrenomycetous fungus
producing a leaf spot of bur clover at Auburn, Alabama, is distinct
from either of those causing similar spots on alfalfa and clover,
although the host plants are closely related and the microscopic ap-
pearance of the lesions produced are quite similar. Sclerotioid
bodies from the bur clover seeds produced viable cultures on agar.
Similar bodies, produced in culture, were immature perithecia,
capable of forming mature asci and ascospores under favorable
conditions. All species of bur clover inoculates were susceptible
to fungus, but none of the alfalfa or clovers produced typical les-
ions. The fungus is described as a new species, Pseudoplea medi-
caginis n. sp.
SALMON, W. D., AND LIVINGSTON, CLARE W.-Vitamins A and
B in the Pecan Nut. Jour. Home Ec., 17, 129-135. The kernel
of the pecan nut was found to contain appreciable amount of vita-
min A but not as much vitamin B as had been reported previously
by Cajori.
TIDMORE, J. W., AND PARKER, F. W.-Methods of Studying the
Strength of Soil Acids. Soil Science, 18: 331-338. The strength
of soil acids was studied by the Troug avidity method, the sugar
inversion method, and by determining the H-ion concentration.
The results of the three methods correlate well indicating that the
H-ion concentration of the soil is largely determined 
by the acidity
of the hydrogen aluminum silicates of the soil.
4
AGRONOMY
Cotton Variety Tests. (H. B. Tisdale).-Thirty-three strains
and varieties of cotton were included in the tests of 1924. The
six highest-yielding varieties of this season were Cook 1627, Cook
307, Cook 588, Bottoms, Cleveland (Wannamaker), and Cleve-
land (Str. 4). Three of the six highest-yielding varieties were
originated at the Alabama Experiment Station.
Another variety test was conducted to study the merit of
wilt resistant varieties. Cook strains and Petty Toole were the
best producers during this season.
Cotton Spacing Test. (H. B. Tisdale).-A new and com-
prehensive spacing test was conducted in 1924. Spacings used
varied from 6 inches to 36 inches in the drill, with the number
of plants varying from 1 to 4 per hill, for each spacing. Lowest
yields were obtained from very thick and from very wide spac-
ings. The highest yield was made from 2 plants per hill spaced
18 inches apart in the drill.
Time of Applying Nitrate of Soda to Cotton. (M. J. Funch-
ess).-Experiments to determine the best time to apply nitrate
to cotton have been in progress a number of years. The highest
average yield has been obtained from a split application-one-
fourth applied at planting and three-fourths applied as a side
dressing at the first cultivation after the cotton was chopped to
a stand. Practically the same yield has been obtained from
applying all of the nitrate at planting time. Late applications
(at time of first bloom) have been much less profitable than
early applications.
The Effect of Varying Soil* and Climatic Conditions on the
Length of Cotton Fiber. (M. J. Funchess).-A cooperative ex-
periment to study the effect of varying soil and climatic con-
ditions on the quality of the cotton fiber was concluded in 1924.
The longest fiber was produced at the Tennessee Station at
Knoxville, and the shortest at the Alabama Station at Auburn.
The average length of staple of all varieties was 1-16th inch
greater at Knoxville than at Auburn. Seven varieties-Cook
588, Cleveland (Wannamaker), Trice, Lone Star, Acala, Express
and Webber-were grown for four years at Auburn, Alabama;
Griffin, Georgia; Starkville and Stoneville, Mississippi; Scott,
Arkansas; and Knoxville, Tennessee.
Rate of Fertilizing Cotton With and Without Boll Weevil
Control. (M. J. Funchess).-This experiment was started in
1924, and is to be continued indefinitely. The fertilizer treat-
ment varies from 500 to 2000 pounds per acre. Yields this year
varied from about 100 pounds on the unfertilized plots to 1304
pounds in the plot receiving 2000 pounds of fertilizer. On the
companion plots where the boll weevil was controlled the yield
varied from about 100 pounds on the check plots to 1402 pounds
on the heaviest fertilized plot. The effect of weevil control
methods was most pronounced on the plots receiving 1000 and
1500 pounds of fertilizer respectively.
5
Corn Variety Tests. (H. B. Tisdale).-The variety test this
season included 23 varieties. The five high yielding varieties
were Hastings, Weekley, Marlboro, Whatley, and Williamson.
No semi-prolific or non-prolific variety is found in the list of
leading kinds of corn. The Whatley, Hastings, and Weekley
varieties are among the consistent high producers, as shown by
the average of results obtained over a period of years.
Time of Applying Nitrate of Soda to Oats. (H. B. Helms).
An experiment was conducted to determine the best time to
apply nitrate of soda to oats. The test was on typical Norfolk
sandy loam in a rather low state of fertility. The results of the
experiment are given in Table 1. They show a large increase
in the yield from the use of nitrate of soda and considerable
differences due to the time of applying the nitrate. Apparently,
the nitrate should be applied between March 1st and 20th.
There is no apparent advantage in adding the nitrate in two
applications.
Table l.--Time of Applying Nitrate of Soda to Oats
Plot Fertilization with nitrate of soda Yield
No. Amount Time of Application Grain Straw
Lbs. per A. Bu. per A. Lbs. per A.
1, 4, 8 None 18.1 498
2 200 November 6 21.6 540
3 100 February 20
100 March 10 45.2 1255
5 200 March 1 54.2 2145
6 200 March 20 57.3 2775
7 100 March 1
100 March 20 54.7 2305
Rate of Absorption of Nitrate of Soda by Oats and Cotton.
(W. H. Appelton, H. B. Helms) .- Experiments were conducted
in the greenhouse to study the rate of absorption of nitrate nitro-
gen by oats and cotton when applied as nitrate of soda at differ-
ent stages of plant growth. The general plan of the experi-
ment was to add nitrate to a series of cultures at a certain stage
of growth. Then, at intervals of a few days, part of the cultures
were harvested and the amount of nitrate absorbed was 
deter-
mined by plant analysis and also by determining the nitrate con-
tent of the soil. Cultures that did not reecive nitrate were used
as checks to indicate how much nitrogen the plant secured from
the soil. With oats these studies were made at four stages of
plant growth. With cotton the study was made at three stages
of plant growth. The results may be summarized as follows:
When sodium nitrate at the rate of 400 pounds per acre was
applied to oats 14 days after planting absorption of the nitrate
was very slow for three weeks. After the third week absorp-
tion increased and all nitrate was absorbed by the close of the
seventh week.
When the nitrate was applied to oats at later stages of growth
6
the rate of absorption was more rapid. Nitrate applied 42, 70,
and 92 days after planting was completely absorbed in 20, 14,
and 10 days, respectively.
With both oats and cotton there was a close correlation between
the rate of growth and the rate of nitrate absorption.
Sodium nitrate at the rate of 600 pounds per acre was applied
to cotton 14, 40, and 61 days after planting. Absorption of the
nitrate was complete in 36, 14, and 11 days respectively.
The results of both experiments indicate that the loss of
soluble nitrogenous fertilizer by leaching may be reduced by
delaying the application until the crop will absorb it rapidly.
The Influence of the Nature of the Replaceable Base on the
Heat of Wetting of Soils and Soil Colloids. (W. W. Pate).-The
influence of the nature of the replaceable base on the heat of
wetting of soils was studied by saturating soils with different
bases and determining the heat of wetting. A similar study
was made with colloid extracted from some of the soils. In all
cases the soil or colloid saturated with a monovalent base gave
a lower heat of wetting than the soil or colloid saturated with
a divalent base.
The extracted colloid from different soils gave different
heats of wetting and contained different amounts of total replace-
able base. The colloid with a high replaceable base content gave a
high heat of wetting, whereas the colloid with a low replaceable
base content gave a low heat of wetting. Apparently the amount of
replaceable base is an important factor in determining the heat
of wetting of soil colloids.
A study from the data from publications of the Bureau of
Soils shows that there is a good correlation between the 
chemical
composition of soil colloid, its heat of wetting, and the amount
of ammonia and dye it will absorb. Colloids having a high
Si0
2
:R
2
0
3 
ratio have a high heat of wetting and absorb large
amounts of ammonia and dye. Colloids having a low Si0
2
:R
2
0
3
ratio have a low heat of wetting and absorb small amounts of
ammonia and dye.
It is probable that there is a good correlation between the
Si0
2 
:R
2
0
3 
ratio of soil colloids and their content of replaceable
base. This problem is being studied.
The Relationship Between Plant Response to Lime, Phos-
phate, and Potash and the Need for These Treatments as In-
dicated by Laboratory Tests. (F. W. Parker)..-Bulk samples
of twenty-three soils were obtained from the lower coastal plain
division of the State. 
The soils were 
used in greenhouse 
and
laboratory tests to study the relation between plant response
to lime and fertilizers and the need for lime and fertilizers as
indicated by laboratory tests. Melilotus and sorghum were the
test plants used in the greenhouse work. The laboratory tests
included the Troug soil acidity test, determination of H-ion con-
centration of the soil, calcium and phosphorus soluable in N/5
HN0
3
, and total exchange capacity of the soil.
7
The results show a general correlation between the results 
of
the laboratory tests and the plant response to lime and fertilizers.
The best correlation was found between theresults of acidity
tests and the plant response to lime. However, in the twenty-
three soils there were several that were decided exceptions to the
general correlation. It seems probable that better laboratory
methods will have to be developed before one can determine,
with any degree of accuracy, the phosphorus and potash require-
ments of soils by laboratory tests.
Carbon Dioxide Content of the Soil Air as a Factor in the
Absorption of Inorganic Elements by Plants. (F. W. Parker)
This is a continuation of the study reported last year. Two ex-
periments were conducted dealing with the influence of the re-
moval from the soil air and the addition to it of carbon dioxide
on the absorption of inorganic elements by plants. In the first
experiment, rape, oats, and crimson clover were grown on a poor
sandy soil without fertilizer additions other than nitrate. Inthe
second experiment cowpeas and sorghum were grown in cultures
receiving rock phosphate, acid phosphate, and no phosphate.
In all cases the yield, ash, calcium, and phosphorus contents
were determined. The results obtained in the experiment may
be summarized as follows:
The removal from the soil air or the addition to it of carbon
dioxide did not influence materially the yield in either ex-
periment.
The phosphorus content of the plant was slightly increased
by the addition of carbon dioxide to the soil air under the con-
ditions of the first experiment. However, the results of the
second experiment indicate that the availibility of rock phosphate
is not influenced by alterations in the carbon dioxide content of the
soil air.
In most instances the carbon dioxide treatments did not in-
fluence the calcium content of the plant. However, in the case
of cowpeas the addition of carbon dioxide apparently caused
a slight increase in the calcium content.
In most cases the ash content of the plant was not influenced
by the carbon dioxide treatment. The most striking exception
was with oats where the addition of carbon dioxide increased
and the removal of carbon dioxide reduced the percentage of
ash.
The Colorimetric Determination of Phosphorus and the Ab-
sorption of Phosphorus by Pasteur-Chamberland Filters. (F. W.
Parker).-In a study of the phosphorus content of the soil solu-
tion it became necessary to secure an accurate method for the
determination of small quantities of phosphorus. The Coeruleo-
molybdate method was finally adopted for use. The method
makes possible the determination of 0.02 p.p.m. P0
4 
in 50 cc of
solution. The accuracy of the method was tested by comparing
results obtained with it and with standard volumetric method of
determining phosphorus.
It was found that Pasteur-Chamberland filters that had been
used in preparing soil extracts contained considerable phos-
phorus that is soluble in water or in solutions of low phosphate
content.
Used filters absorbed considerable phosphorus from phos-
phate solutions of known concentration and from soil extracts
containing 0.09 and 0.6 p.p.m. P0
4
. New Pasteur-Chamber-
land filters did not absorb phosphorus but contained consider-
able phosphorus soluble in water.
Treatment of used filters with strong hydrochloric acid and
subsequent ignition in an electric furnace did not completely
destroy the phosphate absorbing power of hsed filters.
ANIMAL INDUSTRY
Soft Pork Project. (W. D. Salmon).-Last year we report-
ed that a ration of 5 parts of corn and 1 part of peanut meal
did not have a softening effect on hogs that had not received
previously any softening feeds. This year a group of hogs was
fed peanuts for 6 weeks and then changed to the same ration
of corn and peanut meal that was used in last year's test. Table
2 gives a summary of the feeding results.
Table 2.-Peanuts in Dry Lot Followed by Corn and Pea-
nut Meal
First Period Second Period Third Period
Corn 5 lb. Corn 5 lb.
Hogs and Feed Whole Peanuts Peanut meal Peanut meal
1 lb. 1 lb.
42 days 56 days 52 days
No. of hogs 24 19 12
Average initial weight, lbs. 26.4 94 147
Average daily gain, lbs. 1.17 1.37 1.20
Feed for 100 lbs. gain
Peanuts 354 - -
Corn - 325.8 466.0
Peanut Meal 65.1 93.2
Mineral Mixture 8.6 13.6 8.0
Total 362.6 404.5 567.2
The hogs were so soft at the end of the period of feeding on
peanuts they were not made hard even after 16 weeks feeding
on the ration of corn and peanut meal.
Effect of Minerals on Growth and Reproduction. (W. D.
Salmon).-The effect of acid phosphate on reproduction as re-
ported last year has been confirmed by later studies. The addi-
tion of cod liver oil and dried meat to the original basal diet of
corn and peanut meal did not improve the results when acid
phosphate was used. Increasing the acid phosphate to 3 per
cent of the total diet made no improvement. The addition of
sufficient sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the excess of free
acid carried by the acid phosphate enabled the rats to raise
9
young. The young grew to maturity and reproduced on the
neutralized diet.
Vitamin B in the Excreta of Rats on a Diet Low in This Factor.
(W. D. Salmon).-It was found that the feces of rats may be
rich in vitamin B even when the diet does not contain demonstra-
ble amounts of this factor. The vitamin was apparently not
produced by the growth of mould on the excreta after they were
voided. Ingestion of excreta may introduce appreciable error
into determinations of vitamin B when the rats are not caged
on raised screens.
BOTANY
Soil Toxin Investigations. (W. A. Gardner) .- Vanillin,
cumarin and resorcinol decomposing organisms are very common
and widely distributed. Cinnamic acid, caffein, and quinone
are decomposed by the organisms of about two-thirds 
of the
widely distributed soils tested. Hydroquinone is decomposed
by about one-third of the widely distributed soils examined.
About three-fourths of the soils from the several states contain
organisms able to decompose pyridine and piperidine. A few
soils contain benzidine decomposing organisms. Vanillin, cum-
arin, cinnamic acid, and resorcinol decomposing organisms oc-
cur in one or more soils from each of nine states. In the order
of mention, quinone, hydroquinone, caffein, pyridine, piperidine,
and benzidine decomposing organisms occur in a decreasing
number of states.
Physiology of Sweet Potatoes. (W. A. Gardner).-Studies
on the physiology of sweet potatoes show a reciprocal relation
between the decrease of starch and the depression of the freez-
ing point of the expressed juice. In general the depression of
the freezing point becomes greater as the season progresses.
As the sweet potato root grows the percentage of moisture
rapidly decreases, the percentage of starch correspondingly in-
creases, the percentage of non-reducing sugar gradually in-
creases, and the percentage of reducing sugars remain very
nearly constant.
Except for the more or less direct effects of curing, Porto
Rico sweet potatoes underwent similar changes in moisture to
those not cured but stored in the same room. Those stored in
the bank lost less moisture than those cured or uncured but stored
in the house. The results with carbohydrates are mostly in har-
mony with those of last year. The data obtained with Triumph
sweet potatoes indicate that a high percentage of moisture is
usually accompanied by a low percentage of starch.
The percentage of sucrose was greater in cured than un-
cured, and greater in uncured than in banked Triumph sweet
potatoes. The percentage of reducing sugar was increased by
harvesting, but was affected little by method of storage.
The removal of tops resulted in an increase in percentage of
10
moisture, a decrease of starch and sucrose, and no importaht
change in percentage of reducing sugar.
Disease Resistance in Sweet Potatoes. (Walter L. Blain).
Vine cuttings of 18 varieties of sweet potatoes secured from
Porto Rico were tested for resistance to sweet potato black rot
and stem rot but both the inoculated plants and checks gave
negative results.
CHEMISTRY (Agricultural)
Non-Protein Nitrogen of the Velvet Bean. (E. R. Miller
and M. A. Barnes).-(1) Seed." By several different methods
protein was removed from aqueous extracts of velvet beans and
the non-protein nitrogen determined in the filtrate. On the
average of 4 per cent of total nitrogen and 0.51 per cent non-
protein nitrogen were found. The latter consists mainly of acid
amide nitrogen, basic nitrogen, and amino acid nitrogen, the
latter predominating.
Long continued extraction with 90-95 per cent alcohol re-
moves nitrogen compounds equivalent to 0.35 to 0.4 per cent
nitrogen. A large part of this is amino acid nitrogen and is
present mainly as 3-4-dihydroxyphenylalanine.
(2) Pods. The average of several determinations showed
the presence of 0.609 per cent total nitrogen and 0.166 per cent
non-protein nitrogen.
Velvet Bean Ration for Brood Sows. (E. R. Miller, W. D.
Salmon).-With a ration consisting of more than 60 per cent of
authoclaved velvet beans with normal ration, sodium chloride,
calcium carbonate, cod liver oil, and yeast a litter of nine pigs
was raised to an average weight of 29.1 pounds at the age of
eight weeks.
Normal results were obtained with the use of a ration consist-
ing of 25 per cent of cooked velvet beans and 75 per cent 
of nor-
mal ration. The results were a decided improvement over those
obtained -with the same ration when the velvet beans were fed
raw.
It was found this year that the addition of yeast to a ration of
velvet beans and mineral matter produced much better results
than the addition of cod liver oil alone to this ration. The 
addi-
tion of both cod liver oil and yeast again produced the best
results.
Two gilts from a sow which had been fed a ration consisting
of 25 per cent velvet beans and 75 per cent normal ration were
continued on the same ration. After breeding one was 
put on
a 25 per cent cooked velvet bean ration and the other on 
a 25
per cent raw velvet bean ration. The sow that received 
the
cooked beans farrowed seven pigs and raised four, averaging
30.6 pounds at the age of eight weeks. The one on the 
raw
bean ration farrowed four pigs all of which were dead 
within
a week.
Velvet beans supplemented by yeast for the first 75 days
11
of the gestation period, then followed by normal ration 
produced
no better results than the same ration without 
yeast.
Three sows were allowed the run of a velvet bean field for
60 days after breeding and were then put on a normal 
ration
in dry lot. They raised twenty-two pigs which averaged 
31.5
pounds at the age of eight weeks.
The Estimation of Acid Amide Nitrogen. (E. R. Miller
and C. R. Saunders).-The following results were obtained
by the usual method of distillation with magnesia and also by
hydrolyzing for thirty minutes with twenty per cent hydrochloric
acid as suggested by Hart. In the case of salicylamide 9.131
per cent nitrogen was obtained by hydrolyzing one hour. The
acid amides used were obtained from the Eastman Kodak Com-
pany.
% Total N % N by
Acid amide by Kjeldahl distillation
method with MgO
Butyramide 16.026 0.535
Benzamide 11.640 0.308
Salicylamide 9.951 0.269
Oxamide 27.750 20.314
Malonamide 25.510 2.929
Acetamide 23.650 0.639
Urea 46.130 4.410
Asparagine 18.740
n-Valeramide 13.635
*Total Nitrogen.
1.203
0.843
% N by hydro- Theoretical %
lyzing with 20% of amide
HC1 for 30 min. nitrogen
15.814 16.08
10.785 11.57
7.543 10.22
26.855 31.82
26.375 27.45
22.515 23.72
4.940 46.65
*10.60
8.850 *21.21
13.259 13.85
Judging from these results distillation with MgO cannot be
depended upon as a means of estimating acid amide nitrogen.
Non-Protein Nitrogen of the Tracy Velvet Bean Seed. (E.
R. Miller and C. R. Saunders).-The average of several de-
terminations shows the presence of 3.8 per cent total nitrogen
and 0.578 per cent non-protein nitrogen. The latter consists
mainly of amino acid nitrogen with a small amount of basic
nitrogen. No satisfactory quantitative estimation of dihydroxy-
phenylalanine has so far been made for any variety of velvet
bean. On the supposition that it is the only amino acid present,
formol titration 
of aqueous extracts 
indicates the presence 
of
approximately 4 per cent of this substance.
ENGINEERING (Agricultural)
A study of Fundamental Factors Influencing the Traction of
Wheel Tractors. (J. W. Randolph and M. L. Nichols).-The
traction study should show that the greatest factor in the trans-
mission of force from any lug depends upon the tractor taking
fullest advantage of the arch action 
of a soil. The resistance
to shear determines the tractive value of a soil. If the soil is
confined by a rim (or arch action) the shear area is increased by
12
bringing the line of shear nearer parallel to the surface of the
ground, the shear angle of unconfined soil being 45 degrees.
The compressing action of the rim increases not only the arch
action, but the shear value per square inch.
With a given width of rim output increases up to maximum
as the weight carried by the wheel is increased up to a certain
point. With further increase in weight, the output decreases.
The highest force ration (efficiency) is produced with a weight
carried by the wheel just sufficient to force the lug into the soil.
Output increases with the width of rim when the weight is suffi-
cient to force the lugs into the soil.
ENTOMOLOGY
Control Turnip Webworm (Hallula Undalis). (J. M. Robin-
son).-Tests were made with Sodium Fluosilicate and different
dilutions of calcium arsenate to control the larvae of the turnip
webworm on collards. Sodium Fluosilicate reduced the larvae
from 28 per ten plants to 15 larvae after four applications at
weekly intervals. There was only slight burning of foliage
after the fourth dusting. The check advanced from 51 larvae
per ten plants to 100 larvae.
The best control was obtained when calcium arsenate was
used at the strength manufactured to control boll weevils.
The infestation was 11 larvae per ten plants after first applica-
tion of dust. The infestation dropped to 5 larvae and then re-
mained at 2 larvae for the next two weeks. As the calcium ar-
senate was diluted with hydrated lime the infestation increased.
Table 3, below, is a record of results.
Table 3.-Showing Materials, Record of Living Larvae, and
Leaves Burned.
Sodium Calcium Calcium
Date Fluosilicate 1 lb. Check Arsenate 1 lb. Arsenate 5 lbs. Calcium
Dusted Hydrated Lime Hydrated Hy
H y
drated Lime I ydrated Lime Arsenate
9 lbs. 9 lbs. 5 lbs.
Living Leaves I Living Living Leaves Living Leaves I Living I Leaves
Larvae Burned Larvae Larvae Burned Larvae |Burned Larvae Burned
7/30
8/6 28 No 51 28 No 22 No 11 No
8/13 40 No 89 26 No 9 No 5 No
8/20 23 No 51 23 No 4 No 2 No
8/27 15 Slight 100 11 No 5 No 2 No
9/3 0 Pits. 0 0 Plts. 75% 50%
dead dead in plts. plts.
__ _stalk dead in stalk dead
Belted Bean Beetle (Diabrotica balteata). (J. M. Robin-
son).-This insect has long been known in Mexico as doing dam-
age to beans, cotton, and various cucurbitaceous plants. It was
recorded as doing damage to beans, okra, and cucumbers in
various places in Texas in 1905. In Alabama, Diabrotica bal-
teata has become established as far northas Tallapoosa County
13
and is rather evenly distributed over the counties south of Lee
and Perry. Damage by this insect was reported during the
months of July, August, September, and October in the years
1922 and 1923. The low temperatures during the winter of
1923 seemed to reduce the abundance in 1924. The beetle has
been observed feeding on the following plants in Alabama:
bunch beans, cabbage, okra, cotton, vetch, and onions.
Pecan Weevil (Balaninus Caryae Horn) (H. G. Good).-
When soil containing the pecan weevil larvae is treated with calcium
cyanide, all the larvae are killed. However, this treatment is
also detrimental to trees if used in large quantities and put too
close to the trees. It causes the leaves to turn brown and drop
off the tree. From hibernation cages in which 50 larvae were
put in sandy loam and 50 in clay-13 of the larvae were found
in the former, 10 being alive and 3 dead. In the clay soil, 7 were
found, 3 of which were alive and 4 dead. Both the clay and
sandy loam soils were in pots. During the examination for the
weevils the adults were found about 4 inches below the surface
of the clay soil while in the sandy loam they were between five
and six inches from the top.
Cotton Aphis (Aphis gossypii). (H. G. Good).-Tests were
made on the productivity of aphids. This test was started
September 1, 1924, and carried through to November 15. Dur-
ing this time, 7 young was the maximum produced by any one
aphid in a day, occuring on September 22, and the temperature
was 90
?
. The increase in the temperature plays a very im-
portant part in productivity.
Cattle Lice Control. (F. E. Guyton).-An attempt was made
to control the common chewing, and sucking lice of cattle with
sodium fluoride. There was one species of chewing louse,
(Trichodectes scalaris) and two species of sucking lice-the long-
nosed ox louse (Linognathus vituli) and the short nosed ox louse
(Haenmatopinus eurysternus). They were found principally on
the head, neck, and shoulders of cattle. Infested portions of the
cattle were rubbed with sodium fluoride on a clear day to pre-
vent washing off by rain. It took approximately one ounce per
animal, herd run, for the applications. This material cost 25c
per pound, making the treatment cost less than two (2) cents
per animal. It gave practically 100% control of all species of
lice treated.
HORTICULTURE
Pears. (C. L. Isbell) .- The variety test with pears contains
sand or pineapple pears, hybrid pears, and the high quality Eu-
ropean pear. To date the test indicates:
European pear trees are so susceptible to blight that all of the
trees will be lost before or by the time they come into bearing.
Such varieties should not be planted in this climate.
Hybrids of sand and European pears that are very susceptible
to blight-LeConte for example begin to die from blight by
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the time they come into fruiting. Very few trees of such varie-
ties should be planted in this climate.
Hybrids that are not very susceptible to damage from blight
-- like Kieffer and Garber-may blight but still produce well.
The fruit from such trees when well ripened is fair in quality.
This type of pear should be grown in this climate.
Sand or pineapple pear trees are not susceptible to damage
from fire blight, but the blossoms come out in Auburn vicinity
so soon in the spring that the young pears usually get killed by
frost.
Peaches. (C. L. Isbell).-A variety test was started in 1919
with twenty-seven different varieties of peaches. The object of
the test was to determine whether any of the newly introduced
varieties were better for early, midsummer, or very late peaches
than the standard varieties for these seasons. To date the in-
dications are:
The June Elberta has promise as an early variety because it
is a yellow peach with good quality for an early ripening peach,
and appears to be a good yielder.
The Illinois has much promise as a midseason peach for the
home orchard because of its heavy yields and fine quality. It
is too tender to ship well.
The Augbert has promise for home use and local market as
a yellow peach of Elberta. type, ripening late. However, con-
trol of insects and diseases may make its production prohibitive.
The type of Indian peach widely grown in North Alabama
from seed and now sold under the variety name of Big Indian
Blood is very high in quality and is promising as a peach for
pickling purposes. Its foliage and fruit are highly susceptible
to damage by sprays that do not cause much damage to standard
varieties of peaches.
Pecans -Studies in Fruit Bud Formation and the Growing
Habits Associated With It. (C. L. Isbell).-Further study of a
technical nature was made by preparing permanent slides of
sections from buds taken at different dates to illustrate develop-
ment of buds at different seasons during the year.
It was found by removing second growth shoot by pruning
that vegetative growth and nut production shifted to the primary
part of the shoot.
A series of experiments were conducted on shoots of Delmas
and Pabst varieties to determine the influence of partial defolia-
tion, of ringing, and of a combination of these practices on vege-
tative growth and flower production. Shoots were treated dur-
ing the last ten days in July, 1924. A comparatively small 
num-
ber of shoots were used in the experiment, but enough data were
secured to indicate rather definitely that the following conclu-
sions may be drawn:
The number of young shoots produced above the ring where
it was partly or entirely healed was greater than the number
below the ring.
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The number of young shoots produced above the ring when
no part of the ring healed was less than the number produced
below the ring.
The vigor of the shoots produced above and below the ring
was greater or less depending on the amount the ring healed.
Where it healed the vigor of shoots was greater above the ring
than where it did not heal.
Ringing and preventing the ring from healing reduced catkin
and pistillate cluster formation in both varieties more than did
defoliation.
Ringing and allowing ring to partly or entirely heal resulted
in slight increase in number of catkins and decreased in number
of pistillate clusters in case of both varieties.
Defoliation in general tended to increase the number of
shoots produced and lower the vigor of shoots treated.
Defoliation materially reduced the number of clusters of pis-
tillate flowers formed.
Defoliation cut down catkin flower production in case of the
Delmas variety, and apparently increased it in case of the Pabst.
Ringing and defoliating to base and not allowing the ring
to partly or entirely heal resulted in reduction of catkins formed
in each case, in the complete prevention in case of Delmas of for-
mation of nut clusters, and in the reduction in case of Pabst.
Ringing and defoliating to base and allowing the ring to
partly or entirely heal resulted in increase in the number of cat-
kins and pistillate clusters in case of Pabst, to considerable re-
duction in catkins, and complete reduction of pistillate clusters
in case of Delmas.
LOCAL EXPERIMENTS
The following local experiment projects were in progress
during the calendar year 1924:
Agronomy
Extensive Variety Experiment with Cotton.
Sources of Phosphate Experiment with Cotton, Corn, and Oats
in Rotation in five different fields.
Rate of Applying Fertilizer to Cotton.
Extensive Variety Experiment with Corn.
Fertilizer Rotation Experiment at Albertville, Jackson, Pratt-
ville, Cusseta, Sylacauga, 
Hackleburg, and Brewton.
Rates of Fertilizing Corn following Legumes.
Rate of Fertilizing Cotton following Legumes.
Lime Experiments with Cotton.
Lime Experiments with Corn.
Soybean Variety Test.
Short Winter Legume Tests.
Sources of Phosphorus Tests for Winter Legumes.
Kudzu Multiplication for Hay.
Lespedeza Fertilizer Experiments.
Alfalfa Fertilizer Experiment.
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Botany
Pecan Scab.
Control of Pecan Scab by Means of Sprays.
Sweet Potato Blackrot.
Engineering (Agricultural)
Soil Dynamics.
Land Clearing.
Entomology
Pecan Weevil.
Cotton Dusting.
Strawberry Root Louse.
Horticulture
Variety Test with Apples at Talladega, Alabama.
Home Orchard Tests at Athens and Gallion, Alabama.
Fertilizer and Cover Crop Test with Pecans at Selma, Alabama.
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