nFPT. OF POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN BULLETIN PREPARED BY THE Wisconsin Potato Growers Association The "Potato Special" Enroute Through the Commercial Potato Sections of Wisconsin Thirty-four years ago the first car of potatoes was shipped out of Wisconsin. During 1913 the combined shipment of four rail- roads amounted to approximately 35,000 cars. This Association cannot attempt to relate the history of investment and develop- ment which has made this industry possible. Today, however, the future promises a development of far greater significance than that of the past. The markets of the country demand attention to improved standards. This Associa- tion is confident that the plan of work presented in this bulletin will insure permanently a high standard for Wisconsin potato shipments in the markets of the country. MADISON APRIL, 1914 . Wisconsin Potato Growers Association OFFICERS Praidcnt-J. W. HICKS, Prentice Vice-President-ANTON FOLLSTAD, Elcho Treasurer-B. F. FAAST, Eau Claire Secretary--.!. G. M1LWARD, Madison A Personal Letter to Wisconsin Potato Growers There has never been a time in the history of commercial potato growing in Wisconsin when attention has been so well directed to the development of the industry as now. The single fact of a production of approximately 30,000,000 bushels indicates the magnitude of the potato industry in this state. However, there are problems of de- velopment concerning which averages of yields and acreage is of little value. During the past ten years the Wisconsin Experiment Station has established and developed a plan of field extension work which ha& involved close co-operation with practical growers and affiliated com- mercial interests. The Wisconsin Potato Growers Association is an outgrowth of this movement. The work of the Association is affili- ated in interest and method with all the agencies which are active in the agricultural development of the state. The executive committee desires to say to Wisconsin growers that the subject matter here submitted has received careful attention. The plans of the Association have the endorsement of practical and successful men connected with all commercial phases of the industry. Again the committee after careful investigation, desires to call at- tention to the fact that this work has assumed important national relationship. Many important commercial sections of the United Btates are concerned with problems which threaten the industry. Wisconsin may well feel fortunate in the extent of its available un- developed resources. The markets of the middle west demand attention to improved commercial standards. Wisconsin will be prepared to meet this de- mand through effective state leadership and the committee com- mends therefore to every progressive grower a consideration of the work of the Association accomplished during 1913, and attention to the work proposed for the coming year. Respectfully submitted, Madison, Wis., April, 1914. President. Secretary. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. MEMBERSHIP. Wisconsin Potato Growers Association, ADAMS COUNTY DANE COUNTY Douglas, G. P. Big Flats Milward, J. G. Madison Olds, L. L. Madison ASHLAND COUNTY Sanborn, A. W. Ashland DODGE COUNTY Beebe, K. H. Ashland Krueger, II. E. Beaver Dam Gingles, A. Ashland DOOR COUNTY BARRON COUNTY Larkin, D. W. Sturgeon Bay Johnson, J. II. Chetek Ellison Bay Company Ellison Bay Rauchenstein, J. Rice Lake Powers, W. C. Ellison Bay Nelson, L. M. Rice Lake Nichols, W. J. Chetek DOUGLAS COUNTY Otis, F. D. Barren Lucius, Jos. Solon Springs Webb, W. H. Superior BAYFIELD COUNTY Morgan, G. F. Bayfield DUNN COUNTY Pease, L. D. Cable Flieth, W. IT. Cornucopia Bartz, Paul Downing Hauser, J. F. Bayfield EAU CLAIRE COUNTY Kern, F. Bayfield Black, J. M. Bayfield Ingalls, G. R. Eau Claire Lufkin, G. W. Eau Claire BURNETT COUNTY Nelson, E. R. Eau Claire Lind, Andrew E. Siren Peet, E. L. Danbury Roberts, L. R. Webster Wiesse, Wm. Fall Creek Faast, Ben. F. Eau Claire Calkins, C. C. Fairchild CHIPPEWA COUNTY FLORENCE COUNTY Barrett, W. E. Thorp McGovern, Peter Florence Hart, J. Chippewa Falls Amundson, A. J. New Auburn FOND DU LAC COUNTY Kienholz, Ralph Stanley Stack, J. M. Eden Roe, Edwin Stanley Sandquist, C. J. Brandon Scott, L. E. Stanley Stelter, O. F. Bloomer FOREST COUNTY CLARK COUNTY Anklam, A. R. Hiles Grandine, J. D. North Crandon Piper, Wm. J. Thorp Gruman, William Laona Barrett, W. E. Thorp Marshall, C. H. North Crandon Sample, Floydell Withee Petersen, L. W. Wabeno Thompson, Ole Curtiss Roberts, T. J. North Crandon *"• B"3tATb*3}EV£EOPM]2NT WORK IN WISCONSIN. JACKSON COUNTY MILWAUKEE COUNTY Huseboe, Henry M. Taylor Coe, N. M. Whitefish Bay KEWAUNEE COUNTY Fisher, W. E. MacGilfrey, C. D. Wauwatosa Milwaukee Gerhart, P. F. Algoma Church, J. R. LAFAYETTE COUNTY Gunderson, A. O. Argyle OCONTO COUNTY Etherldge Oconto LANGLADE COUNTY Coy, F. A. Baring Beard, Chas. Elcho Martineau, A Gillett Beattie, II. C. Antigo Suring, Edward Suring Dewey, D. C. Antigo Filyes, L. W. Bass Lake Follstad, Anton Elcho ONEIDA COUNTY Follstad, Carl Guptill, L. P. Kalowen, E. Moss & Lavis Stengl, Alois Sorenson, C. G. Stengl, Chas. Swohoda, F. G. McFarlan, L. K. Elcho Elcho Antigo Kempster Antigo Antigo Antigo Antigo Bryant Appleromp, A. Baxter, H. Brann, Paul Beck, Otto Burkhart, Geo. Campbell, S. S. Clark, G. J. Crosby, C. P. Dawes, G. II. Pelican Lake Rhinelander Rhinelander Bradley Rhinelander Three Lakes Rhinelander Rhinelander Tomahawk Lake Goodell, W. F. Rhinelander LINCOLN COUNTY Gross, Chas. Rhinelander Amelse, C. Harrison Hardell, W. Rhinelander Atcheson and Larson Tomahawk Hess, John Rhinelander Brooks, Hall L. Tomahawk Jewell, W. P. Rhinelander Smith, F. J. Merrill Lamon, D. E. Three Lakes Clark, Frank Tomahawk Luther, E. L. Rhinelander Clark. R. II. Tomahawk McLaughlin, O. II. Rhinelander Froehlich, J. W. Tomahawk McLaughlin, Frank Rhinelander Gather, A. Tomahawk Moran, B. M. Rhinelander Gesell, E. G. Tomahawk Olson, W. Rhinelander Morse, A. II. Tomahawk Packard, C. D. Rhinelander Roesche, Win. Tomahawk Pazdernik, E. Rhinelander Swan, Peter Harrison Smith, Ira E. Cassian Venske, A. G. Tomahawk Hadke, Albert Rhinelander Welty, Arthur Merrill Rick, E. K. Rhinelander Sanders, Claude Tomahawk Lake MANITWOC COUNTY Skochil, John Monico Adelmann, Joseph Manitowoc Scott, J. M. Tripoli Sorenson, James P. Bradley MARATHON COUNTY Swals, C. W. Rhinelander Hermanson, E. Eldron Taylor, Arthur Rhinelander Knoller, C. G. Dancy Tomnson, J. P. Cassian Weideman, Henry Rhinelander MARINETTE COUNTY Sparks, Wilbur Pelican Lake Baker, H. C. Marinette Kelley, T. J. Bradley George, O. B. Marinette Mikelson, C. Hazelhurst Makovsky, A. Athelstane Parsons, H. Crivitz PEPIN COUNTY Lundgren, John Pembine Bogrand, George Wausaukee Newcomb, II. L. Pepin Redman, C. Wausaukee Enterprise Potato Farm Wausaukee Osborn, W. H. Marinette PIERCE COUNTY Ramsay, R. C. Peshtigo Blodgett, Harold K River Falls Welton, W. II. Athelstane Mouness, O. Beldenville POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. PORTAGE COUNTY SIIAWANO COUNTY Frost, H. G. Frost, E. D. Gunderson, H. A. Kollock, W. D. Petersen, Peter Gibbs, R. C. Tobie, E. P. Johnson, M. W. Johnson, M. E. Crowell, O. A. Griffith, R. Gruber, J. B. Hicks, J. W. Nelson, C. G. Peterson, C. August Reiner, Edgar Hermanson, James Saunders, J. B. Larson, L. J. Wagner, Lewis Wollenberg, Carl P. Johnson, August Peterson, C. R. Marheine, W. J. Anderson, Otto Olson, Alfred Olson, Edwin Nelson, Nels A. Hammer, P. H. Young, E. A. De Groff, Fred Rood, L. P. Almond Sorley, E. B. Tigerton Almond Portage Bancroft TREMPEALEAU COUNTY Amherst Imholdt, B. A. Trempealeau Stockton Amherst Junction VERNON COUNTY Almond Olson , Alfred * Viroqua Amherst Almond VILAS COUNTY UNTY Adams, W. H. Eagle River Phillips Catawba Evenson, II. O. Bolgar, M. J. Foelkner, Philip Minocqua Minocqua Woodruff Prentice Mayo, Jos. Eagle River Ogema Radcliffe, Amos Eagle River Prentice Ulrich, Francis Eagle River Fifield Foelkner, Christian Woodruff Prentice Park Falls Ogema WALWORTII COUNTY Park Falls Hagerty, Thos. Delavan Phillips Spirit WAUKESHA COUNTY Spirit Ogema Milham, Henry A. Waukesha Spirit Ogema WAS II BURN COUNTY Spirit Lyster, C. P. Earl Spirit Catawba Phillips Crocker, W. C. Stubfors, A. A. Thompson Co. Spooner Spooner Spooner JNTY WASHINGTOI ut in doing this, we hope that your efforts will be along lines that can be correlated in a practical way with the needs of other sections. When we said that other potato districts were depen- dent on you, it was with primary reference to their need for good seed stock, pure, vigorous and healthy. These things mean much to the southern and western grower. Prof. Stuart will tell you of the differences in vigor and productiveness between selected and run-out strains, of the losses due to admixtures of late with early varieties, and of the proper methods of developing and maintaining the best stocks. Plant diseases also, are more destruc- tive in many other states than in Wisconsin. Many of the worst- are carried in the seed potatoes from farm to farm and from state to state. There is need for special attention to the lessen- ing of this danger, and we believe that a plan for inspection and certification can be worked out that will do as much to control Washington, D. C., U. S. Department of Agriculture. 46 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK tx WISCONSIN. the spread of potato pests within our country as the National Plant Quarantine Act does toward keeping out foreign para- sites. There are great possibilities in the special seed trade as a pro- fitable business for many of you, but there are many defects in the present system of growing and selling potatoes which is fail- ing to meet our needs. That southern growers must have northern seed is well known. Some of them and some dealers, even now, think that if their seed potatoes come from a northern source that is sufficient. It is not. The sale for planting purposes of mixed, ungraded, unselected potatoes, bought in ear lots by city buyers, has already done much to injure the reputation of Wisconsin seed stock and to divert the demand to other sources of supply. Scab, blackleg, dry-rot, stem-blight, leaf -roll, wilt and other diseases are spread every year through infected seed and the distant purchaser has practically no means whereby he may be certain of obtaining a safe supply. Many go or send an agent to inspect the fields where the seed is being grown but this expensive precaution is not sufficient to detect all diseases or to prevent substitution. An equally great bar to progress, inherent in our present sys- tem, is that the progressive seed grower, who has produced pota- toes of the highest quality, has insufficient means of convincing the purchaser of the superior value of his stock, and fails to find that special demand and that bonus in price which should be his incentive for giving special care to seed-potato production. We need a system developed that will enable a seed distributor or a grower's association in Colorado or Texas to order by the carload or by the hundred carloads with confidence that the po- tatoes delivered will not only conform to the standard grades of your association, but carry also an official certificate that they are true to varietal type, free from mixture with other sorts and free from disease. We need this system developed so that the Wisconsin growers or local Associations that have specialized in the production of fine potatoes, may back their own guarantee with the statement of an expert whom no one can question, and thereby secure a bet- ter market price. It is with especial reference to freedom from disease that this plan has been developed, and the relatively healthy conditions in Wisconsin offer many advantages for beginning the work here. POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. The losses from potato diseases in Wisconsin have been so sfig that I expect many growers will have to be shown that a disease problem really exists. A few actual examples are therefore cited. 1. A carload of seed potatoes was brought to my attention in Virginia. It had been shipped from a point which might have been in Wisconsin, but we may assume for your comfort that it was in a neighboring state. The sacks near the car door were of good quality but the rest of the car was filled with some of the worst scabby tubers I have ever seen, and they had to be thrown a\\ay. Naturally, that town in Virginia now buys its seed pota- toes elsewhere. 2. Not long ago we recommended Wisconsin potatoes to a Colo- rado grower, who responded that he had tried them and that the varieties were so badly mixed that the stock had to be discarded. 3. In the South Atlantic States the blackleg disease has become frequent, through the use of infected northern seed, I have seen fields, with 50% to 75% of the plants dead or decaying just be- fore harvest, when a neighbor using healthy seed had none. This blackleg appears to come only from seed infection in this coun- try. It takes a more virulent form in the south than in the north, and can be eliminated by the northern grower by seed selection and disinfection. 4. The powdery-scab, a new disease to America, though long prevalent in Europe, has been found in a few places in the United States and may develop elsewhere. It will be highly im- portant to pi-event its spread, and consequently whenever a few east -s are found on one farm in Blank county, purchasers of seed potatoes from other farms in that county will require assurance of freedom from powdery-scab. The same would be true of the wart disease or any other new trouble that might crop out and we lack at present any definite means of giving this guarantee. 5. The Fusarium Wilt is one of the big factors in reducing yields in our wanner districts, particularly in the west. This is carried in the tubers from diseased hills, and has already been widely scattered in this way. Such infected tubers are not fit for seed, and many districts are looking for a source of healthy seed stock. 6. The potato ell-worm, a dangerous pest in the irrigated val- leys of Nevada and California, in Australia and other warm countries, is spread wholesale by planting affected tubers. 7. Silver-scurf, a European parasite which disfigures the skin 48 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. of potatoes, was brought over and scattered throughout the United States before it was detected. It is carried over by plant- ing infected tubers, and as it does not seem to be killed by disin- fection, a certificate that a given lot of potatoes was free from sil- ver-scurf would add materially to their value. 8. Powdery-dry rot is a disease of stored potatoes that has caused great losses from Wisconsin westward. It is carried over in the soil where diseased potatoes are planted and the evidence shows that whole new sections of Idaho have been thus infected, and unnecessarily, but will now have to practice preventive mea- sures, perhaps as long as potatoes are grown. 9. The common late-blight dry-rot, carried south on seed pota- toes, results in defective stands where the infected tubers fail to grow, and not infrequently an outbreak of the blight itself is charged to this use of infected seed. 10. Curly-dwarf, a physiological trouble, and allied weak- nesses, often classed as " running out," occur on some farms, much more than others. Farmers have lost thousands of dollars through buying unaware, such weak strains. 11. Finally, leaf -roll, the new disease which has already cost Colorado growers millions of dollars, is transmitted through seed from diseased plants, and 1he best advice we can give is to get healthy seed. To insure this, there has been successfully prac- ticed in Germany a seed certification plan similar to the one we are recommending. I have now given you a few examples to show why potato growers in other sections need certified seed. If there were any such seed in existence a demand for it could readily be aroused. Will not Wisconsin take the leadership and inaugurate the plan to build up selected strains and maintain a high standard? We can assure you that the U. S. Department of Agriculture will heartily support the University at Madison and your association in this important work, particularly in those phases which in- volve trials in other states. POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. 49 A PLAN, OF POTATO SEED INSPECTION FOR WISCONSIN IN 1914. Referring to the field inspection of potatoes as discussed by Mr. Orton in the accompanying article, the state association feels that it should offer every possible advantage to its membership. The purpose of inspection this year in Wisconsin will be to provide a means to enable members of the association to deter- mine whether the stock they are growing is pure. The value of this guarantee will be of special service in the development of community potato work. The plan to be followed will be entirely voluntary and will be pursued in relation to the development of association work in the state. With the understanding that the association will be compelled this year to limit the work in accordance with avail- able time and resources the following plan is submitted. I. Arrangements will be made if possible to provide inspec- tion in those centers where community potato work has been or- ganized. Judging from conditions in Wisconsin this work will be especially adaptable to counties where an agricultural rep- resentative has been secured. II. Inspection will be made relative to, 1. Variety purity, 2. Freedom from disease. This will involve an inspection of the growing fields and the stock at harvest time. < III. A certificate will be furnished the grower upon which will be stated the condition of the stock in relation to the objects of inspection named in paragraph II. IV. All expenses incidental to this work shall be borne by the grower or community for whom inspection is provided. V. This plan of inspection will be made uniform and it is ex- pressly understood by all local Associations and Counties in- volved that all recommendations of policy or organization of the work shall be vested in the Agricultural College — University of Wisconsin. 50 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. THE MARKET DEMAND FOR IMPROVED STANDARDS. E. P. MILLER Of the Albert Miller & Co., Chicago, 111. Markets like individuals are, we might say, peculiar in their likes and dislikes. One market prefers a long, white potato; an- other a round white; another is quite partial to 'a red variety; one wants a medium sized po- tato ; and the other an extra large potato — none of them are very partial to very small ones, and of course, all want clean, smooth, bright stock of good cooking quality. The territory to which Wis- consin may look for its outlet, of course, varies with each season, but, in a measure, is governed by freight rates, and by quality. On the West we must compete with the irri- gated districts, and on the East with New York and Maine. The present season we have been able to secure very little business in the Missouri River Territory. Our rates from Wisconsin to what is known as "Missouri River Territory" arc 15c per bushel. The rate from Greeley, Colorado, district is21c per bushel. From the Idaho sections is 30c per bushel, from Mon- tana 24c per bushel. Now if we were selling at, say, 60c sacked E. P. MILLER. <>f Albert Miller «fc Co., Cliirsitfo, 111. POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. 51 Wisconsin loading stations this would mean that our price would be. 75c delivered Kansas City or other Missouri Eiver points, and one might at first thought conclude that if Idaho was quoting at a basis of 45c f . o. b. or 75c delivered that we might secure a fair share of the business in competition with them, yet this is not the case, for the Idaho potatoes, will, at present, command a premi- um of from five to eight, or even ten cents per bushel. To-day our price delivered New York City based on 60c Wis- consin would be 82c per bushel and to-day the market in New York City is in such shape that if we had a bright, medium sized round white potato, which the New York market requires, we might secure considerable business there, yet, because of the fact that New York City does not like the potatoes that we can ship, and will not pay as much for them as she will for Maine potatoes, we are kept out of that territory except at such times as our prices are under Maine goods ; and these same conditions prevail always in sections with which we must compete with either of the two above mentioned districts. Now there are numerous samples on exhibition here to-day which would find a ready sale both West and East. If the aver- age production of Wisconsin quality was represented by these samples it would mean a territory 15% to 20% larger for the sale of Wisconsin potatoes and that we can easily do this is clearly shown by these samples. What must be done is to show the growers generally the great improvement it is possible for them to make in both yield as well as quality by the careful selec- tion of seed, and I feel that the work which your Agricultural Station is doing will practically insure a growing demand from a wider territory for potatoes grown in this State. I feel that we shippers are in a measure to blame for the qual- ity of potatoes that we ship from Wisconsin. As a rule we do not sort them carefully enough; competition is so strong that our men at loading stations will tell us that if they sort closely the grower will sell to some one else. On the other hand I have been asked why it is that if a farmer does grow better potatoes than his neighbor he cannot get more money for them. This is in the main because there have not been enough potatoes of superior quality grown to enable the shipper to reach out and secure some customer who is willing to pay a premium for them, for the rea- son that if we furnish him with one car exceptionally choice, he expects another like it, and the chances are we are unable to fur- 52 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. nish it. When the time comes that we as shippers can buy a rea- sonable amount of really choice potatoes there will be a difference in the price paid for them as compared to inferior stock; and in this improvement in quality both the grower and the shipper are equally interested. As a matter of fact, the growers' and ship- pers' interests are in a great measure identical. The grower must have a price that will enable him to profitably grow potatoes, and the shipper must secure a margin that will profitably enable him to reach out for new and wider territory and I hope the time may come when there will be less feeling between growers and ship- pers. In this connection I feel that the newspapers, in some in- stances, are responsible for stirring up prejudice against the mid- dleman. If he is an evil, which I cannot admit, he is certainly a necessary evil, for the grower is not in a position to go out and secure trade in cities from one end of the country to the other, for if he should secure customers this year in Oklahoma, who might use all of his crop, it is quite possible that the next year Oklahoma would be entirely supplied by potatoes from some other section and that the grower would have to look to some point in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama. An outlet can not be found near at hand for all of Wisconsin's poto- toes; and the more aggressive and energetic the shipper, who is handling Wisconsin potatoes, the more benefit is he to the Wis- consin grower. I think that we all owe a debt of gratitude to the Agricultural Experiment Station of this State for it has been do- ing a great work and I am deeply gratified to note the interest which has been awakened. I feel sure that the time is coming when our customers in competitive territory will be willing to pay us as much if not more for Wisconsin potatoes than for those from any other section. It 's simply up to the Wisconsin grower to improve his quality and to the Wisconsin shipper to get out and get the business, and I can see from this meeting that we all feel sufficiently enthusiastic about this to make its accomplish- ment certain. POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. 53 VINE AND TUBER CHARACTERISTICS OF STANDARD MARKET VARIETIES OF POTATOES. PROF. WM. STUART, Of the United States Department of Agriculture. I was somewhat surprised when I looked over a copy of the program of this meeting, which I received a few days before leav- ing Washington, to see that I was expected to lead a discussion on the vine and tuber characteristics of standard market varie- ties. The subject looks innocent enough, but like many innocent looking things there are troubled waters below the surface. For the past few years I have had the privilege of being able to study a considerable collection of the standard varieties of potatoes, and have endeavored to classify them into groups according to well defined varietal characters of foliage or of tuber. The ma- jority of our varieties fall very naturally into one or other of these groups, but there are still quite a few which we have not succeeded in classifying. We have found, for example, that it is a very easy matter to distinguish between varieties belonging to the Green Mountain and Rural New Yorker groups of potatoes. There are three dis- tinct varietal characteristics in these groups on which no one can err. Neglecting for a moment the shape and color of the tubers, let us consider the color of the sprouts, preferably of those which have g-crminated in the dark. You will find that the sprouts of rJl vaiieties of the Rural New Yorker group are short and en- larged at the base, of a dirty white color with tips and leaf scales of a violet blue shade ; the Green Mountain group will all have white sprouts which are not appreciably enlarged at the base and which do not have any color in any portion of it. The stems of the growing plants have a x^urplish hue in the Rural New Yorker and light green in the case of the Green Mountain. The flowers of Green Mountain are white, while those of Rural New Yorker vary from a dark violet blue toward the center of an entire ab- sence of color in the five points of the corolla. The intensity of 54 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. the color may vary quite considerably, depending upon the age of the floAver and the climatic conditions. If the weather is hot and dry the color will be much less intense. The vine growth of the two groups is also quite distinct. The Green Mountain makes a dense bushy plant, while the Rural New Yorker is long jointed, sparingly branched at first, but gradually getting denser as the season advances. To those who are more familiar with these two groups of pota- toes, there are certain tuber characteristics, such as color of skin, shape of tuber, arrangement of eyes, etc. The skin of the tubers of the Rural New Yorker group is a light creamy white, while that of the Green. Mountain group has a light russet appearance. While the shape of the tubers of each of these groups varies very much in different localities, the prevailing type of the Rural New Yorker is round to broadly oblong flattened, and that of the Green Mountain has a tendency to become distinctly flat- tened. In the Early Rose and Early Ohio groups the relationship is nfuch closer and the distinguishing characters are fewer. The color of the sprouts, sterns and flowers is similar. The sprouts are suffused with pink, the stems are a dark green and the flowers are Avhite. The differences in the habit of growth and color of foliage arc not sufficiently marked to be easily described. They are differences that are apparent to the eye rather than in des- criptive language. Both contain the same blood, the Early Ohio being a seedling from a naturally fertilized seed ball of the Early Rose. When we come to study the tubers of the two varieties, differences are at once apparent. Gregory in his 1875 catalogue describes the 'Early Ohio as follows : "This is one of the numerous seedlings of the Early Rose, but while almost all of the seedlings arc so like their parent as to be indistinguishable from it, the Early Ohio while in color like the Early Rose, is, in shape, quite distinct, being round-oblong in- stead of oval-oblong, so that side by side is readily distinguish- able. Eyes about as numerous as those of the parent, while the brows are rather more p imminent. ' ' The present strain of Early Rose is generally a deeper pink than that of the Early Ohio. Two other points of difference should be noted, the first being a more or less distinct flat- tening of the tubers of the Early Rose, and the second, the dis- tinct small cork-like dots in the skin of the Early Ohio. This lat- ter characteristic is in evidence in several varieties which have been introduced under other names, but which to all intents and POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. 55 purposes are Early Ohio. There is still one other difference which so far as I know, has never been mentioned, though it is more than likely that it has been observed, and that is with re- spect to the character of the sprouts. The Early Ohio sprouts are short, thick, and stubby, while those of the Early Rose are longer and more slender and devoid of the thick bulbous base of the Early Ohio. The Irish Cobbler group of potatoes is not easily confused with any other. The vine growth is short jointed and stocked with abundant foliage. Under favorable conditions the leaves are large flat, more or less glossy, and of a rich green color. The plants bloom freely, the flowers being borne in large clusters or cymes. The color of the flowers is a delicate shade of purple or rose lilac. If the weather is cool the color is deeper than if high temperature prevails. If subjected to extreme high tempera- tures the color may almost entirely disappear. The tubers are round to a short, oblong, some are distinctly shouldered, while others are only slightly so or not at all. The eyes are, as a rule, rather deep, particularly the bud-eye clus- ter, and the skin is a clear creamy white. The members of this group mature early. The Early Petosky, Early Victor, Early Eureka and several others belong to this group, if, in- deed, they are not identical with the Irish Cobbler. The Burbank group is characterized by having white skinned, long cylindrical or slightly flattened tubers having many eyes. The sprouts have a fruit tinge of pink and the stems arc possibly a shade darker than the Green Mountain group. The flowers are white, the plants are bushy and of fair size. White Chief, Knowle's Big Cropper and White Star are simply var- ietal strains of Burbank. The Triumph is such a distinct variety, particularly in its tu- ber characteristics, that it needs no description. The Pearl seems to belong to a class by itself. It is said to be a white sport of the Blue Victor, but thus far we have failed to find any literature to corroborate the statement. It is a strong grower with well branched short jointed stems. The stems are medium green and the flowers are white. The tubers are round flattened to more or less peltate or heart-shaped. The stem is strongly recessed and the eyes have -a faint purplish tinge when freshly dug. There are other varieties that might be mentioned but they are of so relatively little importance to this locality that I shall omit them. 56 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. HIGHER STANDARDS IN RELATION TO THE WISCONSIN POTATO INDUSTRY. H. C. CHEYNEY Assistant General Freight Agent Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. The potato, now a staple food for man, was cultivatd before the discovery of America, but it was not until the 18th century that it commenced to grow in popularity as a food product, but the potato now is coming to its own, brought about by an exacting public who demand quality and the time is oppor- tune for the Wisconsin pota- to. In my boyhood days the po- tato was used largely as a filler, considered a necessity, never a delicacy, but today when the special baked in any hotel or cafe, costs about the same as the baked apple, in- cluding sugar and cream, quality is not only demanded but must be provided. This reminds me of a con- versation I overheard in a dining car up State a few H. c. CHEYNEY. days ago. A gentleman, evi- Chicago, 111. dently a grower ordered a special baked potato. When he received his check he remarked to the waiter, "It was fine, George, but it costs too much. I can only get 45 cents a bushel for mine and they are just as good." This remark is only one of many that we hear about how really well adapted to raising POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. 57 potatoes Wisconsin is, but the fact is not well enough known to bring about higher market prices. The cutover land in conjunction with the climate seems to just breed quality into them. All that is needed to give them individuality is advertising and proper packing for market. Do you every stop to think that Rocky Ford melons were once un- known ? Oregon and Washington apples considered no better than those of New York State ? Why is it they command such a pre- mium in every market? Simply because they have been con- stantly advertised and are put up in a neat and attractive man- ner. I think it is possible for the Wisconsin potato to reach the same sphere of popularity. I see no reason why the potato in- dustry of Wisconsin cannot, before many years, supersede lum- ber as its possibilities are unlimited. Chicago alone consumes approximately 12,000 cars of potatoes each year in bushels, over six million. The Northwestern Road last year handled ap- proximately 12,000 cars of potatoes out of Wisconsin, to which add as much again of the other roads, and you can gain an ap- proximate idea of the magnitude of this industry to-day. In Chicago it is estimated that 1,900,000 people or about 80% of its great population live in apartment or flat buildings, provided with neither cellars nor other vegetable storage. The potato is supplied through the family grocer without regard to quality or uniformity in size and the bottom of the sack is now always a disappointment to every housewife and this is true of every large city. The housewife in the apartments wants her potatoes in a neat and attractive package that can be placed on the pantry shelf. It must have a distinctive label which guarantees quality and uniformity in size for which she will be glad to pay a higher price. The hotel, cafe, and dining cars demand the same. The family grocer wants the attractive and distinctive package which sells itself, pleases his customers and avoids him loss. Is not this a field for the high quality Wisconsin potato ? It costs to transfer a bushel of potatoes from Rhinelander to Milwaukee, Wis., approximately 7% cents, to Chicago 9 cents, to St. Louis, 13 cents, Kansas City, 15 cents, Pittsburgh 15 cents, Philadel- phia 21 cents, New York 22 cents. The freight on the selected potato is no higher than on the indifferent or ordinary. The at- tractive package, guarantee label, double value, quality and uni- form size will place the Wisconsin potato not only in these cities but in hundreds of new markets. Prior to the present extension work the promotion of the Wis- consin potato was the work of a few men, pioneers in the bujlc}- 58 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. ing of suitable warehouses for the storing and shipping of the growers' crop, establishing a cash home market. While these same pioneers have for years advocated better seed, uniformity in size and good quality, they have met with many discourage- ments and limited success. The present extension work of the Horticultural Department of the University of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Wisconsin Potato Growers Association, un- der State auspices is removing all prejudice on the part of most growers who in the past have been sceptical as to advance meth- ods, bringing better returns, but are now convinced. The slo- gan from now on of the Wisconsin potato grower is yield, qual- ity and uniformity, and means to them substantial financial returns. Following the present extension work, the Wisconsin Potato Growers' Association must give the Wisconsin potato individu- ality. It must be promoted, advertised and packed for market in a manner attractive to both the consumer and trade. This is a growers, not a dealers proposition. The promotion of the Wis- consin potato means much hard work, the expenditure of money, possibly some State aid, but with its individuality once estab- lished, the demands will be always great and at the highest mar- ket price. To create the right demand for the advanced Wis- consin potato we believe that a standard package of 10, 20 and 30 pounds must be promoted. This package must be attractive in appearance, bearing a dis- tinctive label which guarantees double value, uniformity in size and quality and with this once done the Wisconsin potato will occupy a place of its own. With the demand once created for the selected Wisconsin potato, the large handlers and ship- pers who now furnish the growers storage and shipping facili- ties and a home cash market will pay higher prices for selected potatoes which will be placed in attractive packages and go forth to the great family markets where they will be displayed in the grocer's window, attracting the attention of all. In conclusion let me prophesy that it won't be many years be- fore the perfect Wisconsin potato will be selected in the field, placed in crates and not distributed until it reaches the central- ization plant, similar to the manner in which milk under mod- ern methods is handled to-day They will then be washed and packed in the attractive package ready for market with but one handling from soil to consumer. Then the special heated potato car will place these perfect potatoes in every large consuming market regardless of weather conditions. POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. 59 POTATO DISEASES IN RELATION TO THE WISCONSIN SEED TRADE. BY L. R. JONES Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin. Professor Jones was born and raised on a farm in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. In 1889 he went to Vermont and remained there in charge of the Department of Botany, until 1910 when he resigned to take charge of the Department of Plant Pathology in the University of Wisconsin. Prof. Jones, relations to the study of plant diseases has kept him in close touch with potato disease conditions in this coun- try and in Europe. He has had the advantage of observa- tion and study in both countries in relation to these problems. At this time, when potato dis- ease dissemination has given rise to important economic and interstate relations, the Wis- consin Potato Growers' Asso- ciation is fortunate in having the constant co-operation and counsel of Professor Jones. In growing potatoes for table stoek, we are principally concerned with those diseases which reduce the yield. These are the leaf diseases — tip ' Im-pTi n-ndV Mii/1 l KlirrKf Professor of Plant Pathology, Univer- ouin, eailv and late blight. sity of Wisconsin. For the seed trade we are concerned rather with the tuber disease. This is not merely *A chart with three color reproductions illustrating the tuber diseases of the potato is now in preparation under the direction of Prof. .Tones. This chart will be issued by the I Department of Plant Pathology of the I'niversity clnr* ing the fall of 1JM4 and Avill be available to Wisconsin potato growers, 60 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. because of their effect upon the appearance of the tubers, — indeed, the consideration would affect table and seed stock alike, — but also chiefly, because of the fact that the germs of these diseases are carried on or with the tubers from crop to crop. Thus one of the most important considerations with the purchaser of seed stock is that it be free from disease. Herein lies the peculiar opportunity for Wisconsin seed potato growers. There are large areas of practically virgin soil in northern Wisconsin especially suited to potatoes. These soils are at pres- ent free from disease germs. The responsibility rests with the potato growers to keep them free. This means to begin with the use of disease-free seed in planting them. Especial caution should be used in importing seed from the Eastern States arid under no condition should foreign potatoes be used for seed. But in spite of any precautions likely to be taken diseases will gradually come in. As this happens, the important thing is to recognize them promptly and by proper measures hold them in check. In order to make these matters more definite, I will list the diseases which are likely thus to be introduced or borne on pq- tato tubers with such brief characterization as will help in guarding against them. SCAB DISEASES Common scab. This is familiar to every potato grower. In the older sections it has been so widely introduced that seed po- tatoes secured from any such source are almost sure to bear the germs. Once introduced, it may persist for years in the soil. Fortunately, the germs are on the surface and easily killed by disinfecting. There are various methods of doing this, but the simplest and best is to soak the seed for two hours in a solution of 1 pound of formaldehyde (or formalin) in 30 gallons of wa- ter. Powdery scab is a European disease, similar to the common scab in general appearance and effect, but unfortunately the germs are not so easily killed. Since this does not occur in Wisconsin as yet, every care should be taken to guard against its introduction. Black wart, somtimes called Black Scab, is another European Disease even more to be dreaded. It attacks the eyes and young POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK-IN WISCONSIN; J'< ; -oi sprouts of the potato which as a result develop into repulsive, black warty growths which ruin the potato for any purpose. This too is a germ disease, but no effectual method has as yet been found of ridding either soil or tubers of the germs. The danger from this disease is so great that the United States has declared a strict quarantine against potato importations from all infested countries including Great Britain, North Central Europe and the Canadian island of Newfoundland. The Gov- ernment should be encouraged to maintain and if need be, ex- tend this precautionary measure. SCURF DISEASES These are entirely superficial or affect only the outer layers of the "skin" of the potato tuber, hence are less serious than the "scab" diseases. They mar the appearance of the tuber, however, and the fungi which cause them may, under some cir- cumstances, pass to the stem of the young plant and cause more injury. Hence these diseases are objectionable especially on seed that is to go south or west. There are two kinds, the Hack scurf or Rhizoctonia disease, and the silver scurf. Dis- infection tends to hold these in check. The use of corrosive sublimate solution (1:1000; 2 hrs. immersion) has recently been proved to be more effective than formalin against black scurf and may be resorted to where needed. POTATO ROT DISEASES There are two types of rot occurring in Wisconsin which are serious enough to deserve attention. One is the bacterial Hack leg, the other the fungus late blight and rot. Black leg. This causes a soft rot of the base of the stem and may rot the tuber. The bacteria causing this disease overwin- ter on such diseased tubers. Apparently they do not persist in the soil. If sound potatoes are selected for seed, and are dis- infected by either method previously outlined, the disease is eliminated. It is important for seed growers to keep absolutely free from this trouble since the use of infected seed from the North has been known to cause serious loss in the southern crop. Late bliglit is a fungus disease primarily of the foliage, but the germs washed from the leaves into the soil cause the tubers to rot. Usually there is not enough of this trouble in Wiscon- 62 POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK IN WISCONSIN. sin fields to be a serious factor. In bad outbreaks, such as oc- curred about ten years ago, it may, however, sweep off the en- tire crop. The fungus overwinters in the interior of infected tubers. Of course, if these are sufficiently diseased to show as dry rot, no one would think of using them for seed. Since, however, there may be cases of infection which do not show on the surface, the only safe rule is to avoid the use of seed tubers taken from fields which show the late blight. This disease should not, however, be confused with the early blight and tip burn the leaves, which are more common in "Wisconsin fields, but which do not attack the tubers, hence have no importance in relation to the seed trade. CONCLUSION If each Wisconsin seed potato grower will learn to recognize these troubles and use precautions as an individual to keep free from them, Northern Wisconsin can continue indefinitely to supply potatoes of a higher degree of purity from disease than any other state in the north. In order to secure the full bene- fit of this condition, this Association should cooperate in the plan of potato seed inspection and certification outlined by Messrs. Orton and Stuart of the U. S. Department of Agricul- ture. With this combination of individual and Association ef- fort, I believe Wisconsin may maintain her place, unrivalled, in the seed potato trade of the country. As this bulletin goes to press a letter has been received from North Crandon in Forest County, announcing the organization of the North Crandon Potato Growers Association. Thirty- three charter members were enrolled. The Association will unite upon round white stock and have taken steps to secure founda- tion stock of the Rural New Yorker and Green Mountain varie- ties. The officers of the Association are : A. R. Anklam — President ; J. D. Grandine — Secy-Treasurer. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBIT TO BE HELD AT GRAND RAPIDS, WIS., NOVEMBER, 1914. (Watch Local Press Notice For Exact Dates.) The State Association considers it very important that plans for the annual convention should be made at potato planting time. Every county or local association where definite commu- nity work has been organized this spring (1914) will be repre- sented at Grand Rapids. This will be a united gathering of the commercial potato interests of the state. THE LARGE PAVILION AT GRAND RAPIDS, WIS. The 11)14 Convention and Exhibit of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Associa- tion will be held in this Building in November. Every commercial potato center in the state has not been reached. Attention is called to the fact that it is not too late now to make improvement this year. The Wisconsin Potato Growers Association will co-operate with any individual or community who desires to secure good seed stock: When you receive this bulletin, write the secretary Madison, Wis. THE TWO FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTS OF THE Wisconsin Potato Growers Association I. TO GUARANTEE PURE POTATO SEED SHIPMENTS. The two essentials are, A. Variety purity. B. Freedom from disease. Wisconsin seed stock is apparently free from those dangers which menace the potato industry in many commercial centers. This advantage must be maintained by a careful system of inspection in co-operation with this Association. Copyrighted II. TO GUARANTEE STRAIGHT CAR LOTS OF COMMER- CIAL TABLE STOCK-SORTED AND GRADED. This standard can be maintained only through community effort— organization—co-operation. The work of this Association will be judged by the standard of Wisconsin potato shipments on the markets of the Middle West. RETURN j^iTi L f~ TO— frK-.T*-*" * ^^ *. 1 2 3 A 5 6 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS DUE AS STAMPED BELOW HBftOUJLL MAD 9 C 4AAO rlAK d 0 Uyi . U. PcRKcLc / FORM NO. DD 19 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY BERKELEY, CA 94720 YC 60787 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY