ANNALES AGRICULTURAE FENNIAE Maatalouden tutkimuskeskuksen aikakauskirja 1963 Supplementum 2 Vol. 2 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE ACTIVITY I N THE YEARS 1 9 5 9 — 61 HELSINKI 1963 ANNALES AGRICULTURAE FENNIAE Maatalouden tutkimuskeskuksen aikakauskirja Journal of the Agricultural Research Centre TOIMITUSNEUVOSTO JA TOIMITUS EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF E. A. larrialainen V. Kanervo K. Multamäki 0. Ring M. Salonen M. Sillanpää J. Säkö V. Vainikainen 0. Valle V. U. Mustonen Päätoimittaja Toimitussihteeri Editor-in-chief Managing editor Ilmestyy 4-6 numeroa vuodessa; ajoittain lisänidoksia Issued as 4-6 numbers yearly and occasional supplements SARJAT — SERIES Agrogeologia, -chimica et -physica — Maaperä, lannoitus ja muokkaus Agricultura — Kasvinviljely Horticultura — Puutarhanviljely Phytopathologia — Kasvitaudit Animalia domestica — Kotieläimet Animalia nocentia — Tuhoeläimet JAKELU JA VAIHTOTILAUKSET DISTRIBUTION AND EXCHANGE Maatalouden tutkimuskeskus, kirjasto, Tikkurila Agricultural Research Centre, Library, Tikkurila, Finland ANNALES AGRICULTURAE FENNI AE Maatalouden tutkimuskeskuksen aikakauskirja 1963 Supplementum 2 Vol. 2 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE ACTIVITY IN THE YEARS 1-959-61 HELSINKI 1963 HELSINKI KIRJAPAINO Oy VERSAL Ab 1963 Contents Page Agricultural Research Centre, Activity in the years 1959-61 5 Department of Soil Science _ 7 Departmental personnel and their special fields 7 Functions of the Department 7 Work in the years 1959-61 7 Agrogeological soil survey 7 Special agrogeological investigations 9 Investigations of physical properties of soils 10 Analytical investigations . 12 Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Physics 13 Departmental personnel and their special fields 13 Functions of the Department 13 Work in the years 1959-61 13 Investigations concerned with soil analyses . 14 Fertilization and liming investigations 15 Soil tillage investigations 16 Department of Plant •Husbandry 17 Departmental personnel and their special fields 17 Functions of the Department 17 Work in the years 1959-61 17 Cereals 18 Potatoes and root crops 18 Forage crops 19 Weed investigations 19 Department of Plant Breeding 20 Departmental personnel and their special fields 20 Functions of the Department 20 Work in the years 1959-61 20 Cereals 22 Field pea 23 Potato 23 Herbage plants 23 Polyploids and mutations . 23 Department of Horticulture 24 Departmental personnel and their special fields 24 Functions of the Department 24 Work in the years 1959-61 . 24 Pomology . 25 Breeding activity 26 Vegetable crops . 26 Floriculture . 28 Department of Plant Pathology 29 Departmental personnel and their special fields 29 Functions of the Department 29 Occurrence of plant diseases in the years 1959-61 29 Work in the years 1959-61 30 Main results in the years 1959-61 30 Department of Pest Investigation 33 Departmental personnel and their special fields 33 Functions of the Department 33 Work in the years 1959-61 33 Occurrence of plant pests 34 Main research results in the years 1959-61 35 Department of Animal Husbandry 38 Departmental personnel and their special fields 38 Functions of the Department 38 Work in the years 1959-61 . 38 Micro-organisms of the rumen 39 Silage 39 Mineral nutrition of grazing cattle 40 The use of whey concentrate as cattle fodder 40 Production of beef 40 Alkali-treated straw 40 Feeding trials on poultry . 41 Feeding trials on mmk 41 Department of Animal Breeding 42 Departmental personnel and their special fields 42 Functions of the Department . 42 Work in the years 1959-61 42 Cattle 43 Horses 44 Sheep 44 Pigs 44 Poultry 45 Blood group investigations 45 Southwest Finland Agricultural Experiment Station 46 Satakunta Agricultural Experiment Station 50 Karelia Agricultural Experiment Station 52 Häme Agricultural Experiment Station 56 Central Finland Agricultural Experiment Station 58 South Savo Agricultural Experiment Station 60 North Savo Agricultural Experiment Station 62 South Ostrobothnia Agricultural Experiment Station 64 Central Ostrobothnia Agricultural Experiment Station 66 North Ostrobothnia Agricultural Experiment Station 67 Polar Circle Agricultural Experiment Station 69 Pasture Experiment Station 73 Frost Research Station 75 Pig Husbandry Experiment Station 79 Bureau for Local Experiments . 80 4 Agricultural Research Centre Activity in the years 1959— 1961 The Agricultural Research Centre is an institution of the Finnish govern- ment whose main function is research and experimental work in agriculture and related fields. The Research Centre, which is subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture, was founded in 1908 and reorganized in 1924 and 1957. Its leadership is in the hand of the head director and the governing board, whose members are the directors of the various departments. Prof. Dr. Pellervo S aarinen was the Head of the Agricultural Research Centre until the year 1960. His successor is Prof. Dr. Jouko Vuo rine n, address Erottajankatu 15-17, Helsinki. Telephone: 63 20 23. The Research Centre consists of following nine departments: Department of Soil Science Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Physics Department of Plant Husbandry Department of Plant Breeding Department of Horticulture Department of Plant Pathology Department of Pest Investigation Department of Animal Husbandry Department of Animal Breeding In addition, the following fourteen experimental stations are a part of the Agricultural Research Centre: Southwest Finland Agricultural Experiment Station Satakunta Agricultural Experiment Station Karelia Agricultural Experiment Station Häme Agricultural Experiment Station Central Finland Agricultural Experiment Station South Savo Agricultural Experiment Station North Savo Agricultural Experiment Station South Ostrobothnia Agricultural Experiment Station Central Ostrobothnia Agricultural Experiment Station North Ostrobothnia Agricultural Experiment Station 5 Polar Circle Agricultural Experiment Station Pasture Experiment Station Frost Research Station Pig Husbandry Experiment Station Furthermore the following two offices are connected with the Agricultural Research Centre: Bureau for Local Experiments Administrative Bureau The Administrative Bureau manages the administrative and economic affairs of the Research Centre. It is located in Helsinki, Erottajankatu 15-17. Tele- phone: Office 63 94 91. The inspection of the research work is managed by Mr. Antti Elomaa and that of the economic affairs by Mr. Yrjö Iivone n. 6 Department of Soil Science Address: Meritullinkatu 8, Helsinki Telephone: Office Helsinki 15 177; Director 62 40 48 The Department of Soil Science was originally organized in 1914 as the Agrogeological Section of the Geological Commission. In 1926 it became an independent institute and in 1933 it was united with the Agricultural Research Centre. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Jouko Vuorine n, director until September 1960 and Dr. Mikko Sillanpä ä, acting director since 1960; Dr. Paavo Purokosk soil survey and special agrogeological problems (until June 1959); Dr. Osmo Mäkiti e, chief chemist, spectrographic analyses (since July 1961 in Recife, Brasil as FAO expert); Mr. Esko Lakane n, chemist; Mr. Jorma Kivekä s, chemist since August 1961; Miss Sylvi Soin i, soil survey and special agro- geological problems and statistics; Mr. Raimo Ervi ö, soil survey and field experiments with trace elements; Miss Leila Urva s, soil survey; Mr. Seppo Hyvä rine n, statistics. The average number of the staff in the department was 24 persons in 1959, 26 in 1960 and 27 in 1961. Functions of the Department The Department of Soil Science carries out scientific investigations con- cerning soil and its use in agriculture. Work in the years 1959 — 61 Agrogeological soil survey Soil survey has been in progress in Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Kymenlaakso, Helsinki, Lohja, Riihimäki, Oulu and Rovaniemi districts in the years 1959 —1961. 7 In the Tamp ere district the soil survey work was maps were printed in the following map (1: 20000; 10000 completed and the ha each) areas: Rämsöö 2123 01") Vesilahti 2123 04 Saarikylät 2141 01 Pälkäne 2141 04 Siuro 02 Nokia 05 Kangasala 02 Sahalahti 05 Mahnala 03 Suinula 03 Ponsa 06 Field work was completed in following map areas: Lempiäniemi 2124 07 Parkkuu 2124 09 Teisko 2124 11 Länsi-Teisko 08 Kämmenniemi 10 Murole 12 Descriptions of the arca surveyed have been published for the Tampere— Lempäälä map group (2123 07-12; 60000 ha; VUORINEN, J. 1959. Agrogeol. maps No. 16: 1-85) and for the Nokia—Vesilahti map group (2123 01-06; SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1961. Agrogeol.maps No. 17: 1-95). In the Hämeenlinn a district the following soil maps were printed: Kalvola 2132 01, Sääksmäki 2132 02 and Valkeakoski 2132 03 and the field work was completed in Tyrväntö 2132 05 and Laitikkala 2132 06 map areas. In the Ky menl a akso (Kymi River Valley) district the maps of Pernoo 3024 07, Juurikorpi 3024 11 and Inkeroinen 3024 12 were printed and thus the map group of Anjala—Kymi 3024 07-12 was completed. In the H elsinki district the maps of Hämeenkylä 2043 01 and Malmi 2043 04 were printed completing the map group of Malmi—Tuusula 2043 01-06. In addition the map of Östersundom 2043 07 was printed and field work was completed in Hangelby 2043 10, Nickby 2043 11 and Pornainen 2043 12 map areas. In the L oh ja district field work was completed in Lohja 2041 01 and Koisjärvi 2041 02 map areas. In the Riihim äk i district field work was completed in Rajamäki 2044 01, Hyvinkää 2044 02 and Riihimäki 2044 03 map areas. In the 0 u 1 u district the 6 maps of the Oulu—Liminka group: Liminka 2444 07 Tupos 3422 04 Oulunsalo 08 Madekoski 05 Oulu 09 Oulujoki 06 were printed and field work was completed in the adjoining areas: Luohua Pehkola Liminganjärvi 2443 07 08 09 Mankila Temmes Tyrnävä 3421 04 05 06 "-) Index of the General Map of Finland. 8 In the Rovaniemi district the field work was completed in the following map areas: Rovaniemi 3612 07 Oikarainen 3612 10 Olkka—Toramoselkä 3612 12 Saarenkylä 08 Olkkajärvi 11 The Department of Soil Science has taken part in the work of the European Soil Map. Results of these investigations concerning Finnish soils have been presented in the 7th ISSS Congress 1960 (USA) and in the ISSS meeting in Athens 1961. Special agrogeological investigations Investigations concerning s ulphur-containing acid coastal soils were continued. Over 50,000 hectares of coastal soils were investigated, about 38,000 hectares of which were found to suffer damage from high sulfur content. These soils are very acid and require heavy liming if a reasonable yield is to be obtained. In many cases fertilizing of these soils without liming has not resulted in any substantial increase in yield, whereas with heavy liming the yields have been more than doubled. The extremely beneficial effect of liming on these soils may be mainly due to the precipitation of sulphate ions as gypsum and to the decrease in acidity, but subsequent indirect effects, such as the increased solubility of phosphates, may be partly responsible for the better growth (PuRoRosiu, P. 1959. Agrogeol. publ. 72: 1-21;1959 Agrogeol. publ. 74: 1-27; SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1961. Acta Agric. Scand. 11: 360-368). In the investigation of Finnish clay pr of iles from 88 sites, the properties of various clay types were compared and the effects of particle size distribution, clay minerals, pH and organic matter on the solubility of Ca, K and P were studied (PuRoxosm, P. 1959. Acta Agr. Fenn. 94: 87-100). Orchard soils of Finland and Central Europe were compared. A detailed description of soil profiles shows especially the natural profile charac- teristics. Differences between soils from regions of different climatic conditions can be seen in the profiles under comparison (VUORINEN, J. 1959. Acta Agr. Fenn. 94: 131-149). A statistical study on the fertility • of soils under various gr ain and hay crops in Finland was made from a material of 84,525 soil samples. The average fertility levels and pH of the soils was found to be generally highest in wheat fields and lowest in oat fields. The exchangeable calcium and potassium were closely related to pH. The soluble phosphorus content was in good correlation with exchangeable calcium content, whereas its increase with increasing pH was clear only at higher pH levels. The dif- ference in fertility of soils under various crops partly due to the choice of the 9 farmers, who are aware of the differences in soil requirements of various crops. Other reasons are climatic and geographical factors, especially in the northern parts of Finland, which limit the growing of certain crops to particular soils. (JANHuNEN, M. 1961. Maatal. ja Koetoim. 25: 15-29.) Fixation of phosphorus fertilizer as a function of time was studied in Finnish soils during a period of eight months. The relationship between the amount of applied phosphorus and acid ammonium acetate soluble phosphorus was linear with highly significant correlation. The fixation of applied P seems to be a log-log function of time. The decrease in the solubility of iron and aluminium due to phosphorus fertilizing indicates the formation of insoluble Fe and Al phosphates. The solubility of applied P was significantly higher in the limed than in the unlimed soil, but liming did not significantly affect the solubility of native soil phosphorus. (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1961 Agrogeol. publ. 80: 1-22; 1961 Acta Agric. Scand. 11: 360-368.) The occurrence of tr ace elements in soils have been studied from sample material collected from local experimental fields around the country and from areas of soil surveying. The average contents of Cu, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn in the arable soils studied were found to be somewhat lower than the amounts reported to exist in soils and in earth crust in general. Mo content on the other hand seems to be a little higher. In mineral soils the contents of trace elements generally increase with decreasing particle size. Partial concentration of trace elements in organic matter of mineral soils was noted, while deficiency of trace elements is most likely to exist in peat soils. (VUORI- NEN, J. 1960 Maatal. ja Koetoim. 14: 24-32; MÄKITIE, 0. 1961 Agrogeol.publ. 78: 1-25). Investigations of physical properties of soils Factors affecting the soil temperature during the growing season were studied in an orchard. The results showed for example that during the warming season (early June) the air temperature fluctuates widely from day to night, but its net increase during the 7-day period was 9° C. During the same period the net increase in the upper soil layer was 7.5° C and at a depth of 75 cm., 4.5° C. During the cooling season a similar pattern was observed. (VUORINEN, J. 1959 Maatal. ja Koetoim. 13: 269-274.) The effects of soil moisture content and air temperature on soil fr eezing and thawing were studied in laboratory conditions. The time required to freeze or thaw a soil sample was a linear function of soil moisture content and a linear log-log function of the temperature of the surrounding air. In field conditions the indirect effects of those soil properties that determine the moisture-holding properties of soils seem to be of prime importance in influencing the course of the freezing and thawing processes. (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1961. J. Sci. Agric. Soc. Finland 33: 233-239.) 10 Soil moisture t ensi o n was studied in texturally varying Finnish soils. It seems that water in finesand (0.02 — 0.2 mm) and silt (0.002 — 0.02 mm) is well fixed and that especially in finesand the soil moisture tension increases very slowly. (VUORINEN, J. 1960 Trans. 7th Int. Congr. Soil Sci. 1: 91-96.) Methods for measuring hy dr auli c c onductiv i ty of soils above and below the water table were compared in an experiment field where the depth of the water table could be adjusted. The results obtained with both methods were in relatively good agreement. (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1959 Acta Agric. Scand. 9: 59-68.) Relationships between hydraulic conductivity and other physical properties of soils were studied. In spite of wide variation, soil structure seems to be generally well correlated with the conductivity. Correlations with humus content were negligible except in muddy clay and silt soils. With soil texture the correlation was significant only in finesand soils; in finer textured soil the correlations were obscure. (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1959 Agrogeol.publ. 73: 1-28.) Studies on soil structur e and its determination were continued. The pre-treatment of the samples has an essential effect on the results of aggregate analyses. For example when wetting the samples by direct immersion, aggregation decreased with initial soil moisture content to values of less than half of those obtained from sarnples in their original field-moist condition or of those wetted with a spray (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1959 J. Sci. Agric. Soc. Finland 31: 233-239). The effect of cations on the water stability of aggregates was studied. The results bring out rather distinct differences among the effects of various cations. A cation may also play different roles in different soils. The water stability was a function of the concentration of the treatment solutions (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1960 J. Sci. Agric. Soc. Finland 32: 211-218). The effect of freezing and thawing on soil aggregation seems to depend essentially on soil moisture content and on the rate and number of the proces- ses. An essential feature in the results was the distinctly different behavior of aggregates of different sizes and origin (SILLANPÄÄ, M. & WEBBER, L. R. 1961 Can. J. Soil Sci. 41: 182-187; SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1961 Acta Agric. Scand. 11: 87-94). The relations of soil type, texture and humus content to soil aggregation were studied from a sample of typical Finnish subsoils. Among the soil types, muddy clay showed the greatest and finesand the least tendency to aggregate. An increase in clay content up to 50-60 per cent clay, generally boosted aggregate formation, while the relation between 'silt content and aggregation was more obscure. Aggregation increased generally with humus content within the range from 0.2 to 5.8 per cent humus. (SILLANPÄÄ, M. 1959 Agrogeol.publ. 75: 1-24.) 11 Analy tical investigations When studying the sulphur-containing soils a complex ometric method for determining sulphates from soil extracts was developed. The total hardness is determined with 0.01 M DCTA, sulphates precipitated with known amounts of 0.01 M BaC1, DCTA is added according to the total hardness and excess Ba backtitrated with 0.01 M EDTA. (PuRo- KOSKI, P. & LAKANEN, E. 1959 Acta Agric. Scand. 9: 355-360.) The accuracy of the routine soil testing method used in Finland was studied from a material of 2 316 soil samples. The mean errors calculated on the basis of dublicate determinations were: pH ± 0.05 pH units, exch. Ca ± 2.2 — ± 3.8 °/o, exch. K ± 2.5 — ± 3.9 °/o, soi. P + 3.3 — ± 21.2 °/o. The higher values given were for soils of very low nutrient levels. (LAKANEN, E. 1960 Agrogeol.publ. 76: 1-33.) The extractability of phosphorus by the acid ammonium acetate (pH 4.65) method was studied. The first extraction gives a picture of the status of soluble P in soils and a picture of the P fixing capacity of soils appears in the extraction curve of repeated extractions (MÄKmE, 0. 1960 Acta Agric. Scand. 10: 237-245). A procedure for chloroform (cont. 8-hydroxyquinoline) extraction of tr ace nu t ri en ts as oxinates from soil extracts was developed. With the procedure reported it is possible to separate the common trace metals from the major soil extract constituents, especially for spectrographic analysis (MÄKrrrE, 0. 1960 J. Sci. Agric. Soc. Finland 32: 223-228). When investigating the chelation reactions of trace element reagents 1,2- naphthaquinone-l-monoxime-3,6-disulphonic acid and 1,2-naphthaquinone-2- monoxime-4-sulphonic acids were studied. Several dissociation and stability constants were determined (MÄKITIE, 0. 1960 Suomen Kemistilehti 33: 207- 209; 1961 Agrogeol.publ. 79: 1-61). In determining the inorganic components of plants 3 °/o pyrrolidine dithio- carbamic acid in chloroform was used. The trace elements in chloroform are collected into alumina matrix and analyzed spectrochemically, In and Pd being used as internal standards. The same technique can be used in the analysis of soluble trace elements from soils (LAKANEN, E. 1961 Agrogeol.publ. 77: 1-26). The investigations published by the Department of Soil Science in the years 1959-1961 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 12 Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Physics Address: Tikkurila Telephone: Office Helsinki 83 12 24; Director 83 13 59 The Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Physics began its activities in the year 1909 as a unit of the Institute of Agricultural and Economic Research which was subordinate to the University of Helsinki. In 1924 the Department became incorporated into the Agricultural Research Centre. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Martti Salone n, director, fertilization trials; Dr. A. Terä s- vuor i, chemical analyses; Dr. T. Keräne n, chemical analyses, pot trials; Mr. A. Taini o, field trials, trace elements; Mr. G. Larpe s, soil tillage; Mr. E. Barkof f, soil analyses; Mrs. H. Tähtine n, pot trials, chemical analyses; Mrs. A.-K. Ruut tune n, chemical analyses. In addition, about 8-10 people have worked in the office and laboratories and 3-4 on the experimental fields. Functions of the Department The Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Physics carries out investi- gations on fertilization, liming, soil improvement and tillage. Work in the years 1959 — 61 During the three-year period 1959-61 the investigations of the Department continued in their usual manner. The experimental work can be divided into three groups: 1) field trials, 2) pot trials, and 3) laboratory analyses. 1. A small number of the field trials are carried out at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Physics at Tikkurila, but most them are located at the permanent experimental fields throughout the country. Yields were harvested from the following number of fields: At Tikkurila (total) 33 36 40 At the experimental fields: liming trials 9 10 9 liming-fertilization trials 22 22 16 fertilization 158 171 163 ,, trace element 35 51 51 55 trace element-liming ,, 23 27 23 others 44 36 38 total 340 353 344 1959 1960 1961 13 2. The following numbers of Mitscherlich pots have been used in pot trials: new multi-nutrient fertilizers problems of potassium fertilization new phosphorus fertilizers various nitrogen fertilizers various liming agents time of application of P and K fertilizers plant uptake of phosphorus and potassium from different soils methods of application of lime and P fertilizers boron and molybdenum on clover radioactive phosphorus trials various preliminary trials total 1959 1960 1961 160 149 105 237 176 — 22 34 80 30 8 83 — 57 57 — 81 — — 14 78 — — 21 — — 111 5 10 12 95 20 22 549 549 569 3. The following numbers of analyses have been made in the different years: chemical analyses: 1959 1960 1961 of soil 2057 4450 3413 of manure 215 330 136 of crops 6499 7602 14426 botanical analyses from leys 1875 1214 2196 various analyses of yield quality 1160 1250 475 As can be seen from these figures, attempts have been made to increase the numbers of chemical analyses of crops during the three-year period in question. Investigations concerned with soil analyses As a result of extensive and thorough investigations, a completely new method for determining the calcium state of the soil is presented (TERAsvuom, Publ. Finn. State Agr. Res. Board 175, in German). By this method it is possible to get a picture of the tota-1 cation-fixing ability of the soil, the amount of fixed metal cations and hydrogen ions as well as the actual pH of the soil. On the basis of this data, the lime need of the soil can be established with greater certainty than before. In a study concerned with the forms of phosphorus in the soil and the availability of phosphorus applied in fertilizers (Acta Agr. Fenn. 94: 165-199), 14 a technique was developed which is based on ion exchange columns and particularly on the use on continual extraction. This technique makes it possible to determine the various phosphorus fractions, which have certain definite correlations with the effect of phosphorus fertilization. It was found in one investigation (J. Sci. Agr. Finl. 23: 179-185) that ultra-frequency sound could accelerate certain slow reactions. Fertilization and liming investigations By comparing analyses of farmyard manure made at different time periods, it was found that the nitrogen and phosphorus contents of manure at the present time are considerably higher than in the 1930's (Koetoim. ja käyt. 16: 37, in Finnish). In studies on various methods of handling of farmyard manure, it was found that the use of various chemical additives, such as superphosphate and calcium cyanamide, does not give profitable results (Koetoim. ja käyt. 17: 21-24, in Finnish). According to the results of long-term comparative trials, the effect of basic slag is directly dependent upon the acidity of the soil. At a pH of less than 5, basic slag is better than superphosphate (Koetoim. ja käyt. 17: 4, in Finnish). The effect of potassium present in cement kiln dust obtainable in Finland was found to be the same as that of corresponding amounts in potassium chloride and in ground limestone (Yearb. Agr. Res. Centre XV: 30-39, German summary). In trials with different kinds of phosphorus fertilizers, it was found that water-soluble phosphorus improved the frost resistance of seedlings (Koetoim. ja käyt. 16: 39, in Finnish). Pot trials have shown that under Finnish conditions, in certain cases — for example, in the cultivation of vegetables — magnesium applications are necessary (Koetoim. ja käyt. 17: 21, in Finnish). Pot trials have provided experimental data on the significance of the relative proportions of different nutrients to plant growth (Koetoim. ja käyt. 17: 26, in Finnish). Field trials conducted at various locations throughout the country have shown that the ploughing of phosphorus fertilizers into the soil buries them too deeply (Yearb. Agr. Res. Centre XIV: 7-15, English summary). According to the results from field experiments carried out for nearly 30 years with different potassium amounts, it is apparent that the most suitable rate of potassium application on the usual Finnish fields of cereals or leys is 50 kg/ha annually of K20 on sandy soils, 100 kg/ha on humus soils and as much as 150 kg/ha on peat soils. Potassium fertilization greatly increases the potassium content of hay and cereal straws while at the same time tending to 15 decrease the phrosphorus, calcium and magnesium content (Publ. Finn. State Agr. Res. Board 185, English summary). In comparing basal and annual applications of phosphorus and potassium on leys, it has been found that — especially on soils deficient in nutrients — annual applications give better results than large basal applications (Yearb. Agr. Res. Centre XIII: 197-203, English summary). It was established that nitrogen fertilization as such is not harmful to red clover, but that in mixed leys it causes grasses to grow profusely and thus indirectly hinders the growth of clover (Yearb. Agr. Res. Centre XIII: 204- 207, English summary). Both beets and carrots demand sufficiently-limed soil and heavy applications of potassium and boron fertilizing, but beets respond more efficiently to ali sorts of fertilization than do carrots (Yearb. Agr. Res. Centre XV: 205-212, English summary). A rather close correlation was found between the results from copper fertilization trials and the amount of copper chemically determined in the soil (Koetoim. ja .käyt. 17: 3, in Finnish). Trials carried out with trace elements on cereals showed that copper and boron had an effect in reducing the amount of ergot (Koetoim. ja käyt. 18: 39, in Finnish). According to a trial carried out in laboratory for many years, it is evident that the soil-neutralizing effect of blast furnace slag can be as good as that of ground limestone. No difference upon the humus content of the soil was noted (J. Sci. Agr. Soc. Finl. 33: 194-202, in Finnish and German). Soil tillage investigations In spring tillage trials on clay soil, it was found that — especially in the growing of spring wheat — the earliness of sowing was more significant than the depth of the tilled layer of soil. If a shallow depth is used, tillage may be carried out somewhat earlier (Yearb. Agr. Res. Centre XV: 40-45, English summary). Detailed listings of the investigations published by the Department in the years 1959-61 can be found in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 16 Department of Plant Husbandry Address: Tikkurila Telephone: Office Helsinki 83 12 32; Director 83 13 02 The Department of Plant Husbandry was founded at Tikkurila in 1910 as a unit of the Institute of Agricultural and Economic Research. In 1924 it became a department of the newly-founded state Agricultural Research Centre. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Otto V a 11 e, director, seed production of clovers and grasses; Dr. Jaakko Mukul a, weed control; Mr. Jarl Walli n, cereals; Dr. Leo Y 11 ö, Potatoes and root crops; Miss Sirkka-Liisa Hiiv o 1 a, herbage crops; Mrs. Marjatta Sarisal o, clover investigations; Mr. Risto Lallukk a, weed control. Functions of the Department The function of the Department of Plant Husbandry is to study prob- lems and methods of plant production for ali the cultivated field crops in Finland. Work in the years 1959-61 The weather conditions during the growing seasons 1959-61 had an important effect on the yields obtained in these years. In 1959 there was very little rainfall, the weather was sunny and warm, and even at harvest time in August the relative humidity was exceptionally low. As a result, combine harvesting was carried out under ideal conditions, and the quality of the grain was very high. Because of the favourable weather in this summer, there were many pollinating bumblebees in red clover fields, and a record yield of high- quality clover seed was harvested. The growing seasons in 1960 and 1961 also had favourable weather con- ditions, with the result that the total yields of ali crops in these years averaged 35 °/o and 26 °/o greater tilan the average for the period 1950-59. Charac- teristic for both of these years was the high temperature during the early part of June. All three growing seasons 1959-61 were free from autumn frosts in most parts of Finland. In 1960 and 1961 the Department of Plant Husbandry carried out a special investigation on the suitability of combine harvesting of timothy seed. This investigation was concentrated in southern Ostrobothnia, which is the principal area of timothy seed production in Finland. In 1961 another special investi- 17 gation was begun on the distribution of various weed species throughout Finland. In 1960 the United States Department of Agriculture awarded a 5-year grant (PL 480) for the project "Evaluation of genetic changes in seed of alsike, red and white clover varieties produced in the United States and Canada". The purpose of the project is to investigate, among other things, the possibilities of seed production of Finnish clover varieties in North America. The numbers of trials carried out in the year 1961 were as follows: Cereals and legumes 15 Potatoes and root crops 5 Forage crops 42 Weed control 29 Others 10 Cereals Trials with cereals have consisted primarily of variety trials on new Finnish (Tammisto, Jokioinen) and foreign improved varieties. The Department also participated in a survey in 1960 on the distribution of cereal, pea and potato varieties in Finland. This survey is carried out every five years and shows the changes in extent of cultivation of these varieties, especially those of cereals. The main lack of new cereal varieties in Finland concerns winter w he a t. The acquisition of new winter wheat varieties depends entirely upon Finnish breeders, since foreign varieties are not sufficiently winter-hardy under Finnish conditions. New varieties of sp ring w he a t are also necessary, since with the increase in wheat self-sufficiency in this country, there is a need for varieties which are early, stiff-strawed, and of superior milling qualities. Two new Finnish varieties of 6-rowed b arley have recently been put on the market (Otra, Paavo), but no new 2-rowed malting barley has been developed to replace Balder, which is susceptible to sprouting in the head. Most of the o ats cultivated in this country are Finnish varieties from the Tammisto Plant Breeding Station; the Dutch Pendek is the most commonly cultivated of the foreign varieties. Investigations on c omb in e har v es ting of cereals have been continued mainly on the experimental farm at Tikkurila. The growing season in 1959 was especially favourable for these trials. Potatoes and root crops Variety trials on po ta toes have been terminated for the present. Sugar beet variety trials have been carried out on Swedish (Hilleshög), Dutch (Kuhn), German (Klein Wanzleben) and on American hybrid varieties. 18 Forage crops Trials on forage crops have been more extensive than those carried out on other crops and have mainly been concerned with red clove r, the most valuable forage crop in Finland. At the Department of Plant Breeding at Jokioinen a tetraploid red clover has been developed; this tetraploid, Jo TPA 1, has been proved to be more resistant to clover rot than the diploid. In 1960 trials were begun at ali experimental stations on four red clover varieties: the two diploids Tammisto and Jokioinen and the two tetraploids Jo TPA 1 and the Swedish Ulva. In 1961 a similar series of trials on alsike clover varieties was also started at several experimental stations. The varieties included the diploid alsike Tammisto as well as two tetraploids, Jo TAA 4 from Jokioi- nen and Tetra from Weibull, Sweden. Since difficulties are often encountered with in the production of red clover seed, the Department carried out extensive investigations in the years 1959-61 on pollination and seed setting in red clover. These studies were made both at Tikkurila and at various experimental station. It was found that if sufficient numbers of pollinating bumblebees are present, there is no difference in seed setting between the Finnish Jo TPA 1 and the Swedish Ulva, and satisfactory seed yields can be obtained from both of these varieties. Weed investigations Weed control investigations have greatly increased during the years 1959-61. In each of these years 40 to 50 herbicides were tested in 25-30 field trials. In attempts to find effective herbicides against MCPA-resistant weed species in cereals, good or satisfactory results were obtained with MCPP, MCPA/TBA, dinoseb amine and dinoseb acetate. In connection with the program of the European Weed Research Council, barbane was tested against wild oats, but it gave very poor results. In control of weeds in root crops and vegetables, good results were obtained with propazine, prometryne, and a mixture of OMU and BiPC. Weeds in fruit orchards and nurseries were effectively controlled by simazine, diuron and amitrol. In trials against couch grass, TCA, dalapon and amitrol were tested. TCA was found to be most effective under Finnish conditions, but on peat soils it did not give good results. Control of horsetail was improved by increasing the rate of MCPA; annual treatment with this herbicide has reduced the re-growth of horsetail. In 1961 a survey of weeds in spring cereal fields in Finland was begun. This survey has shown that sow thistle (Sonchus) is rapidly spreading and becoming a serious problem especially in fields which are combine harvested. The major investigations published by the Department of Plant Husbandry in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 19 Department of Plant Breeding Address: Jokioinen Telephone: Office Forssa 23 041; Director 23 040 The Department of Plant Breeding was founded in 1924 at Tikkurila. In 1928 it was moved to the state-owned Jokioinen estate near the community of Forssa, 79 km from Turku and 117 km from Helsinki. Approximately 40 acres of cultivated fields are in use annually by the Department. The trial fields are located on heavy clay soil, which is a common soil type in the important agricultural region of southwestern Finland. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Vilho A. Pesol a, director until 31. 5. 1960, wheat, rye and field pea; Dr. Kalevi Multamäki, acting director 1. 6. 1960 — 31. 12. 1961, herbage plants, polyploids and mutations; Mr. Onni P ohj anheim o, potato and barley (in addition wheat during the period 1. 6. 60 — 28. 2. 61); Mr Oiva Inkil ä, oats (in addition rye and field pea during the period 1. 6. 60 — 31. 12. 61); Mr. 011i Rekola 1. 3. 61 — 31. 12. 61, wheat. The numbers of other workers, calculated in terms of full-year working time, were as follows: 13 in 1959, 14 in 1960 and 17 in 1961. Functions of the Department The functions of the Department of Plant Breeding are to develop new improved yarieties of cultivated crops as well as to carry out fundamental research in the field of plant breeding. Work in the years 1959 — 61 The weather c on di ti ons at Jokioinen, as elsewhere in Finland, show great variation from year to year. In 1959 the snow cover and ground frost disappeared at the same time in the first week in April. Spring sowing was begun as early as April 27th. The growing season in 1959 was characterized by little rainfall: the total precipitation during the period May—September was only 146 mm or half of the normal (293 mm). The dry conditions clearly hindered the growth and development of the crops, with the result that yields 20 were lower than normal. On the other hand, because of the favourable harvest- ing conditions, the quality of many crops was exceptionally high. In 1960 the snow cover disappeared from the experimental fields on April 15th and the ground frost had completely thawed by April 20th. Spring sowing was begun on May 10th, or two days earlier than normal. During the growing season, rainfall was normal and the temperature was 0.8° C higher than the mean. Yields were in general larger than usual, although heavy rains in the middle of the summer caused sprouting in the heads of some cereal crops. In 1961 the snow cover left the experimental fields on April 15th and ground frost disappeared on April 19th. Sowing was begun on May 2nd, or 10 days earlier than normal. The favorable conditions of the early part of the growing season accelerated the development of the crops. In July and August, however, heavy rainfall caused lodging of cereals and reduced their quality. In general, yields were very high in this year. Abiotic factors affecting the overwintering of winter cereals (temperature, snow cover, ground frost, etc.) were relatively favorable during the three winters in question. The amounts of insect pests and plant diseases varied during the three years. In the summer of 1959 aphids appeared in exceptionally large numbers. Their damage to spring cereals was apparently relatively small; however, aphids occurring on the foliage of potato plants were effective in spreading virus diseases. During the winter 1958-59 field voles caused con- siderable damage to winter cereal seedlings under the snow. In 1960 there was relatively little damage by pests to crops in the experi- mental fields. In the autumn of 1961 voles damaged stands of clover. Injuries to winter cereals by low temperature parasitic fungi as well as clover rot were observed in varying degrees. Such injuries were generally most severe in foreign varieties, whereas domestic varieties showed only slight fungal damage. In 1960 virus diseases were common in the potato, and in the autumn of the following year 1961 the tops and tubers of potatoes were seriously damaged by late blight. The average numbers of trial plots used for different crops in the years 1959-61 were as follows: Crop no. of plots CroP no. of plots Winter rye 419 Field pea 355 Winter wheat 1 615 Potato 1 382 Spring wheat 1 840 Herbage plants 1 013 Barley 2 246 Polyploids etc. 795 Oats 1 117 Others 32 Total 10 814 21 Cereals Winter ry e. The main objective in breeding work on winter rye is to develop varieties in which winterhardiness is combined with a short and sturdy straw. In striving toward this ideal objective, many crosses have been made, especially between Finnish and Swedish varieties. The most prom- ising of these crosses, line Jo 090, derived from King II (Svalöf) X Pekka (Jokioinen), is now being multiplied. Investigations on the correlation between winterhardiness and length of straw are being continued. Spring ry e. Breeding work on spring rye is being made partly with Finnish material and partly with the progeny of crosses obtained from King II winter rye and Finnish spring rye varieties. Winter whea t. Breeding work is mainly concerned with increasing the reliability of cultivation of this crop. Numerous crossings have been made, and line selection, especially of the variety Vakka, has been carried out. The most promising of these latter Iines, which have been proved to be resistant to sprouting in the head, are at present being multiplied. In the frost laboratory, investigations on the factors influencing the winterhardiness of spring wheat are being continued. A practical method has been developed for studying the resistance of winter cereal varieties to snow mould as well as determining the extent of fungal infestation in seed lots. Winter wheat Iines derived from the cross Agropyrum X Triticum have been obtained from the Soviet Union. These Iines have been investigated for their suitability in Finnish cultivation and have also been used as parents for further crosses. Spring whea t. The principal objectives in the breeding of spring wheat are earliness, strength of straw, as well as satisfactory milling and baking qualities. Since combine harvesting has become more common in Finland, the value of the early variety Apu, developed at the Department of Plant Breeding, has become very apparent. Since Finland is practically self-sufficient in terms of quantity of wheat produced, there is now a large need for spring wheat varieties of a higher quality than those being cultivated at present. Barle y. A very extensive breeding material is available, consisting of both fodder and malting barleys. Endeavours to develop varieties resistant to diseases have mainly been concentrated on the Ustilago loose smut. The Depart- ment has also been concerned with developing both awnless and huskless barley varieties. In addition, investigations are being carried out to determine the factors which hinder the growth of spring cereals, including barley, in the trial fields of the Department. In connection with these investigations, arti- ficial irrigation trials have been performed. The high-yielding fodder barley variety Paavo was put on the market in 1960. 22 0 a t s. Valuable results in breeding work on oats have been obtained, especially in regard to drought-resistance. This characteristic is very important, since dry conditions in the early summer are a common and detrimental occurrence in Finland. Field pea Breeding work has been concentrated mainly on green table peas. One such variety, Riitto, was put on the market in 1961. Special attention in laboratory investigations has been given to the protein content of peas. Potato The objectives in potato breeding are numerous and they include, in addition to quantity and quality of yield, resistance to various diseases. The cultivation of virus-free seed potatoes has been commenced. In 1961 two new potato varieties were made commercially available: the table variety Koto and the fodder and industrial variety Teho with its high yield of starch. Herbage plants The diploid red clover variety Jokioinen was put on the market in 1961. This variety is leafy, juicy-stemmed, and very resistant to clover rot. Sufficient amounts of seed of the Department's alfalfa variety have been produced in California since the year 1960. The breeding program of the Department includes most of the herbage crops cultivated in Finland. Polyploids and mutations Tetraploid rye breeding material includes both Finnish and foreign varieties. In investigations on tetraploid barley, special_ attention has been paid on reversion to the diploid form. The cross wheat-rye (Triticale) represents an attempt to combine the best qualities of both of these species. A four-year grant from the U.S.A. awarded in 1961, has made it possible to carry out breeding of tetraploid red and alsike clover on a large and efficient scale. Mutations have developed using both irradiation and mutagenic chemicals. The X-ray mutation Balder J, a malting barley, was put on the market in 1960. It is higher-yielding than its parent variety Balder, especially under relatively poor growing conditions. Results of the major investigations published by the Department of Plant Breeding in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 23 Department of Horticulture Addres-s: Piikkiö Telephone: Office Piikkiö 817; Director 812 The Department of Horticulture was founded at Yltöinen governmental estate in 1927 and at present comprises 30 hectares under cultivation and approximately 50 hectares of forest. The nearest city, Turku, is located 23 kilometers away. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Olavi Meurma n, director until 1. 10. 1959, acting director 1. 11. 1959 - 30. 4. 1960, then retired after being a director of the institute for 33 years. Pomology, cytogenetics. Prof. Dr. Jaakko S ä k ö, chief researcher until 30. 4. 1960, acting director 1. 5. 1960, director 26. 7. 1960-. Pomology. Prof. Dr. J. E. Hård h, chief researcher until 31. 5. 1959. Berries, vegetables grown under glass. Dr. Arne Rous i, acting chief researcher 1. 9. 1960, chief researcher 12. 7. 1961-. Breeding and cytogenetics of berries. Miss Kirsti Salokanga s, researcher until 30. 10. 1959, acting senior researcher 30. 10. 1959-, senior researcher 27. 2. 1960-. Vegetables. Mr. Tapio K. Kalli o, researcher 3. 9. 1960-. Outdoor ornamentals, propagation. Miss Kirsti Osar a, junior researcher until 31. 8. 1961. Vegetables, floriculture. Miss Lea Kurk junior researcher 1. 9. 1961-. Floriculture. Except for the scientific workers mentioned above, the size of the staff was 19 persons in 1959, 20 persons in 1960, and 21 persons in 1961. Functions of the Department The Department of Horticulture carries out investigations concerned with the cultivation and breeding of horticultural plants. Work in the years 1959-1961 The growing season 1959 was considerably drier than normal. A severe frost period occured at the flowering time of the apple, destroying the yield almost completely. The mean temperature of the winter 1959-60 was ca. 2° C lower than normal, but weather conditions of the following spring and early summer were very favourable. The late fall of 1960 was unusually warm except for 24 a cold period in November, and the sea was open until the 9th of January 1961. Following a mild winter there was an unusually early and warm spring which made it possible to start the sowing work as eårly as April 20th. In July and August there was a long rainy period, including a severe storm during which a rainfall of 58.8 mm was recorded, this being the record of the three- year period. Pomology The frost hardiness of various apple varieties and rootstocks were studied in laboratory conditions by the exosmosis method. By using this method it was possible to classify the material in certain groups according to their hardiness. Among the rootstocks tested, the Swedish clone A 2 was found clearly more hardy than the Malling-types M II, IV and VII. The seedling stocks of the varieties Antonovka and Sugar Miron showed much better hardiness than those of Bittenfelder, Grahams Jubiläum and Normandie. These results have been checked in a field experiment in which the snow was kept off during winter. The experiments with apple stembuilders have revealed the great possibility which this method has in improving the overwintering of tender apple varieties in the climatical conditions of Finland. Among the stembuilder varieties tested, Hibernal has proved to be the most promising. In 1960 new experiments were set up at the Department of Horticulture, Piikkiö, and at Häme Experiment Station, Pälkäne, for studying the effect of different stembuilders on the apple variety Lobo. In the investigations concerning the chemical weed control of apple orchards, simazine and atrazine have given the best results. It was possible to entirely kill a heavy couch grass cover with a treatment of 10-20 kg/ha simazine or atrazine without causing any injuries to apple trees. Mixtures of amitrole and simazine gave a rather fast and long effect on weeds. Monuron 40 kg/ha and dalapon 42.5 .kg/ha treatments injured apple trees. In the years 1958-61 experiments were carried out on the effect of two different temperatures, —1° C and +4° C, on the keeping quality of apples. The apple varieties Atlas, Kaneli, Lobo, Wealthy and Äkerö were tested. The ripening of apples progressed much more slowly at the temperature of —1° C than at +4° C. At —1° C, cold injuries in apples occurred to some extent, but the total amount of injuries was very small and concerned only the varieties Wealthy and Äkerö. Gloeosporium-rot started to appear later in apples kept at —1° C than in those at +4° C. This was due to the fact that the maturing of apples was retarded in the colder storage room. Among the other research subjects can be mentioned varieties, rootstocks, fertilizing and top soil cultivation in orchard, and the raising of apple trees as hedges and as a spindlebush. 25 The small fruit investigations have mostly concerned varieties, growing technique, and the fertilizing of strawberry and black currant. Propagation experiments were carried out in order to find out the value of various kinds of mist control equipment in rooting of cuttings. The use of various kinds of substrates in rooting of cuttings has also been studied. Breeding activity Breeding of apple was started in 1958, and has consisted of crossing ca. 3000 flowers annually. The main purpose of the various crosses was to get a hardy progeny. Breeding of Rubus idaeus X arcticus was continued. Seedlings were raised mostly from free pollinations of F1 and from the most promising F2 individuals. Directed back-crosses and sib-crosses were also made. The main goal in the breeding of this species hybrid was to combine the fine aroma of R. arcticus with a productivity which would make a commercial growing of this plant possible. A resistance to viruses or virus-bearing aphids was also strived for. Some F2 individuals have been propagated in order to find out their suitability for commercial growing. In black currant, the breeding program was started with mostly inter- varietal crosses, using the Finnish variety Brödtorp as a starting point. Inter- varietal crosses were also made in hexaploid plums, in gooseberries and in strawberries. In strawberry an inbreeding program was started with some varieties as a first step in establishing pure Iines for F1 hybrid breeding. The American highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum was crossed with a native Finnish strain of V. uliginosum. The cross gave vigorous seedlings. The purpose of this cross was to transfer winter hardiness and disease resistance from V. uliginosum to V. corymbosum. Vegetable crops Variety trials Cabb ag e. A 3-year trial was carried out to clarify the differences between various strains of the variety Ditmarsker. The results revealed only small differences in the yield, but considerable differences in the earliness of different stra-ins. The earliest strains were Ditmarsker orig. OE and Ditmarsker N:o 84 Vangede. Cauliflowe r. In the years 1958-60 a trial was carried out with 11 different strains of the variety Erfurter. Trials were also made with various early and late cauliflower varieties. Altogether 14 varieties were represented. In the group of early varieties, Erfurter N:o 291 AH and Helios OE gave the highest total yields. Among the late varieties, Flora Blanca, Stor svensk W:s/57 and Stor dansk W:s/54 were the highest-yielding. 26 Brussels Spr out s. In a variety trial 12 varieties were compared, of which the new Japanese F1 hybrid Jade, the early-yielding Kvik OE and the Tofto variety Tidlig dvärg were found to be the most recommendable. Br o c c o ii. In the variety trial, De Cicco was found to be the earliest, whereas Greenia 0 JO and Waltham N:o 29 CS gave the highest yields. Also the suitability of different varieties for deep-freezing was studied. Red bee t. Main attention was given to the suitability for canning pur- poses. Among the varieties with spherically-shaped roots Rubia 0J0 and Sigma OE were found to be the best ones, among the ones with cylindrically- shaped roots, the Danish variety Formanova LD was the most recommendable for growing. Gar den pe a. In the variety trials during 1959-61, 20 varieties in ali have been studied. In addition to the amount of yield, the suitability of different varieties for deep-freezing has been studied, most attention being paid to the taste, colour and firmness of the seeds. When the taste of the frozen peas was judged, Marrowärt lav N:o 59110 AH, Sigyn/58 W and Perfected Freezer were found to be the best. Gr eenhouse cucumbe r. New F1 hybrid varieties were compared with the variety Butcher's W:s/57, which was used as a standard. Although the F1 varieties did not differ much in their total yield, they differed con- siderably in the earliness and quality of the yield. The earliest of the varieties studied was the Swedish Hammenhög variety Final. The Weibull variety Arla showed the best quality. Gr eenhouse t oma t o. A variety trial, including new F1 hybrid varieties, revealed that ali F1 varieties were earlier yielding than the standard variety Potentat AH 8. Most of the F1 varieties also gave a higher total yield than the standard. On the other hand, the fruit quality in some of the F1 varieties was inferior, the fruits being small, furrowed, and irregularly shaped in many cases. Cultural experiments Broccol i. The effect of planting distance on yield was studied. Of the five different planting distances used, the densest one gave the best results, the seedlings being planted in quadruple rows, at distances of 20 X 40 cm. Cauliflow e r. Various pot types were compared in rearing cauliflower seedlings. The new Finnpots proved to be equivalent to the imported Jiffy-pots. Greenhouse tomat o. To promote fertilization of tomato flowers, various mechanical means to help shedding of pollen, as well as hormone sprays, were experimented with. Mechanical vibrating with a "trostriller" gave the best results. 27 Floriculture Greenhouse flowers The program of the Department of Horticulture will be expanded to include also the most important commercial flowers grow under glass, and therefore new greenhouses and storage rooms suitable for experimental purposes in flori- culture are outlined. In the autumn of 1961 trials with forcing of tulip, especially of sports of cv. 'Bartigon' were started. The influence of time of planting, and the influence of forcing time on flowering was followed. With Iris Hollandica cv. 'Wedgwood' the influence of different treatments of bulbs on flowering was experimented. Work was concentrated around the time of flowering of carnations, tulips and Dutch irises, and the culture technique of Asparagus and Adianthum species grown as cut greens. Outdoor ornamentals Factors influencing thriving and particularly overwintering of woody oma- mentals have been studied. In an experiment on 68 varieties of outdoor roses, their value for cultivation was studied. Results of the major investigations published by the Department of Horti- culture in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 28 iDepartment of Plant Pathology Address: Tikkurila Telephone: Office Helsinki 83 12 58; Director 83 14 19 The Department of Plant Pathology was founded at Tikkurila in 1911 as a unit of the Institute of Agricultural and Economic Research. In 1924 it became a Department of the newly-founded state Agricultural Research Centre. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. E. A. Jam.alaine n, director, overwintering of plants; Dr. Miss Annikki Linnasalm i, vegetable and root crops; Mr. Aarre Ylimäk clover and potatoes; Mr. Klaus A u r a, inspector of plant protection; Mrs. Eeva Tapi o, berries and ornamental plants; Mr. Pentti Talvi a, fruit trees and storage of plants; Dr. Martti Markkul a, inspector of plant protectants; Miss Katri Ikäheim o, spring cereals; Mr. Pekka Köpp ä, extension work in plant protection. Functions of the Department The Department of Plant Pathology carries out investigations on plant diseases and methods for their control. In addition, the Department is respon- sible with the Plant Protection Act and for inspection of plant protection chemicals in accordance with the Act concerning plant protection substances. Occurrence of plant diseases in the years 1959-61 Low temperature parasitic fungi have caused great losses in annual yields, especially in regions of heavy snow cover in central, eastern and northern Finland. Exceptionally severe damage was caused to timothy fields in Lapland during the winter 1960/61, and losses in hay yield were estimated to he 17.5 million kilograms. Foot rot diseases of spring wheat have steedily become more apparent and harmful during recent years in the southern and western regions of the country. The loose smut disease (Ustilago tritici) has appeared extensively in fields of the spring wheat variety, Apu. In 1961 barley was often found infected with ergot (Claviceps purpurea). In the same year the occurrence 29 of oat sterile dwarf virus and wheat striate mosaic virus was freguently obser- ved. In many places in central Finland clover rot (Sclerotinia trifoliorum) has caused the disappearance of clover from leys. The damage caused by this disease was especially large throughout the whole country in the autumn of 1961. In the summer of 1960 virus diseases caused injuries to potato fields. During the latter part of summer 1961 rainy weather resulted in extensive damage by potato blight (Phytophthora infestans). A total of 32 fields were reported to be infected with potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum). The onion (Allium cepa) suffered considerably from onion yellow dwarf virus in some areas in southern Finland. In certain regions Club root (Plasmodiophora brassicae) greatly hindered the growth of cabbage and swede. Frosts in the spring of 1959 injured the leaves of apple trees in many orchards. In the years 1960 and 1961 apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) seriously infected susceptible apple varieties. Brown rot (Sclerotinia fructigena) has annually caused consider- able damage to certain fruit orchards. Virus diseases of raspberry have hindered the growth of the canes and resulted in large losses in yield. Tomatoes grown under glass have generally been infected with virus diseases, and in some places much damage has occurred. Imported tulip bulbs have often been found to be injured by unduly high temperatures during storage or transportation. Work in the years 1959 — 61 Numerous trials and experiments have been carried out in the field, in greenhouses and in the laboratory. A total of 1308 samples of diseased plants sent by farmers were examined by the Department and the farmers given advisory aid. Test to determine the effectiveness of plant protectants were carried out on 189 compounds. Of these, 47 were approved during the years 1959-61. Inspection of imported and exported plant materials in accordance with the Plant Protection Act was carried out at various ports. Likewise, nurseries were inspected and measures taken to control the potato wart disease. Research workers from the Department gave a total of 47 lectures and courses concerning plant protection measures. An instructor in extension work, acting in cooperation with agricultural and horticultural organizations, was in charge of instructional and advisory activities in the field of plant protection. Main results of studies in the years 1959-61 Extensive trials have been carried out in various parts of the country of low temperature parasitic fungi. Good results have been obtained with winter rye, winter wheat and clover when the stands were treated with fungicides during the latter part of the autumn. In some trials it was found that certain 30 winter-resistant Finnish varieties of winter rye had become susceptible to snow mould, a phenomenon apparently due to the fact that these varieties had become crossed with other susceptible varieties JAMALAINEN, E. A. 1961: The problem of purity of rye varieties in the light of overwintering studies. Year- book of the Agricultural Research Centre XV: 95-100). The variations in overwintering of winter turnip rape from year to year have been found to be due to injuries from water, from winter frosts during winters of light snow cover, and from low temperature parasitic fungi in winters of abundant snow. The latter group of injuries can be prevented by treating the stands of winter turnip rape with PCNB fungicides during late autumn JAMALAINEN, E. A. & HAAVISTO, M.1959: Tests on the COntrOl of low temperature parasitic fungi in winter turnip rape by treatment of stands with fungicides. J. Scient. Agric. Soc. Finl. 31: 38-44). In coniferous nurseries extensive damage to spruce seedling was caused by Herpotrichia nigra and to pine seedlings by Phacidium infestans. Trials showed that these diseases can be controlled by PCNB treatment in late autumn JAMALAINEN, E. A.1961: Damage by low temperature parasitic fungi in coniferous nurseries and its chemical control. Silva Fenn. 108: 1-15.) The frequent severe frost damage to fruit orchards in Finland is due to cool and rainy autumns, during which sudden and severe frosts are common. Under such conditions fruit trees as well as other susceptible woody plants have not been able to become winter-hardened JAMALAINEN, E. A.: Vinterskador som begränsande faktor vid fruktodling i Finland. Nord. jordbr. forskn., suppl. I, 1960: 294-297.) As a result of heavy damage to oats in this country in the years 1954-56, cereal virus studies were begun in order to determine the reason for the damage. The studies showed in 1959 that the bird cherry aphid (Rhopa/osiphum padi) was able to transmit the barley yellow dwarf virus and the leafhopper (Calli- gypona pellucida), the wheat striate mosaic virus (IKÄHEIMO, K. 1962: Two cereal virus diseases in Finland. J. Scient. Agric. Soc. Finl. 32: 62-70.) In the following year 1960 it was found that the leafhopper was also able to spread the oat sterile dwarf virus (IKÄHEIMO, K. 1961: A virus disease of oats in Finland similar to oat sterile-dwarf. J. Scient. Agric. Soc. Finl. 33: 81-87). It has been shown in preliminary studies of raspberry viruses that virus diseases constitute the principal reason for the poor yield of raspberries in Fin- land as in many other countries (TAPIO, E. 1961: Virus diseases on raspberry. Publ. Finn. State Agric. Res. Board 184: 1-21). The following are the most common raspberry virus diseases in Finland: raspberry vein chlorosis, raspberry vein banding, raspberry yellows, and raspberry mosaic caused by different viruses. Vectors of raspberry viruses are common in Finland, the aphids Amphorophora rubi (= Nectarosiphon idaei) and Aphidula (Aphis, Doralis) idaei occurring throughout the whole country and the leafhopper Macropsis fuscula occurring in the southern and central parts. 31 tudies on vegetatively reproducing onions have been concerned with the effect of storage temperature on inflorescence initiation, bulbing and final flowering. It was found, among other things, that both low temperatures (0° C and below) and high temperatures (above 20° C) during storage pre- vented inflorescense initiation and delayed bulbing in set onions. Gloeosporium album and G. perennans were determined to be the most important causul agents of apple rot during storage in 20 apple varieties from 17 localities in Finland. Ali of the apple varieties investigated were found to be susceptible to Gloeosporium rot, although there were distinct differences in the susceptibility of certain varieties to one or another of the two species (TALviA, P. 1960: Various species of Gloeosporiurn in stored apples in Finland. J. Scient. Agric. Soc. Finl. 32: 239-246). Results of the major investigations published by the Department of Plant Pathology in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 32 Department of Pest Investigation Address: Tikkurila Telephone: Office Helsinki 83 12 03; Director 83 12 74 The Department of Pest Investigation was founded in 1898. It was originally located at the agricultural entomological laboratory of the University of Helsinki until 1910, at which time it obtained its own laboratory along with the Institute of Agricultural and Economical Research, at present located at Tikkurila. It remained as a unit of the University until 1924, at- which time it became a separate department of the Agricultural Research Centre. Departmental, personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Veikko Kanerv o, director, various fields of pest investigation; Dr. Niilo V appul a, horticultural pests; Mr. Osmo Heikinheim o, cereal pests, leafhoppers and aphids; Mr. Svante Ekhol m, inspection of plant protectants; Dr. Martti Markkul a, pests of clover and other legumes, inspection of plant protectants; Miss Katri Tiittane n, pests of cereals and root crops; Mrs. Anna-Liisa V ari s, pests of vegetables and root crops; Mr. Pehr Ekbo m, pests of wooden structures, dwellings and storehouses; Mr. Aulis Tinnilä (1959-60), nematodes, inspection of plant protectants; Mr. Mikko Raatik aine n, cereal pests; Mr. Arvo Myllymäk i, rodents; Mr. Pekka Köpp ä, advisor in plant protection in cooperation with the Department of Plant Pathology; Mr. Osmo Roivainen (1960-61), nematodes. Functions of the Department The Department of Pest Investigation carries out investigations on insects and other animals causing damage to cultivated plants, stored products and wooden structures, and performs field tests concerned with the control of these pests. In addition, the Department inspects plant protectants in accordance with the regulations of the State Plant Protection Act, as well as carrying out advisory and educational work in the field of plant pest control. Work in the years 1959 — 61 The principal biological investigations and control trials carried out in 1959, 1960 and 1961 are presented in the following table: 33 Biological investigation 1959 1960 1961 Control trials in the field in the laboratoty 1959 1960 1961 1959 1960 1961 3 2 3 6 — 1 — — — 4 3 3 3 5 4 2 4 — 2 1 1 19 22 26 14 9 16 — — — 3 — 4 6 2 8 — 8 2 9 2 — — 1 1 6 6 3 1 2 3 — — — 3 10 20 — — 5 5 2 7 6 3 1 1 1 7 5 3 — 10 8 9 60 55 72 32 23 30 Pest of cereals ,, „ herbage plants ,, 5, vegetables and root crops 5, ,) oil crops . >5 „ fruit trees ,, „ berries ,, 3, greenhouses ,, „ dwellings warehouses, farm buildings Rodents Total Official tests in accordance with the Plant Protection Act were made in 1959 on 120 compounds (35 species of test insects), in 1960 on 126 compounds (39 species of test insects), and in 1961 on 120 compounds (47 species of test insects). — The Department made health inspections in 1959 on 108 lots, in 1960 on 124 lots and in 1961 on 150 lots of plant material for export, as well as examined sugar beet fields in Denmark intended for production of sugar beet in Finland. A total of 86 publications in 1959, 99 publications in 1960 and 70 publications in 1961 were made by members of the Department, of which about one-fifth were scientific papers. Occurrence of plant pests In 1959 the most damaging pests occurring on cultivated plants were the following: on cereals Rhopalosiphon padi, Oscinella frit and Frankliniella tenui- cornis; on clover Apion apricans and Apion assimite; on peas Laspeyresia nigricana; on cabbage, swede and turnip Hylemyia brassicae and H. floralis; on sugar beet Lygus rugulipennis L. spp., Aphis fabae and Pegomyia hyoscyami; on onion Hylemyia antiqua and Eumerus sp.; on fruit trees Metatetranychus iihni and Argyresthia pruniella; on berry bushes Incurvaria capitella, Eriophyes. ribis, Aphididae and Tarsonemus pallidus. In 1960 pest damage was somewhat less severe than in the previous year. The, following pest species caused the most injury: on vegetables and root crops Hylemyia brassicae, H. floralis, Chaetocnerna concinna, Aclypea opaca, Lygus rugulipennis L. sp., Pegornyia hyoscyami; on onions Hylemyia antiqua and Eumerus sp.; on turnip rape Meligethes aeneus; on fruit trees Laspeyresia pomonella and Argyresthia conjugella; on berry bushes Incurvaria capitella and Eriophyes ribis. In 1961 the most damaging species were: on cereals Rhopalosiphon padi and Calligypona pellucida; on peas Sitona lineata and Laspeyresia nigricana; on vegetables and root crops Hylernyia brassicae, H. floralis, Aclypea opaca and 34 Pegomyia hyoscyami; on turnip rape Meligethus aeneus and Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis; on fruit trees Metatetranychus ulmi and Laspeyresia pomonella; on berry bushes Incurvaria capitella and Eriophyes ribis. Main research results in the years 1959-1961 Cer eal pes t s. In 1959 and 1960 the damage caused by the leafhopper (Calligypona pellucida Fabr.) was light, but in 1961 severe injury again occur- red. Investigations on the biology of this species have been concerned especially with its host plants and population dynamics. The effect of crop rotation on the abundance of leafhoppers was studied on 13-17 different farms; it was found that continued and intensive establishment of timothy leys with spring cereal nurse crops promoted the increase of leafhoppers. Studies were also made on the natural enemies of leafhoppers and on the effect of climatic factors. These investigations have shown that the damage caused by the leafhopper in Finland is mainly due to its transmission of the oat sterile dwarf virus disease and to a lesser extent the wheat striate mosaic virus; in addition, the toxic effect of the saliva of the insect also can cause injury. Two other species of leaf- hopper (C. sordidula and C. obscurella) were found to transmit viruses of oats. The results have in part been published (RAATIKAINEN, M. 8L TINNILÄ, A. 1959; RAATIKAINEN, M. 1960). In control trials on the frit fly (Oscinella frit) in winter rye, good results were obtained on the larvae when granulated pyrazinyl phosphorthioate and forate were spread on the soil and tilled in to a depth of 5-6 cm just before sowing. Some of these results have been published (TIITTANEN, K. 1959). In 1959 the bird-cherry aphid was a very injurious pest especially on oats and barley (RAATIKAINEN, M. and TINNILÄ, A. 1960). Complete control of this pest was obtained by spraying with parathion, malathion or methyl demetone, and good results were also acquired with other preparations. Pests of red clover and other legumes. Investigations were completed on the biology of Sitona species (MARKKuLA,M. 1960), including the effect of ecological factors on its oviposition (MARKKULA, M. 8C ROIVAINEN, 0. 1961) and a detailed analysis of the species of Sitona on field legumes (MARK- KULA, M. & KöPPÄ, P. 1960). During the years 1959-61 an extensive investigation was undertaken throughout the entire country on the abundance and distribution of red cloVer seed pests. Preliminary results from the first year's research were published (MARKKULA, M. 1959), and also experimental data from the year 1936 were analyzed (MARKKULA, M. & VALLE, 0. 1959). Studies on the biology of the seed pests Phytonomus meles, Apion trif oli and Coleophora deauratella were completed. The results of the latter species were published (MARKKULA, M. 8C MYLLYMÄKI, S. 1960). Dasyneura gentnerii was established as being a new seed pest of white clover. Control trials of seed pests were continued. 35 The clover stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) was found at several new localities in South Finland. Extensive trials have been carried out to determine the resistance of different clover varieties and strains to nematodes. Several control trials against this pest have also been successfully performed. Fest of vegetables and root crops. Control trials of the cabbage root fly were continued by insecticide treatment of seeds and seedlings. Seed treatment with compounds containing chlorinated hydrocarbons gave pro- tection to cabbage seedlings in frames and during the early part of their growth on the field, but the effect stopped by the middle of the summer. Very good results were achieved by dipping the roots of seedlings in a 2.5 olo solution of dieldrin. Trials indicated that seed encrustation with lindane-thiram could be recommended for crucifer forage crops such as swede, turnip, etc. This treatment, however, did not provide protection against larvae appearing at the end of the summer (TIITTANEN, K. 1959; VARIS, A.-L. 1960; TIITTANEN, K. & VARIS, A.-L. 1961 a and b). Pests of onions (Hylemyia antiqua, Eumerus tuberculatus and E. strigatus) were found to be most satisfactorily controlled by preparations of aldrin or dieldrin, either used as seed treatment or in the form of dipping solutions for onion sets. Even after six years of use, there was no evidence of larval resistance to these compounds. The carrot fly (Psila rosae) was effectively controlled by seed treatment with lindane-thiram preparations; this treatment can be recommended for carrots to be consumed in the autumn or winter. Part of the results have been published (KANEkvo, V. 1959). In control trials of the mangold fly (Pegornyia hyoscyarni) good results were obtained by spraying with the new compounds mercaptofos, dimecron, alkylphosphonate and dimethoate. Granular phosphorthioate and forate were effective when used at the first appearance of the flies. Pests of fruit tree s. The best control of the fruit three red spider mite (Metatetranychus ulmi) was achieved when combined preparations, especially malathion fenson or malathion keltan, were sprayed at the beginning of August. Investigations on voles (Microtus agrestis, M. arvalis and Arvicola terrestris) were concerned with variations in numbers of voles, their reproduction, mutual competition and choice of food plants. It was found that the Microtus species were definitely selective in their choice of available food plants. Even a relatively small vole population can cause an appreciable decrease in the protein yield of leys, since they preferably feed on plant parts of high in protein. The different vole species were found to be competitors in the trial ley field con- sisting of red clover and four grass species. Part of the results have been published. (MYLLYMÄKI, A. 1959). 36 Results of the major investigations published by the Department of Pest Investigation in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agri- cultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 37 Department of Animal Husbandry Address: Tikkurila Telephone: Office Helsinki 83 13 08; Director 83 20 25 The Department of Animal Husbandry was founded at Helsinki in 1923, and in 1925 it was transferred to its present location at Tikkurila. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Orvo R i n g, director 1959-1960, nutritional chemistry; Prof. Paavo Kajanoj a 1960-61 (t); Dr. Mrs. Irja Uo til a, animal mana- gement and feeding; Mr. Martti L ampil a, nutritional physiology and microbiology; Mr. 011i Tuomisto (1959), Mr. Henrik Fur stenbor g (1959-1960), Mr. Jaakko Mäkelä (1960-1961), Mrs. Eeva L arpes (1959—), Mr. Tuomo Kiisk inen (1961—) and Miss Maija-Liisa S y v ä- lahti (1961—), animal management and feeding. Functions of the Department The Department of Animal Husbandry carries out investigations concerning animal management and feeding. Digestibility trials, some of the feeding trials, as well as chemical and bacteriological analyses are performed in the departmental laboratories, whereas the remainder of the feeding trials as well as other trials are carried out on large farms, such as the State agricultural school farms and experimental stations. The activities of the Department have been somewhat hampered by numerous changes in personnel. Work in the years 1959-61 The following projects were under investigation by the Department between 1959-61: Micro-organisms of the rumen and their action in decomposition. Production of silage in towers and trench silos. The need for supplementary forage for dairy cattle during the grazing season. Mineral nutrition of grazing cattle. Effect of horsetail (Equisetum palustre) on the health and milk production of cattle. 38 The use of whey concentrate as cattle fodder. Production of beef. The relation between intensity of feeding and milk production. Alkali-treated straw. Feeding trials on poultry. Comparative feeding trials on mmk (in cooperation with the Fur Breeders' Association). Micro-organisms of the rumen One of the subjects of investigation on the micro-organisms of the rumen and their activity concerned the synthesis of protein. In these studies it has been found that the concentration of ammonium in the rumen is closely dependent upon the ammonium content of the silage, especially in the case of silage treated with ammonium bisulphate. Investigations have also been made on the ammonium content of the rumen during the grazing season. (Published in English in J. Sci. Agr. Soc. Finl. 1960, 32: 169-175.) Silage In June 1959 a mixture of clover-timothy (dry matter 21.2 °/o; crude protein in dry matter 18.1 °/o) was ensilaged by four different methods: AIV acid, AIV salt (ammonium bisulphate), Calcifor-salt (calcium formate sodium nitrite) as well as untreated (no preservative). Results were as follows: pH NH3-N °io of total N Butyric acid AIV acid 3.75 - 4.05 4.2.- 5.6 0 AIV salt 3.90 - 4.10 22- 34 0 Calcifor-salt 4.00 - 4.15 4.7 - 7.7 0 Untreated 4.45 - 4.75 13.4 - 14.0 0 In June 1960 a similar trial was performed on clover-timothy having 15.0 olo dry matter and 16.5 °/o crude protein in the dry matter. Results of this trial were as follows: PH NH3-N 0/0 of total N Butyric acid AIV acid 3.10 - 3.75 2.3 - 2.7 0 AIV salt 3.77 - 3.97 22- 25 0 Calcifor-salt 4.00 - 4.25 6.4 - 6.5 0 Untreated 4.45 - 5.25 12.0 - 17.5 0 - 0.35 °/o In the autumn of 1959 three methods were used to ensilage sugar beet tops in a trench suo: at one end 20 tons of AIV salt silage were made, at the other end 20 tons of Calcifor silage, and in the center 20 tons of untreated silage. The pH of ali the silages was under 4.0 and no butyric acid was formed. 39 In the autumn of 1960 AIV sait (1.25 kg/ 100 kg) was used in a trench suo to preserve clover-timothy aftermath in two forms: in one end of the suo was the usual mown aftermath and in the other end the aftermath was crushed. Both forms of silage succeeded well; the pH of both was below 4.0 and they were eagerly eaten by the cattle. Mineral nutrition of grazing cattle Results of these studies have been published in J. Sci. Agr. Soc. Finl. 1959, 31: 149-161 (English summary). The use of whey concentrate as cattle fodder In Finland over 200 million kilograms of whey are obtained annually as a by-product in cheese manufacture. Since not ali of it can be fed as such to domestic animals and since it cannot be stored, the artificial drying of whey, principally into the form of a powdered concentrate, has been begun in recent years. Investigations have shown that powdered whey concentrate is a good fodder for milk cows and can be used at a rate of 2 kg daily per animal. The feed value of whey is 1.25 feed units per kg of dry matter. Production of beef Trials on beef production were begun in the autumn of 1960. In one trial there were 12 male calves from each of five Ayrshire bulls or a total of 60 calves. Half of these were given concentrated feeding and were slaughtered as fattened calves at the average age of 153 days. The remaining half were fed on a less concentrated diet and were slaughtered at the age of about 1 1/2 years. In the second beef production trial there were 20 male calves of Ayrshire cattle and 20 of Finnish cattle. After one year 5 Ayrshire and 4 Finnish yearling bulls were slaughtered. Five additional Ayrshire and four Finnish cattle bulls were given concentrated feeding for 3 months before slaughtering, and the remaining 20 bulls were slaughtered at the age of two years. (Results are published in the yearbook of the Agricultural Research Centre 1962, XVI: 179-194.) Alkali-treated straw Attempts were made in these trials to develop a method where by a smaller amount of alkali and water is required than in the Beckman method. Alkali- treated straw which was ensilaged with AIV salt was found to be more palatable than that prepared without the salt. Its palatability was approx- imately the same at that of silage prepared from grass. 40 Feeding trials on poultry Feeding trials on poultry have been principally concerned with determining the effects of various feeds and management practices on the growth of chicks and on the egg production of laying hens. In 1961 trials on broilers were begun; in these trials, comparisons were made between the breeds White Leg- horn and White Rock as well as their crosses. (Results are published in the yearbook of the Agricultural Research Centre 1962, XVI: 195-205.) Feeding trials on mmk In the mmk feeding trials various feed mixtures have been used consisting of different kinds of frozen fish and slaughter wastes as well as fish preserved with different preservative agents. In addition, trials have been made with fresh bone meal and animal fats. The major investigations published by the Department of Animal Husbandry in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 41 Department of Animal Breeding Address: Tikkurila Telephone: Office Helsinki 83 19 01; Director 83 12 44 The Department of Animal Breeding was founded at Helsinki in 1923 and was transferred in 1925 to its present site at Tikkurila. Departmental personnel and their special fields Prof. Dr. Viljo V ainik aine n, director, various fields of animal breed- ing; Dr. Mikko V a r o, various fields of animal breeding; Mr. Kalle M a i- j a 1 a, poultry, blood group investigations; Mrs. Hilkka Ruohomäk small domestic animals; Mr. Antti Säis ä (3/4 year), small domestic animals. Functions of the Department The Department of Animal Breeding carries out investigations concerned with the breeding of farm animals. Work in the years 1959 — 61 The following investigations were in progress by the Department in the years 1959-61: I. Cattle Mechanical progeny testing of bulls. The use of average yield results in calculating relative bull breeding values. The significance of elimination of daughters in bull progeny groups. Protein content of milk. Investigations on beef cattle. II. Horses 1. The dependability of horse draught trials. 42 III. Sheep 1. Crossing of Lincoln and native breeds of sheep. IV. Pigs Reasons for variations in thickness of back fat. Investigations on the inheritability of various characteristics of pigs. V. Poultry 1. Possibilities ,of breeding poultry for viability. VI. Blood group investigations Carried out since April 1961 on a grant from the U.S.A. Cattle Using the punch card system, daughter evaluations (based on the results from at least 10 daughters) were made on 2210 bulls in the recording year 1957/58, on 3151 bulls in the year 1958/59, and on 2557 bulls in the year 1959/60. The use of average yield results in calculating relative bull breeding values. Acta Agr. Fenn. 94, 19. The standard method used by the Department of Animal Breeding for evaluating bulis, in which the average yield results are used to obtain the relative production of progeny groups, was found to be the most suitable method under Finnish conditions for determining the value of bulls. The significance of elimination of daughters in bull progeny groups. Publications of the Finnish State Agricultural Research Board No. 179. The experimental material consisted of 4, 5, and 6 year old daughter groups of 47 Ayrshire bulls from the recording years 1955/56 — 1957/58. Between the 4th and the 5th years of age, an average of 10.1 °/0 of the progeny of the entire experimental material were naturally eliminated, and between the 5th and the 6th years an average of 13.8 °/o. The correlation of elimination per- centage calculated for the bulls was + 0.380 ± 0.125 and shows that natural elimination was generally continually more vigorous for some of the progeny groups whereas for other groups it was generally weaker. The relative pro- duction of the vigorously eliminated progeny groups was poorer than that of the more weakly eliminated groups. The differences were statistically significant. The protein content of milk in the cows investigated was not found to change significantly as the age of the animals increased. It was found that the percentage amounts of the various constituents of milk were greatly dependent upon inherited factors. At the present time there is no satisfactory method of milk protein content determination which would be suitable for cattle raisers. The determination of 43 milk dry matter, however, could successfully be carried out on a large scale. Investigations on beef production were begun in the autumn of 1960. On the basis of preliminary trials it was found that there were apparent differences in the pattern of growth among the progeny of different bulls. Such differences in growth, however, become apparent only when the feeding corresponds to the appetite and the growth pattern of the animals. Variances in the external conditions during the early phases of growth hindered to some extent this short-time trial. Horses The dependability of horse draught trial (Acta Agr. Fenn. 94, 18). On the basis of the internal correlation between fathers, the inheritability of the draught trial results of the sons was calculated to be 0.14 for 4 year old horses and 0.24 for 5 years old horses. The average result of 0.18 corresponds to the previous value of 0.17. Sheep Crossing trials which were begun in 1956 between the Lincoln breed and the native Finnish breed have been continued. The purpose of these trials is to study the effect of the crossings on the quantity and quality of the wool and meat. Special attention was paid to the numbers of lambs. Because of the small amount of experimental material, the dependability of the results has suffered to some extent. However, an increase in the quantity of wool of_ the crosses became evident. This trial is being continued in the F, generation in order to study heterosis and variations. Pigs In 1959 investigations were begun at the Pig Husbandry Experiment Station in order to determine the reasons for variations in thickness of back fat. The share of inherited factors in this variable was found to be 58 °/o in male piglets and 73 °/o in female piglets, or an average of nearly 66 °/o. The Department has collected data on punch cards from ali the strain trials at the Pig Husbandry Experiment Station since the year 1926. The data consisted of both individual progeny results and average results from different groups, the latter of which were analyzed factorially. A total of 18 different tests were used on the trial groups, and as a result three factors were deter- mined: 1. Fat factor, measured in the region of the shoulder; 2. growth factor, determined by the live weight of the animal; and 3. muscular or form factor, determined by the thickness of the back fat. The correlation of the combined variables between the results of the best tests and ali the other tests was 0.72. 44 Poultry Investigations are being continued on the possibilities of breeding poultry for viability and productive ability. Blood group investigations The principal work in the blood group investigations up to the present time has been concerned with the preparation of test serums. Fourteen specific serums were obtained as well as several valuable crude serums. In addition, a successful start was made in collecting blood samples for heredity studies. The latter studies have been restricted mainly to developing plans for the experimental work. Results of the major investigations published by the Department of Anirnal Breeding in the years 1959-61 are listed in the yearbooks of the Agricultural Research Centre, numbers XIV, XV and XVI. 45 Southwest Finland Agricultural Experiment Station Address: Hietamäki Telephone: Turku 50 913 In 1927 a plant husbandry and horticultural experiment station was founded at Piikkiö and in 1935 it became the horticultural station of the Agricultural Research Centre. A number of plant husbandry trials were carried out at the station until the year 1956. During the years 1955-58 temporary field trials were carried out in southwest Finland, and in 1959 the present agricultural experiment station was established at Mietoinen. The station is situated 33 km from the nearest city, Turku, and is a latitude of 60° 38' N. The station comprises 60 hectares of cultivated land, 33 hectares forest and 17 hectares of another type, or a total arca of 110 hectares. The predominant soil types are heavy clay and muddy clay. Personnel The directorship of the station was held by Mr. Osmo Per ttula between 1. 1. — 30. 6. 1959 and by Mr. Jaakko K ö yli jär vi between 1. 7. 1959 — 31. 12. 1961. Fields of investigation In the field of agricultural physics the station is primarily concerned with problems of tillage of clay soils. Cultivation • of cereals and seed production of herbage crops also make up an important share of the investigations of the station. Meat production trials include raising trials of calves in which different breeds and feeding practices are compared. Work in the years 1959 — 61 Since the station was established in 1959, the experimental work in this years was carried out under deficient conditions. Among other deficiencies, ali the fields were drained by a poor system of open ditches, the buildings were in poor condition, and there was a Jack of suitable equipment. This during the years 1959-61 the station was in the phase of establishment and organi- zation. 46 By the year 1961 a satisfactory amount of machinery and equipment had been obtained. Underground drainage was begun in 1959 and has been con- tinued annually; at the present time one-third of the fields have underground drains. Extensive repairs of the buildings have been made, with the result that the station has adequate office and laboratory space, threshing facilities, and a special barn for trials on raising of beef cattle. Thus the external material conditions for carrying out experimental work have been considerably improved during the years 1959-61. The following numbers of trials have been carried out at the station: 1959 1960 1961 soil improvement and fertilization trials 19 17 27 soil tillage trials 1 2 3 cultivation technique trials 2 6 13 variety trials 17 21 23 plant disease trials 4 3 3 insect pest trials 1 1 2 Total 44 50 71 In the years 1960-61 endeavours were made to begin trials concerned with the special fields of investigation of this station. Three soil tillage trials, for example, were in progress in 1961. Cereal cultivation trials have been con- cerned primarily with nitrogen fertilization, weed control and comparisons of different varieties. Seed ,production trials of cocksfoot have also been started. In 1960 the first group of Ayrshire and Finnish breed calves was procured; they were used for trials on meat production. In the following year a second group of calves was obtained for further trials. Feeding trials have been carried out according to a pian provided by the Department of Animal Husbandry. A new method for harvesting cereals on the trial plots was put into use in 1961. The stands of cereals were left until they had reached the stage of ripeness for combine harvesting. They were then cut with a mowing machine mounted on a small tractor to which was attached a sheet-metal box for collecting the grain. The grain was transported in sacks to the threshing room and threshed immediately. This method corresponds closely to combine harvesting and makes it possible to perform observations on the cereal stands during the latter phases of their ripening as well as to determine the moisture content and the extent of sprouting in the heads. Principal results Since most of the experimental series were not begun until 1960, only few final results have so far been obtained. However, some trials were started 47 already in the years 1955-58 or even earlier at Piikkiö, and from these it is possible to draw reliable conclusions and compile reports. Fertilization trials During the years 1955-61 a total of 15 trials were carried out in south- western Finland on the application of varying amounts of nitrogen on grass- dominated leys. The amounts used were 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N per hectare, applied in the form of ammonium nitrate (25 °/o N). The results clearly showed that under the conditions in southwestern Finland 100 kg/ha N is a suitable rate for grass leys, but that larger amounts of nitrogen only rarely give profitable yield increases. In those cases where clover grew in the ley, its share was decreased by nitrogen application. The crude protein content of the hay was definitely increased by large dressings of nitrogen. When an amount of 100 kg/ha or mone of nitrogen was applied in the spring, it was found in the years 1960-61 to cause an increase also in the yield of the af termath. Cultivation technique trials Most of the cultivation technique trials were not begun until 1960, and thus few results have as yet been published. However, chemical weed control trials have given practical results. It was found that ali of the chemicals used in these trials gave profitable yield increases. Compounds of MCPA proved to be suitable general herbicides in cereal fields. Scentless mayweed was effectively controlled by preparations containing 2,4-D or MCPP. Galium was eradicated by sprays of MCPP or MCPA TBA and Stellaria media by MCPP sprays. According to these trials, MCPB herbicides can safely be used in leys containing clover. Variety trials Of the w int er cer eals generally only domestic varieties have been found to be sufficiently reliable and winter hardy under the conditions in south- western Finland. On the basis of the trials carried out at this station, recom- mended rye varieties are Pekka and Visa and winter wheat varieties Varma, Vakka and Antti. In areas well suited for winter wheat cultivation, the high-yielding and very strong-strawed Swedish varieties Ertus and Odin can also be recommended. Among spring wheat varieties the Norwegian Norröna was found to be undemanding and earlyripening, yet high-yielding. Its deficiencies are a rather weak straw and a low protein content. The cultivation of this variety has rapidly increased in Finland in recent years. The Swedish variety Svenno is high-yielding, demanding and strong-strawed, but it ripens late. It can be 48 successfully grown in southwestern Finland on fertile fields in good condition. The variety Touko from Jokioinen has also proved to be a valuable spring wheat variety. It gives high yields, has a strong straw and is earlier and less demanding than Svenno. The most early variety Apu has likewise given satisfactory results in these trials. In variety trials on barle y, Balder and its mutation Balder J developed at Jokioinen were found to be suitable malting barley varieties. Among the other two-rowed varieties the Swedish Ingrid and Foma gave slightly higher yields, but an insufficient number of trial results have been obtained from these varieties. The new variety Paavo from Jokioinen is a suitable forage barley, and likewise Otra from Tammisto has given good results, being higher- yielding than its predecessor Tammi. The o a t variety Sisu has .been the highest-yielding of all the varieties tested, and especially on clay soils it has produced superior yields. The strong- strawed Dutch variety Pendek has given good results on muddy clay soil, but on heavy clay soil and especially in dry years it has not grown so well. Of