December, 1940
REPORT OF SPECIAL AGRICULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
Authorized by the Oregon Legislature 1937 and 1939 Sessions
House Bills 465 and 496
by
R. S. Besse, Assistant Director
Agricultural Experiment Station
A return of 500 per cent in dividends annually on the State's total investment
is the story of the research program financed with funds provided by the 1937 and
This dividend will
1939 Legislative Sessions through House Bills 465 and 496.
ceTbinue to accrue annually to the Statets income although the investment was spread
over a period of four years only. The dividend of 5 to 1 invested ts a result of
iecucing losses, lowering cost of production and increasing farm efficiency by the
application of science to 45 agricultural problems.
Some of the accomplishments of the research conducted under these Legislative
funds during the four-year period are as follows:
OF SPEC
Holly defoliation can be prevented in
The pea weevil problem was solved.
shipment.
Bercionan's blight of nursery stock may
now be controlled.
Losses from cherry fruit fly can now be
reduced.
Practical control methods for pea aphis
have been worked out.
Cherry leaf spot control is now possible.
Hop growers need no longer suffer severe
losses from red spider.
Practical methods of seeding and grazing
logged-off lands have been demonstrated.
An efficient and practical method for
defoliating commercial rose stocks was
developed.
More efficient methods of improving
butter quality have been found.
Effective practical control of the
filbert worm has been developed.
Losses from onion maggots may be largely
eliminated.
An effective method of stopping losses
from potato flea beetle has been found.
Four livestock diseases have been
diagnosed, causative organisms found and
the control of one developed.
Five new dried prune products have been
developed.
An effective method has been found for
the preservation of peony flowers.
Practical methods for reducing losses from
I potato nematodes have been determined.
A successful control of prune thrips
has been worked out.
A practical method of reducing losses
from morning glory weeds has been found.
The effeôtiveness of rotation in the
control of flax worm has been established.
Canadian thistle can be controlled.
Notable progress has been made in determining effect of' irrigation, cultivation,
fertilizers and other practices on hop
production in the newly established 10acre experimental hop yard.
Several hundred plots designed to
determine methods of improving the
hueius and soil fertility on the newly
developed 100-acre Red Soil Experimental
Area have been established.
Important leads have been found in the
feeding, breeding and management
problems of fox production.
1
SUMMARY
OF
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATIONS
Problem and
Problem
Appropriation Investifor biennium
gated
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
Legislative
Appropriation
for Research
on Special
Agricultural
Problems
($172,400 for
biennium)
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
45
Major
Agricultural
Problems
Investigated
Estimated
Cash Farm
Value of
Crops
Affected
Estimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
Estimated
Annual
Cash Farm
Value of
Crops
Affected
by the
Problems
Investigated
Estimated
Annual
Minimum
Losses
due to the
problems
investigated
$13,360,000
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Some of the problems investigated
have been solved, and very definite
progress toward a solution on the
other problems has been achieved.
The estimated savings or increase
in wealth to the state resulting
from these investigations during
the bienniums 1937-1940 is a
minimum of $1,549,000 annuafly.
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
Several of the problems investigated have been solved and
further special legislative funds
for research on those specific
problems will not be required.
Also parts of other problems
have been solved, but further
research is necessary to complete
solutions for practical recommendations.
$83, 577,000
Research should continue on those
problems which have not yet
yielded to solution but on which
definite progress has been made.
Important leads thus far found
should be followed up with
further investigations.
Specific recommendations for
continuing or closing research
on each of the problems investigated to date are indicated on
the following pages in this
column.
The following pages present a brief summary
of progress and results obtained on each of
the problems investigated.
PROGRESS AND RESULTS
Of Investigations on
Specific Agricultural Problems Financed wth Legislative Funds (M.D. 496)
Oregon Agricultural Exueriment Station
Problem and
Problem
Appropriation Investifor biennium
gated
1939-1940
(M.D. 496)
Insect Pests Onion
and Diseases jMaggot
of Onions,
Potatoes,
Peas, Filberts, arid
(2O 000 for
bienniur-)
(Item 1)
4
3
EstimatedEstimated
Cash Farmt Armual
Results Attained and Progress on
Necessity for Continuing
Value of
Loss
Investigations to Date
Research on Problem
Crop
Due to
Affected
Problem
568,OOO 15% to 75% a. Problem solved.
Calomel drilled
None for Onion Maggot alone.
Dry
of crop,
in with the onion seed gave
Although economic control of onion
Onions
O5,OOO to
excellent control of onion magot. maggot has been developed, further
20O,OOO
b. Many of the Calomel treated plots !research is needed to work out effective methods of mixing Calomel and
produced more than 10 times the
formaldehyde so that smut and maggot
onion yield of untreated nlots.
control may be accomplished in one
(Note below the comparison of
operation.
treated and untreated areas.)
Research on the onion thrips problem should also be undertaken, as
this is a serious pest.
:
-
A
A. Onions produced on 1/20 acre untreated check plot.
B. Onions produced on 1/20 acre Calorr.el treated plot.
A. Calomel treated plot. Note heavy growth arid good stand.
B. Untreated check plot
unprofitable stand and growth.
Problem and
Problem
stimated j
Appropriation Investi- Cash Farm
gated
Value of
for biennium
1939-1940
Crop
(H.B. 496)
Affected
(See Item 1
above)
Pea
Weevil
stimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
.
l,000,000 From 10%
canning
to 100%
of crop.
peas;
b.
720,000
Weevi1
field
peas unpeas
J salable
for food. c.
l00,000
to
l,0O0,00O
ri
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
The pea weevil problem solved.
None for pea weevil.
An insecticidal dust and practical
machine for applying under large
field conditions has been worked out.
The major plan for control worked
out during the first biennium was
refined and completed during the
last biennium.
lfr
I'
Rotenone dust applied on large acreages with hooded
dusters was effective in pea weevil control.
The adult weevil on a pea blossom and on
an immature pod.
Problem and
Appropriation
f or biennium
Problem
Investigated
Estimated Estimatedt
Cash Farm Annual
Value of
Loss
Crop
Due to
Affected
Problem
Onion
Mildew
$175,000 J5% to 90%Ia. A new spray discovered for mildew,
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
(See Item 1
above)
seed
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
of seed
56,OOO
crop.
Dry
Onions
I
I
SOOO to
lOO,OOO b.
onion
seed only c.
d.
Flax
$124,000
ll,OOO
Worm
(l93)
to
$30,000
I
a.
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
Research should continue for final
proved effective on snail plot
proof of effectiveness of new type
basis; this is being tested on
of spray and also to develop mildew
large field basis,
preventive spray. The sporadic
Cost and methods of application
occurrence of onion mildew makes
being deterndned.
investigation difficult.
Numerous sprays and dusts tried
with one exception listed above
Essential that "Yellow Dwarf Virus"
proved ineffective,
disease be investigated.
A new disease, Yellow Dwarf Virus,"
capable of raining Western Oregon
onion plantings was discovered.
This disease is being studied with
the mildew.
Experiments show that crop rotation More investigations needed to deter
and cultural practices will reduce mine suitable crops in rotation
losses from flax worm 70%.
Ipractices.
Extensive chemical tests have been
ineffective in control,
IMore information on life history
land feeding habits needed for final
solution.
jFlax worm also attacks strawberries
Filbert
Worm
$700,000
(1939)
From 20%
to 50%
$140,000
a. An effective practical control of
the filbert worm has been
developed.
Further research to develop cheaper
methods of control is needed.
Soil
insecticides should be tested and
also the effect of parasites on
b. The life history of filbert moth
has been worked out on filberts.
control.
to
$350,000
I
c. Effective timing number of
applications and amounts required
have been demonstrated.
Since acorns are native hosts of
filbert moth, the effect of removing oaks adjacent to filbert
orchards should be studied.
Other destructive filbert insects
such as scale, aphids, bud moth and
leaf rollers need investigation.
Problem and
Appropriation
f or bienniunt
Problem Estimated
Investi-iCash Farm
gated
alue of
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
ee Item 1
above)
Pea
Aphis
I
Estimated I
Annual
Loss
Crop
Due to
ffected
Problem
l,000,000 From 10%
Canning to 100%
peas;
of fields
720,000
infested,
300,C00
Field
peas
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
. An effective insecticidal dust for
the control of pea aphs has been
found.
additional
gislative funds
quired
this problem. Although
practical effective control has been
developed and the major problem
solved, additional information is
ieeded on the effect of control
nethods on crop yield. These investigations will continue with regular
Experiment Station funds.
Jo Further Legislative Funds Required.
. A practical machine for applying
this dust under field conditions
has been developed.
I
Potato
Flea
Beetle
a. A practical solution of the major
134,000,000 25% to
t(1936-1938 100% First
flea beetle problem has been found.
Average) Grade
Potatoes
in infest-c.
ed fields
pl0O,000 c.
An effective dust has been discover
ed which will control the beetle.
A practical machine for effectively
applying dust has been developed,
Life historr of insect revealed,
Although practical control is now
)ossible, further information must
be obtained regarding application
and amounts. This will be done, however, with other Expernent Stat4on
Ifunds.
'1
V V
lea ee - e s ii e cyc e.
e
A, eggs (x 15); B, larvae (x
); C, pupae (X 6);
D, adult beetles (x 6). A knowledge of the life
history essential in controlling this insect.
eps in V
Typical damage to tubers caused by the flea
larvae, and to the leaves by the beetles.
Such flea-bitten potatoes unsalable.
Problem and
Problem Estimated Estimated
Appropriation Investi- Cash Farm Annual
for biennium
gated
Value of
Loss
1939-1940
Crop
Due to
(H.B. h.96)
Affected
Problem
Hop Breeding,
Production,
Pest and
Disease Control.
(10,000 for
biennium)
(Item 2)
Agronomic
Methods
of Improving
Hop
Production
7
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
$3,500,00d Faulty
1936-1938 Irrigation a. Yield was increased 25% by irrigaAverage) Pruning
tion.
Fertilizing 14%
000
$3,500,00QThe hop
Hop
Grading :1936-1938 jis the
Average) only
jmajor
rop without
dequate
andards.
L15 1.8
b. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers
increased yield and quality.
c. Deep cultivation reduced yields.
d. Hop plants were weakened and
yields reduced by cutting vines
immediately after harvest.
e. Effect of cover cropping under
test but not vet determined.
1a. Experiments in determining content,
both physical and chemical, are
developing methods of grading hops
as a standard basis for selling.
859 hop samples from the 1937,
1938 and 1939 crops have been
physically analyzed and 235
samples chemically analyzed in an
effort to arrive at a practical
grading method.
marked
tage to
the growers in
selling
to deal-
ers who
may de-
termine
gradea
at will.
c. Each sample dried separately is
analyzed for moisture, total
resins, Alpha, Beta and hard
resins, preservative value, percentage of stems, leaves, strigs
and seed, seed color, lupulin and
odor.
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
Long-time experiments required
to develop efficient practices.
Seasonal and other variations
require further research for
dependable results.
These investigations should
continue until suitable grades
can be developed for marketing
this important crop. This will
require at least one more
biennium.
Problem
Problem and
Appropriation Investigated
for biennium
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
(See Item 2
above)
Estimated
Cash Farm
Value of
Crop
Affected
Estimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
Hop Red
$3,500,000 3300,000
Spider
(1936-1938
Average)
to
$500,000
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
a. This problem has been solved.
None on red spider.
b. An effective dust for controlling
hop red spider has been discovered,
Research is needed to develop
effective methods of controling hop aphis, hop mold and
downy mildew, all of which arE
causing hop growers serious
losses.
c. A practical machine for applying
the dust so as to reach the under
surface of 95% of the leaves has
been developed.
d. The cost of the insecticidal
material approximates $4.75 per
acre which is in addition to the
cost of application.
-
A.
Visiting hop growers are obtaining first-hand
information concerning equipment and method used
in dusting for red spider control.
B.
This special duster is arranged to place
insecticidal dust on the under surface of hop
leaves in the control of red spider. Note tilt
and arrangement of the four dusting nozzles.
Problem and
ppropriation
Lor biennium
Problem
Investigated
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
ontrol of
Nematode
Control
Potato Disand
eases inciud- Alkali
tng Crop
Land
.iotations and Reclamather agrotion
iomic problems (Kiamath
Experi($9500 for
mental
biennium)
Area)
Jematodes,
(Item 3)
iIethods of
ontrofling
ymphy1ids &
)ther Vegeable Pests
S25OO for
biennium)
Jtem 4)
Estimated
Cash Farm
Value of
Crop
Affected
Estimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
Potatoes
Potatoes
$4,000,000 $loo,000
1939;
Alsike
Alsike
Clover
Clover
$50,000;
$640,000
Ladino
La'dio
Clover
Clover
$35,000;
$5O,0O0
Truck
Crops
crops
$25,000;
$500,000
Unfarmed
Uiarmed
Alkali
alkali
Lands
land
$oo,000
Klamath
Total
county
$710,000
11,000 A.
$200,000
Total
$5,490,000
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
a. Different methods are under test to
develop a practical system of control]ingnematodes.
. Summer fallowing has been the most
effective,
c. Lowering soil temperatures by irrigation has reduced nematode damage to
potatoes.
d. Hybrid 63 wheat, Hannchen barley and
rye proved to be best grain crops in
nematode control rotations.
e. The use of alfalfa, seed flax and
strawberry clover are giving promising results in reclaiming unfarmed
alkali soils.
f. An experimental area of 80 acres
with necessary buildings and equipment furnished by Klamath County
and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
has been organized into dozens of
plots for investigating methods of
reclaimizgai1cali soils.
--________ __________
_____
Life
Truck,
From 10%
a. Of the 80 different chemical and
100% of
greenHabits
insecticidal materials tested, only
house and truck,
and contwo - chioropicrin and dichiorethyl
trol of
vegetable greenhouse I
ether
have been effective and the
symphylids
crops
or vegecost of these two materials is too
$6,000,OWItable crops.
great to offer a practical solution.
Est. minimumb. A means of mechanical soil injection
'annual loss
of these sterilizing materials has
been developed,
$500,000;
c. Tests are now underway to work out
Potential
loss
a suitable diluent for reducing
$3,000,000
costs of the chemicals without adversely affecting their efficiency.
Txk
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
Although suitable
progress has been made,
research of this type to
be effective must continue
for a number of years.
None of the work is thus
far completed and further
investigations should be
added to those now underway.
(
Work should continue on
this project to complete
effective control measures.'
The problem is difficult
of solution. The insect
is found only in the ground
and is difficult to reach
with ordinary insecticidal
treatments. Tests involve
the trial and error method..
Problem and
Appropriation
f or biennium
Estimated
Estimated
Annual
Cash Farm
Loss
Value of
Due to
Crop
Problem
Affected
mal1 Grain
mall
$l,500,000
rains
Problem
Investigated
19 39-1 940
(H. B. 496)
Methods of
controlling
noxious weeds
($15,000 for
biennium)
(Item 5)
Determining
methods o
controlling morn
ing glory
Canada
thistle,
& other
noxious
and
annual
weeds
èd
272,000
000, OOthiass
rass
eeds
l,00,000 $272,000
anningpea
Weeds
ield peas
Total
720,000! $2, 524,000
2, 520,000
('939)
/
10
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Necessity for Continuing Research on
Problem
a. An effective spray of Sinox and sulphate
of ammonia has been developed for eliminat.ng broad-leafed annual weeds.
b. The use of sulphate of ammonia with
Sinox spray is an important discovery
of the Oregon station.
c. Method of controlling perennial noxious
weeds by proper tillage and the use of
smother crops discovered.
d. Method of eradicating Canada thistle
in two years by tillage, smother crops
and fertilizer worked out.
e. Effective method of controlling morning
glory has been developed.
f. Promising results obtained in controlling annual and perennial weeds in
growing grain crops.
g. Experimental work with a large number
of chemicals as herbicides for developing improvement over standard chemicals
formerly used is under way.
Although progress in
control has been impressive, further work
should be done to perfect methods for final
recommendations.
The wide variation in
growing conditions and
wide range of weed
species require developing methods and rates
of application at minimum
cost in different sections
of the state.
Control methods developed
must be refined so that
farmers may adopt the new
practices.
A
/
0
y
t
4.
/
A, quack grass;
Dried mounts of worst Oregon weeds.
B, Russian knapweed; C, perennial sow thistle;
D, Canada thistle; E, morning glory; F, white top.
U
Chemical sprays show promise for control
of annual weeds in winter grain.
Estimated Estimated
Problem
Problem and
Appropriation Investi- Cash Farm Annual
Results Attained and Progress on
Necessity for Continuing
Loss
Value of
gated
Investigations to Date
Research on Problem
for biennium
Due to
Crop
1939-1940
Problem
Affected
(H.B. 496)
$3,000,000 From 2% to a. Sprays have been discovered which
Nursery Stock Insect
:Further studies are needed to
Pests of
entire
give promise of controlling
Diseases,
develop control methods for
crop.
Insect Pests Nursery
poplar and willow borers.
these serious pests.
Stock
$60,000 to b. Large number of insecticidal
and Produc$200,000
tion
chemical tests made with no results
depending
in controlling the leaf tier.
on extent c. The testing of sprays and dusts
($12,000 for
of infesfor control of holly and juniper
biennium)
tation
scale and leaf rollers has been
11
inefcjve_
(Item6)
Diseases
$3,000,000 $200,000
of
Nursery
Stock
Storage
of Rose
Plants
Propagation
of
cuttings
(Hormones)
$375,000
Cannot
be
estimated
a. Berckman's blight problem solved.
An effective control has been
worked out and put into commercial
practice.
b. Control of root rot disease of
cypress and related species through
the use of immune root stocks
appears promising.
c. Preliminary studies have been made
on about 100 diseases and abnormal
conditions of nurserr stocks.
$100,000
a. Experimental tests indicate that
Some years
by digging at the proper time and
from riulds
storing rose plants under reand
frigeration, losses can be
diseases
eliminated,
Not
a. English holly has been successestimated
fully rooted from cuttings by use
of hormones. This makes possible
the propagation of potted holly
f or which nurserymen indicate
there is a large demand. Nurserymen estimate that $1,000,000
annually of potted holly could be
sold if a practical propagation
plan is perfected.
None for Berckman's Blight.
Further research is required to
develop methods of control of
many of the other nursery stock
diseases.
This is a long-time investigation
requiring many tests which have
not been completed. Further work
should be done before final
recommendations can be made.
Many species of nursery crops
remain to be investigated f or
propagation and the experimental work is not completed.
Problem and
Problem (Estimated'Estimated
Appropriation Investi-Cash Farm Annual
Results Attained and Progress on
Necessity for Continuing
gated
Value of
Loss
for biennium
Investigations to Date
Research on Problem
Crop
Due to
1939-1940
Affected
(H.B. 496)
Problem
Determine $100,000
(See Item 6
20,000
Experiments determined the cause of
None. Problem solved.
above)
cause of
defoliation in cut holly to be
Cause determined in first
cut holly
1. Excessive moisture at time of packing.bienniuin. Solution of probdefolia2. The presence of ethylene gas emanatirgiem made in last biennium.
tion
from fruit or other sources.
Storage
$250,000
Not
reliminy studies have been made on
Further investigations will
of
estimated
1. Time of digging
be required before definite
Gladiola
2. Storage temperature & humidity.
conclusions can be drawn.
bulbs
3. Methods of drying and handling.
PreservaNot
Not
lAn effectivemethod has been developed for None for peonies.
tion and estimatedlestimated
he preservation of peony flowers by means
Further investigations
storage
k)f refrigeration.
,should be made to find method
of peony
lof preservation of asters,
flowers
daffodils and other flowers
I
I
It
lof which hundreds of cars are
-
________
Defoliation of
$375,000
rose
plants
>-.
.4
shippenn1_______
_____ _______
$12,000 to jProblem solved.
None. - Problem solved.
$40,000 in
A practical method f or defoliating roses
labor &
with ethylene gas has been developed and
plant injur3k adopted by nurserymen.
I
/
A successful defoliation method was developed.
A - untreated rose plant;
B - defoliated with ethylene gas.
4/
-
Problem and
Problem Estimated hstimated
Appropriation Investi-Cash Farm1 Annual
Value of
Loss
gated
for biennium
Due to
Crop
1939-1940
Affected
Problem
(H.P. 496)
More
than
Not
InvestiMethods of
1,000,000
estimated
establishing gating
acres
and utilizing methods
logged-off
of seed-i
grasses on
land on
ing and
cut-over
Coast
areas in the grazing
seriously
loggedcoastal
reducing
off
region.
tax base
lands
(l2,000 for
1and probiennium)
}ducing no
(Item 7)
3
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
a. 700 acres typical cut-over land fenced The nature of the experiment
and seeded to grass mixtures.
jrequires several years' time
b. Several hundred cattle and sheep grazed1to reach definite conclusion
and marketed from this experiment.
Further experiments necessar
in management and wintering
c. Corrals, scales and buildings inof livestock and the testing
stalled,
d. 15,000 acres county-owned logged-off
of additional grasses. Also
land were recently purchased by practi- in determining useful life 0.
sod-forming grasses and thei:
cal livestock operators, converting a
hitherto liability into an asset. Also effect on native brush and
much privately owned land has been
weed encroachment.
-r
.
-
Air view of logged-off lands in which experimental
grazing area is located.
Hundreds of visitors have viewed the cutover land grazing experiment. Here a
group is examining the corrals.
Problem and
Problem
Appropriation Investigated
for biennium
Estimated Estimated
Cash Farm
Annual
Results Attained and Progress on
Value of
Loss
Investigations to Date
Crop
Due to
Affected
Problem
$1,000,000 $250,000 a. A spray was developed which was
effective in control of prune
thrips.
1. One grower in Marion County increased his yields from 260 lbs.
per acre to over 10,000 lbs. per
acre as a result of this spray.
b. The timeliness of snraying was
tested because it was found to be
a very important factor in control.
1939-194.0
(H.B. 496)
Research on
Production,
Disease and
Pest Control
& Processing
Methods of
Prunes
Control
of prune
thrips
(60O0 for
biennium)
1
(Item
_____ ____
)
Prune
Handling
and byproducts
manufacture
($l,0OO for
biennium)
(Item 9)
Because of usual bad spraying
conditions in March, growers have
much difficulty in applying spray
at the proper time. Work on dust
insecticides should be continued
to overcome present difficulties
with spraying.
Soil insecticide testing should
continue.
Materials which in preliminaj
test give promise of control
____ should be_further inveg_ated.
l,0O0,O00 Losses
a. Through innumerable tests 4 new
could be
prune products were developed,
reduced
1. Canned dried prunes.
by devel2. Prune breakfast food (made from
oping
white wheat flour, corn meal,
new and
fresh prune pulp salt and
improved
baking powder of mixture
prune
is prunes).
products
3. Fruit pudding.
25 less
Relation
Not
of
estimated producProblems and alfalfa
1t0n per
ButteT
cow when
Ihay to
!animal
Quality
fed
Improvement
nutrition
alfalfa
Dairy Cattle
Nutritional
______-______
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
4.Dr pack prunes sterilized cans.
a. Experiments show that cows fed
alfalfa alone produce 25 to 40%
less milk,
b. Blood phosphorus determinations of
cows fed alfalfa hay alone are
below normal,
c. Experiments with rats show that
Iabone
$250,000
protein of alfalfa is not adequate
for good lactation. It is deficient
in some of the amino acids, particularly cystine.
1d. Experiments with six cows fed supplements to alfalfa hay intended to
decrease losses from feeding
alfalfa hay alone, are underway.
Further experiments should be
conducted in developing other
food uses of the prune flesh.
Experiments should be conducted
on non-food uses such as the
extraction of oils and acids
from pits and flesh and industrial materials from the shell.
Long-time experiments are involved and the results to date
are not sufficiently complete to
justify recommendations.
Research should continue along
present lines to a conclusion.
Problem
Problem and
Appropriation Investigated
for biennium
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
(See Item 9
above)
Estimated
Gash Farm
Value of
Crop
Affected
1Relation 45,000 cows
1Nutrition and their
to
calves
sterilityaffected
$3,000,000
stirnated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
$1,000,000
lost calves,
production &
value of
breeding stk.
Sixteen young bulls under sterility test.
(See Item 9
above)
'Improving Butter
Quality
$ll,000,000
of Dairy
Products
$500,000 in
low score,
poor quality,
off flavors
Urumbly butter IiIt) is nara. to spread.
Consumers will pay better price for the smooth
textured, high score butter at right.
5
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
a. Experiments have shown that there is
'Results are not yet cona definite relationship between nutri-clusive and research
tion and sterility.
Ishould continue until
I. Dairy heifers on pasture six months Irecommendations can be
and hay low in vitamin A produced
made.
normally.
2. Lack of vitamin A in ration of cows
is reflected in birth of weak,
blind or dead calves.
b. Cows fed alfalfa hay alone have shown
a delay in breeding.
c. 200 animals injected with wheat germ
oil and 40 animals fed such oil are
under test to show relationship of
nutrition and feeding.
d. 18 bulls representing 3 breeds have
been on controlled rations since birth
and will be tested for breeding
efficiency in commercial herds.
Oregon's butter quality has been
improved from an average score of 90
to an average of 9l- or 1 points in
the past several years.
Efficiency practices have been installed in many Oregon creameries
resulting in improved butter quality.
c. Cheese quality has been improved by
tests and demonstrated to and adopted
by Oregon cheese factories.
d. Oregon would have a serious butter
surplus if quality improvement made
by the Experiment Station had not
been achieved. California markets are
open to Oregon's butter as a result
of butter quality improvement.
a.
Additional research is
needed on cream separation, cooling, storing,
transporting and on
bacterial growth.
Further research is
needed on controlling
composition of butter,
fat losses during churning, mold control and
the storing of butter
under different methods.
Butter quality may be
further raised to
compete with other
producing areas.
Problem and
Problem
Appropriations Investigated
for biennium
1939-1940
Estimated
Cash Farm
Value of
Crop
Affected
I
(Ii.B. 496)
Nutritional
Problems and
Methods of
dontrolling
Diseases of
Nutrition-ll,0OO,OOO
al and
management
problems
of
Chickens and poultry
chickens,
eggs and
turkeys
Estimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
j
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
5OQ,OOO
preventable
losses in
production
a.
feeds,
J
b. Pullets have been raised in confine-
Turkeys.
(l5,OOO for
c.
biennium)
I
(Item 10)
d.
e.
/
f.
'
J
'
___
A 3 year study of importance of corn
in poultry diet shows that corn consumption can be curtailed when it is
high-priced in relation to other
LJ- LLL
I
g.
1
[[Jr
rr L
The modern, two-story experimental poultry
house constructed to study battery management problems.
inent for 3 years to determine effect
on disease control.
A 4-year test has been made in fallhatched pullets to replace winter
hen mortality,
Tests in raising day-old cockerels
as broilers for sale show it is not
a profitable enterprise at present
prices. It is a means of utilizing
the cockerels which are segregated
by sexing day-old chicks.
The effect of the use of green feed
on growth and production and methods
for producing it intensively under
irrigation have been worked out.
A study of the effect of confinement
in individual cages on mortality,
production and breeding value of hens
is under way.
An effective way of keeping chicken
house litter dry and thereby reducing
a disease hazard has been worked out.
Necessity for
Continuing Research
on Problem
Mass production of
poultry products has
increased poultry
problems.
The demand
for service and information by producers
will not decrease and
must be met.
The Poultry Department
must keep abreast of
these problems and be
able to render demanded
service by continuing
research on many of
these problems.
Problem and
Problem
for biennium
gated
Appropriation Investij
(See Item 10 Poultry
above)
and
turkey
di seases
I bstimated
Cash Farm
Annual
Value of
1939-1940
(H.B.496)
Estimated
Crop
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Loss
Due to
Affected
Problem
ll,000,000 Chickens
chickens,
eggs and
turkeys
in
preventable
deaths and
550,000
decreased
egg production.
Turkey
mortality
about 18%
by market-
able age,
500, 000
17
Continuing Research
on Problem
I______________________
a. Coccidiosis parasites life cycle
studied and new species identified.
b. Efficiency of fowipox vaccine improved.
1. Baby chick fowipox vaccination
studied under field conditions.
2.
Fowlpox immunization of turkeys
tthough good progress
as been made in the
ntrol of some of the
iseases, further work
s required for final
onclusions and rearch on many other
is being investigated.
iseases is essential.
c. A program of control of laryngotrache-
itis, a serious respiratory disease
of chickens, was outlined for administrat ion of the State Department of
Agriculture. The program has met
with success.
d. Swine erysipelas infection in turkeys
was first discovered in Oregon two
years ago. 16 other outbreaks have
been diagnosed since that time. An
effort is being made to develop a
serum for immunity..
e. 2523
poultry disease specimens were
brought to the laboratory for
diagnosis and recommendations during
the fiscal year
1938-39.
f. 878 poultry producers caine to the
office for advice and counsel regarding poultry diseases. Such conference
and diagnoses assist the department in
the discovery of new diseases.
A case of sinusitis or swell-head in a turkey
being given silver nitrate treatment which
was effective in 94 per cent of the cases.
f
Necessity fc
Problem
Problem and
Appropriation Investigated
for biennium
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
Range Livestock
Diseases
investigating
Methods
lof Confor trouing
biennium)
1Livestock
1Diseases
(Item 11)
($14,000
Estimated
Cash Farm
Value of
Crop
Affected
Estimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
Sheep,
lambs,
and wool
$13,000,000
Approximately a. The specific organisms causing stiff
lambs, Black's disease, pulpy kidney,
10% or
and caseouslymphadenitis have been
$1,000,000
isolated.
b. Immunization substances for Black's
disease and pulpy kidney have been
developed,
Ic. A method of preventing pregnancy
disease has been developed,
d. A practical application of a method
of preventing pulpy kidney disease
has been found.
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
I
Necessity for
Continuing Research
on Problem
Although the causes
of some of the serious
sheep diseases have
been found it still
remains to develop
control methods which
can be recommended to
the public. Further
investigations are
needed on these and
other disease problems.
-.---v-
-a
-h
.
4'
C,,'.
Sheep dead in 24 hours from Black disease.
Insert shows causative organism (X 2000).
.*
Lunger disease of sheep is one of the
serious problems. A, normal lung;
B, diseased lung; C, organism of closely
associated disease (x 2000); D, ulcers
caused by organism.
Problem and
Appropriation
for biennium
1939-1940
Problem
Investigated
Estimated I Estimated
Annual
Cash Farm
Loss
Value of
Due to
Crop
Affected
Problem
Nutrition,
Breeding,
Disease &
Management
Problems
in Fur
Farming
$750,000
(M.D. 496)
Production
& Nutritional
Problems and
Control of'
Diseases of
Fur Fann
Animals
$50,000
from malnutrition,
disease &
mortality
of young
I
I
Necessity for
Continuing Research
on Problem
Developed a practical cereal ration for
fox and mink that reduces feeding cost.
b. It has been found that foxes can be
raised on fish meals or canned plichered
residue contrary to the general opinion
that fresh meat is required.
c. It has been found that mink can be
raised on canned pilchered residue.
This is the first incident that
mink can be produced on other than
fresh meat.
d. Tests have shovrn that feed formulas
can be simplified on fur farms.
e. Condemned livers in small amounts
have proved to be excellent food
supplements in the diet of foxes and
esearch work in
his field has
just starteth It
should continue on
)resent projects
nd expand to a
a.
($5000 for
biennium)
(Item 12)
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
f.
I
An elevated wire pen designed for
sanitation and economy.
mink.
Tests have shown that "killer foxes"
may become excellent mothers by the
use of certain hormone extracts.
(This is an outstanding accomplishment.)
g. Techniques have been developed for transferring young mink from one litter to
another with the female not killing the
adopted young.
h. It has been found that large litter
sizes in foxes arid mink appear to be
largely inherited although nutrition is
a factor.
i. Tests show that lengthening daylight
hours by electric lights causes foxes to
mate one or two months earlier than normal.
Mink, however, do not enter the breeding
cycle during the entire year when subjected to electric light.
fi. An elevated fox pen and improved mink
pen reduce cost and improve sanitation.
study of' basic
iutritional,
genetic and
disease problems.
Problem Estimated. F:stimated
Problem and
Annual
Appropriationhlnvesti- Cash Farm.
Value of
gated
Loss
for biennium
Crop
Due
to
1939-1940
Affected.
Problem
(H.B. 496)
a.
$1,500,000 $200,000
Cherry
Disease &
from
cherryl
Fruit
Pest Control,
maggot
Fly
cultural
b.
practices &
spray residue
c.
problems of
cherries.
20
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
j
I
($7500 for
biennium)
-$]=, 500,
(Item 13)
fl
Leaf
Spot &
of infested orchards.
Br own
15,000 to
$100,000
Rot
I,
Cherry
Spray
Residue
,500,0001
Not
estimated
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
-
A combination spray has been found which
is effective in controlling the cherry
fruit fly.
Several additional materials give
promise of control at reduced cost.
A survey indicates that a fruit fly
morphologically similar to the cherry
fruit fly occurs in counties not yet
quarantined.
ha. From 117 combinations of sprays tested,
lime-sulphur--lead-arsenate combination
gave excellent control of both the
cherry fruit fly and cherry leaf spot.
b. Four spray combinations which were
effective one year severely burned
a. Hundreds of samples of sprayed cherries
were collected from experimental and
commercial orchards and chemical tests
made to determine amount of poison
spray residue on these cherries.
fb. Laboratory tests show that certain
spray combinations used leave residues
in excess of poison tolerances and
washing fruit becomes necessary.
Tests were made to determine best
treatment for cleaning cherries
effectively of spray residues.
d. Tests show that where molasses-lead
arsenate spray combination is used no
residue problem develops where there
is any rain during the season after
spraying.
Other materials which
look promising for control
should be further tested
under varying seasonal
conditions.
Detailed studies should be
made on the biology of the
new fly discovered in the
unquarantined counties.
Further research is
necessary to complete this
study as to spray dilutions,
spray timing, number of
applications and the
development of safeners
against leaf burning.
Research on poison spray
residues should continue
to determine to what
extent any new spray
combinations for fruit
fly or leaf spot control
may exceed poison
tolerances.
Problem Estimated
Problem and
Appropriation Investi- Cash Farm
Value of
gated
for biennium
Crop
1939-1940
ffected
(H.B. 496)
l,250,000
Cane
Plant
ror
1936Fruit
Diseases,
1938
Insects
Pests,
Cultural and
Soil Problems of
Cane Fruits
(7500 for
biennium
(Item 14)
1
Estimated
Annual
Loss
Due to
Problem
$200,000
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
a. A number of species of aphids believed
responsible for spreading diseases of
cane fruits have been identified.
b. Investigation of methods of controlling
borers have been initiated,
c. Research on the control of thrips which
inìfest the ripe fruit making it unsuitable for food purposes in either fresh,
canned or barreled form has recently
been started.
l,250,000 65% of Ore.j a. A fungus has been found on the feeder
Root
roots of infested plants.
Diseases for 1936- Cuthbert
I
b. Greenhouse tests show that the fungus
red rasp1938
of Cane
inhabiting the feeder roots may be
berries
Fruits
cleared up by soil sterilization or
infected
chemical eradicants such as fertilizers,
with
in excess of recommended strengths.
crown
c. Experimental plantings have been made
degeneraon diseased land and on virgin land
tion
on which experiments for control will
be conducted.
a. Soil fertility experiments are under
l,250,000 Some
Causes
way in commercial fields to determine
of Cane I for 1936- entire
causes of apparent malnutrition of cane
1938
fields
Fruit
have been
fruit plants.
Malb. Tests show a lack of potassium which
lost for
nutritionl
when added increased yield and quality,
reasons
1. Fertilizing with nitrates and
not underphosphates changed brown, dying
stood.
tips to normal growth and increased
Others are
yield of fruit.
dying and
c. Zinc sulphate increased yield 26%.
yields
d. Boron increased diameter of canes and
reduced.
produced higher yields.
Necessity for Continuing
Research on Problem
Research on the insect
problems should continue
if satisfactory control
methods are to be
developed.
I
.1
I
Further research is required to determine
causal organism arid to
develop methods of
control.
Fertilizer trials should
continue through the
production life of the
plantings or for several
years to determine ultimate effect of different
treatments in restoring
the life and production
of cane fruit plantings.
Problem lEstimated Estimated
Annual
Appropriation Investi- hash Farm
gated
of
Loss
for biennium
ivalue
Problem and
Crop
1939-194.0
Affected
(H.B. 4.96)
Research on
Soil, Irri-
(
InvoicJ.ng
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
Due to
Problem
Ill-advised 1a. 125,000 acres Clatsop County agricultural land was surveyed. Report
is in preparation.
300,000 acres agricultural land in
fertilizers Baker County was surveyed. 53 soil
without soil series were found in this area.
Not
Soil lestimated plantings
and use of
gation, Drain-Resourcesi
commercial
age and Fer-- (Soil
tility Prob--
Survey)
lems.
(l0,000 for
surveys
cause heavy
biennium)
c
The use
Not
of' Fer- jestimated
tilizers
in build-i
ing soil
fertilit
1940.
Irriga-
soils in
-.Not_
____
Ground
the basis for advising farmers in
ductiveness in exhausted soil.
Continued experiments and
tests required to develop
improved irrigation and
drainage practices.
Oregon need
.
draining.
No
stimated estimate
Water
work done.
a. 48 field trials to determine effect- Continued investigation
iveness of different kinds of
should be made to develop
thought
fertilizers are under way,
permanent systems of fertilithat of b. Tests show that sulphur, phosphates, zation while the soil is
the million
potassium and the minor elements
still productive. It is
dollars insuch as boron and zinc are needed
cheaper to maintain fertilvested in
in different types of soils.
ity than to restore pro-
Willamette
efficient methods and practices.
Valley.
lb. Many tests on th'ainage ar improve2,000,000
ment of heavy soils have been conacres in
ducted.
I
which have petitioned for
several years to have this
It is
in Oregon
wasted.
Not
500,000 A. Ja. 24 test farms used in conducting
stimated irrigable
irrigation experiments. These form
tion &
drainage
areas now under way.
$500,000.
fertilizers
11
The soil survey should be continued to completion in the
Surveys should be made in
Douglas, Klarnath, Malheur,
50,000 acres of the Deschutes County Wasco, and Coos Counties
agricultural land was surveyed in
1939 and the work is continuing in
la. Ground water surveys have been made
I
I
2
Research on Problem
.
losses.
(Item 15)
Necessity for Continuing
Further investigations
in the Harney, Willamette, The Dalles essential until major
and Milton-Freewater districts in
ground water areas in state
have been surveyed.
cooperation with U. S. Geological
Survey which pays cost. These
investigations important for both
irrigation and domestic water.
Estimated Estimated
Cash Farm Annual
Value of
Loss
Due
to
Crop
Problem
Affected
'armers
Improving 750,000
Soil Fer- acres of Dperating
the
tility and red soiL
involved /50,000
Humus
Building
acres
lepleted
Practices
tProblem
Problem and
Appropriation Investigated
for biennium
1939-1940
(H.B. 496)
Research on
Problems of
Soil, Fertility,
Drainage,
Crops and
Fertilizers
on Red Hill
Lands
($8400 for
biennium)
(Item 16)
'ed soils
in financial
straits.
23
Results Attained and Progress on
Investigations to Date
a. In less than 2 years an abandoned red
hill soil farm has been transformed
into a technical field laboratory divided
into more than 200 experimental plots
designed to find methods of improving
fertility-depleted soils,
b. Soil building practices are being
tested by the use of legumes, fertilizers,
manure and rotations concurrently with
producing crops. An effort is being
made to rebuild humus and soil fertility
while still producing crops for market.
c. 17 carefully planned research projects
are under way,
d. Already experiments have revealed a
method of obtaining a stand of red
clover never before grown on this farm,
Other tests have shown that Subterranean
clover, vetch and mixed legume and cereal
crops can be grown with heavy yields.
On one area a green weight of 11 tons
per acre was secured from a combination
of early vetch and oats which was plowed
under as a green manure crop.
e. Many plots are devoted to testing pasture
and seed crop grasses, strawberries and
bramble fruits as it is felt necessary to
produce cash crops while building soil
fertility.
f. Nearly 800 interested visitors came to
the farm to inspect the experimental
program and tests which have been
established.
Necessity for
Continuing Research
on Problem
Although results appear
promising, the experiments are barely starte
and must be continued
if improved practices
in the building and
maintenance of soil
fertility are to be
developed.
Experiments in reclaiming wornout soils involving the use of
fertilizers, green
manuring and humus
building crops require
a number of years for
determining values.