FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
January I to December 31, 1942
OF THE
Agricultural Experiment Station
OF THE
Alabama Polytechnic Institute
AUBURN
M. J. FUNCHESS, Director
AUBURN, ALABAMA
2 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Alabama Polytechnic Institute
TRUSTEES
His Excellency, Frank M. Dixon, Chairman ---- --------
Ex-Officio
A. H. Collins, State Superintendent of Education (To Oct. 1) Ex-Officio
E. B. Norton, State Superintendent of Education (From Oct. 1) 
Ex-Officio
Francis W. Hare, (First District) Monroeville, Alabama
George Blue, (Second District) Montgomery, Alabama
T. D. Samford, (Third District) Opelika, Alabama
S. L. Toomer, (Third District) Auburn, Alabama
H. D. Merrill, (Fourth District) Anniston, Alabama
C. S. Culver, (Fifth District) Gadsden, Alabama
Robert K. Green, (Sixth District) Greensboro, Alabama
Paul S. Haley, (Seventh District) -------------------------------- Jasper, Alabama
Edward A. O'Neal, (Eighth District) Florence, Alabama
Victor H. Hanson, (Ninth District) Birmingham, Alabama
Ralph B. Draughon, Secretary of Board, Auburn, Alabama
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION STAFF
Luther Noble Duncan, M.S., LL.D., President
M. J. Funchess, M.S., D.Sc., Director
W. H. Weidenbach, B.S., Assistant to Director
Kirtley Brown, A.B., Agricultural Editor
Mary E. Martin, Librarian
*Sara Willeford, B.S., Agricultural Librarian
Agricultural Economics
B. F. Alvord, M.S.
*W. K. McPherson, M.S.
*P. E. Jones, M.S.
J. N. Mahan, M.S.
A. H. Harrington, M.S.
**B. T. Lanham, Jr., M.S.
*W. F. Lagrone, B.S.
*J. W. Lester, M. S.
E. E. Mansfield
Agricultural Engineering
J. H. Neal, Ph.D.
***R. M. Merrill, B.S.
E. D. Gordon, M.S.
I. F. Reed, M.S.
O. A. Brown, Ph.D.
**E. G. Diseker, M.S.
A. T. Hendrix, M.S.
F. A. Kummer, M. S.
D. A. Parsons, B.A.
A. W. Cooper, M.S.
J. O. Laws, B.S.
**C. C. Morgan, Jr., M.S.
*Norval Stoltenburg, B.S.
Agronomy and Soils
N. J. Volk, Ph.D.
D. G. Sturkie, Ph.D.
H. R. Albrecht, Ph.D.
J. B. Dick, B.S.
R. J. Jones, Ph.D.
E. L. Mayton, M.S.
**J. A. Naftel, Ph.D.
**R. W. Pearson, Ph.D.
Howard T. Rogers, Ph.D ...
A. L. Sommer, Ph.D.
H. B. Tisdale, M.S.
G. W. Volk, Ph.D.
J. T. Williamson, B.S.
H. W. Reuszer, Ph.D.
H. R. Benford, M.S.
F. E. Bertram, B.S.
*C. L. Breedlove
E. C. Richardson, M.S.
J. W. Richardson, B.S.
**E. H. Stewart, M.S.
*Resigned.
**On leave for Military Service.
***On leave.
Head, Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Economist (Coop. TVA)
Associate Agricultural Economist
Associate Agricultural Economist
Assistant Agricultural Economist
Assistant Agricultural Economist
Junior Economist (Coop. USDA)
Graduate Assistant
-- Statistical Clerk
Head, Agricultural Engineering
Senior Agricultural Engineer (Coop. USDA)
Agricultural Engineer (Coop. USDA)
Agricultural Engineer (Coop. USDA)
Associate Agricultural Engineer (Coop. USDA)
Associate Agricultural Engineer
Associate Agricultural Engineer (Coop. USDA)
Associate Agricultural Engineer
Project Supervisor (Coop. USDA)
Assistant Agricultural Engineer
Assistant Soil Conservationist (Coop. USDA)
Assistant in Agricultural Engineering
Junior Soil Technologist (Coop. USDA)
Head, Agronomy and Soils
Agronomist
Associate Agronomist
Associate Agronomist (Coop. USDA)
Associate Soil Chemist
Associate Agronomist
Associate Soil Chemist
Associate Soil Chemist
............................ A ssociate Soil Chem ist
Associate Soil Chemist
Associate Plant Breeder
Associate Soil Chemist
Associate Agronomist
Agent (Coop. USDA)
Assistant Agronomist
Assistant Agronomist
Assistant in Agronomy
Assistant Agronomist (Coop. USDA)
Assistant Agronomist
Assistant in Agronomy
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 3
**J. I. Wear, M.S.
*B. L. Collier, B.S.
J. T. Cope, B.S.
*P. B. Gibson, B.S.
*J. C. Rice, B.S.
*C. M. Wilson, B.S.
Animal and Poultry Husbandry
J. C. Grimes, M.S.
D. F. King, M.S.
W. D. Salmon, M.A.
W. E. Sewell, M.S..
J. D. Capps, Ph.D.
G. J. Cottier, M.A.
R. W. Engel, Ph.D.
**C. J. Koehn, Ph.D.
**W. C. Sherman, Ph.D.
P. D. Sturkie, Ph.D.
**M. J. Burns, B.S.
Botany and Plant Pathology
J. L. Seale, Ph.D.
E. V. Smith, Ph.D.
J. R. Jackson, Ph.D.
T. R. Wright, M.S. (Fairhope)
Horticulture and Forestry
L. M. Ware, M.S.
C. L. Isbell, Ph.D..
E. W. McElwee, M.S.
K. A. Brinkman, M.S.
**E. R. Toole, Ph.D.
0. A. Atkins, M.S.
W. R. Boggess, M.F.
**F. E. Johnstone, Ph.D.
**J. E. Bryan, Jr., B.S.
Hubert Harris, M.S.
H. A. Nation, M.S............
W. A. Johnson, B.S.
Special Investigations
J. F. Duggar, M.S.
Zoology-Entomology
J. M. Robinson, M.A.
L. L. English, Ph.D.
H. S. Swingle, M.S.
**F. S. Arant, Ph.D.
R. O. Christenson, Ph.D.
A. M. Pearson, Ph.D.
J. T. Griffiths, Jr., Ph.D.
*H. H. Earle, B.S.
J. M. Lawrence, B.S.
Assistant in Soils
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Head, Animal Industry
Poultry Husbandman
Animal Nutritionist
............................. Animal Husbandman
Associate Animal Nutritionist
Associate Poultry Husbandman
Associate Animal Nutritionist
Associate Animal Nutritionist
Associate Animal Nutritionist
Associate Poultry Husbandman
Graduate Assistant
Head, Botany and Plant Pathology
A sociate Botanist
Assistant Botanist
Assistant Plant Pathologist (Coop. State
Dept. of Agri., and Ala. Ext. Service.)
Head, Horticulture and Forestry
-. ---- --- --------- -- ------ ------. -. . H orticu ltu rist
Associate Horticulturist
Junior Forester, Forest Service (Coop. USDA)
Junior Forest Pathologist (Coop. USDA)
Assistant Horticulturist
Assistant Forester
Assistant Vegetable Breeder
Assistant in Horticulture
Assistant in Horticulture
------------------------- A ssistant in H orticulture
Laboratory Technician
Research Professor of Special Investigations
Head, Zoology-Entomology
Entomologist (Spring Hill, Ala., Box 81)
Fish Culturist
Associate Entomologist
Associate Parasitologist
Associate Biologist (Coop. USDI and
State Department of Conservation)
Assistant Entomologist
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Substations
Black Belt - Marion Junction, Dallas County, Alabama
K. G. Baker, B.S. Superintendent
**J. W. McClendon, B.S. Assistant Superintendent
Gulf Coast Fairhope, Baldwin County, Alabama
Otto Brown, M .S.......................... Superintendent
Harold Yates, B.S. Assistant Superintendent
Sand Mountain- Crossville, DeKalb County, Alabama
R. C. Christopher, B.S. Superintendent
S. E. Gissendanner, B.S. Assistant Superintendent
Tennessee Valley- Belle Mina, Limestone County, Alabama
Fred Stewart, B.S. -Superintendent
J. K. Boseck, B.S. Assistant Superintendent
Wiregrass- Headland, Henry County, Alabama
J. P.P Wilson, B.S. Superintendent
**C. A. Brogden, B.S. Assistant Superintendent
R. P. Goggans, B.S. Assistant to Superintendent
*Resigned.
**On leave for Military Service.
4 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
CHANGES IN STATION STAFF DURING 1942
Appointments
H. R. Benford, M.S.
J. D. Capps, Ph.D.
B. L. Collier, B.S.
J. T. Cope, B.S.
J. T. Griffiths, Jr., Ph.D.
A. H. Harrington, M.S.
P. E. Jones, M.S.
H. T. Rogers, Ph.D.
Resignations
C. L. Breedlove
B. L. Collier, B.S.
H. H. Earle, B.S.
P. B. Gibson, B.S.
P. E. Jones, M.S.
J. W. Lester, M.S.
W. F. Lagrone, B.S.
W. K. McPherson, M.S.
J. C. Rice, B.S.
Norval Stoltenburg, B.S.
Sara Willeford, B.S.
C. M. Wilson, B.S.
Assistant Agronomist
Associate Animal Nutritionist
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Assistant Entomologist
Assistant Agricultural Economist
Associate Agricultural Economist
Associate Soil Chemist
Assistant in Agronomy
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Associate Agricultural Economist
Graduate Assistant
Junior Economist (Coop. USDA)
Agricultural Economist
Graduate Assistant
Junior Soil Technologist (Coop. USDA)
Agricultural Librarian
Graduate Assistant
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Experiment Station Publications
(Bulletins, Circulars, and Mimeographed Reports)
Koehn, C. J. Practical Dog Feeding. Bul. 251: 1-23.
(1942).
Blackstone, J. H., and Inman, B. T. - Food Habits of
Consumer Groups in Small Towns of Alabama that Affect
Farmers' Markets. Bul. 252: 1-68. (1942).
Albrecht, H. R. - Vetch Varieties for Soil Improvement
and Seed Production in Alabama. Bul. 253: 1-15. (1942).
Swingle, H. S., and Smith, E. V. - Management of Farm
Fish Ponds. Bul. 254: 1-23. (1942).
Sherman, W. C., and Albrecht, H. R. - Edible Soybeans.
Bul. 255: 1-16. (1942).
Lanham, Ben T., Jr., and Lagrone, W. F. - Increasing
Incomes and Conserving Resources on Cotton-Corn Farms in
Marion County, Alabama. Bul. 256: 1-23. (1942).
McPherson, W. K. - A General Appraisal of the Livestock
Industry in the Southeastern States. Bul. 257: 1-32. (1942).
Sturkie, D. G., and Fisher, H. S. The Planting and 
Main-
tenance of Lawns. Cir. 85: 1-20. (1942).
Brinkman, K. A., and Swarthout, P. A. - Natural Repro-
duction of Pines in East-Central Alabama. Cir. 86: 
1-12.
(1942).
Albrecht, H. R., and Sturkie, D. G. - Blue Lupine Culture
in Southern Alabama. (1942).
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 5
Boggess, W. R. - An Effective Method of Poisoning Trees,
Stumps, and Sprouts. (January 1942).
Isbell, C. L. - Storing and Drying Vegetables on the Farm.
(February 1942).
Isbell, C. L. - Vegetable Gardening. (Revised 1942).
Kummer, F. A. - Shredding Equipment for Drying Sweet
Potatoes. (January 1942).
Lanham, Ben T., Jr., and Lagrone, W. F. - Labor Require-
ments for Field Crops in the Southeastern Coastal Plains Farm-
ing Area of Alabama. Special Report. (February 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Drying Sweet Potatoes. (January 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Sweet Potatoes for Livestock Feed. (June
1942).
Ware, L. M. - Producing Sweet Potatoes for Livestock
Feed. (June 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Gross Returns, Cost of Production, and Net
Returns from Sweet Potatoes Produced for Livestock under
Different Conditions. (July 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Instruction for Preparing a Sweet Potato
Drying Surface with Road Priming Oil. (October 1942).
Articles in Scientific Journals
Albrecht, H. R. - Earliness of Maturity as a Factor In-
fluencing Seed Production in Vetch. Amer. Soc. Agron. Jour.,
34: 662-667. (1942).
Albrecht, H. R. Effect of Diseases upon Survival of
White Clover, Trifolium repens L., in Alabama. Amer. Soc.
Agron. Jour., 34: 725-730. (1942).
Albrecht, H. R. - Varieties and Methods of Planting
Vetch for Seed Production. Assoc. South. Agr. Workers 
Proc.,
p. 82. (1942).
Albrecht, H. R. - Disease Studies with White Clover in
Alabama. Assoc. South. Agr. Workers Proc., p. 48. (1942).
Arant, F. S. - Effectiveness of Derris and Cub6 in Pickle-
worm Control. Jour. Econ. Ent. 35: 870. (1942).
Arant, F. S. - Relative Effectiveness of Several Rotenone-
Containing Insecticides Against Various Insects. Jour. Econ.
Ent., 35: 873. (1942).
Butler, R. L., and Christenson, Reed O. - A Simple Ap-
paratus for Determining the Validity of Embryonated Hel-
minth Ova. Jour. Parasitol., 28: 131-134. (1942).
6 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Christenson, Reed O., Earle, H. H., Butler, R. L., and
Creel, H. H. - Studies on the Eggs of Ascaridia galli and
Heterakis gallinae. Amer. Micro. Soc. Trans., 61: 191-205.
(1942).
Christenson, Reed 0., and Creel, H. H. - Soil Tempera-
tures and Soil Moisture as Factors in the Seasonal Incidence
of Certain Animal Parasites in Alabama. Jour. Ala. Acad. Sci.,
14: 30-33. (1942).
Christenson, Reed 0., and Creel, H. H. Soil Tempera-
ture and Soil Moisture as Factors Governing the Seasonal In-
cidence of Certain Parasitic Worms. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci., 27:
341. 
(1942).
Cooper, A. W., and Neal, J. H. - A Method for Determin-
ing the Velocity of Runoff Water. Jour. Am. Soc. Agr. Engin.,
23: 385-387. (1942).
Engel, R. W. - Choline Deficiency in Rats of Various Ages.
Soc. Expt. Biol. and Med. Proc., 50: 193-196. (1942).
Howell, Henry H. - Bottom Organisms in Fertilized and
Unfertilized Fish Ponds in Alabama. Amer. Fisheries Soc.
Trans.,,71: 165-179. (1942).
Kummer, F. A. - Machinery for Processing Sweet Pota-
toes for Livestock Feed. Agr. Engin. 23: 215-216. (1942).
Naftel, James A. - Soil Liming Investigations: VI. Re-
sponse of Crimson Clover to Boron and Lime on Coastal Plain
Soils. Amer. Soc. Agron. Jour., 34: 975-985. (1942).
Smith, E. V., and Swingle, H. S. - The Use of Fertilizer
for Controlling Several Submerged Aquatic Plants in Ponds.
Amer. Fisheries Soc. Trans., 71: 94-101. (1942).
Swingle, H. S., and Smith, E. V. - The Management of
Ponds with Stunted Fish Populations. Amer. Fisheries Soc.
Trans., 71: 102-105. (1942).
Volk, Garth W. - Waste Pond Phosphate Compared with
Rock Phosphate and Superphosphate. Amer. Soc. Agron. Jour.,
34: 823-829. (1942).
Volk, N. J. - Relation of Exchangeable Potassium in Ala-
bama Soils to Needs of the Cotton Crop. Amer. Soc. Agron.
Jour., 34: 188-189. (1942).
Ware, L. M., Brown, Otto, and Yates, Harold. - Residual
Effects of Phosphorus on Irish Potatoes in South Alabama.
Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Proc., 41: 265-269. (1942).
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL. REPORT, 1942 
7
Ware, L. M., and Darling, H. M.- Value of 
the Alabama
Potato Seed-Testing Program. Amer. Potato Jour., 
19: 21 6-223.
(1942).
Ware, L. M., and Darling, H. M. - Some Possibilities 
of
the Irish Potato in North Alabama. A mer. Potato Jour., 
19:
48-59. (1942).
Articles in Popular Journals
Atkins, 0. A. - Wild Pea, a Good Legume. Progressive'
Farmer. (November 1942).
Grimes, J. C. - Potatoes Meet Feed Tests. Progressive
Fanner. (June 1942).
Isbell, C. L. - Storing, and Drying Vegetables for Home
Use. Farm for Victory. (June 1941j2).
McPherson, W. K., Mahan, J. N., and Alvord, B. F.-
Distribution of Income from Alabama Farms, 1939. The Au-.
burn Forum. (April 1942).
Yolk, Garth W. - Experiment Station Gives Report 
on
Various Phosphate Fertilizers. This Month in Rural Alabama.
(February 1942).
Yolk, N. J. - The Importance of Fertilizer in Meeting the
War Production Goals of Food and Feed in the Southeast.
The Yearbook of Comimercial Fertilizer. (1942).
Ware, L. M.- Increasing Fertility in the South. Market
Growers Journal. (October 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Potatoes Beat Corn as a Feed Crop. Pro-
gressive Farmer. (February 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Can Beat Iowa's Corn Yields. Progressive
Farmer. (March 1942).
Ware, L. M. - Sweet Potatoes Dried on the Farm. Farmers
Digest (A condensation of articles in Progressive Farmer, Sep-
temnber 1942).
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
Soil Crust Formation and Its Relation to Crop Stand.
(F. A. Kummer and A. W. Cooper). - Cotton was planted in
tubs containing Cecil clay. In order to determine the effect of
bacterial action on crust formation, one series of tubs received
a mixture of sugar and casein to stimulate bacterial develop-
ment. Artificial rainfall was applied to all tubs at the rate of
2.87 inches per hour f or one hour. It was f ound that the un-
8 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
treated tubs produced satisfactory cotton stands and no serious
crust formation was observed. The tubs treated with sugar
and casein, however, produced poor cotton stands and very
tough crusts. These crusts proved to be extremely waterstable,
a property uncommon to Cecil clay under normal conditions.
Development of the Use of the Sweetpotato Shredder.
(F. A. Kummer and A. W. Cooper). - The use of the sweet-
potato shredder was expanded further by preparing con-
struction plans and directions for adjustment and operation
of the shredding machine previously reported. Local machine
shops and vocational agricultural shops were contacted and
advised as to construction procedure and placement of ma-
chines. According to reports from six Southern States, approx-
imately 100 shredding machines were constructed during
1942 from plans and specifications furnished by this Station.
Priorities were obtained for essential materials needed in the
construction of these machines. A simple knife sharpener was
designed, and plans were prepared for distribution to local
shops, in order to reduce time and material losses to a mini-
mum. Arrangements were made with manufacturers to estab-
lish a definite quota for shredding knives to be used exclusively
for this purpose.
In addition to sweetpotatoes, this machine was used suc-
cessfully to shred Irish potatoes, cabbage, and turnips. Upon
request of the Eastern Regional Research Laboratory, a quan-
tity of canaigre roots was shredded and dried preparatory to
the extraction of tannic acid.
Community-Size Mechanical Dehydrator. (F. A. Kummer
and A. W. Cooper). - In order to determine cost items in-
volved in artificial dehydration of sweetpotatoes for livestock
feed, a rotary-kiln dehydrator, furnished by the Tennessee
Coal, Iron, and Railroad Company, was tested at this Station.
Complete records of all factors, such as drying time, fuel oil
consumption, power requirements, labor, air velocity, 
and
humidity, were obtained and correlated. It was found that
the time required to produce 1 ton of dried material averaged
about 15 hours at a cost of approximately $6.50 for fuel and
power, Recommendations were made to change the design 
of
the dehydrator, which are expected to result in a 30 per cent
reduction in processing cost.
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 9
Sorghum and Sugar Cane Harvester. (F. A. Kummer and
A. W. Cooper). - A simple horse-drawn cane cutter was con-
structed and used successfully during the 1942 harvesting
season. Cutting sorghum and sugar cane with this simple de-
vice required only about 15 to 20 per cent of the time needed
to cut the same quantity by hand.
Physical Effects of Tillage in Relation to Plant Growth.
(F. A. Kummer and A. W. Cooper). The work on this
project has been carried on for one season only. Since the
direct effects of tillage upon plant development are relatively
obscure under field conditions, an effort was made to arti-
ficially produce soil structures with different degrees of pul-
verization. A series of 18 experimental plots was filled with
screened clod mixtures and separates ranging in size from
less than 1/16 inch to 2 inches. Cotton was planted on all
plots, and, in order to determine the effects produced by
surface mulch, oat straw was applied to one-half of the plots.
An analysis of the results obtained during the first year of
the experiment showed that good cotton stands were obtained
on all plots containing clod mixtures but without surface cover.
Poor stands of cotton were observed on most of the mulched
plots and very poor stands on both mulched and unmulched
plots that contained clod separates of one size only.
Effect of Cropping Practices on Runoff, Soil, and Fertilizer
Losses. (J. H. Neal, H. W. Reuszer, and R. J. Jones).-Balks
(narrow strips of vegetation between the cultivated row crops)
were left on three plots, while on companion plots the winter
legume cover crop was completely turned. The water loss
from the balk plots was 50 per cent and the soil loss 17 per
cent as much as the loss from the companion plots. Notwith-
standing the big saving in soil and water, cotton yields from
the balk plots were only about one-half of those from the
companion plots.
The winter legumes were cut from two plots, the stubble
was turned, and the legume hay was spread over the surface
as a mulch. On companion plots the winter legume was turned
under. The water loss from the mulch plots was 75 per cent
and the soil loss 31 per cent of the losses from the companion
plots. In one case the cotton yield was higher than the yields
from the unmulched plots; in another it was lower.
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
The determination of soluble plant nutrients removed 
in
the runoff water showed that the maximum loss amounted
to 1.3 pounds of nitrate nitrogen, 21 pounds of potassium, and
48 pounds of calcium per acre. The balk plots on the 10 and
20 per cent slopes lost only about 50 per cent as much soluble
plant nutrients as the companion plots.
Contour Furrows for Water Conservation on Pasture Land.
(J. H. Neal, A. W. Cooper, and E. L. Mayton). - The specific
objectives of this project are to study the value of contour
furrows in reducing water losses from pasture land, to deter-
mine the proper horizontal spacing of contour furrows for
pasture land, and to evaluate the practice of contour furrowing
in terms of herbage production on pasture land
Three years' results have been obtained on the amount of
rainfall, water losses, and herbage yields. The averageannual
precipitation for the last 3 years has been 48.59 inches.
Although the runoff from the check plots was about twice
as much as that of the contour furrowed plots, it was of no
significance because the amount of water saved was small as
compared to total precipitation. The saving of water due to
contour furrowing came at the time of the largest rains, when
the small amount of water saved was not needed.
There was no significant difference in the herbage yields of
the check plot and those of the contour furrowed plots.
The conclusion from 3 years' results is that it does not pay
to contour furrow pastures on a Norfolk sandy loam, which
has a high infiltration rate and good subsurface drainage.
AGRONOMY AND SOILS
High-Analysis Fertilizers. (N. J. Volk).-- In a 3-year
cooperative study, 9-12-6, 6-8-4, and 3-8-5 (plus sodium ni-
trate) grades of fertilizer were compared for efficiency in
producing cotton. Equal amounts of plant food were used in
all cases, except that the 3-8-5 treatment contained 6 extra
pounds of potash per acre. The data show that all three
grades of fertilizer are equally productive with respect to
cotton when rates of application are adjusted to supply equal
amounts of plant foods.
10
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAcL REPORT, 1942 1
Fertilizer Rate per acre Yield of seed cotton
per acre
Pounds Pounds
9-12-6 400 1138
6-8-4 600 1163
3-8-5 6001165
3-0-0 (side-dressing) 600S
If made from the same high-analysis materials as 9-12-6,
a ton of 3-8-5 would contain about 1,100 pounds of excess
filler or sand. Farmers bought 102,990 tons of 3-8-5 during
1942, or about 56,000 tons of unnecessary filler. At an esti-
mated cost of $11 per ton, this amount of filler cost farmers
$616,000. Fertilizers containing less than 18 per cent plant
food have been eliminated from the list of approved grades
for Alabama for the future.
Phosphorus and Potash for Corn. (N. J. Volk). - For corn
production following a crop that was well fertilized with
phosphorus and potash, this Station recommends an appli-
cation of 36 pounds of nitrogen as a side-dressing about 40
days after planting. However, a large acreage of corn in
Alabama does not follow a crop that has been well fertilized
with phosphorus and potash. Consequently, the application
of 36 pounds of nitrogen to corn does not always give the
desired results.
Hundreds of cooperative tests conducted in the State show
that about 80 per cent of the fields planted to corn are de-
ficient in phosphorus and potash, and that 45 per cent of them
respond profitably to an application of these plant food ele-
ments. Average yields for all the tests are as follows:
Rate per acre Yield of corn
Fertilizer N P
2
0
5  
K
2
0 per acre
Lb. Lb. Lb. Bushels
No fertilizer 0 0 0 22.1
Nitrogen alone 36 0 0 32.9
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash 36 28 20 39.3
These tests indicate that 200 pounds of 0-14-10 would sup-
ply enough minerals for corn in most cases.
Effect of Inoculation on Hay and Nut Yields of Peanuts
(H. R. Albrecht). - The effect of inoculation of Spanish
peanuts on land not previously planted in peanuts was studied
in 1940, 1941, and 1942. Inoculation of peanut seed planted
FIFTY-T-HIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942
11
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
on such lands had consistently increased yields of hay and
nuts.
The results showed that greater increases from inoculation
could be expected when the crop was fertilized. Increases due
to inoculation were in some cases neglible on unfertilized plots.
Conversely, increases from applications of phosphate and
potash were slight if inoculation was withheld. Nodulation
of plants on inoculated plots was significantly greater than
on those not inoculated.
Cooperative tests conducted in central and northern Ala-
bama in 1942 further proved the value of inoculation of
peanuts when grown on lands that previously had not been
planted to peanuts. Average increases of 979 pounds of cured
hay and 420 pounds of cured nuts were harvested from the
inoculated areas.
Incorporation of inoculum with finely ground manure pro-
vided a method of inoculating peanut seeds that had been
treated with a seed disinfectant. The inoculated manure was
placed in the drill at the rate of 400 pounds per acre and the
disinfected seed were planted in contact with the manure.
Nodulation of plants and yields of hay and nuts from plots
treated in this manner were comparable to those that had
been planted with inoculated seed. The technique permits a
rapid method of inoculating areas where a large number of
small lots of legume seed are to be planted.
Use of Certain Plants in the Greenhouse as Indicators of
the Magnesium and Minor Element Needs of Cotton and Corn.
(A. L. Sommer). - Turnips and crotalaria were used in pre-
liminary work to find crops that, when grown in pots in the
greenhouse, would indicate the need of minor elements (boron,
copper, zinc, and manganese) and/or magnesium for cotton
and corn in the fields. Cotton and corn in the fields were
side-dressed with (1) minor elements, (2) minor elements
and magnesium, and (3) magnesium. This was in addition to
the regular N P K fertilizer applied by the farmer. Similar
additions were made to the fertilizer applied to the pots of
corresponding soils in the greenhouse. Turnips appeared to
have too high a minor element (probably boron) requirement
and too low a magnesium requirement to serve as a satisfac-
tory indicator plant for cotton and corn. The green weight
of the tops, the dry weight of the seeds, and the appearance
12
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 13
of magnesium-deficiency symptoms for crotalaria were com-
parable to crop responses to magnesium in the corresponding
field plots. The effects of minor elements on the weight of
crotalaria seed was in good agreement with that of cotton
and corn in the corresponding fields. Since the minor elements
were added as a group, the particular elements needed were
not determined.
Cotton Variety Tests. (H. B. Tisdale and J. B. Dick).
The average results of cotton variety tests conducted on the
Main Station, Substations, and Experimental Fields for 3
years, 1940-1942, show that Stoneville 2-B, Coker 100, White
Gold, Carolina Big Boll, and Deltapine 14 are satisfactory
varieties of adequate staple length for any section of Alabama
that is not infested with the cotton wilt disease. Coker 4-in-1,
S and C Big Boll, Cook 144, and the wilt resistant Clevelands
are satisfactory wilt-resistant varieties of adequate staple
length for sections of Alabama subject to the wilt disease.
Cotton Breeding. (H. B. Tisdale and J. B. Dick). - Work
on the improvement in yield, staple quality, percentage of
lint, and wilt resistance with Cook 144, Stoneville, Miller 610,
and Deltapine varieties of cotton by straight line selection
and with the hybridization program involving several varieties
was continued in 1942. Two new strains, Deltapine 11A-192
wilt-resistant and Stoneville 2B-870 non wilt-resistant, de-
veloped in the breeding work gave good results in the 1942
variety tests. A new strain of Deltapine, designated as No.
189, has been developed in the selfed line work done in coop-
eration with the USDA Division of Cotton and Other Fiber
Crops and Diseases. This strain of the Deltapine variety is
high yielding, with medium-size boll, and light foliage, pro-
ducing 1- to 1-1/16-inch staple.
ANIMAL AND POULTRY HUSBANDRY
Value of Shelter for Wintering Beef Breeding Cows. (J.
C. Grimes). - During a 3-year experiment, a group of cows
that had access to shelter lost an average of 46 pounds each
in the winter, while a similar group that received the same
kind and amount of feed but provided no shelter lost 104
pounds 
each.
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
The rate at which the cows lost weight whether in the
open or under the shelter was closely related to the severity
of the weather.
Study of the Transmission of Factors Related to the Eco-
nomical Production of Swine. (J. C. Grimes). - After six
generations, a strain of hogs has been developed that requires
24 pounds less feed per 100 pounds gain and that reaches
a weight of 225 pounds in 20 days less time than a check
group descended from the same parent stock. The variation
in economy of gain between litters within each strain appears
to be growing less each year. This is probably due to the
increasing amount of inbreeding in the two strains and to the
rigid selection made in past years. The variation in feed
requirements per 100 pounds gain between litters in the su-
perior strain this year ranged from 337 to 365 pounds.
Producing, Grazing, and Feeding New Crops in the Pied-
mont. (J. C. Grimes and D. G. Sturkie). - Of the crops
studied last year, kudzu, sericea, manganese strain of bur
clover, and hegari (grain sorghum) appeared to be the most
promising. These crops were combined into a feeding and
grazing program for cattle as follows:
Bur clover grazed December 5 to April 10 and followed
by hegari, which was cut and shocked for winter feed.
Sericea grazed April 10 to October 10.
Kudzu cut for hay and the second crop grazed from Octo-
ber 15 to December 12.
Shocked hegari and kudzu hay fed December, January,
and February.
The chief advantages of these four crops are:
They are adapted to the soils and climate of the Piedmont.
They can be combined into a program that will furnish
grazing and feed for the entire year.
With the exception of hegari, they are either perennials
or they reseed themselves.
Except for hegari, they are soil-conserving and soil-build-
ing crops.
Kudzu as a Grazing Crop for Hogs. (J. C. Grimes).
In a test conducted during two summers, shoats weighing
from 70 to 80 pounds gained an average of .33 pounds daily
when grazing kudzu alone, .73 pound when grazing kudzu
14
and receiving 1 pound of corn per head daily, and 1.48 pounds
when grazing kudzu and receiving 5 pounds of corn per head
daily.
Sweetpotatoes and Sweetpotato Products for Fattening
Steers. (J. C. Grimes). - An experiment using sweetpotatoes
and sweetpotato products for fattening steers gave the fol-
lowing results:
One pound of sweetpotato meal was approximately 90
per cent as efficient as one pound of corn meal for fattening
steers when fed with cottonseed meal and hay or silage.
When properly combined with cottonseed meal, hay, or
silage, raw sweetpotatoes were a satisfactory corn substitute
for fattening cattle.
Silage made from sweetpotato vines was approximately
equal to that made from sorghum cane.
Effectiveness of Methionine in Preventing Choline-Deficien-
cy Kidney Hemorrhage in the Rat. (R. W. Engel). - A fatal
kidney hemorrhage develops in young rats fed a diet deficient
in choline. It has been reported that methionine, as well as
choline, will prevent this condition. To determine the relative
effectiveness of methionine, a series of accurately controlled
feeding tests was conducted in which varying dietary levels
of methionine were compared to a sub-optimum level of
choline. It was found that approximately 5 mg. of crystalline
dl-methionine is equivalent to 1 mg. of choline C1. Prelimi-
nary results were also obtained indicating that the naturally
occurring methionine in casein is less effective than the crys-
talline dl-methionine. The results suggest that, except for
foodstuffs which are unusually rich in methionine, this com-
pound possesses too little choline-like action to assume any
great significance as a substitute for choline in the diet.
Liver Cirrhosis in Choline-Deficient Rats. (R. W. Engel).
- Liver cirrhosis occurred consistently in rats fed a choline-
deficient diet for 16 to 18 months. The liver cirrhosis was con-
sistently prevented in control rats receiving the same diet
plus 20 mg. of choline C1. daily.
The gross appearance of the livers of the choline-deficient
rats indicated varying degrees of fatty infiltration and cirrho-
sis. In the severe cases, the livers were shrunken and had the
typical nodular surface of severe cirrhosis. Microscopically,
15FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942.
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
the lesions varied from mild periportal fibrous tissue prolifera-
tion to an extensive proliferation, with the liver parenchyma
being divided into irregular lobules by broad bands of con-
nective tissue.
The diet used in these studies contained 30 per cent of
alcohol-extracted peanut meal (45 per cent protein) and 6
per cent of alcohol-extracted casein as sources of protein;
apparently the diet was adequate in all respects, since the
control animals made normal weight gains and appeared to
be in good health. These results assume significance in view
of the difficulties encountered by other workers in attempting
to produce liver cirrhosis by the use of diets adequate in pro-
teins.
Management of Farm Poultry Flocks. (D. F. King and
G. J. Cottier). - The object of this project is to study under
farm conditions the relative importance of improved housing,
feeding, and breeding of hens, and improved methods of
raising chicks.
On farms where all four improvement practices were fol-
lowed, the hens produced during the year 138.86 eggs each
as compared to 48.55 eggs per hen obtained where no improve-
ment practices were used. When only three practices were
employed, the egg production was affected the least by the
omission of an improved house and the greatest amount by
the omission of improved feeding. This indicates that housing
is the least important and feeding is the most important of the
practices studied. In addition to the management practices
studied, other factors such as corn consumption, date of
hatching, percentage of pullets, and age of birds were found
to materially affect the number of eggs produced by the flock.
Mortality of hens was higher on farms where improvement
practices were followed than it was
- 
where no improvement
practices were employed.
BOTANY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Life History Studies of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon
L.) (J. R. Jackson). - Lateral and adventitious buds are formed
at the nodes of both rhizomes and stolons of Bermuda grass,
and they arise from primodia laid down during the develop-
ment of terminal buds. Enough Bermuda grass has survived
16
competition in zoysia and centipede sods during 4 years to
constitute a serious infestation if the sods were plowed. The
water content of stolons and rhizomes ranged from 47 to 60
per cent in the actively growing condition, and from 37 to 48
per cent in the dormant condition. Bermuda grass in the ac-
tively growing condition lost its viability when 65 per cent
of the water present was removed.
HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
Drying Rates and Capacities of Sweetpotato Drying Areas
as Measured in 1942. (L. M. Ware). - For the 4-week period
extending from November 2 to November 30, 1941, lots of
sweetpotatoes representing different rates of application of
material per unit of surface were spread out to dry. Records
by 3-hour periods of the rate of drying were obtained. On the
basis of these records, it was estimated that during the fall
and early winter this material could be dried at the rate of
5 to 6 tons per day per acre of drying surface. To check this
estimated rate of drying over C longer period and for a dif-
ferent year, lots of potatoes were put out every day from
September 22 to December 22, 1942.
Rates of drying for several rates of application of material
on the surface for both hand- and machine-cut sweetpotatoes
are given in Table 1.
In determining the rates of drying, the drying surfaces
were kept in continuous operation. When rain occurred po-
tatoes on the drying area were left on the area until the return
of more favorable drying weather.
It may be seen that the heavier the spread of material on
a given area the greater the amount of material dried. The
average rate of drying of the hand-cut potatoes at the rate
of 2 pounds per square foot for the 90-day period was 6.58
tons per acre per day; at the 1.5-pound rate, 5.76 tons; at the
1.0-pound rate, 5.39 tons; and at the 0.5-pound rate, 4.25
tons per acre per day.
The total amount dried per acre during the 90-day period
for the hand-cut shreds were 592 tons for the 2.0-pound rate,
518 tons for the 1.5-pound rate, 485 tons for the 1.0-pound
rate, and 383 tons for the 0.5-pound rate. The 1.5-pound rate
dried 87.4 per cent, the 1.0-pound rate 81.9 per cent, and the
0.5-pound rate 64.6 per cent as much material as the 2.0-pound
rate.
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1-942 17
Table 1.-Tons per Acre per Day of Dried Materials by Weekly Periods for Diff erent Rates of Application of
Material, 1942
Period 
2.0 b. per 
sq. ft.
Hand Machine-
Tons Tons
Sept. 22-28 10.014
Sept. 29-Oct. 5 8.297 4.354*
(3 days)
Oct. 6-12 8.352 7.607
Oct. 13-19 7.862 7.920
Oct. 20-26 6.776 6.611
Oct. 27-Nov. 2 6.832 5.847
Nov. 3-9 8.130 6.372
Nov. 10-16 8.689 7.097
Nov. 17-23 4.010 3.579
Nov. 24-30 4.686 4-082*
(4 days)
Dec. 1-7 4.406
Dec. 8-14- 3.639
Dec. 15-21 3.969
Sept. 22-Oct. 21 8.619 7. 308
Oct. 22-Nov. 21 7.087 6.048
Nov. 22-Dec. 22 4.044
Sept. 22-Dec. 22 6.580
* Figures represent less than a week, as indicated.
1.5 lb. per sq. ft.
Hand Machine
Tons
3499*
(1 Iday)
7.405
6.251
5.794
6.981
7.199
4.15 1*
(5 days)
4.902
4.547
3.265
2.724
7.211
6.359
3.706
5.760
Tons
3.224*
(1 day)
6.670
5.574
5.562
5.760
6.392
3.356
3-115*
('4 days)
6.706
5.327
1.0 lb. per sq. ft.
Hand Machine
Tons
8.932
6.719
6.760
6.964
6.946
5.037
6.043
6.897
3.832*
(6 days)
4.220
3.526
2.326
1.691
7.451
5.918
2.8 11-
5.390
Tons
3.536*
(4 days)
6.3 13
6.125
5.186
5.029
5.507
5.566
2.822
4.130*
(2 days)
6.051
4.882
0.5 lb. per sq. ft.
Hand Machine
Tons
6.456
5.700
5.612
5.782
4.140
4.690
4.880-
5.286
2.776*
(6 days)
3.073
3.03S5
2.362
1.309
5.784
4.665
2.314
Tons
3.516*
(4 days)
4.475
4.890
3.48 1
3.889
4.671
4.383
2.422
1.941*
(4 days)
4.632
3.947
4.250
:
r
x
IV
riI
4M.
32~
r--- ,r I----- Ir~
.I-ri
I $-A00
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 1
Considerable souring of material occurred during warm,
damp days or rainy days in September and October at the
2.0-pound and 1.5-pound rates. However, on warm, fair,
windy days all of the rates dried satisfactorily. Souring oc-
curred less frequently at low temperatures than at high tem-
peratures. The 1.0- and 0.5-pound rates seldom soured and
usually dried in 24 to 30 hours. However, souring did not
seem to materially lessen the palatability of the potatoes.
There was some loss of material due to flotation during heavy
rains.
For comparable periods the rate of drying of the machine-
cut material was 88.5 per cent of that of the hand-cut potatoes
at the 2.0-pound rate, 89.0 per cent at the 1.5-pound rate, 87.0
per cent at the 1.0-pound rate, and 84.9 per cent at the 0.5-
pound rate.
Preservation of Pecan Kernels by Drying in an Oven and
Sealing in Fruit Jars. (Hubert Harris). - Pecans harvested
in the fall and held in common storage usually become rancid
by the following July, but they will often keep considerably
longer if stored in a very dry place.
As a result of general observations on the storage of pecans
over a period of years at this Station, it appears safe to con-
clude that unshelled pecans might be expected to keep in a
satisfactory condition for periods ranging from5 to 12 months
in common storage, depending on moisture conditions and
season.
In 1939 samples were dried in an electric oven at 2250 F.,
to moisture contents ranging from 0.7 per cent to 3.4 per cent.
Nuts containing different amounts of moisture were sealed
in glass jars in the air and also under vacuum. They were
kept in a dark storage room at ordinary temperatures. Those
dried to 3 per cent moisture, or less, were still good after 2
years in storage, whereas those of higher moisture content
were rancid after 1-year storage. The vacuum seals were
only very slightly better than those sealed in air. The tests did
not show how long the kernels might have been kept in un-
sealed containers.
Tests were made again in 1940, but before the storage
experiment was added. A preliminary study was made to
determine the most satisfactory drying temperature. Greater
uniformity with less scorching and darkening of the kernels
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 19
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
was obtained by drying for relatively long periods at com-
paratively low temperatures than was obtained for shorter
periods at higher temperatures. It was found that regular
stirring of the kernels during the drying period was necessary.
The results show that pecan kernels can be kept for 2
years or longer by drying them to about 2 per cent moisture
and storing them in sealed containers. The best results were
obtained by drying them in an oven for about 50 minutes at
a temperature of 2000 F. The exact length of the drying
period varied somewhat with the moisture content of the un-
dried kernels and the quantity of kernels dried at one time.
Several methods of sealing the jars were tried. Probably
the most practical is the "hot seal" pack. By this method the
hot kernels are transferred directly from the oven pans to
clean, dry, hot jars, which are sealed immediately. The con-
traction of the air as the jars cooled results in a small amount
of vacuum.
A practical method was developed for vacuum sealing
several different types of clamp-top fruit jars at any desired
amount of vacuum. The necessary equipment consists of a
common steam pressure cooker, a vacuum siphon attached to
the water faucet, and a short piece of vacuum hose. If it
is desirable to determine the exact amount of vacuum pulled,
the pressure gauge may be removed from the cooker and re-
placed by a vacuum gauge. The needle valve is removed from
the fitting in the top of the cooker, and one end of the hose
is slipped over the fitting. The other end of the hose is
attached to the siphon. The filled jars with the covers only
partially clamped are placed inside the cooker. The sealing
surface of the cooker cover is greased with a light film of
vaseline, and the lid is screwed down tightly. The water is
then turned on and allowed to run until the desired amount
of vacuum has been pulled. Air is then allowed to rush back
into the cooker and the jars automatically seal themselves as
a result of the sudden change in atmospheric pressure. The
method proved to be very satisfactory. Failures occurred
only with jars having warped covers or where small pieces
of trash, grit, or dirt prevented the jar top from making
close contact with the rubber gasket.
Use of Zinc Sulphate for Preventing Arsenical Injury and
for Overcoming Zinc Deficiency of the Peach. (Hubert Har-
20
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 21
ris). - Peach trees sprayed with a lead arsenate and lime
mixture are likely to be injured by water-soluble arsenate
which affects the tender leaves, twigs, and fruit, causing de-
foliation, brown spots, shot holes, cankers, and gum exuda-
tions. The damage is usually moderate, but in some cases it
has been greater than the damage that might have been
expected from pests which the lead arsenate sprays were in-
tended to control.
Since 1939 zinc sulfate has been used with all lead arse-
nate sprays on 40 trees in a mature orchard, while zinc sulphate
was omitted from the spray on 35 other trees. The effect of
the zinc sulphate in preventing arsenical injury has been pro-
nounced each year. Trees not sprayed with zinc sulphate have
had four times as much leaf drop, five times as many arsenical
holes per leaf, and seven times as much dead leaf area as the
trees sprayed with zinc sulphate. The leaves in the zinc-sul-
phate treatments have consistently been darker in color and
the trees have been healthier and more vigorous. The average
yield for 1941 and 1942 was 210.83 pounds per tree per year
on the 40 trees sprayed with zinc sulphate, as compared with
169.63 pounds per tree per year on the 35 trees that were not
sprayed with zinc. The zinc sulphate was used at the rate of
1 pound to each 50 gallons of spray. This added about 1 cent
per tree per year to the cost of spraying.
In a young orchard set in 1939, many of the young trees
developed chlororis of the leaves during the early part of the
season. The symptoms occurred again in 1940; a careful
check showed that 75 per cent of the trees were definitely
affected. The range of injury to individual trees was from
slight mottling of some of the leaves to complete mottling of
all of the leaves, yellowing of the leaves, premature leaf fall,
and stunted growth. Only a few of the trees showed stages
beyond mottling of the leaves.
In 1940, several treatments were given. The treatments
included manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc,
which were applied to the leaves and to the soil. All of the
treatments gave negative results with the exception of zinc.
Trees receiving either soil or leaf treatments with zinc were
practically free of the symptoms within 40 days; little change
occurred in the conditions of untreated trees and those re-
ceiving the various other treatments.
The zinc was applied in the form of zinc sulphate at the
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
rate of one pound per tree for the soil treatment and one
pound per 100 gallons for the spray treatment. Trees receiv-
ing zinc soil treatment in 1940 and no zinc in 1941 did not
show any of the symptoms during either year. Check trees
during 1940 and 1941 continued to show the symptoms during
both years, but the symptoms were eliminated in 1942 by
treatment with zinc sulphate.
These experiments have shown the value of zinc sulphate
for peaches in preventing arsenical injury and in supplying
zinc to soils that are deficient in this element. A careful
analysis of the data seems to warrant the use of zinc sulphate
at the rate of one pound per 50 gallons in all peach sprays con-
taining lead arsenate.
Effects of Heavy, Medium, and Light Pruning Treatments
on Yields and Quality of the Champanel Grape. (Hubert Har-
ris). -According to standard practices in pruning bunch
grapes, 90 per cent or more of the annual cane growth is cut
from the vines each year. It is questionable if such heavy
pruning is advisable for all varieties and under all conditions.
General observations made at this Station prior to 1935 in-
dicated that such heavy pruning was not best for the Cham-
panel, a vigorous growing variety.
In 1935 a planting was made of this variety for the pur-
pose of determining the effect of degree of pruning on yields
and quality of fruit. The planting consisted of 38 vines spaced
15 by 20 feet. The vines were trained on a two-wire vertical
trellis running in the direction of the 20-foot spacing. All
vines were pruned once each year during the dormant season.
Thirteen vines were pruned lightly, 12 were pruned moder-
ately, and 13 were pruned heavily. In the light pruning
treatment, only the dead, weak, and unthrifty wood was removed.
The moderate pruning consisted of the removal of dead, weak,
and unthrifty wood, and, in addition, approximately one-half
of the thrifty wood of the previous season's growth. The vines
receiving heavy pruning were pruned by the conventional
single-trunk, four-cane, renewal Kniffin system, which re-
sulted in the removal of 90 per cent or more of the annual
growth.
The vineyard produced its first crop in 1938. A summary
of the results obtained during the period from 1938 to 1942
is given in Table 2.
22
Table 2.-Effects of Degree of Pruning on Yields and Quality of Champanel Grapes, 5-Year Period, 1938-42
Average annual yields
Degree Prunings Pro
Degree Vines 
ruplant Yield Clusters 
Berries Proportion Proportion 
Proportion pH
of in test 
year per plant 
per 100 per 
ofstems eld 
rro of sugar in 
of
per year pounds quart and culls grapes juice juice
Number Pounds Pounds Number Number Pct. Pet. Pct.
Light 13 8.19 62.09 698 232 7.9 73.6 12.19 3.20
Medium 12 11.03 45.17 658 223 7.0 73.7 12.16 3.15
Heavy 13 13.15 23.15 542 225 5.7 75.6 12.25 3.10
Table 3.-Height and Diameter Growth of 8-Year-Old Pines Receiving Different Pruning Treatments, 1941-42
No pruning 1/4 pruned 1/2 pruned 
4 
pruned
Growth 
1941 1942 1941 1942 
1941 1942 1941 1942
Height growth, feet 2.5 3.1 2.8 3.0 2.6 2.7 2.3 2.7
Diameter (breast height) growth, inches .70 .75 .64 .82 .59 .63 .60 .68
z
0
O
S~cD
C,3
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
During the 5-year period, the lightly pruned 
vines yielded
almost three times as many grapes per vine as those heavily
pruned. Heavy pruning resulted in slightly larger clusters
and fewer cull berries. The degree of pruning had very little,
if any, effect on the size of berries, percentage of juice,
sugar content, or acidity.
The experiment strongly indicates that the heavy pruning,
commonly practiced with most varieties of bunch grapes, will
greatly reduce yields of the Champanel variety.
Effects of Pruning on Young Pine Trees. (W. R. Boggess).
- The desirability of pruning forest trees is determined by the
cost of the operation and the effects of the pruning on the
quality and volume of timber produced. Timber volume is
affected by tree growth. Pruning could reduce growth by
reducing foliage.
The effect of four degrees of pruning on height and dia-
meter growth of an 8-year-old slash pine plantation was
studied on land adjoining the Barbour County experimental
area. An experiment, using 3 replications of 4 treatments in
a randomized block design, was established in February 1941.
Pruning treatments were (1) no pruning, (2) trees pruned
1/4 the total height, (3) trees pruned 1/ the total height, and
(4) trees pruned 34 the total height. Measurements 
were
made on 25 randomly selected trees on each 
1
/
2
-acre plot.
Height and diameter growth for the 1941 and 1942 growing
seasons are shown in Table 3.
The pruning treatments have not resulted in statistically
significant differences in height or diameter growth in either
of the 1941 or 1942 growing seasons. Both height and dia-
meter growth were slightly greater in 1942, which probably
indicates somewhat better growing conditions.
Establishment of Loblolly Pine Reproduction as Influenced
by Condition of Seedbed and Seed Fall. (W. L. Lear). - In
the fall of 1941, plots were established within a mixed hard-
wood-pine stand. The plots were sown at the rate of 24,000,
48,000, and 100,000 seed per acre. They were treated by re-
.moving duff, by burning, by raking, and by raking and culti-
vating. Records were taken of the number of seed germinating
and the causes of failure of the seedlings to survive after
emergence and during the first growing season. The study
24
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPOSRT, 1942 2
indicated that duff (11/ inches) affects establishment by the
reduction of the number of seeds reaching mineral soil and
germinating. Light burning did not remove sufficient duff
to overcome this condition. Seedbed preparation materially
increased germination. A fall of 100,000 seed per acre was not
sufficient to assure satisfactory establishment of reproduction
under the conditions present (1,000 seedlings per acre). The
chief causes of failure were drought (during growing season),
failure of seed to germinate, and destruction of seedlings by
birds immediately after emergence. Other minor causes were
disease and insect injury, mechanical injury by man and
animal, and injury by rain (washing out).
Yield and Sugar Content of Selected Thornless Honey
Locusts. (O. A. Atkins). -For several years studies have
been in progress with superior selections of the thornless honey
locust. In the spring of 1938, a few trees of the Calhoun and
Millwood varieties were planted at Auburn, but sufficient
trees were not obtained to complete the planting until the
spring of 1940. Since the experiment was started, individual
tree records have been kept on yield of pods, height of tree,
and trunk diameter. Observations and data indicate that the
two varieties included in this experiment produce few pods
until the trees are about 4 years old. The data are given in
Table 4.
Table 4.-Average Yield per Tree, Trunk Diameter, and Height of Honey
Locust Trees, 1942
Trees Age of Average yield Average Average
Variety in test trees per tree, dry trunk height
weight basis diameter
Number Years Pounds Inches Feet
Calhoun 31 3 1.01 1.13 5.29
Calhoun 13 4 5.20 2.21 8.95
Calhoun 4 5 26.38 3.50 12.33
Millwood 31 3 1.27 1.25 5.58
Millwood 11 4 4.98 2.07 9.11
Millwood 5 5 58.30 3.56 12.38
Two cultural treatments were used in the experiment:
(1) clean cultivation, and (2) lespedeza sericea planted for
ground cover and cut twice annually, with the material used
as a mulch about the trees. No significant difference in growth
due to the different treatments was observed. All trees were;
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 25
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
fertilized annually with a 6-8-4 fertilizer at the rate of 1
pound per tree for each year of the tree's age.
The 5-year-old trees of the Calhoun variety in 1942 pro-
duced an average of 26.38 pounds of pods per tree (dry
weight basis) which is the equivalent of 1,266 pounds per
acre (48 trees per acre); the four highest yielding trees in
the experiment averaged 10.5 feet in height and 3.1 inches
in trunk diameter; these produced an average of 31.69 pounds
of pods or the equivalent of 1,521 pounds of pods per acre.
The 5-year-old trees of the Millwood variety in 1942 pro-
duced an average of 58.30 pounds of pods per tree (dry
weight basis), which at 48 trees per acre would be the equiva-
lent of 2,798 pounds of pods. The four highest yielding trees
averaged 12.5 feet in height and 3.6 inches in trunk dia-
meter, and produced an average of 65.62 pounds of pods or
3,150 pounds per acre.
Preliminary feeding tests with dairy cows for 2 years, using
ground honey locust pods as a part of the concentrate mix-
ture, were conducted in cooperation with the Dairy Depart-
ment. These tests show that the ground honey locust pods
may be satisfactorily substituted for oats pound for pound in
the concentrate mixture, and that the ground material is very
palatable in the ration. Samples of the pods of the Millwood
and Calhoun varieties collected at Auburn, Alabama in 1940
and 1941 gave the following average analysis (dry weight
basis)
Variety Invert sugar Sucrose Total sugar
Per cent Per cent Per cent
Millwood 7.45 29.20 36.65
Calhoun 6.40 32.55 38.95
A more complete analysis (average of three composite
samples) of honey locust pods, collected at random from high-
yielding trees in Alabama, as determined by the Alabama
State Chemical Laboratory, gave the following results: mois-
ture, 12.47 per cent; ash, 3.14 per cent; crude protein, 8.58
per cent; crude fat, 2.12 per cent; crude fiber, 17.73 per cent;
carbohydrates (not including crude fiber), 55.96 per cent.
The estimated yield of 3,150 pounds per acre which came
from trees only 5 years of age had a feed value equivalent to
105 bushels of oats or 56 bushels of corn.
26
ZOOLOGY-ENTOMOLOGY
Insecticide Studies. (F. S. Arant and J. T. Griffiths).
High rotenone-yielding strains of Devil's shoestring (Tephrosia
virginiana) were planted. Roots were sampled so that the 1943
seed might be saved and graded for rotenone content of the
producing plant.
Attempts to control the weevil (Apion segnipes Say) on
Tephrosia, seed pods were made. Cryolite was tentatively indi-
cated as a potential control.
Small amounts of rotenone and rotenoids were found in seed
of A morpha fruticosa.
In field tests with early and late beans, the diluent pyrax
was found to be superior to talc when used with rotenone for
Mexican bean beetle infestations. Cryolite (1 part) in talc
(3 parts) proved to be as effective as 0.5 per cent rotenone in
talc when used against this pest. More experimental work is
needed, however.
Cryolite-talc (1-3) proved to be superior to 1.0 per cent
and 0.5 per cent rotenone in controlling the cabbage looper in
field experiments with collards. One per cent rotenone was defi-
nitely superior to 0.5 per cent rotenone and other tested com-
pounds in the field control of the harlequin bug. One per cent ro-
tenone and cryolite-talc (1-3) were efficient in controlling
the cabbage webworm on these collard plots. It appeared
that 0.5 per cent rotenone could probably replace 1.0 per
cent rotenone for control of any of these three insects, and
that it would give satisfactory control as compared with the
higher concentration. Cryolite can satisfactorily replace ro-
tenone in the control of the cabbage looper and the cabbage
webworm.
In laboratory tests, rotenone in pyrax was not superior to
rotenone in talc when used against the harlequin bug. Two
dinitro-o-cyclohexyl phenols were inferior to 0.25 per cent
rotenone. When talc and pyrax were dusted on insects in the
absence of rotenone, talc killed 3.75 bugs out of 5 at the end
of 2 days time, while pyrax had killed only 0.25 bug out of 5
in this same interval.
In laboratory tests on the green stink bug, rotenone in
pyrax was significantly better than rotenone in talc.
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 27
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Farm Ponds. (H. S. Swingle, E. V. Smith, and J. M. Law-
rence). -Selection and breeding of largemouth black bass
for efficiency of food utilization were continued for the second
year. The efficiency with which the bass utilized small fish as
food was measured by determining the ratio of the increase
in weight of bass to the weight of food consumed (G:F). In
1941 this ratio for individual bass varied from 1:1.5 to 1:24.2.
The progeny from the selected individuals in 1942 had G:F
ratios from 1:2.1 to 1:6.03. Individuals having G:F ratios of
1:2.5 or less were segregated for breeding in 1943.
Experiments were conducted in which bluegills, goldfish,
golden shiners, and shad were tested as forage minnows for
largemouth bass. Bluegills were the most satisfactory of the
forage fish tested.
Experiments have shown that the 4-10-4 fertilizer can be
substituted for 6-8-4 during the war emergency. A greater
number of applications per season of the former are necessary
to maintain satisfactory plankton growth. The addition of
minor elements (zinc, boron, manganese, iron, iodine, and/or
copper) or vitamins B
1 
and B
6 
did not increase plankton pro-
duction.
Applications of 1,000 and 2,000 pounds of ground dolomitic
limestone per acre did not increase the fish production in
fertilized ponds, indicating the fertilizer mixture previously
recommended contained a sufficient amount of lime.
Ponds receiving i ton of Johnson grass hay per acre, 1
ton Johnson grass hay plus 200 pounds of 6-8-4, and 1 ton of
kudzu hay produced respectively 163, 213, and 136 pounds of
bluegills per acre. Since these hays sell for $20 to $30 per ton,
their use for fish production does not appear promising.
The catch by hook-and-line fishing in a properly fertilized
12-acre pond in 1942 was 273 pounds of fish per acre. The
fertilizer costs per pound of fish caught was 7 cents.
Boll Weevil Control with Calcium Arsenate. (J. M. Robin-
son). -The work on boll weevil control was continued in
1942 on Norfolk sandy loam plots. Poisoning of plots receiv-
ing 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 pounds of fertilizer per acre, re-
sulted in the greatest gains of any year when poisoning was
necessary. The cotton came to a stand following a rainfall
of 1.66 inches on May 13, 14, and 15. Another rainfall of 2.27
inches May 20, 21, and 22 stimulated growth of the cotton.
28
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 1942 2
The weather thereafter was favorable for the development of
the cotton and the boll weevil. The infestation reached 11
per cent by July 13. Three applications of calcium arsenate
beginning July 14 kept the infestation below 20 per cent until
August 4. The infestation on the unpoisoned plots had ad-
vanced to 50 per cent. Applications of poison again were made
on August 3, 12, and 17 for the protection of squares and
young bolls, and additional applications of poison were made
on August 22 and 25. The increased yield from poisoning was
18 pounds of seed cotton per acre on the unfertilized plots.
The increased yield on the plot treated with 500 pounds of
fertilizer was 482 pounds of seed cotton per acre; with 1,000,
1,500, and 2,000 pounds of fertilizer, the increases from poi-
soning were 814, 926, and 1,192 pounds of seed cotton per
acre, respectively.
The 10-year average increase in yield from dusting was
dependent upon the time of planting, the rate of fertilizer, the
weather, and the percentage of infestation. Without fertilizer,
poisoning increased the yield 42 pounds of seed cotton per
acre. With 500 pounds of fertilizer per acre, the increase was
242 pounds of seed cotton with 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 pounds
of fertilizer, the increases from poisoning were 318, 453, and
471 pounds of seed cotton per acre, respectively.
Fumigation of Camellias with Methyl Bromide. (L. L.
English). - The fumigation of camellias with methyl bromide
for the control of scale insects and other pests was placed on
a commercial basis. This measure is being used by nursery-
men, not only to meet interstate shipping requirements, but
to obtain pest-free plants for transplanting. Recommended
fumigation schedules are 3 pounds per 1,000 cubic feet for
3 hours at 600 F., 2 pounds for 3.5 hours at 700 F., 2 pounds
for 2.5 hours at 800 F., and 2 pounds for 1.5 hours at 900 F.
Proper preheating of the loaded chamber before introducing
the gas, and shading of the plants for 24 hours after fumiga-
tion are necessary.
Experiments with Camellia Cuttings. (L. L. English and
E. W. McElwee). - The response of camellia cuttings to root-
ing compounds varied with the variety and treatment. Root
production on varieties slow to root was improved by Rootone
No. 10 and Hormodin No. 3. Talc, used as a control, greatly
29FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT., .1942
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
retarded root development. Cuttings were made with none,
1, 2, 3, and 4 leaves. All cuttings with no leaves died. Root
production decreased as cuttings with 2 leaves were planted
1, 2, and 3 inches deep. However, survival of the 1-inch plant-
ing was lower than the 2- and 3-inch plantings. The length of
cuttings had no significant effect on root formation. In tests
with sand, Florida peat, Canadian peat, sawdust, and mixtures
of these with sand, sand appears to be the most practical
medium for rooting camellia cuttings.
Studies on the Occurrence, Epidemiology and Inter-Host
Relationships of Nematode Parasites of the Chicken (Gallus
gallus) in Alabama. (R. O. Christenson). - During 1942 a
total of 178 chickens was autopsied in routine autopsy work,
resulting in new records on populations of nematodes and sea-
sonal occurrence. The egg cultures on the longevity of chicken
nematode eggs have been maintained and tested for viability
at frequent intervals. Eggs of Ascaridia galli are viable after
1,100 days of incubation in 2 per cent dichromate solution; eggs
of Heterakis gallinae are alive after 1,090 days under the same
conditions.
30