Texas A and M University - El Rancho Yearbook (Kingsville, TX)

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The Main Building of the Center contains a library, auditorium, laboratories and classrooms. Texas A I’s Citrus Center Technician Joe La Duke conducts a soil experiment in the agro- nomy lab. Texas A I Citrus Center at Weslaco is a branch of the college which was started in 1947. The Citrus Center has grown to 150 acres of land. Dr. Richard A. Hensz, director of the Center, Dr. Robert F. Leyden, assistant professor of agri- culture, and Rex B. Reinicing, instructor of agri- culture, operate the farm with the assistance of two research technicians, a farm manager, a nur- seryman, and nine laborers. The Center had an enrollment of 23 students during the fall semester. Many of these were farm- ers from the area who wanted to study the latest methods of growing citrus fruits. An experimental center for Valley farmers, the Center produces ruby-red grapefruit, oranges, lem- ons, and limes. The farm is divided into blocks where experi- ments can be carried on by controlled methods. Chemical weed control, first introduced into the Valley by the Citrus Center, has been tested and developed in these controlled blocks. Major problems for the Center are freezing weather and lack of water. Citrus trees are delicate and need more attention and care than most species. The trees must be irrigated with water brought from nearby Falcon Dam. Wind machines, tem- perature gauges, and smudge pots are situated about the 150 acres to prevent freezing. The purpose of the farm is to produce better citrus trees, find ways to help the citrus growers of Texas, and train young men in citrus growing. 12

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Rex Reinking Citrus orchards are divided into test blocks for experimentation purposes.