MAIZE-GROWING COMPETITION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 119, 5 June 1937, Page 6

MAIZE-GROWING COMPETITION

Greenmeadows Fruit Farm Wins A. AND P. SOCIETY CLASS Judging for this season in the Hawke 's Bay A. and P. Society 's maize-growing competitions took place during the latter ehd of May. Thero were in all six entries. Continuous showery weather during late Spring and early summer had resulted in exeeptionally good growth of the maize plants, the stalks being exeeptionally large. These conditions, however, tended to delay fruiting; consequently when several early frosts occurred, the cobs were caught in an immature stage. As a result, many malformed cobs were found at judging time and also many cobs were not ripe — not filled and loose in the grain. Crops, therefore, were deceptive, looking extremely well from a distance and yet not giving the weight that the stalks suggested. The exhibitors had put in a great deal of hard work, and cultivation had been thorough. Two varieties were entered — namely, Marigold and Hoursetooth. In mo&t case3, these varieties had been crosspoilinatedj in two cases, however, the typ had beeen fairly well maintained, that of Marigold on the Greenmeadows Eruit Farm, and Horsetooth on Mr Hawkins 's property. Horsetooth appears to be the most popular variety, although this year the Marigold was the heavier corp in the competition. Many of the crops had been growu on new land, no artificial fertilisers being used. On one area, where maize had repeatedly been grown, superphos phate had been applied and the yield had been well maintained. Following are details of the judging: — Greenmeadows Fruit Farm: Variety, Marrigold, general appearance 19 i, cultivation 14*, standard of ;cob 35*, points for weight 91* ; total 161. P. A. Collinge: Horsetooth, 19*, 19*. 34, 87; 160. - ■* M. Hawkins: Horsetooth 19, 18, 38, 72; 147. Goodi-ick: Marigold, 18*, 19, 34, 74; 145*. P. A. Collinge: Marigold/ 18, 19 35, 72; 144. ' Waterhouse Bros.; Horsetooth, 18. 14 30, 81; 143. 1 '