Full text of "Fruit notes"

FRUIT NOTES

JUL! 1935 - NOVEMBER 19U9

Esctension Sez*viee
University of Massachusetts

T943

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(Set No. 2)

FRUIT NOTES
1936 - 194.9 (inclusive)
(ComD.Hed by V. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist)

Since 1936, this periodical has been issued by the Extension
Service as a means of informing Massachusetts fruit growers on
matter of current interest. Both tree fruits and small fruits
have been included. The first mimeographed issue in March, 1936
was preceded by carbon copies of similar material mailed from
time to time to the County Extension offices. (Two of these releases,
July and August 1935, are here included).

It has been our purpose through the years to cover a vide
variety of itams and to have the write-ups relatively brief.
Considerable attention has been given to abstracting ExperLment
Station reports and to the presentation of timely information. A
casual survey of this material, month by month, will provide the
reader with a running account of the various problems confronting
the fruit grower in years past and the suggested solutions.

for various reasons, there are quite a number of missing
issues in this bound volume. In several of the months no issue
was prepared. In others, a demand for the extra copies exhausted
the supply. The missing issues are as follows:

1936 (Jan., Feb., March, April, July, Aug., Nov., Dec);
1937 (Aug., Sept., Oct.); 1939 (Oc*^) ; 19-^3 (Aug.); 19^6 (Feb.,
Nov,,);194-7 (Jan., Hay^ Jiine, Sept.,); 194-8 (Jan., Mar., May, Sept.,);
194.9 (Jan., :J*^©i, June, Sept, Dec.,).

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,3 no;

February 26, 1947

Preparod by the Fruit Program Committae
of the Extension Sorvic-j

?/. H. Thies» Extension H'Tticulturist

Contents

School For Coramercial Fruit Growers

Varieties of Fruit For Massachusetts

1947 Orchard Fertilizer Program

Injurious Effects of Long Continued Cultivation

The Davoy J^ple

1947 Apply Spray Chart

Shrivelling of Apples in Storage

SCRQOL FOR CO:. ER CIAL FRUIT GRO^ffiRS - MARCrl 31, _APRIL _1_ and 2.

A Fruit School to be hold at the State College on the above
dates will differ from last year's scliool in several v\rays : (1) the sessioas
will cover three days instead of four, (2) to p-rmit certain staff memb'.rs
to participate, the School is scheduled durin^ spring vacation instead of
mid-v/inter, (3) v;.;ath!:;r pennitting, there v.'ill be two out door sessions.
The program and an enrollment card -v.ill be mailed about March 1 to indi-
viduals on the Fruit Notes mailing list.

Issued by tlvi Extension Service in furtheranc-i of Acts of May 8 and Juno 30,
1914, Willard A. Munson> Director, Massachusetts State College, United
States Department of Agriculture, and County E^ctension S-">rvices cooperating.

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This School is limited to commercial fruit growers, orchard
foremen, n»w or prospective orchard owners, and orchard workmen. The
discussions will center around commercial entei-prises and for that reason
will not meet the needs and interests of the backyard fruit grower. Success
in any enterprise in this modem age depends upon both a fundamental
knowledge and the latest technical developments. It is the purpose of the '■
School to furnish just this type of information. To obtain the maximum
benefit from the School, prospectiv© students should plan to attend all
of the scheduled sessions.

Department of Pomology and
The Extension Service

VARIETIES OF FRUITS I-'OR iAAS^AC_'USETTS_,_ J.J_ST_iffl^^

Arranged approximately in order of si;ason (*LIost reliable for
commercial planting).

1. Apples - Lodi, Early Mcl^toshi Milton, *'ReA Gravenstein, Yfealthy, *ivIcIntosh,
*De"lTcrious (a red at rain )V''*Cort land, i-iacoun, JRhode Island (Greening),

Golden Delicious, *3aldv;in, R'^d Spy, Gallia. (Delicious and Cortltuid
are excellent pollenizers for Iviolntosh.) (1) Richared is apparently
no longer listed by eastern nurseries. Crab Apples - Young Araorica and
*Hyslop,

2. Pears - *Clapp, *Eartlett, *Seckel, Gorhaia, *Eosc, Anjou, Dana Hovey.

3. Peaches - Marigold, Oriole, *Golden Jubilee, Triogem, *Halehavenj
Sumniercrest, Belle of Georgia (w), *Elberta, J. H. Hale, (w). white flesh,

4. plums - ^Formosa (1), *Stmta Rosa (1), Imperial Gage, Grand Duke,
Vsli'ropshire Damson, *Stanley, Hall,*Albion, (1) Japanese type; others

European,

5. Cherries - Sour -^Montmorency, English Morello, Duke - May Duke,
Sw'vet - *Sciimidt, *',7indsor. Gold,

6. Quinces - Orange, Champion,

7. Grapes - *Fredonia, Ontario, Delavmre, ^Worden, Brighton, Niagara,
Concord,

8. Strawberries - *Howard 17 (Premier), Dorsett, pathfinder (1), *Catskill,
Sparkle (TJT Mastodon (.^v^rbear ^r) , (,1) Red Stele resistant,

9. Raspberries - Black - Not reliable in iiassachusetts , Rvjd - *Chief,
MarcyT^Latham, iviilton, Ranore (St. RCf^is) - (ev.rbcarer ) , Purple -
Sodus,

10, Blackberry - Eldorado,

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11, Currants - *Y,'ilder - not allcved in many towns. Consult Department
of At;riculture, Stato ilouso, Boston, Ivlass.

12. Blueberries - Cabot, Pioneer, Concord, *Rubel, *Jersey.

Notej Many varieties of fruits are partly or wholly self sterile. Usually
it is best to plant more than one variety. (The list of varieties
recoiimended for trial only will appoar in the next issue of Fruit
Notes.

SHRIVELL INrT OF A PPLES III S TO RAG^

In the animal world, a v;rinkled skin may sug£,est old age.
Not so in an apple. If an apple shrivels in storage it's a safe bet that
the ov,ner has been careless about the humidity of the storage air, Vihen-
ever apple cells lose v^rater to the surrounding air or to the container,
they tend to shrink, and the skin ;\'hich encloses them becomes wrinkled.
This condition is widespread in luassachusetts storages, and in some cases,
s^-rious. The reasons are obvious.

The difficulty may go back to the harvest season when the crop
was placed in d ry boxes. Then to make matters v/orse, the boxes were
set in a dry storage and nothing done in the meantime to increase the
humidity of the storage air. In •.■'ne storage, the boxes near the ceiling
along a dry wooden beam seemed to shrivel worse than the others. Dry
storage conditions are very easily overlooked. They creep upon us
gradually without much advance warning. To play safe we ought to provide
ourselves v.rith a simple deviec for testing, such as a Vv'et and dry bulb
thermometer and a relative humidity table, 85^o relative humidity should
be considered a minimum.

If boxes are left out in a rain before harvest that v:ill help
to prevent drying of the apples, Tlien the floor of the storage should
be vjet down from time ta time or whenever there is a suspicion that the
air is getting dry. And as might be expected Golden Delicious, russetted
Baldwins and scabby Mcintosh tend to siirivel early because they have a
poor protective covering. Shrivelling can be prevented, but not by
the methods in common use in many of our storages.

Winter Injury in Fruit Trees. There are at least
eight distinct iinds of winter injury in fruit trees.
Some are much more common than others although all
have probably occurred in Massachusetts. They are
as follows; root killing, bark-splitting, trunk-
splitting, sunscald, crotch injury, killing back
of braziches, black heart, trunk injury, Killing of
dormant buds and winter-killing of svrollen buds may
also be classed as winter injury.

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THE 1947 ORCHARD FERTILIZER PROGRAM

' —— - ■■• - — ' ' ■' I I i| I 1 il )J oil ) |i I li n n l.» U .

During the war w© were told that in the peace time to came
fertilizer nitrogen would be In over supply. Evidently that time is not
yet here for we are told that during the spring of 1947 nitrogen will be
in very short supply. Most Massachwqette orchards are in sod and the grass
must be fed as well as the tre«sj of course the grass rots and this nitrogen
may eventually get into the trees.

Probably a few orchards get too Jnu»h nitrogen in an effort to
increase yields, and color and firmness may suffer. Sometime in the near
future we are going to have a big crop ajid a smaller nitrogen application
might result in a smaller crop of better colored apples, llhen this bumper
crop will come is anybody's guess,

A common recommendation ia ± lb. of nitrate of soda, or the equiv*-
l«n* . for each yoar of age of the tre^; thus a 40 year old tree might get
10 lbs, of nitrate or tho oquivalent In oth-f^r carriers. This proscription
should not bo taken too exactly, li" the poll is one that is called Vf^ry
f'irtile,a lesser amount, and on on© of low fertility a larger amount might
bo hotter.

If a grower is unable to buy -as much nitrogen as seems necessary
he may resort to the practice recoWnandod during tho v/ar of suppressing
grass in the orchard during spring, thus reducing ths nitrogen requirement.
Unless treos are starved for nitrogen, feeding them nitrogen in midsurmner
or later is extroiftely unv/ise. Wo want rath^^r high nitrogen in tho troGS in
spring and early suiiimcr and a reduced .eiiiount in late summ^jr and fall. This
march of tree nitrogen favors a large loaf area and good sot of fruit and
then better color and less harvest drop,

Apple trees ought usually to have nitrogen fertilization overy
year and most orchards will profit by a coraploto fertilizer v-jry few
years, J. K. Shaw

INJURIOUS EFFECTS OF LONG CONTINUED CULTIVATION

The Ohio Experiment Station compared tho physical and chemical
state of 12 Lake Erie vineyard soils which had. been under cultivation for
very long periods, with soils of adjacent fence rows which were presumably
like the vineyard soils in their oarli--r years. Those studios indicated
a great loss of organic matter and nitx-ogon, also of calcium and exchango-
ablc bases, At)parently acidity had increased in most but not all tho
vineyards. It is of ospooial interest to note that there was as much
tendency to gain as to lose potasn and a greater tendency to gain phos-
phorus. The behavior of magnesium was not reported, Wlioro organic matter
and nitrogen were very low, the application of coimiercial fertilizers
availed little. This is anoth -r illustr^.tion of tho value of organic
matter in agricultural soils. Few Massachusetts orchards are in culti-
vation but it is vfiso to pay attention to tho organic matter in sod orchards.
The value of hveavy mulching lies largely in tho abundant organic matter
supplies. (Ohio Bulletin 663,_ 1946).

J. K. Shaw

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THE DAVEY APPLE

There v/as considerable interest in thr? new Davjy (Davenport 25)
apple at the rocont fruit meeting at W~rcestcr. This variety has b'^en
under observation at tho Exp-;riment Station for ton years and has cropped
for four or five years. It originated v.-ith 3, i.. Davenport of Korth
Grafton from a Mcintosh seed but it shov;s few Mcintosh characters. The
tree has some faint resemblance to Wealthy but as a conmercial variety
its possibilities are as a replacement for Baldwin,

Its habit of ^ro'.v'th is uprij^ht spreading, better than Early
Mcintosh, not as good as Milton or Mcintosh, £tnd no worse than i/.ealthy,
Yn'o have not observed its behavior in a tost wintor. No signs of winter
injury have been Sf>on aiid wo feel quite confident that it is hardier than
Baldwin, It comes in bearing as early laid perhaps eurlier than Mcintosh
and so ar a boamr annually, Wliilo it may not bear as regularly as
Mcintosh Vi'e feel sure that it v/ill prove a m''>re dependable prouucer than
Baldwin, It is not susceptible to scab, bitt.r pit or other diseases.
It is not quite as vigorous as Baldvdn and may be planted a bit closer
in the orchard.

The fruit is harvested with Baldwin and v;ill keep in storage
as long or longer. It is, on the average, as attractive in appearance
as Bald^vin and seems to be more uniform. It is alv/ays vjell colorod
but not as bright as the best Baldwins, Fev/ varieties will stand hcndling
with less injury. The quality is good but not- in the Mcintosh class.
It is more like Stayr.iati which it somev/hat resembles in shape. It must
not be stored in low humidity nor exposed long to heat and dryness v/hen
removed from storage. This t'.ndencj' to wilt is its greatest weakness
yet observed but it should be possible to overcome it by proper handling.

It vjould be reckless to say that the Davey could become a
major variety; it maj' develop weaknesses not yet evident. We do not
kri'Tf! how productive under all conditions it v/ill bo. If produced in
quantity it will meet with sales resistance in the market as all new
varieties do.

It seems to be equal or superior to Baldwin in all respects
except that it -v/ilts more in low humidity. It is ViOrth an extensive
trial as an improvement on Baldwin,

Trees of Davey are not yet available and the College is not
novf sending out propagating vrood. It is hoped tliat Mr. Davenport Vvill
see fit to make trees available for trial in tne near future,

J. K. Shavj-
TIffl _1?57_ #T ^ 2PP^-^I C:iART

As this is b:;ing written, the galley proof of the new spray
chart has just arrived from the printer. In a previous issue of Fruit

100
8

Gallons
lbs.

12
8

lbs,
lbs.

)

It
1

gals,

lbs.

pint

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N 'tes v;o presontod the now notes pertaining to insecticides. Y»"o include
herewith the notes on fungicides, dusts raid miscellaneous materials.

Protectant Fungicides, The follovv'ing are acceptable:

Dry Wettable Sulfur

Paste Wet table Sulfur

Hvj Lime Sulfur

Liquid Lime Sulfur 32*^ Baiome

Iron Carbamate (Formate, Karbam)

Puratized Spray

Except for Puratized, aftc-r Calyx the amount of fungicide may
bo reduced gradually, if the Scab has been controlled well by the early
sprays, but the quantity should not bo less than one-half of the original.
Ylhen applied to v/et trees or during, rains the concentration should be
incr'jased by one-third to one-half. One-half pound of iron carbamate,
such as Fermate or Karbam, combined v;ith half strength wetfeabio sulfur
is more effective a,,ainst Scab than either alone and is effective for
Cedar Rusts. Iron carbamate is advised for controlling the Cedar Rust
diseases, Brooks' Spot and Bitter Rot. A bloom application is usually
necessary to obtain good control of the Cedar Rusts.

To avoid fruit russeting iron carbamate is preferred on Baldwin
and Delicious. Do not use sulfur in combination v/ith lead arsenate
on these varieties, Tne use of lime sulfur, especially the liquid form,
is injurious, particularly vihen used with lead arsenate and at temperatures
above 85° F. Limo should be omitted in all sprays containing Iron c»rbaiaate
and Puratized, In sprays containing wettable sulfur or lime sulfur
ajid lead arsenate the addition of the sarao amount of hydratod lime
as lead arsenate tends to reduce arsenical injury. Use freshly hydrated
300 mesh high calcium (70$^ calcium oxide) lime.

To avoid objectionable residue Puratized should not be used after
mid-JunJ« For protection against Scab up to the early Cover sprays,
it is the equal of wettable sulfurs or ircoi carbamate but is not effective
for Cedar Rust control,

Eradicant Sprays For Burning Out Scab, Foliage Scub ctin be burned
out" ~o'as~iabl y welT "^'.Ith Tiqua'd'TTiiiicPs u 1 f u r 2 gallons (or dry 3 lbs.)
or Puratized, 1 pint. Unlike lime sulfur, Puratized eradicates Scab
vv'ithout causing foliage injury. It is usually necessary to apply
eradicant sprays more heavily and more thoroughly than protective sprays.

Dusts, In many cases, dusting is desirable:

1, As emergency treatments between scheduled spray applications
for Scab and Cedar Rust control,

2, V'ilion a v/ater supply is limited or unavailable,

3, ¥ihen iin.,iodiate application is more important than delayed
spraying,

4, To protect non-bearing trees from severe infestation,

5, To avoid excessive rosidu-^j in applications just before harvest*!

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Desirable Dusting Formulae are?

Dusting Sulfur Talc 85-Fer;iiatc 10-DDT 5

Sulfur 75-Lor.d Arsenate 25 F-armato 10-Lead Arsenate 25-Talc 65

Sulfur y5-DDT 5 Sulfur 85-LGad Arsenate 15

Sulfur 95-FormatQ 5 Formate 10-Talc 90

Either sulfur or iron carbamate dusts are desirable for controlling
Scab, Tnc sulfur-F'^rmate dust is satisfactory for c 'ntrolling Scab
and Cedar Rustj the Fermate-talc dust, for Scab, Cod^^r Rust, smd fruit
russet.

Miscellaneous, Benzene hexachloride, kno\vn as Gammexane, 666, Gaiatex,
BHC, and Ben'jriiGJt, is a promising h'jvi insecticide especially for Cur-
culio and Aphis control but must bo studied more thoroughly before
it can bo gen^^rally rocoimnonded. Compatibility v/ith lead arsenate,
DDT and Fermate appears satisfactory, but with sulfur caid dinitro
materials it is questionable,

Phygon is highly effective against Scab but may cause leaf injury
and rodu'.tion in size of fruit. It must be investigated further befor*
it can bo r-ocommended, F'"'r limited, oxporim ;ntal use, the concentration
should mt exceed g- pound of Phygon to 100 gallons of v;ater, Phygon is
compatible vfith lime but not vith oils.

"Let's Look at That Map Again'.' In an orchard area along
t'he"^lan'tfc ""Seaboard the owner of a bulldozer contracted
to remove a large block of auple trees, Ai'ter pushing
over 600 trees, he made a startling discovery. He was
in the wrong orchardi

No January Fruit Notes, As a means of stretching a limited
supply" o'f" mimeograph paper, and in line with a College
policy during the past few months, a second is.;ue of
Fruit Notes has been omitted. From now on, however, we
hope to get back on a monthly basis.

New Insecticide Gives Promise Against kites. An organic compound,
tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEP)Thas been f'ound to be unusually
effective against certain pests Y:hich are quite unaffected by DDT.
In laboratory tests TEP was 10 times as toxic against aphids as
the usually applied nicotine compound. It may prove to be a useful
material in controlling red mite. Tests indicate that.it decomposes
promptly and therefore does not leave a residue,.

Llarch 31, 1947

Prepared by the Fruit Program CoiTimittee of the Extension Service
V/. H. Thies, Extension riorticulturist

Contents

Scab Spores Abnoriiially Early

Red Raspberry Varieties in Llassachusetts

Are Richared Apple Trees Available?

No Frosts in the Good Old Times

Soil Acidity

Properties and Uses of f\ingicides on Fruits - 1947

SCAB SPORES A BNORl,iAL LY EARLY

At this date (ilarch 27), with apple buds still dormant, the
development of scab ascospores in i!assachusetts is as far advanced
as it ordinarily is at the ^^reen-tip fruit bud stage. In the oldest
perithecia mature spores are abundant. This situation emphasizes (1)
'ihe need to reduce the heavj'" scab carryover with a floor spray of
dinitro and (2) the need for extra care in keeping susceptible varieties
protected against scab, from early Pre-Pink onv/ard.

0. C. Boyd

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of l.Iay 8 and June 30,
1914, Willard A. iiunson. Director, J.iassachu setts State College, United States
Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.

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RED lUSP EEHRY VARIETIES IN luASSACIIUSETTS

Raspberry growing in Massachusetts has been sevel'ely hit in the
past decade or tv;o by a combination of virus diseases and adverse v>'inter
conditions. Black caps seldon survive more than tliree to five years and
even reds are easily infected with virus since practically every sizeable
j.'atch of v;ild reds is infected ivith mosaic.

Interest in this state is almost entirely in the red raspberry,
since it survives better than either blacks or purples and also because
practically all the crop goes to the fresh fruit market. Cuthbert, which
formerly was the chief com..iercial variet.-/, is still recognized as about the
best in eating quality, Latham, because of its superior winter hardiness
and greater resistance to mosaic, has long since superseded Cuthbert as
the leading coin.iercial variety, but it has never taken the place of Cuthbert
as a high quality dessert variety,

jijnong the newer varieties which are being tested at the iviasca-
chusetts State College the following are worthy of comia$nt. They are listed
approximately in order of season,

1. Sunrise is the earliest red raspberry being tested her«. It ripens
just "alTead of Ranere, The fruit is a bit firmer and somewhat better
quality than Chief. Tlie plants are fairly winter hardy and moderately
productive. Mosaic has been observed in the rov; but the plants have
not been seriously injured by it sn far. Because of its earliness

it is being recoiiinended for trial,

2. Indian Su-nner ripens its sum-ier crop with Ranere, but of course is
considerably larger and better quality than Ratiere. p[ovvever, it has
not been so productive and the berries shov; too much tendency to
crumble. The plants are fairly v;inter hardy, but production has not
been good. In this section Indism Summer falls dovm in the character-
istic for \vhich it v/as nained, since its fall crop usually is just
starting to mature v./hen the first hard freeze arrives. Hence, it

is unreliable as an everbearer here.

o, Newburgh , in spite of its large, firm berry, has turned out to be

entirely, unsatisfactory because of its short growth and severe winter
killin^^, of canes,

4, Cajoaga is a strong grower and of better than avera^^e winter hardiness.
Some virus has appeared but in a limited test this variety has been
very productive. Its fruit is larger aiid better than that of Chief,

5, Chief is the most vdnter hardy of all varieties tested so far. It
has' shoViii some virus disease, but is a ^ood grower aiid productive.
Unfortunately, its fruit is rather small and not particularly good
quality, but it is probably the most reliable variety of its season,

6, Washington and Tahoma, which on the west coast ai-e reported as being
more vi inter hardy th'aii Cuthbert, wore both much more severely winter
killed a year ago than was Cuthbert, Neither variety has shovm

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sufficient merit in fruit characters or productiveness in the past
three years to warrant their further trial, although so far neither
has shown any virus disease*

7. Taylor never has done as viell here as at Geneva, N, Y. The plants
"are very susceptible to mosaic and leaf curl and are severely injured
by these virus diseases. Rather heavy winter injury also has reduced
the productiveness of this variety. It is not being recommended for
further planting in this section,

8, Marcy, with its extra l^rge, attractive, good quality fruit, should be
of interest to the home gardener. However, it is one of the most
severely winter injured varieties in our present planting and hence is
of doubtful commercial value. This variety has shown no mosaic, but is
particularly susceptible to leaf curl,

' 9, Latha m, in spite of its position as the leading commercial variety, is
not without faults. Mosaic outs production in most plantings in the
state, and the fruit is not so high quality as the market once enjoyed.
Although usually quite winter hardy, spur blight occasionally causes
serious cane killing in this variety,

10, Milton , which ripens with or just after Latham, was at first thought
to be th« ansv/er to the maiden's praysr* It is a high quality, fimi,
attractive berry of good size and easily picked. The plants are vigorous
and so far have shovm no virus disease in plantings where mosaic and
leaf curl are abundant on nearby varieties, Hov;ever, in the past tvro
winters, Milton has been considerably winter killed so that its pro-
duction has been seriously cut.

So Massachusetts continues to search for that ideal red rasp-
berry variety v;hich will combine the productiveness and vdnter hardiness of
Chief with the firmness and virus resistance of Milton, the size and color
of Marcy, and tlie quality of Cuthbert, to mention a few of the chief require-
ments of such a variety,

A. P. French

ARE RICHAE^D APPLE TREES AVAILABLE ?

We have recommended Richared for many years as the best of the red
sports of Delicious for most conditions in Massachusetts, It appears that
only two nurseries in the east now list Richared in their catalogs. Neither
of these nurseries do much business in Massachusetts,

The name Richared is copyrighted by a Pacific Coast nursery which
has leased propagation rights to other nurseries on a royalty basis. Several
eastern nurseries leased the name but most of them have now ceased to do so.
Nearly all nurseries offer a red sport of Delicious as "Double Red" Delicious
or some similar name. Many red sports of Delicious have appeared from time
to time, at least three of which have copyrighted names. The red sports
offered by nurserymen may be one of these throe, or some other sport never
formally named. The differences between the various Delicious sports are

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small but we fsel they do exist, A grov/or will stand a good chance of
getting a desirable type if he orders any one of the red sports.

J. K, Shaw

NO FROSTS IN THE GOOP OLD TliViES

The name Dr, Jabez Fisher means little to the present generation
of fruit grovrers but it was well known 50 y<jars ago when his writings
appeared frequently in agricultural journals. He lectured on Vegetable
Gardening at the State College in its early years and the cold 6*6ragi
building, Fisher Laboratory, was named for him, I visited him at his home
in Fitchburg in 1913. He was over 90 years old, physically very infirm
but mentally alert, I said to him, "I believe you were a member of the
first class in the College." He replied, "No, that v/as my son." An old
file yields a letter from Dr. Fisher dated June 4, 1913, In it he says,
"I am about 600 feet above sea level, surrounded on three sides by lower
land, and spring and autumn frosts are uncoijimon, I do not recall a total
loss of any fruit crop in 58 years, from frost. Once a very oold N. E.
storm prevented the fruits on the W. E. sides of apple trees from set^ting
at all and «ver since that time the two side-s have alternated in bearing.
This year gave the earliest date of the apple bloom in my record. May 8,
but no frost with me though there was some in lower lands," Here is
a well located orchard that seems to have «scaped frost injury from 1855
to 1913. Recent years are the exception and not the rule.

J. K. Shaw

Twilight M eetings . A schedule of twilight orchard
meetinigs to be held during the spraying season is now
being arranged. As in years past, the details for each
county will be announced through the County Extension
office.

Fruit Notes Mailing List . During the next fev/ months
our mailing list will be completely revised. Any
reader of Fruit Notes receiving a letter on this matter
should return it promptly to insure continuance on the
mailing list.

Have you rece ived your 1947 A pple Spray Chart ? If not,
a copy may be obtained from your County Agricultural
Agent or from the State College, The new 1947 Peach
Spray Chart is also ready for distribution.

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-6-

PROPERTIES AiN^ USES OF FUNGICIDES ON FRUIT S - 1947 (So many questions

"Have 'bsen asked abbuT^tlie nev/er spray" and "Hust materials that vie are

presenting, in this issue, a detailed statement on the nswir Fun gicides , -

ElbStol, Kronite, Fermate, Karbam, Puratized, and phy^on, prepared by

0. C. Boyd. In th«-3 next issue, another chapter coverinj^ the older materials, -

Bordeaux ^ixturo, iTettable Sulfurs, Dusting Sulfur, and Lime-Sulfur will be

presented, )

With the approach of an unusually hazardous season for con-
trollinjj diseases of frxiit crops in Massachusetts, due to an abnormally
heavjr carryovor of disease organisms, it seems desirable to list the
standard and some of tiic newer fung,icidal spray materials, and indicate
their outstanding properties and what appears to be tlieir most appropriate
uses on fruits in 1947.

llijBTOL, KRENITB

1, physica l. Chemical ; Yollov.' organic dj'o in a slurry or thin paste

emulsion, in 1-gal. cans; containing 34^i of tho sodium salt of
dinitro ortho cresol.

2, Supply, pl ontiful . Cost, around v2.25 to ^'2.85 a gal.

3, Formulas: 1 l/2 to 2 qts. - 100 on dnnaant peach trees; 2 to 3 qts.

r00"on apple and poar orchard floor; 4 qts. - 100 on raspberry
canes and ground, and on floor of peach orcliard and grape vine-
yard. At rate of 500-600 gals, p:jr acre of j^round on floor.

4, Properties; Aside from use as a strictly dormant tree spray to

control aphids and bud moth on apples (2 qts.-lOO) and leaf curl
on peaches (1 l/2 to 2 qts, -100), it is effective at delayed
dorrucnt time in killing the overv/intoring orgEuriisms for apple
scab and pear scab (leaves on ground); raspberry spur blight
(canes and old leavv-^s); peach brown rot (mummies on ground),
and grape black rot (leaves and mutnmies on ground). It is in-
jurious to young green leaves and shoots of all of these plrnts
except raspberry side shoots or fruiting laterals up to 1 inch
in length,

5, Best Uses; (a) On floor of apple orchards v;ith heavj,' carryover of

scab (15-20>o or more of old leaves scabbed) in order to reduce
the danger of heavy primary scab infections and thus simplify
control with the regular suiiuacr protectiv; sprays. (See under
3 and 4 above for formula and time of applicatiori). Best results
if applied at delayed dormant, although nearly as effective when
applied In spring dorsiont season. Spffay -wiith truiiinj, hoao and
brooms so as to v.'et all surface leaves on the orchard floor;
using pressure 'f rot more than 350-400 lbs. Avoid disturbing the
matted leaves and avoid hitting the tree tops if applied at
delayed doj-mant. Should require 500 gals., better 600 gals, per
acre,

(b) On raspberry canes and surrounding ground (4 qts. -100)
when longest side shoots are nn^ inch long to eradicate organisms
of spur blight and probably anthraonose.

-7-

(c) On poach orchard und vineyard floor (s«g o and 4 above).
First knock do\vn or piolc off tmd dustroy all muinmios hanging on
peach trees and t^rape vinos,

FEMATE, KARBM

1. physical, Cheraicalt Iron carbamate (Forric dimethyl dithiocarbamato),

"a bTack, s'jot-like powd-^r containing 70^:^ active ingredients; forming
triu; suspension in water.

2. Supply, moderate to plentiful for spraying; limited in dust formu-

lati'ons but dusts may bo obtainod on 2 to 3 v/oeks advance orders,
?or sources of those ruitftrinis, «ont»at the writer, Clerfc il*ll,
!<o6 3iic;husetts State College, Arnlierst, Mass,

3. Cost: 60 to 70/ por pound,

4, F ormul as; 1 l/2-lOO, full strength for spraying; l/2 to 1-100 plus
wettablc' sulfur 3 to 4-100 for mixed spray; 10-90 for full strength
Fermate-talc dust, and 5-95 rcnnato-sulfur dust,

5, Proper ties ; At full strength, the equal of v/ettable sulfurs for apple
"^"axTd "p'-A'r scab, and far more erfective for control of cedar-apple

and quince rusts, black rot. Brooks' fruit spot and bitter rot of
apple. As mixed spray (see 4 above), effective against cedar
rusts, and superior to full strength Fermato or sulfur for apple
scab control. Is purely a protective spr^.y, Vflicn combined full
strength v^ith load arsenate in spray or dust, results in less fruit
russet on Red Delicious, Baldwin and Pears than v:hon sulfur-arsenato
sprays or dusts are applied. May causo considerably more russet
on Goldon Delicious whether full or partial strength, than sulfur-
arsenatc sprays and dusts. Compatible v/ith all standard materials
except lime, copper and probably lime-sulfur,

6, Best U ses ; (a) In standard schedule at full strength spray or dust

(Tee* 4™abovo ) with lead arsenate on Baldwin, Delicious and p--ars,
through second cover or taroughout, for control of scab, black
rot, rusts, fruit russet, (b) 5'';.rmate- sulfur mixture (si^e 4 abovo)
spray or dust throughout season to control scab, black rot and
rusts on scab-susceptiblo varieties other than Ked Delicious,
Baldv;in and Golden Delicious, (c) Following sulfur or sulfur-
Fermato mixture through first covor, use at 1 l/2 to 2-100 in
later covers to control Brooks' fruit spot, bitter rot luid scab,
(d) At 2-100 to control spur bli^^ht and anthracnoso on raspberries,
first when oldest n-jw c;ines are 12 inches high, and one or two
additional sprays 12 to 14 days apart — preferably viith a spreader
(containing no lime),

PURATIZED

1. physical and Chemicals Five per cent solution -"if phenyl mocuri trie-

thah'rT £u.a;ionium Ta~tato, forming true solution in v/ater,

2, Brand Kaincj Purutized Agricultural Spray,

-8-

3, Supply , moderate. Cost, around sfl.40 - vl».50 a pint,

4, Concentration for spraying, 1 pt, - 100 [.alSo

5, Properties: Contains a bit of mercury and should not be used on

apples beyond mid-Jun*;» Equal of dry wettable sulfurs for
protection of fruits and foliage against apple scab and black
rot, up to mid or late June only. Burns out scab spots pn im-
mature leaves nearly as vvell as liquid lime-sulfur and usually
v/it;iout appreciable injury, V/hen combined v/ith lead arsenate
the spray sometimes causes spotting aiid jfellov.ing of older leaves
of apples, dtimagc rather characteristic of arsenical injury. Not
compatible with lime, Compatability v/ith sulfur questionable.
No bettor than sulfur for cedar-apple and quince-rust control,

6, Best Use s; (1) In first or second cover spray to eradicate scab .

frdni leaves, (2) If cost isn't a factor, in pink, calyx and
first cover as both protectant imd eradicant, v/ith sulfur or
sulfur plus Formate in remainder, (3) In post-rain spray to
head-off or prevent scab (but length of period for this "kick-
back" action not definitely knov»-n). Use of spreader (but not a
calciuju caseinate) mi^^ht improve it v;hon used as an eradicant spray,

PHYGON

1, phy sical , Chemic a l t A br'->vmish-yellow powder containing dl% 2,3,

di'ch'lOro- 1 , 4-naphthoquinone , Forras true suspension in water.

2, Supply, limited. Cost around !;;,2,00 per lb,

3, Formulas ; 3/4 to 1 lb, -100 is standard, although both concentrations

may cause light to marked injury v^n apples,

4, Properties ; Compatible v;ith all standard sumaer spray materials

except oils. Highly effective at 3/4-100 in preventing apple
scab and black rot, but is only poor to moderate for burning
out scab spots. At 1-100, effective against black rot and bitter
r'">t -.if apples, and spur blight of raspberries (suiiimer sprays on
nevif canes - see under Formate). Injury to apples includes dwarfing,
yellowing and sometimes dropping of loaves, and spotting and re-
duction is size of fruits. The diluted spray is caustic to the
hands and face of some op»-;rators,

5, Best Usos; (1) As alternative for Formate on raspberries, at 1-100,

(2") For small scale trial on apples for scab control; not stronger
than 1/2 lb, -100, in pinlc, calj-^x and first cover spray using sulfur
or Fermate and sulfur mixture (see under Fermate, 4) in pre-pink,
bloom and later covers, (3) if cost is not important, use as in
(2) except throughout the pro-pink to third cover spray inclusive
follrwed by sulfur or sulfur- Fermate mixture in last cover.

0. C, Boyd

April 30, 1947

Propar^d by th'i Fruit Program Cornmittco of tho Bxtonsion S'^rvico
V/. H. Thios, Extonsion Horticulturist

Contents

Fruit School V.oll Attandcd

Properties and Uses of Fungicides on Fruits (Chap. 2)

Getting Alon^ Yfithout Iron Carbamate

Spur Blight in R'.spborry Varieties

The Improvement of l/,ild Highbush Blueberries

Tips From the Lien wTio Soil Them

Pollination of Fruits in Now England

Report on Tv;0 Soil Srjiiplos

Let 's play Sago

FRUIT SCHOOL V^ELL ATTEI-IDED

The Fruit School for commercial grovrers held at the State
College Mr.rch 31 - April 2 was attended by a total of 103 growers, ex-
tension agents and agricultural teachers. The tv/o afternoon sessions
devoted to tours of the tree and small fruits plantations v/ere held under
ideal weather conditions. About 26 vet.-rrjis wire included in the group
several of whom were also present at the 1946 school. The attendance by
counties was as follo\'.'S: B^rrnstable, 2; Berkshire, 3; Bristol, 1;
Essex, 4; Franklin, 10; Ktunpden, 23; Hampshire, 11; Middlesex, 13; Norfolk,
5; Plymouth, 1; Suffolk, 1; V/orcestcr, 22; Out of State, 7,

Issued hy the Extension Service in furthortoice of Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, Vi'illard A, Munson, Director, Massachusetts State College, United
States Department of Agriculture fjid County Lxtension Services cooperating.

-2-

PROPERTIES MD USES OF FUNGICIDES ON FRUITS - 1947 (In the March issue
of Fruit Notes there appeared a detailed statement concerning the newer
fungicides, A similar statement covering the older fungicides is here
presented),

BORDEAUX MIXTURE

1, Common Uses ; Bordeaux mixture 8-8-100 (Copper sulfate-hydrated
lime - ivater) is standard for diseases of grapes and strawberries; also
for fall or spring dormant spray for peach leaf curl. If a fungicide is
needed (it rarely is) at delayed dormant for apple scab control, Bordeaux
may be combined with the oil spray for red mite. Bordeaux 2-6-100 is
commonly used during mid-bloom (or when one- third of blossoms are open
and again at three-fourths bloom) to prevent fire blight blossom infection
in apples and pears,

2, Substitutes: (l) Any of the standard neutral copper fungicidal
powders (for use as summer sprays) indicated above but perhaps with less
effectiveness against diseases. Examples; basic copper sulfate (BasiC-op,
Tribasic); copper oxychloride (Copper A compound); copper oxychloride sulfate
(COCS); and yellow copper oxide (Yellow Cuprocide), To equal the Bordeaux
8-8-100 formula, each material should be used in sufficient quantity to
give 2 pounds of metallic copper to 100 gallons of water. Note; V(hsn the
neutral coppers are used as sumraer sprays on grapes, apples, and pears,
an equal amount of hydrated spray lime should be added in order to prevent
copper injury to loaves and fruits, (2) Copper dusts are still less
effective than neutral copper sprays for summer control,

VffiTTABLE SULFURS

1, Physical Charactsristics ; Both the dry wottable powders and paste
sulfurs represent the solid, elemental form of sulfur. They form true
suspensions in water,

2, Standard Uses ; Standard summer fungicides for apple scab and
black rot; for pear scab and leaf blights; and for brown rot of stone fruits
and the leaf bli^^hts of plum and cherry,

3, Fungicidal Properties ; Strictly preventative, not sradicative,
v;hen used on above crops, would be eradicants if applied to red raspberry
foliage infected v;ith powdery mildew. Under v;eathor and environni'-;ntal
conditions highly favorable for apple scab infections, paste sulfurs have
given generally better control than dry wottabl^; p>:iwdors; and the finer
particlo sulfurs better contr ^il than coarser particle sulfurs,

4, Injury , Qompatability ; \Yettable sulfurs may cause "sulfur scald"
on apples and pears if present an the fruit during periods of high temper-
atures, particularly on the sun-exposed side of the tree, V;"hen combined
v/ith lead arsenate, they tend to increase the amount nf arsenical injury
on apple foliage and fruit (calj-x-end blackening) if a corrective agent

such as lime or zinc sulfate and lime is not added. Use of combined wettable

-3-

sulfur-lead arsenate sprays is likely to result in narked fruit russet
on Red Delicious and Baldwin, and lime is not a reliable corrective for
this injury. Sulfur sprays and dusts are injurious to grape foliage, and
they are ineffective against the rust diseases as well as Brooks' fruit
spot and bitter rot of apple and quince.

5. Best Use on Apples ; As a protective spray for scab control, applied
before or during infection rains, in the pre-blossom, blossom, and post-
blossom sprays; on all scab-susceptible varieties except those subject to
fruit spray russot. The protective value of sulfur against apple scab is
increased v.'hen sulfur is combined v/ith Ferraate.

DUST JUG SULFUR

1. Properties: As a rule sulfur dusts are not as effective for pro-
tecting fruit crop against diseases as an equal number of applications of
wettable sulfur sprays, principally because dust deposits adhere less well
to foliage and fruits than spray deposits, even when dusts are applied to
damp trees. Dusting damp plimts results in heavier initial deposit and a
longer lasting residue than dusting dry plants, but the sulfur deposit on
dry leaves and fruits may be more evenly distributed. Yflien applied to
apples and peaches, sulfur-lead arsenate dusts usually result in less sulfur
and arsenical injuries than sulfur-lead arsenate sprays, particularly on
peaches,

2, Best Use; An all-dusting program is likely to give more satisfac-
tory control of peach diseases than apple scab especially in Mcintosh and
other highly susceptible apple varieties. On such varieties, dusting is

best considered a supplement to spraying, that is, to insure prompt protection
aliead of or during a rain p'jriod; also at a time v.-hen soil conditions make
it difficult to transport a heavy spray rig through the orchard; and for
a quick "once-over" around mid-bloom. Once apple scab is under good control
and the period for primary infection is past, dusting might be considered
"standard" for the remainder '^f the season. One "best place" for sulfur
dusting is on peaches prior to and during the picking season to control
hrovm rot, with the least amount of fungicidal residue on the fruit.

LttlE SULFUR

1, C ommon Uses • Lime-sulfur remains a straidard fall or spring dor-
mant spray for the control of poach leaf curl, 7-100 of liquid or 18-100

of dry lime-sulfur. It likewise is comi.ionly used as a delayed dormant spray
(10 gal, -100 gal,) and pre-blossom spray (2-100) on red raspberries for
control of anthracnoso. As a summer spray on apples (2 gal, -100 gal.) it
is more effective against scab tuid black rot than the best v/ettable sulfurs,
but it is considered t >p injurious to be used CJbher thwi as he. SJaergeaaoy
spray,

2, Properties ; The elemental sulfur deposit resulting from the
soluble sulfurs in the lime-sulfur spray is considered superior to the
deposits of wettable sulfurs in withstanding weathering — in ether words,
more adherent. Lime-sulfur is far iuore injurious tn foliage and fruits of

-4-

orchard crops than any of the wettable sulfurs, due to direct absorption
of the suluble thiosulfates and pnlysulfide from the undried spray filia.
When line-sulfur, liquid or dry, is used several times a year, and year
after year, tree growth is stunted and yields fall off rapidly.

In addition to its highly effective protective action against
apple scab, lime-sulfur is also oradicative, killing out the fungus in leaf
spots, but not in fruit spots. It is also effective in preventing scab
infections when applied as long as 50 to 70 hours after the beginning of
the infection rain. Four pounds of dry lime-sulfur contain approximately
the same amount of total aulfur as 1 gallon of 32'^ Baume liquid, but less
of the caustic, soluble forms of sulfur, Henoe dry line-sulfur 8 lbs, -
100 is a weaker eradicant fungicide (ind somewhat safer as regard plant injury
than liquid lime-sulfur 2 gal, -100.

3, Best Use on Apples ; One© or tr/ice during the season, if needed,
as on emergency spray"]! (1) applied after an infection rain to on orchard
that was unprotected before and durin^, th« rain, for the purpose of heading-
off oj- preventing infection; (2) in a cover spray to burn out scab spots
on the foliage, in case a safer eradiqant is not available.

0. C, Boyd

GETTING ALONG VJ'ITii9PT I&OK CARBAi\'IATE

Due to the extreme shortage of iron carbamate this spring many
apple grov/ers who intended to use Formate or Karbam will be disappointed,
A few v/ere fortunate to carry over or to purchase early in the winter a
supply only while others are likely not to obtain any at all* The follov;ing
are suggestions for courses that aight be follov^ed where (1) a limited
supply of iron carbamate is on hand, and (2) where none is obtainable.

For Limited Supp ly of Iron Carbamate , Use it either (1) on rust-
susceptible varieties such as l//oalthy, Rome, Delicious, Cortland, Twenty
Ounce, or (2) on Delicious and Baldwin to reduce fruit russet, ^r (3) for
Brooks' spot control in Wagener, Delicious, Baldwin, etc. F'^r rust control,
use at partial strength (^ lb, -100 plus half-concentration of sulfur) except
on Delicious use 1 lb, -100 — at pink, mid-bloom, calyx and first cover.
For russet control, 1 -g- - 100 v/ithout su^lfur is suggested through the
second oover spray, followed by sulfur in later covers. For Brooks' spot
and bitter rot control, use 1^ to 2-100 in the second, third and fourth
covers following an earlier program of sulfur or other fungicide.

Last preference for a limited supply would be for scab control in
Mcintosh and other highly susceptible varieties — at ■§■ to 3/4 lb, -100
plus half-strength wettable sulfur, notably in the early sprays up to
and including the first cover. It is impossible to j-eplace iron carbamate
for control of cedar-apple and quince rusts, and difficult to make a sub-
stitution for controlling fruit jrusset. Brooks' spot and bitter rot. However,

-5-

good control of scab may be obtained without it, just as has been done
in many past seasons,

Yfaere No Iron Carbamate is Available* To reduce fruit russet in
Baldwin and~Delioious, use pr^erably a wettable sulfur < or Puratized, alone
in the pre-blossom, bloom and calyx sprays. If lead arsenate is necessary
in the pink or calyx sprays, then add as much hydrated spray lime as lead
arsenate to the spray mixture. In the first and second covers, give pre-
feronce to Puratized and lead, otherwise use the sulfur-lead-lime mixture.
For later covers, adhere to the standard fungicide - insecticide program
indicated in the printed spray chart.

In the absence of Fermat^ or Karbam, iMsts of apple may be reduced
slightly by the usual sulfur program provided one or two applications are
made during bloom. It is mandatory that the fungicide be on the trees
shortly before or during the infection rain.

In orchards where Brooks' spot or bit-t>cr rot is a problem, iron carbamate
may be replaced by Bordeaux 2-6-100 in the second cover and by 4-8-100 in
the third and fourth covers -- or by neutral copper fungicidal powders to
give ^ lb, and 1 lb., respectively, of metallic copper to 100 gals. In the
last instance, add as much spray lime as neutral copper fungicide,

0, C, Boyd

SPUR BLIGHT IN RAgPS'-^RRY VARIETIES

Spur blight is the most destructive cane disease of red raspberries
in Massachusetts, The past two seasons were highly favorable for its
development in susceptible varieties. The following indicates the relative
amounts of the disease observed on April 17 in the College variety plots.

None ; Ohta, Ranier, Sunrise,

Very Liglit: Cuthbert, Chief, June, Lloyd George, Milton, Newburg, Viking,

V.ashin^ton,
Light ; Marcy, Tahoma, Indian Summer,
Moderate ; Taylor,
Severe ; Latham, Cayuga.
Very severe ; Tennessee Autumn,

- 0, C. Boyd

A plum Puzzle ; At the Flower Show in Boston a
lady stopped at the horticultural information booth
to inquire about a plum tree v/hich had died and had
later sprouted up from the lov;er part of the trunk,
"But now", she said, "I have a peach tree instead
of a plum tree". The explanation is that some
nurserymen propagate part of their plum trees on peach
seedlings presumably to get a better root system on a
sandy soil.

•6-

THE B'lPROVEiuTLNT OF WILD HIGHBUSH BLUSBBRRIES

There are many acres of wild highbush blueberries in this
state where the bushes are yielding much below their capacity because of
lack of care. They can be made to double or triple their yield without
great expense or labor.

In 1928 experiments were tried on blueberry' land in Hubbaraston,
Royalston, V.'estminster, Ashbumham, and Barro, Massachusetts, to increase
the yield of wild bushes. The treatments wore as follows: (1) all lar£,e
trees and second grov/th shading the blueberries were removed, (2) the
bushes v/ere pruned, (3) fertilizer vms applied. The pruning varied from
removing a quarter of the bush to cutting it wholly to the ground. The
fertilizers used weroj nitrate of soda, aiTimonium sulfate, urea, calurea,
cyanamid, 4-8-4, and nitrophoska. Different combinations of fertilizers
and pruning v/ere tried.

The follov;ing results were observed;

1, Removal of othor vegetation increased the grovrbh of the blueberry bushes,

2, Pruning, vihere not excessive, increased grov/th and yield. Removal

of more than a quarter of tho bush was too severe. Bushes cut to the
ground yielded a fev; berries the third year there after but produced
no commercial crop till the fourth year,

3, Fertilization increased the grovrth and yield of the bushes. The
increase seemed to be due to nitrogen rather than to any other
fertilizer element,

4, A combination of fertilization and pruning was much better than either
alono .

5, The increase in production on the fertilized plots was due mostly

to an increase in the number of berries por bush. It vms impossible
to obtain satisfactory comparative yield records under the conditions
of the expf;riments. The bushes varied in size and number per acre.
Although the pickers were assigned to different parts of the field,
they picked in the fertilized plots whenever possible, v/ith or v;ithout
permission. This is vory good evidence of the better picking found
there,

6, The berries on the fertilized plots tended to be larger, but the size
of wild berries varies greatly and cannot bo increased beyond, limits
set by inheritance,

7, Fertilized bushes had' a marked tendency to bear yearly; unfertilized
bushes to bear in alternate years,

8, The berries on the fertilized plots were firmer during dry poriods
than those on unfertilized areas.

-7-

9» A terminal shoot growth of about ten inches v;as best. Any increase
in length up to ten inches increased yield. Longer shoots v/ere apt
to be too vegetative for naximuai production..

These observations are the basis for the following improvement
program;

First, romovo all trees and bushes shading the blueberries.
This v;ill often supply the winter's v/ood, thus making the labor servo a
d.iublo purpose. If valuable timber trees are present, the wTier must
chojse botvrocn blueberries and timber. The moiving "f lov; bushes growing
v.'ith the blueberries helps also.

Second, prune the blueberry bushes in winter or early spring
before growth starts. Take out all dead wood first, then some of the
oldost stems, cutting them off four or five inches from the ground. This
can bo done best v;ith long-handled lopping shears.

Third, fertilize the bushes, i^ply 200 pounds of nitrate of
soda per acre, jr some other nitrogenous fertilizer at a rate to give a
like amount of nitrogen.

Fourth, select und tag the more productive bushes and give them
special care,

J. S. Bailey

Again Those "Ready to Boar" Trees It appoars that some folks
arc unduly influonc'ed by clever advertising. The term "Ready
to Boar", for example, brings to mind the impossible situation
in v/hich a fruit tree bears a full crop the first season. By
making such absurd clcdms tho nurseryman is able to got rid of
older troos v;hich he didn't happen to sell at tho proper age.
True, the tree may have fruit buds, but what about the roots?
Any fruit plant, v,-hethor tree or small fruit, should ttiko the
first season, or more, to develop a good root system and make
the vegetative grov.-th v;hich alv/ays accompanies g'Jod production.
The apple or tv;o which a yoiKg Itcd bears the first year is much
less important than tho bushel it boars at 8 years of age.
And the handful of raspberries on a n?;v;ly planted ci'Jie, not cut
back, is borne at the expense of the vigorous cones v.'hich might
be growing in preparation for next year's crop.

Tale of Two Orchards One day last -u-ook v.'o came across
two oTciiards \.'hich may be worth noting here. They are
examples of tho strange things bcin^.; done undor the
guise of pest control. In the first orchard, tho ovmer
v/as breezing alongside the orchard at about 5 miles

-8-

per hour waving a wide open ^un in a majiner reminiscent
of an orchestra leader. At a distance it looked as if
he might be covering a third of the tree. In the second
orchard, the ca'mcr had cut off the tops of his trees
in the hope that it would facilitate his pest control.
The uprij^ht tilt of all the branches in these 20-y3ar-
old trees shaded that they had never borne much fruit.
On inquiry we found that he had gone through the
motions of spraying 3 times last year, that he had
applied 3 gallons of material ■'m Iviclnt:'sh trees which
should have 10, and that the leaves dropped very early.
Incidentally, in spite of a good soil the trees will
bloom very lightly this spring possibly because of
early defoliation.

TIP'S FROM THE MEN \\W SSLL TH5H

Tv;o extension schools have been held for the purpose of helping
storekeepers to ijtiprove the handling of fruits and vegetables. One
school was held in Fall River and the other in Greenfield, The school
consisted of a series of five me /tings with one meeting being held each
v;eek. At each meeting sorae phase of merchandising fruits anc. vegetables
was discussed. It has been the privilege of the writer to present the
subject of fruit handling at each of the schools, A few significant
complaints v/ere expressed at each of these schools by the storek^;epers,

1. The storekeepers in Fall River are forced to use out'^of-state
apples because of a lack of native fruit,

2. The storek .epers in Greenfield complain tiiat they were unable
to get good hand picked Mcintosh in the fall. The only Iviclntosh they
could get wore drops and they c^uld sell a lot of good Mcintosh if they
could get them. They also wish that they could get more pears as there
is a good market which they are unable to supply. Vihen asked about
grapes, they all agreed that they arc unable to get nearly enough local
grapes to supply the demand. One merchant told of buying out-of-state
grapes in bulk and then putting them up in tv/o quart till baskets. He
said that he sold them almost as fast as he cculd put them up, and could
have sold a great many more if he had had them.

0, C , Roberts

POLLIIJATION OF FRUITS IH HEW EHGLAKD

Apples ; Probably all varieties of apples produce higher yields v/hen cross-
pollinated although Baldwin sets profitable crops '.vhen planted alone.
Good Pollenizers: Early Blooming - Red Astrachan, Oldenburg, Llclntosh,
Fameuso, V/agener, Yellow Transparent, Hidseason Blooming - Vioalthy,
Delicious (Starking, Richared), Golden DeliciousV Wolf Rivsr, Cortland,

-9-

Ben Davis, VJ'inter Banana, Early Mclntoch, Late Blooming - Northern Spy,
Rome, Gallia, N» \i» Greening, Macoun, '

In general, any tivo of these varieties v/ill pollonizo each other
satisfactorily when their blooming seasons overlap. Early and midseason
bloom overlap satisfactorily in New England; also midseason and late bloom.
Delicious and its red sports are particularly good pollenizers. However,
all varieties are crossincompatible with their own red sports, and the
Cortland-Sarly Mcintosh combination is not sufficiently fruitful.

Poor pollenizers (Triploid varieties): Baldwin, R* I. Greening, Gravenstein,
King, Roxbury Russet, Stark, Stayman, Idammoth Black Twig,

These should not be depended upon for pollenizing purposes. Any
good pollenizer will cross-fertilize these varieties if the periods of
bloom overlap. Northern Spy is not very attractive to bees and needs
pollenizers close to it.

Pears ; Varieties of pears are, in general, self-unfruitful* Cross-pollination
should be provided, Bartlett and Seckel apparently will not pollenize
each other under some conditions. There is little evidence of cross-
incompatibility among other common varieties. Usually the blooming seasons
overlap enough to provide cross-pollination but the follovdng list may
help to match blooiTiing periods more closely. Early Blooming ; Anjou,
Kieffer, Hov/ell, Duchess, Midseason Blooming ; Bosc, Bartlett, Clapp Favorite,
Seckel, Gorham, Late Blooming ; YJinter llelis, Wilder,

Peaches ; Most of the common varieties of peaches are self-fruitful. Among
the exceptions are J, H, Hale, tiikado or June Elberta, and Pacemaker, vmich
require cross-pollination, aIso Greensboro and Belle of Georgia have been
reported as more productive when cross-pollinated. As far as is known
any other common commercial variety v/ill pollenize these.

Plums; All Japanese plums may be considered self-unfruitful. Most
varieties pollenize each other freely but at least one common variety,
Formosa, has poor pollen, European plums pollenize Japanese varieties
to a limited extent, A few European plums are self-fruitful (Stanley,
Monarch, Yollovj Egg, Damsons), Many are only partly self- fruitful. It
is advisable to plant at least two varieties together, Japanese plums are
not good pollenizers for European sorts.

Cherries ; All sweet cherry varieties require cross-pollination, Bing,
Lambe rt , Napoleon, and Emperor Francis will not fertilize each other but
each may be fertilized by other common varieties. Common varieties of
sour cherries are self -fruitful.

Grapes ; Common varieties of grapes axe self-fruitful except Brighton and
Erie, v/hich need cross-pollination.

-10-

strawberries ; A fevj varieties of strawberries v;ith "imperfect" flowers
require cross pollination. Examples are Hov/ard Supreme, Sample, and
Warfield. Imperfect varieties are rarely planted. All common varieties
are self-fruitful.

Raspberries , Blackberries , Dewberries ; Varieties of bramble fruits grovoi
in Massachusetts are all self- fruitful.

Blueberries ; Blueberries require cross-pollination for maximum crops. As
far as is known, any two varieties are cross-fruitful.

R. A. Van Meter

LET'S PLAY- SAFE Farming is a dangerous occupation. The orchard business
is no exception. YvTiether we drive a tractor or climb a ladder, danger is
always present. A recent tragic txccidont in which a life vifas lost in the
Nashoba area v^hile using an airplane in spraying an orchard emphasizes once
more the hazards, in agriculture. Several yoars ago a gr'3v/er v/as practically
blinded for v/eeks after getting a shot of caustic spray material in his
eyes. Vi'e can't bo on guard continually against such unusual mishaps.
But we must take every precaution to safeguard ourselves, our vjorkmon and
our property against ordinary dangers. To mention just a fov/; Tipping
of tractor or spray rig by d riving on steep slopes or over obstructions.
Cranking a tractor vi/hile in gear. Leaving poisonous materials v.'hore they,
may be picked up by children or livestock. Careless use of fire around .
inflronmable materials. Let's take time to check on the danger spots in.
our fruit farm setup, even though we arc a little later getting on the job.

REPORT .ON TirJO SOIL S AlvIFLES VJhile making a trip with a class recently
the question of the soil tmd the plf.-Jiits which grow On it v;as brought up.
On one small area wo found a scanty assortment of plants including- sorrel,
dewberries, etc. A sample of the soil was takon (iTo, 1) and tlie group
guessed that it would be fairly acid. On another area there was a
luxuriant gr'^wth of grasses amounting t.) at least 2-^ tons of- hay: per _.
acre. Here a second sample (No, 2) v/as taken. Holes 3 feet deep, were also
dug at the points of sampling. No, 1 was vory gravelly, shov;ing a thin
layer of surface soil and very little clay or silt. No. 2 sho'.ved a dark
colored surface layer at least 10 inches thick an almost uniformly brov.n
color from top to bottom and considerable clay and silt. The analyses
given below, show a wide difference in acidity and", with the exception of
Phosphoirus which is seldom a limiting factor. No. 2 shows an int^'irosting
relation between available mineral elements end plajit gr'-wrth.

No. 1

pH
5.3

Ca
M

N
VL

Vrl

K
VL

No. 2

6.7

LEI

(H-Hi.gh; M-Mediumj L-LiW; VL-Vcry L.w)

May 29, 1947

Prepared by the Fruit Program Coinmittee of the Extension Service
Yi". K» Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Contents

Dollars and Sense

Announcing the New "Red Apple Club"

Splashing Raindrops and Soil Erosion

Effect of Fungicide on Yield

Timing of Early Spray Applications Compared

Eradicating Apple Scab

Killing ITitch Grass by Spraying

■^Yider Spacing May Increase Per Acre Yield

Some Factors in Fruit Marketing

DOLLARS AND SEIISE

Farm and home safety has become a year 'round business. The
only trouble is that too fev; people maI<:o it their business. Last year
more than four thousand farmers lost their lives in farm accidents, and
thousands more viere badly injured.

Issued by the Extension S&r-'/ice in furtheri^ice of Acts of May 8 and June
30, 1914, Vj'illard A, Munson, Director, University of iiassachusetts. United
States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperatingi

-2-

Agriculture has become our -iiost hazardous industry, according
to the National Safet;' Council, Fann accidents, in their order of occur-
once, are due to falls, machinery, livestock mid miscellaneous.

The National Safety Council reveals that every fifteen minutes
fires brea!<: out on American farms, Ov;;r a ten year period a billion
dollars in i'uni property have gone up in smoke* All xhis is largely
a result of carelessness and forget fulness,

Hov/ many times on a fruit farm has a carelessly sot fire swept
through dry grass to destroy trees and endanger buildings, Evan an
incinerator fire got out of control on onj farm recently, v;ith disastrous
results to a young orchard nearby, A moment of carelessness virhile driving
a tractor on a steep grade cost the life of one fruit groiver, v/hile an
exploding gas tank caused serious burns to a bulldozer operat;.'r in one
case and a ruined spruysr in another.

One fruit grovjor suffered a v;rsnchcd back 'when a rickety step
in a storage cellar gave '■'^ay, A^iother escaped serious injury by an eyelash
as ho descended some unlighted :and unguarded steps in a packing house.
Although we have fev/ fractious bulls on fruit farms, dang'-,r in one form
or another lurks just around the next tree, Ys'e can save ourselves much
lost time and inconvonienco by taking all of the ordinary precautions
and by constantly putting safety ahead of speed.

Many accidents can be avoided by observing the simple rule "A
place for everj'thing and everything in its place," It all boils dovvTi to
this simple observation— it costs money to prevent accidents, but it
costs much more to let then happen i

Announcing the nevv'- " Red Apple Club ". A new contest, sponsored by the
i'l. F, G, A,, vfill focus attention on 3 important items in the apple
business, — (l) pest control , (2) color , and (3) yield . This project
has been arranged at the request of a n\L"ber of grov/ers and is patterned
after the 90',^ Clean Apple Club vdiich was conducted with ;rach success
from 1929 to 1933, Aiay grower in Massachusetts with an apple orcliard
of 5 acres or more is eligible. The requirements are as follovfs:

1, That the crop be at least 90;;-o free of insect and disease
blemishe s.

2, That t he crop aiTiount to at least -

200 bushels per acre on 10 to 14 year old trees
300 bushels per acre on 15 to 19 year old trees
400 bushels per acre on trees 20 years or older

3, That the crop grade at least 60)0 UT~S. Fancy

4, That successful contestants each show a packed bushel
from the inspected block at the annual mo'^tin^; ; of the
M, F. G, A, in January,

-3-

The final inspection ;vill be made on a carefully to.kon sample
of not less than 5 bushels from a particular block of trees of not less
than one acre, the sample to be picKed \inder the direction of the County
Agricultural Ardent or his representative.

Any apple groirer wishing to talce part in this contest should
keep a simple record of his spray or dust schedule. Application for
inspection must be made not later than August 1, 1947 to the County Agri-
cultural Agent, of the County in vrhich the orchard is located. It vdll
be vorj'' gratifying if 10 blocks of trees in Massachusetts can measure
up the high standards outlined above.

SPLASHIHG RAIIvrPROFS AW SOIL BJ^OSION

Soil erosion by vvater is gcnerallj'' applied to the process of
soil beijog carried av;r>y or transported b;/ excess v/ater runnin.^ overland.
According to Dr. iV, D. Ellison of the Soil Conservation Service, this
statement is only partly correct. He has done considerable research
work v.'ith the effects of raindrops on soil erosion and has come to some
very definite conclusions regarding; the pliysical mechanism -ivhich takes
place whcnvrater erodes soil. Particles of soil before they can be moved
or transported by flowini;; I'Vater have to be detaclied from the soil mass,
"The resistance to detachment of particles from the soil mass will depend
mainly on the soil's cohesive properties", A soil high in clay content
has strong cohesive properties and may not be easily disturbed by surface
flowing vifater because the uoil particles resist separation. On the
other hand, once the fine clay particles are detached they remain in sus-
pension and are then very easily transported.

Dr. Ellison's work shov/s that the pelting raindrops speed
up this detacliment process and thus accelerate the rate of soil erosion.
During a hard rainfall, soil particles may be splashed as hi£;h as two
feet into the air by the force of the falling drops. The splashed
particles never fall back to the same spot. On sloping land their ten-
dency is to splash more dormhill than uphill. The amount of soil lost
in t his vray has been found to be tremendous. Spring time is the worst
season. Usually the raindrops during the sprinf showers are large and
come down v;ith great hitting povror. Fertile, loamy soils, v/hcn bare,
are damaged the m.ost and are the greatest sufferers.

The particle detaching poiver of the splashing raindrop is
greatly, if not entirely reduced by the lec^f surfaces of the grovdnr crops.
Any vegetation vihich will reduce the force of the impact of raindrops
on soil will reduce erosion, Hayficlds, pastures and orchards in sod
or mulch, therefore, ;^ivo some of the best control against raindrop
erosion. It is, hov/cvjr, during the spring time when the seedbed is
being p-opared and while thd crops arc still small that the rains have
their most dotrKaental effect on cultivated land,

Karol J. Kucinski

Project Supervisor, SCS Research

-4-

Some fbservations of the Apple Business in California . (The following
interesting items concerning the Y/atsonville, California area are sub-
mitted b;y H. P. Silmore of 1/Vestboro),

V arieties - Santa Cruz County has about 9,235 acres of bearing
apples of v7hich 5,696 acres are Wev/tOim, 1,916 Delicious, 1,323, Belief leur,
v/hich is declining. The district is irrigated from wells. The Delicious
can be grown in the hills, they are not suitable for the. rich soil on the
valley floor, Ke\Tton is a heavy producer -- certain blocks averaged 7;ell
above 800 picked boxes to the acre, and the vmole district, v;ith lighter
bearing Delicious included, has averaged 700 bushels to the acre. The
present crop promises a record.

Collection of Bloom - In V/atsonville the llevrtcmnis self-fertile.
Thinning of the blooms~to one to a cluster is practiced. Collectors of
pollen do the work free. The pollen tihOE dried sells at ^55,00 an ounce
for hard pollination in districts further north. Pruning is carefully
done to a system.

Storage Facilities - The storage of Nev/townis so important that
storage facilities aro highly developed. Facilities in use include: brine
for cooling and forced draft in building, one floor high, rooms not over
60 feet ivdde, boxes stored 20 high, v.ith the grov/ing use 3f so-called "palats"
holding 24 (6 high) or 28 (7 high) boxes, placed in p:)sition by a towmaster
or similar machine. The l-;r.'er tier is 6 high, second tier 7, upper tie-r 6,
furnishing air spaces at each level. The boxes are easily moved, v/ith no
jar to the fruit v;hen placed in storage and vihen taken out, in marked
contrast to hsmd piling.

Insulation - Fcrro-thorm is coming into use. Five sheets of steel
stapled on 1" furring, v.'ith open spaces running from flo^r to ro^^f are
used for insulation instead ^-f cork in new construction. Ferro-th-^rm is
fire-proof, light, easily handled, vermin pro)f , cheaper than cork and
promises long life, as well as being an excellent insulator.

Movement of Fruit to Storage - One of the well equipped orchards
had 7 rubber tired,~Tow-v;hee'led flat trucks, and tvi 'i tractors. All boxes
are hauled Jut on palats and left on the truck, A truck stands between 4
trees; as boxes are filled they are placed on the palat on the truck by the
pickers, v/ho are on day vjage to assure care in handling, and as soon as
loaded the truck is hauled to storage. All empty boxes are stored on palats
for ease in handling. Seven trucks Vi'ith two tractors can haul in a 50,000
t:> 70,000 box crop in the season of harvest.

V/ORC ESTER COUKTY FIELD DAY
FRED KINGDOM FARM
VffiST MILLBURY
Demonstration of Latest Spraying and Dusting Equipment

-5-

EFFECT OF lUIJG-ICIDS OK YIELD - (E. J. Rasmussen of the University of
Hot/ Hampshire presents the folloy.'in^ data as further evidence that the
continued use of lime sulfur reduces the yield of on apple orchard),

A plot of lO-yiar-old Northern Spy trees at the Grsiiam Station
in Michigan ivhich had previously been sprayed for a nuiuber of years ^with
lime sulfur and v^hich v/as erratic in bearing, sometimes bearing only once
in three years, v;as divided into three plots. One plot was sprayed with
lime sulfur, another ^=;ith a wettable sulfur and the third with a proprietary
copper compound. These plots received the same treatment for 5 ysars,
1939-1944,

Tho average annual yield for the 5 year period on the limo
sulfur plot T;as 442 bushels, on the v/ettable sulfur plot, 568 bush'vls, and
on the copper sprayed plot 673 bushels. The yield v-as closely related
to the amount of foliage on the tress. About September 1 xh"; lime sulfur
sprayed trees avn,raged 474 leaves per 100 spurs, tho v.-ettable sulfur
sprayed trees, G05, and the copper sprayed tr'^es, 643 leaves per 100 spurs.

The increase in yield on tho plots sprayed v,ith a mild sulfur,
v;ettable sulfur, v.as 28 to 55^^ more than on the lime sulfur sprayed plot»
The copper sprays caused considerable russet on the fruit when used in
an all season spray program, and would not be satisfactory v/here fruit
v;as grcvvTi f^r the fresh fruit market. The information emphasires the
importance of testing pest control materials for purposes other than
for disease and insect control.

Another Spider Invades Massachusetts Orchards . The
conimon red spider has recently been found in several
Middlesex County orchards. On infested trees, it
is usually more abmidant thrji the iCuropean red mite.
This pest has frequently been reported on apple
trees in Virginia and Nev/ York, but has not been
observed in large numbers on apples in Massachusetts
before this spring.

Tho coTimon red spider spends the winter
as an adult in mulch or similar protection.
During cool spring weather they migrate to the
vmrmor, sunny places and may go into tress. They
feed on a great varioty of plcuits and durin^^ the
sumrAer are more abundant on such plants as clover,
alfalfa and chiclcweed, Y.'o do not anticipate any
significant daraage from them but suggest sprayi^ijlg
v;ith Dil-lll in mid- June, if necessary,

liV, D, V/hitcomb

-6-

TEIINC- OF EARLY SPRAY APPLICATIONS COLiFARED

Insect development, unlike scab and other diseases which thrive
in cool, v/et weather, is dependent on temperature and usually keeps pace
with tree grovrth.

Cool, vet v;eather in early May has held the orchard insects in
the background. Many aphids have hatched and most of them have been killed
by cold v/eather. European red mite will hatch during the pink bud stage
and will not multiply rapidly except in a period of warm weather. Vilhere
dori.iant or delayed dormant applications of oil have been applied this year,
red mite should not be troublesome until late July or early August, if at
all.

Many growers are concerned about the slov/ tree development this
spring but it is not unusual. The history of our spraying operations at
Waltham shavs that 1947 has started about like 1940 and 1943. Therefore,
we can assume that many of the pest problems, and perhaps the crop prospects
in your orchard can be compared with these years. If you have kept a spray
record or diary, why not look at it?

Record of spray applications at the Walthara Field Station;

YEAR P RE-PINK PINK BLOOM CALYX

• 1940

May 8

May 16

May 20-24

May 28-29

1941

April 23

May 1

May 8

May 15

1942

April 27

May 3

May 7-8

May 13

1943

May 6

May 13

May 18-20

May 25

1944

May 4

May 9

May 13

May 17-20

1945

April 11

April 16

April 18

April 26

1946

April 18

April 30

iiay 15

May 20

1947

May 6

. D. V.laitcomb

ERADICATING

APPLE. SCAB

Vfith Mcintosh fruit spurs almost as a standstill bordering
late delayed dormaiit and early pre-pink,yet with scab perethecia freely
discharging primary spores during the long cold, wet period , growers are
obviously curious to learn how protectant fungicidal applications have
succeeded.

No doubt there will be many disappointments and much evident
foliage scab before caljoc to require special eradicant sprays to control
the disease. The battle with protectaiit fungicides to control primary
scab infections must continue until mid- Juno, or therejabouts. In the mean-
time, careful observations should be made for the first signs of primary
foliage scab infections. There should be evidence T primary scab sometiiiie
around May 15 - 20. This may be during bloom because scab is early and
tree development is lato this year, ho i_^row'-jr can afford to let scab

-7-

devastato his orchard in the faco ''f a good crop of apples.

Liquid lime sulfur 2 gallons and Puratized Agricultural Spray
1 pint in 100 gallons of v/atcr are considered the best scab eradicant
fungicides. Last year at I'.altham, Wealthy trees in full bloom v;erG sprayed
twice with Puratized (applications one v/eek apart) with no harmful results.
Liquid lime sulfur is toxic to apple pollen and should not bo used when
the trees are in full bl;om. The scab eradicant applications can be applied
if necossarj' late in the blooming period v;ithout harm. Some foliage injury
from liquid lime sulfur can be expected.

Eradication of scab is best acconplishod v;hen the primary scab
mold is young and v/ith tv;o applications about 7-10 days apart. The sprays
should be applied in drying weather. Unless scab infections are cleared
up as they first appear, the ultimate result is likely t :> be more scab,

E. F. Guba

KILLING -kTITCH GRJSS BY SPRAYING

Witch grass is such a conraon and persistant p< st in orchards
where cultivation is practiced that it is ali.iost accepted, like death
and taxes, as inevitable. Its elimination by cultivation is possible
but the amount of work and expense involved is so great that as far
as orchards arc concerned it is seldom "licked", With labor scarce
and high priced, some other moth >d for combating this pest is desirublo.

Spraying is rapid and easy. Every fruit grower hus spraying
equipment and is familiar \vith its use, A spraying method for killing
witch grass soems 1 'gical and desirable. Last sumr.ier a S':ries of plots,
thickly covered with v;itch grass, were sprayed vdth Ammate or with
Atlacide, a commercial weed killer containing sodium chlorate and a
deflagration agent, (SodiuiTi chlorate is inflammable, and becomes extremely
so in contact with dry organic matter. It should be used with great
care unless mixed with seme chemical called a deflagration agent to
reduce the fire hazard,) The sprays v;ere applied on several different
dates, at different concentrations, and at different ai.iouiits por 100 square
feet. It was foui'id that both sprays v/ere most effective v.'hen applied
about October 1, At this time either Aiiimate applied at 3/4 pounds per gallon
and 1 gallon per 100 square feet or Atlacide applied at 1|- pounds per gallon
and 1 gallon per 100 square feet, gave practically 100 per cent kill to
witcii grass.

-8-

jimmate up to 1 pound per gallon is safe to use around apple trees
after they are three years old. Preliminary experiments indicate that
the same is true for pears, plums and cherries. On the other hand, this
material is very toxic to peaches and blueberries and should not be used
around these fruits. Since Amiaate is very corrosive on metals, any equip-
ment in which this spray is used should be thoroughly wasiied v.'ith v-^ater
containing baking soda or spray lime immediately following use,

Atlacide appears to be safe aroimd apple, pear, plum and cherry
trees thre^ y^jars old or older, providing not more than 1 1/4 pound per
gallon and not more than 1 gallon per 100 square feet is used. This spray
is toxic to blueberries.

Some of the advantages and disadvaiitages of those two sprays are;
Al-UvIATE - Advantages -(1) Highly effective, (2) Readily soluble, (3) No
fire hazard, (4j Kon-toxic to animals, (5) Rapid breakdovrn in soil. Dis-
advantages - (1) Corrosive action, (2) Higher cost. ATLACIDE - Advantages -
(1) Highly effective, (2) Lov^er cost, (5) No corrosive action. Dis-
advantages - (1) Less soluble, (2) Fire hazard, (o) Slight^toxic to animals,
(4) Slow breakdown in soil.

It should be remembered that neither of these materials is
selective. They v/ill ^111 practically all vegetation with which they come
in contact.

The relative costs of those materials is as follows:

Price lbs. per gal. Gal, per Cost

per lb. of spray 100 sq, ft, per A,

Ammate IBjl! 3/4 1 ^58,81

Atlacide 9,5/ 1 l/4 1 51.84

Although the per acre cost of these materials is high, their
effectiveness and the ease and rapidity v/ith which the spray can be applied
seems to justify their use, Vfhere it is desired to keep v;itch grass av.-ay
from young trees, it could be eliminated with one of rhese spraj'-s and then
kept down by mulching. This v.'>>uld reduce the cost over a period of years,

J, S. Bailey

Strawberry Field Day
University of Llasaachusctts
Ajriierst
June 13, 1947

-9-

WlbER SPAC ING MAY INCREASE PER ACI^ YIELD

An Experinent Station orchard of the Winesc.p variety/ in
¥«'ashington '■.'as divided intr> f.vo plats and ;)ne 'tilf of the trees v/c\s rcr.: ved
in one plot. By tho fourth yoar, romoval of treos to 27 p-^^r acra pro-
duced moro apples v.ith higher color and larger average size thcji before.
In the fourth yf?ar the closely spaced treses averaged 457 boxes per acre
compared v:ith 568 frou the widely spaced trees. Man hours were saved
in tho major orchard operations of pruning, brush removal and spraying.
Harvesting cuad irrigating took about the sair.e amount of tir.ie, r^;gardless
of the spacing of trees; however, thinning in the widely spaced orchard
was mure time consvming so that it took slightly more total man hours
to care f^ir the widoly spaced trees.

From tho monetary st.:mdpoint, th^>- production costs wore less
on the vfideiy spaced tress ev---ry year, shewing a saving of 4'3l«00 per aero
the fourth year. There v;as a net dollar gain in favor of the closoly
spaced trees only the first two years. The extra profit fr'.im the widely
spacod trees the fourth year v/as large enough to more than cover the
losses the first two years.

The results of tree reiioval may be sur-unarized as follov/s;
(1) Reducing the number of trtes per aero from 54 to 27 produced lax'ger
sized apples, (2) Pr-^duction per tree was increasingly greater each year
after half of the trees were removed, (3) l/Videly spaced trees produced
more boxes par acre than closely spaced trees by the fourth year, (4)
By the fourth year the widely spaced trees Tccre producing many more
extra fancy apples per acre, (5) The percentage of extra fancy apples
vms greater every year after half the trees were removed, (6) Having
fewer trees par acre proved to be time-saving on important operations
such as pruning, (7) Isith half of the trees removed, 30 man-hours per
acre were saved each year on spraying, (8) Th »ugh thinning time was
saved the first 3 years, heavier production (jffset this the fourth
year.

SQiiiE Factors in fruit market ing

At the ilarfcoting Conference in Caaibridge last February, Chairman
B. \h. Drew ir the Fruit Section opened the discussion w-ith the f ollov.'infc,
pertinent remarks: "The problem of marketing our 1-cal fruits is like
our Hew England woather. Everybody talks ub ^ut it but nobody seems to
do much about it, '».e are pr^Jducing apples and Jther fi-uits in the heart
of the country's best marketing area. This is at once our salvation
and our downfall. Our cranspirtati'/n costs are 1 )w our consui.i-jrs are
near .and they prefer 'ur Mclnt.'sh apples to other varieties, i;hen they
can get g .v^d )nes, llfhy is this situation our remesis? Yi^ith so many
factors in our faV'-r we have not boon f 'rood to merchandize ■>ur products.

-lo-
in sh )rt \:o have made a liidng tho easiest ivay and yet some of our growers
havo f')und that it pays tu do a fancy job,

S jnic -)f the factors leading t) )ur p->or merchandising are: (1)
Many individual gr'.ji/ors and many small units of production, each packing
his ovm way. (2) The crate was a depression package t neet l^jw buying
power and v;aG continued during tho war because we could sell our apples,
onyivay and couldn't got help to pack otherwise. (5) Our p -jror grades
have 3 jld as fresh fruit because v;e lack a well developed by-products
industry. Our costs of packing and shipping have been relatively low and
\vs could get more f'T p >or fruit on the fresh fruit inarket than elsewhere.

(4) Our principal tree fruit, the Mcintosh apple bruises more easily than
any 'jther variety^ and yet v;o and all other handlers have treated them like
any othor apple, or in many cases like citrus fruits, potatoes .^r mions,

(5) Many ^of our good grnvers have c:>nsidered their job done v/hen they
have gro;Yn clean fruit, put it in a crate and trucked it to market. How
aaiazod many of us have been to see the apples (virhich we thought v;ore
pretty go-id v/hen wo shipped them) displayed in a bin in a hit store, NoviT
the v;ar is over and it is time to take stock of our prosent situation.

Competition for the consumer's fruit dollar is getting stiff er.
Distant apple producing areas are after our market. They have to pack
and grade well in order to pay their freight bill. Citrus is, and will
be plentiful, clioap and good. This industry is largely under state or
large cooperative control coid vrill not be permitted to ship junk, Bojianas
and may other fruits \.'ill become increasingly plentiful, Customirs can
nov; spend their noney fcr raany things besides food. If a new car is being
paid for, loss fruit may be b0U(__,ht, There has been a strong trend toward
self-service stores, Thsso stores are apparently here to stay. If they
are to sell applos tho product will havo to bo graded and packaged like
practically everything else in these super markets whstter it be fruit
or flour, onions or oatmeal.

V.'hat shall v-iq do about these trends? 'i.o can 'let things rido'
until competition forces or starves us into doing a bettor j )b . Y.'e ctin
promote stringent packing and grading lav/s. Y.'e can raise a fund, state
supp>>rted or private, to promote the apples as we n'O^-v sell them on a
state loyalty basis, V/e can blame tno chain cuid independent stores for
bruising our beautiful apples, and lose their good will, \lc can ask the
U, S, Government to buy our culls for school lunches, aaid lose the
confidence of our best customers, tho kids, Yle ci\n. publish a report,
stating h'0;.v much better V.'ashington L'tato apples arc pac'ced than ours,
and ask 'why d ai't wo do the scane', Yie ciai as): for more research on more
and bettor products from our 1 av grade apples v:hich will return us a
reasonable price and strengthen our fresh fruit markot, "tVo can request
more inspectors t'j enforce our present grading laws, when used, YIo can
support the Apple Institute so it crci enlarge promotional and store contact
work, ■'iiVe caii arrange grower tjid trade meetings to discuss grading, packing,
and handling read wo can pranote st >ro do'jr delivory.

IHOtES

HH. EARLS S. CARPENTER

EXT. SPEC. Di VISUAL EDUCATION

EXTEJISION SERVICS

SOUTH. COLLEGS^ .1^2 4S

July 10, 1947

Prepared by the Fruit Program Comioittee of the Extension Service
w'. II. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Contents

Factors Viliich Influence the Set of Mcintosh Apples

Do You Knov/?

Do Strawberries Run Out?

Disease Free plants in Massachusetts

I'Jhere Does Brovm Rot Come From?

Control of the Peach Tree Borer Y/ith DDT

FACTORS WHICH II\[FLUENCE THE SET OF MCINTOSH APPLES

The prospects for a crop of Mcintosh apples in Massachusetts
orchards range from extremely light to extremely heavy, Thers is so much
variation that growers are Vv'ondering which factors are most responsible.
The process by means of which blossoms are transformed into young fruits
on a Mcintosh tree is a complicated one.

It is a well knovm fact that the setting of fruit involves
a transfer of suitable pollen to a normal blossom and that favorable
weather is essential. If a tree shows a "snov/ball bloom" and then sets
only a few apples, it is obvious that something must have been lacking.
And in a season when frosts occur during April and May grov;ers commonly
blame a light crop on lov; temperatures. But that is only one part of
a complex situation. Seven factors vdll be considered in this discussion.

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June
30, 1914, Willard A. Munson, Director, University of Massachusetts, United
States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating,

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Frost. Injuries from lew temperatures range from actual freezing
of the developing fruit bud, either before or after the blossom opens, to a
mere "touch of frost" which damages to some extent certain tender parts of
the flov.-er, including the pistil. Blossoms damaged in the latter way may
open and appear quite normal, although the injury may be sufficiently severe
to render the blossom incapable of setting fruit. This probably happened
in many Massachusetts orchards this spring. Several growers have reported
a better i^et on "frost pocket" trees than on those of higher elevation. The
reason may be that the latter trees were a little farther advanced and thus
suffered more on a frosty night. Heavy frosts n;ust be considered as one of
the factors responsible for crop reduction.

Leaves in 1946 , Apple buds undergo a change beginning around
mid-June which sets' the stage for bloom the following spring. The develop-
ment of the fruit bud, hov;ever, continues during the suirmer and fall. This
development requires a supply of raw materials, including starch. If the
foliage is badly infected by apple scab, as was the case in many orchards
in 1946, it stands to reason that there is serious interference with the
starch making program. And if the tree is actually defoliated in August
or Spptember, development of the fruit buds, v,-hich are due to become
blossoms the fullov.'ing spring, suffers a severe setback. Many of the buds
may fail to open at all while others may develop into fairly normal looking
blossoms which are incapable of setting fruit. The condition of the 1946
foliage is apparently an extremely important factor in the 1947 crop.

Scab Infecti on During B loom . V.'ith an abundance of overwintering
scab spores~in Massachusetts orchards last spring, and one or tv/o infection
periods v.rhile the trees were in bloom, there v/as ample opportunity for
v;hat might be termed "pedicel infection" in unprotected orchards, the
pedicel being the stem of the blossom. To what extent this happened is a
question, although if an apple blossom suffers pedicel infection it tends
to drop off. Studies in another state show the loss of as much as lb%
of the blossoms by this means.

Nitroge n Supply During Bloom, A starved tree is inclined to
set only an occasTonal cropT It may bloom heavily and still set relatively
few apples. The amount of nitrogen actually available in the tree during
bloom plays an important role in the setting of apples. The nitrogen
supply in many trees was probably rather lov/ at blossoming time because
of heavy rains which tended to wash nitrates out of the soil, and because
less nitrogen was applied in early spring due to late delivery. It is
reasonable to assurae that some Mcintosh trees v;ere deprived of an adequate
supply of nitrogen during the blooming period. This factor, however, is
probably less significant than the loss of leaves in August, 1946,

A vaila ble Polle n, Although many tilings about the Hdntosh variety
are unknovm,' it Ts"a weir~e3tablished fact that this variety is almost
entirely self-storilg. Pollen of another variety, must be brought to the
stigma of the Mcintosh blossom if a set is to be obtained. Many varieties
are satisfactory, including Cortland, Delicious, Astrachan, Y,"ealthy,
V.'agener, Duchess, Ben Davis, etc. Among the unsatisfactory varieties
are Baldwin, Gravenstoin, Rliode Island Greening, and the V.'inesap group.

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The proportion of trees of pollinating varieties to Mcintosh trees is today-
smaller than it v/as even 25 years ago, because many of the' filler trees
of pollinizing varieties have been cut out. In some orchards vve see sizable
blocks of 1,'IcIntOEh or of a McIntosh-Baldv/in combination. In vory few
orchards can it be said that ev^ry Mcintosh tree is not more than one tree
distant from a good pollinizer. In spite of all that has been said about
the necessity of cross pollination, many Mcintosh growers have failed to
take seriously the need for an abundant and nearby source of the right
kind of pollen. They remember the occasional year when bees had tv-o v/arm,
sunny days during bloom, and nearby pollenizers seemed unnecessary. They
forgot the years v;hen bees venture only a few feet from the hive.

Good V.'eathor D uring Bloom , It stands to reason that the mere
availability of the rigFt kind of pollen will accomplish nothing unlfess
v/eather conditions favor bee activity and thus bring about a transfer of this
pollen to the Mcintosh blossoms. If the temperature falls much belov,' 60 F.,
honey bees are quite inactive, although they have been known to fly to some
extent from strong colonies with the temperature in the lower fifties.
Suitable v/eather for bee activity must be considered as an important factor
in the setting of Mcintosh,

Bees, If plenty of pollen of the right kind is available and
if the vreat'her is suitable for bee activity, an abundance of bees of
one kind or another v;ill insure the pollination process. Bumble bees
have been relatively scarce this spring. This made it more necessary than
ev'.r to have honey bees in the orchard, A widely varying supply of honey
bees, under these conditions, helps to account for the uneven set of Mc-
intosh,

As v.e atten^:t to place our finger on the factor or factors
responsible for a light set of Mcintosh, we cannot afford to overlook
any of those mentioned above. Special emphasis must be placed on pollenizers
and on scab control in 1946, ' My one of the above factors if unfavorable,
may have contributed to a light set. In many cases, two or more have
exerted a combined influence. And unless all wore reasonably favorable,
Mcintosh trees are probably showing something less than a normal crop at
the present time.

Ecm Do They Do It ? - One heavily loaded Mcintosh orchard in Massa-
chusetts is so free from scab tliat one must hunt to find a single scab
spot. And yet the ovaier has done nothing out of the ordinary except to
cover the trees coriplctely and use a well tir.ied combination of sprays and
dusts as follows! May 1, 5, and 13 (Dust); May 16 (Spray); May 23 and 25
(Dust); May 29 and June 6 (Spray); Juno 10 (Dust); June 21 (Spray), And

there you have the secret (except for the grower's technique) 4 Sprays

end 6 Dusts up to Jime 25,

lA'

-4-

That the most coi-.uncai cause of failure to control apple scab is
p<ior coveraf^e in th<3 top of the tree? With the best of intentions,
growers of long experience are still inclined to "j^ive scab a break" by
using fewer gallons that are required, spraying entirely from the ground,
or using too coarse a spray. Choice of materials and timing become in-
significant factors vrhere some of tlie loaves are left entirely unprotected.

That strav/berry "nubbins" arc frequently the result of a failure
of the root system? If each seed on a strawberry, and the r-:;gion surrounding
it, is to attain normal development there mu^t be an uninterrupted flow
of water into the plant. Anything V/hich interferes v;ith root functioning
will also interfere with photosynth-vsis, A "nubbin" is mute evidence that
a section <^f the berry farthest from tJie source of supply has been on
short rations.

That the so-called "Garden Huckleberry" which is actually sold
by some dealers is nothing more thtui a large fruited variety of Black
Nightshade? To classify it as an edible aiid palatable fruit is probably
an undeserved compliment. J, R. Kepler of Ilevr Hampshire says thoy might
make a good pie if enough lemon were added, but as far as he is concerned
he'd rather have his lemon pie straight.

That the frozen food industry is doing a thriving business v/ith
wild blackberries in Tennessee? Through the efforts of the Extension
Service in setting up collection routes, wild blackberries were harvested
in 25 counties last season, resulting in earnings of more than half a
million dollars for the pickers.

That one dollar invested in lime and fertilizers for top
dressing hayland may return two or three dollars in mulch materials? In
mruiy cases, treatment of a meadow outside the orchard will pay bigger
dividends by providing a nearby source of mulch that if the fertilizers
■were used in the orchard itself, Yjliat's good for a vjom out pasture is
also good for a worn out hayfield. In Pennsylvania, almost three dollars
worth of milk was 'Obtained for each dollar spent in improving an old
pasture. Throe dollars worth of apples are probably obtainable by a
similar procedure.

That ainmonium sulfamate appears to bo onr; of the most effective
weed killers for combatting poison ivy? In tests conducted in the
University Orchard, this material comraonly knw;n as Amiriate, did a better
job than several other chemicals, including 'I, 4-D. V'.'here sprayed
around young peach trees, hov;ever, to kill the grass and weeds, it also
killed the peach trees.

That the Boston Flov/er Shov/ brought requests for horticultural
information from more than 5,000 individuals? In response to cards
signed by visitors, a total of 23,559 publications ivas mailed out. >

That certain insects may be noro numerous on plants v/hich are
in a good state of nutrition? Vrork conducted on citrus trees in Florida
shov; tliat where fertilizers v/ero applied in combinations to give the best
gro-irth and yield, the infestations of certain insect pests ;-.-ere also lauch in-
oroGsod, TPoe,$ laokicg proper fort iiitht ion proscntod less of a control
probioi5 arEd pa"<Jidbio«cl 1«S3 fruit.

That approximately 266 acres of straxvb^rries are being harvested
in the Falmouth area this soo.son? A probable drop to 229 acres is indicated
for next year. In some of the pre-war years the acreage v.'as up around 600,

That a yield of apples amounting to 500 bushels p';r acre per
year is being harvested in a few orchards in tiio Northeast? An Illinois
authority says, "T/Te should be thinking in terms of a minimum of 500 bushels
per acre. Too many growers in Illinois are consistently getting this
production for us not to recognize it as a possible goal," In cortain far
Western areas, the average yield is around 700 bushels per acre per year,
and yields seldom vary more than 10)o from year to year.

That the largest soil conservation program evjr undertaken by
private industry is found in the pineapple plantations of Haxvaii? By 1939,
it v;as discovered that most of the pineapple lands had lost from one-fourth
to three-fourths of the topsoil. After heavy rains the blue ocean ■v.'aters
around the island v/ere stained red x.'ith soil for miles out. In 1944,
over 6,000 acres were terraced and contour planted, IVith the completion
of the 1947 planting, nearly all of the 27,000 acres of a particular
company will bo on the contour.

That farmers in the U, S. used moi-e coniinorcial fertilizer in
1946 than in any previous year? Increasing for the eighth consecutive
year, fertilizer consumption approximated 14,900,000 tons. The increase
ovsr 1945 vms about 13^,

That the ov.-ners of coke ovens near St, Denis, Fr:aice wore
pioneers in the reclaiming of taiimonia as a by-product in the manufacture
of coke? The first retorts v.'ere built in 1858 cjid the ammonia gas run
through sulfuric acid to obtain the nitrogen-rich crystals of ammonium
sulfate. About 21 pounds of ammonium sulfate are obtained from one ton of
coal.

That the pressure loss duo to friction in a spraj^ hose of small
diameter may amount to several hundred pounds p^r square inch? Yihon 5 gals,
per miri, are delivered through a 50- ft, length of s/s in. hose the loss is
90 lbs. Delivery of 10 gals, per min, (if that wore possible) v;ould meeai
a Iocs of 325 lbs. The same delivery thr'~ugh 50 ft, of rj in. hose results
in losses of 18 and 66 lbs. respectively. Strangely enough, v.^aen 20 gals.
flow through the stjno length of 3/4 in. hose, the loss is only 40 lbs.

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That the deliv'--ry of spray material throuj^h a spray nozzle
with disc opening 4/64 in, in diameter is xaore thaji doubled as the pressure
is incr'sasod from 200 to 800 lbs. Gallons por min. amount to 1,2 ejid 2,6,
respectively. At 500 lbs, the delivery is 1,9, v.'hereas a sli£;,htly larger
disc opening (6/64 in.) actually delivers at that pressure, twice as much,
or 3,8 gals, por min.

That the amount of russet ing and poor finish on apples is in-
fluenced by the spray material :md by the w-,ather, or a combination of
both? Exp-vriiiients in llicliigan show that Bordeaux llixture and other copper
materials produced fruit v;ith poorer finish than where various forms of
sulfur vrere used. Varieties vi-ivc found to vary in th^^ir susceptibility
to spray injury, Mcintosh shaving more copper russeting than Delicious.
In Massachusetts, Formate has proven better than sulfur on Delicious from
a finish standpoint.

That the worst insect pest of quinces in Ilassachusetts is probably
the Oriental fruit moth? DDT in the First Cover and in throe later sprays
at 3-vAoek intervals is recommended. Other posts of quinces include quince
curculio, codling moth, quince rust, black rot, bitter rot, leaf blight
and Brooks' spot. Now that two highly proir.ising materials, DDT and Fermate,
are available, quince post control is on a jnuch firmer basis.

DO STRAV.^ERKI ES RUN OUT ?

On a recent trip to Cape Cod, Comity Ai^ent Tomlinson called my
attention to a more or less general opinion aiiiong the Falmouth growers
that strawberries maintained on the saine farm for several yjars are inclined
to "run out", showing a gradual decline in plant vigor, plant size, and
yield. On the other hand, ho pointed out hca-; vigorous and productive
plants appeared to remain vhcn grovm year after year for plant production
on the County Farm under a heavy fertilization program.

Farms v,'';re visited wherei there \":as evidence that County farm-
grovm plants produced much more vigorous beds than plants grown by local
grov/ors or plants shipped in from south'. rn nurseries.

The follov.-ing article v\ras Vifritten by R. J. Haskell, Federal
Extension Pathologist at i;Vashington, D. C. follov/ing an inspection of
the U.3.D.A. strav«'bcrrv trial plots at Boltsvillc, Maryland. It indicates
the possibility that obscure virus diseases may bo concerned iu a so-called
"running out" of strawberry varieties,

"V/hy do strawberries 'r\.m out'?" Vihy is it that plants of many
eastern varieties from some sources do not do well — are stunted and die?
l'*hy does Catskill, for instance, from one source, do so much better than
Catskill from some other source? Mr, Domaroo is beginning to find the
answer to some of these questions. By grafting eastern varieties from
many different sources on to the western variety Marshall, v/hioh shows
leaf symptoms of yellows or crimps i/ell, he is able to prove that many of

-7-

cur eastern varieties arc really carrying a latent virus dis£;ase, virhich,
except for dwarfing in varying degrees, may show no other leaf symptoms,

"Ti'/hat does this mean? Does it mean that we v/ill have to pay mors
attention to virus-free plants? Does it moan that some Btatos are better
adapted for producing healthy plants than others? Does it mean that i.'e
may have to consider controlling on insect vector? Does it m.ean that indexing
and certification of strav/berry plants will have to assume a more important
role? \'te think it does,"

0. C. Boyd

DISEASE FIGS PLAIITS IN MASSACHUSETTS

A plan to establish disease-free standards on Massachusetts
grown berry plants was announced today (May 28) by Agriculture Commissioner
Frederick E, Cole, Under this plan grades and standards vdll be established
based on inspection of nurseries or farms where berry plants are grovm.
Owners of disease-free plantations will be authorized to label thoir
products shovdng that they had been officially inspected and certified.

It is tentatively planned to have this certification appear on
a blue tag, and the certified nurseries or farms would be known as grov;ors
of Blue Tag plants. The tag will be available for use on strawberries,
raspberries, blueberries and other berries and small fruits as the need
develops.

The purpose of this certification is to stimulate the growing
of disease-free stock in Massachusetts, aiad at the same time to encourage
the planting by Massachusetts fruit producers of certified plants which
have been groi'm vrithin the Commonwoaltli,

Public hearings will be scheduled during the early saiimer, at
which plant growers v.'ill be given the opportunity of discussing the standards
that will be established and of acquainting themselves with the details
of the plan.

VfflERE DOES BROV'IT ROT COIvLS FROM? (This intorosting statement is borrowed
from the May is"3ue~f"king Apple and Queen pGach-Illinois) .

D^vight PcTv.-ell, pathologist of the Department of Horticulture,
ansv/ers an important question which will help us to better und-irstand
brovm rot and help growers to combat the disease more intelligently,

"This qu-3ation has been asked many times by growers interested
in brov.n rot control on peaches. Each spring during bloom it is possible
to find mummies on the ground with a cup-like structure called the apothecium,
which ic the perfect stage of the brov.Ti rot fungus, V/ith a small amount of
stimulation, a cloud of spores will arise from these apothecia. These

-8-

spores float or are carried by air currents to the blossoms of the peach,
producing blossora blight. Close observation shows that this infection
extends from the blossom into the tivig. Closer observation shov:s iTinuto
tufts of conidia (sumi.ier spores) on the surfaces of the blossom andiy/ig.
These spores may infect more blossoms. Each time it rains or becomes
humid for any leni;;th of time (about four hours) a n'-:v: crop of conidia
is produced on the surface of these cankers. At first infection is
evidenced by the blighting of the blossom. The second syriipton vdiich
appears about shuck fall is tv^ig dieback, VjT'ierever a blossom has blighted,
the tv.'ig infection or canker girdles the tv/ig and starves everything be-
yond the canker. Blighted tvvigs are evident in orchards nov/-, V.'ith
severe infestations of curculio, it r;ill be -difficult to control conidial
infection on the young peaches. To reduce brov«ii rot in the peach orchard,
it is going to be necessary to control blossom blight. Orchards in v.hich
twig dieback occurs contain the necessary inoculum for severe preharvest
brovai rot infection. Frequent use of fungicides through the sunra'jr is
therefore suggested,"

CONTROL OF THE PEACh TRIJE BORETi V.ITIi DDT . (From Storrs Horticultural Notes
by' phiTip Carman"JI

According to work done in Connecticut and N'jvv Jersey, there
is considerable promise in control of poach tr-^^e borers vdth DDT, Unlike
treatments fonnerly recoimended (paradichlorobenzene or ethylene di-
chloride) DDT must bo applied when the moths are flying and depositing
eggs, June and July and possibly August, in Connecticut, According
to experiments by Mr* Y/allaco of the Connecticut Station, only one
application made on June 23 gave excellent control in nurs';ry stock.
The material v;as applied as an emulsion in Velsicol, a mixture of mono
and dim^jth.yl naphthalenes. Concentrations varied from 3/4 poiond to 3
pounds actual DDT in 100 gallons, but controls were best at l--g- and
3 pounds. Apparently 5/4 pound per 100 v:as not enough under the condi-
tions of his tests. The mixture used by Mr, Yfallace should be kept off
the foliage particularly in hot (30 degrees F.) weather as should most
comi.iercial DDT emulsions.

In Kev; Jersey, Dr. Driggers of the New Jersey Experiment
Station reports control of the peach tree borer with one spray applied
to control Japanese beetles aiid the Oriental f ruit moth. His obs-.rva-
tions also include results from tv;o sprays. The figures given shovv a
difference of .4 borersper tree from one spray to ,05 borers por tree
from two sprays and 2,20 borers per tree from no spray. This moanR
five times as many bor?^rs in check trees as in those receiving one spray
and 45 times us msavj borors in check trees as in those receiving two
sprays,

DDT acts by killing the moths and presumably the young larvae
before entering the trunk, Hoths are on the wing in the state beginning
in late June and continuing through July and into August, Mr. v.'allace's
experiment v;as designed primarily to kill young larvae and his cmuision
probably was effective for two to three months. The wettable DDTs are

-s-

knovai to last a lauch shorti^r time so the increased benefit in Dr. Brirger's
tests from more than one application becomes understandable. The whole
subject of peach boror control vdth DDT is so nev,r that it V;Ould be unwise
to appear too optimistic at this time, but the possibility of controlling
Japanese beetles. Oriental fruit moths and peach tree borers v/ith on^j or
t^■^'o treatments is particularly inviting eaid well worth a trial by those
planning to use DDT during the coming season,

Su;;,gestions, V«hcn using DKP foi- Oriental fruit paoth or
Japanese beetle make special effi'^rts to cover the trunk at t?te base, and
the groimd immediately surrounding it. For those desiring control of
the peach borer alone, oil soluble enulsif iable concentrates are on the
market and should be diluted to not less than the minimwn figures determined
by Mr, Wallace l--g- to 3 pounds actual DDT per 100 gallons. Apply only
to the trunk find ground surrounding tho base - not to foliago, Wettables
used for tree sprays are comnonly bO% DDT and should be diluted 2 to 3
pounds to loo gallons, Vs'-j have no airect informo.tion as yot on the
effectiveness of sulfur-DDT dusts for peach boror control.

"Goo" - In the recently published "Autobiography of
V/nTiaJii Allen Y^ite"' there appears on the first page the
following; "And for porh;"ps two y.-sars, so far as my
memory tells m^-j, I v/as unconscious,,,.. My memory tells
me that I ■vvaked up when I was nearly two years old, I

was in my father's arms My father, with his pocket

knife, v/as scraping an apple into pulp and feeding it
to me on the point of his laiife and I was gurgling in

delight This no one told me, I remftmber it,"

This is interesting for two reasons; first, that as
long ago as 1870 scrapud raw o.pplo v/as rocognized as
good baby food, and second, that Mr, 'slhito's first re-
collection was >f eating apple, V^iile the use of a
pocket knife as a baby spoon miglxt bo questionod, the
feeding of scraped raw apple to babies when they are
old en')Ugh to tal;:e solid food moets with universal
approval,

J. S. Bailey

No June FRUIT NOTES — Lack of clerical help and a heavy field schedule
have prevented preparation of Fruit N'">te3 during June'. The August
issut will carry lui article of special interest by \,, G. olby of the
Agronomy Department,

F & H Week FRUIT Meeting, Featuring Spraying Equipment
U of M, AmJierst, Mass,, July 31.

-10-

This Hurry Up A^^e - A few vvfjeks ago a good grovrer in the tovm of Sheffield
telephoned to make an appointment bo talk over an important move in his
fruit business, Vihen he arrived, about 15 minutes late, this was his
explatiation, - "I wanted to finish putting on my Calyx spray this morning
and when the last load v/as out around noon, I hustled dov.m to Canaan, Conn,,
where a friend of :aine has an airplane. He brouf,ht me to Northampton,
where I grabbed a taxi, and here I am." The writer felt quite puffed
up to learn that a mere date seemed to justify so much fuss and bothor.
But, mind you, the visitor finished his "home v.ork" first.

A liew Orchard on a Bett^jr Soil Tyi>e. — About 12
yeaTs" agOj^Thile- 'stuayin^ a "Soils" Map with a
grower in the Ilashoba area, thf> writer noticod
that there vras a field belonging to a neighbor,
immediately adjacent to the grov;er'3 orchard, of
ai: even better soil type than that on Ljuich his
present orchard is pla-uted, A remark was made
that here i.'oxild be a good dir'^ctiun in v.hich to
expand his ore', ard. Last v.'eek this grower an-
nounced vdth real satisfaction, "After negoti-
ating for 12 j/ears, I've finally succeeded in
buying that 11-acre field just above my orchard".

CONSERVATION AND LAiro Sff-RO'/EIiSI-JT TOURS - "Western districts, July 22j
Central (YiTorcester County) districts, July 25; Eastern districts, July
24, (For further information see one of your district supervisors or
your county agent,) A. B. Beaumont

At least two out-of-state groups of gro\';ers will
visit Massachusetts orchards this summer, —
Vermont, August 11 aiid 12; Rhode Island, (date to
be announced).

A nev; Leaflet, "iK'.arf Fruit Trees for the Homo Garden" has been pre-
pared by J, K. Shaw aiid will go to press soon.

August 29, 1947

Prepared by the Fruit Program Committee of the Extension Service

W, H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Contents

Soils and Soil Plant Relationships
Here's An Idea
Farm Safety, A Family Affair
Premature Coloring of Early Mcintosh
The Dv/arf Apple Tree Situation

SOILS Airo SOIL-PLAITT RELATIONSHIPS

",,,. if the fundamental principles of the soil are understood, you
• •• vrill find their applications to practics," This short quotation from
G. Vf, Robinson's little book, "Liother Earth - Letters on Soil", explains why
a discussion such as this appears in a publication such as "Fruit Notes",

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherai;ce of Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, V'illard A. Uunson, Director, University of Massachusetts, United States
Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.

-2-

It is the writer's firm conviction that the more we as growers of plants
learn about soils and soil-plant relationships, the more interesting and
fascinating (and perhaps profitable) this business of grov/ing plants
becomes. It's somethiiig like playing a gaine of bridge - one doesn't enjoy
the game until he begins to understand something of the rules and principles
which are involved. The v;riter doesn't pretend to know a great deal about
growing plants - or playing bridge either, for that matter, but he has
learned enough to enjoy both and he finds that the more he learns about
each form of activity, the more interesting and pleasuresome each becomes,

Rolo of the Soil in Crop Production .

The soil serves tv/o important functions in the growth of most
crop plants; first, it provides mechanical support and second, it serves
as a resei'voir for certain essential plant nutrient elements. The maa'iner
in which the soil serves as ci reservoir and a supplier of essential
nutrient elements has been the object of intense study for the past 25
years, 7Jhile different soils vary tremendously in their capacity for
storing and supplying nutrient elements to grov/ing plants, the mechanism,
by which this is acccrmplished is similar for all soils, at least so far as
the fundai'nental principles are concerned.

Until conparatively recently it Viras generally thought that
nutrient elements must be in some soluble form before they could be taken
up by plants. For years, the "soil solution" was considered to be the
important part of the soil as plant nutrition was concerned. No one v/as
able to either separate the "soil solution" from the soil or to duplicate
it artificially. Yet it was generally felt that the difficulty was one
of faulty technique rather than one of interpretation, Y/hile v;ater is
essential for plant grovrth, it is nov; generally agreed that the movement
of v/ater into plants tekes place independently of the uptake of plant
nutrition.

Evidence accumulated which pointed to the colloidal fraction
of the soil as the important soil component in plant nutrition. The
finely divided particles of clay and organic matter, the material that
remains in suspension, giving a cloudy appearance when a soil is shaken
in ws.ter is the seat of greatest activity. Here is where important trans-
fers took place betv/een plaaits, roots and the soil.

The Mechanism o f Base Exchange or How Plants Feed .

17e now- have convincing evidence which shov:s that plants can take
up nutrient elements through the small rootlets or root hairs at the points
of contact betv/een these root hairs and small colloidal particles of clay
and humus. These colloidal particles arc charged electrically and carry a
negative charge. Since they are negatively charged, they have an affinity
for positively charged elements such as hydrogen, calcium, magnesium,
potassium, nitrogen in the ammonium form and others, A single clay or
humus particle may have scvereJ of these different elements "attached" to
its surface. There might be several calcium ions, several hydrogen ions,
a fev; magnesium and potassium ions and perhaps a boron ion, all present
on a single colloidal particle, ''Knen a plant root hair comes in contact
v/ith such a clay or hunus particle, an "exchange" or transfer can take
place v/hereby a positive hydrogen (produced by living processes v/ithin
-che plant root) from the root hair can be exchanged for a positive

-3-

calcium or riasne^ium or potassiuia ion held on the surface of the soil
particle. As the plant continuss to si'C^'^i "the reserve of these nutrient
elementtj held by the soil colloids is (gradually depleted tuid their place
is tai'en by hydrofjen.

As hydrogen is "exchanged" for various essential nutrient
eleirip;nts, the qucntity of hydrogen lield by the clay and hunus colloidal
material tends to increase. This in turn increases the nUi-nber of free
hydrogen ions in solution. Since it is the free hydroj^en ions in
solution which determine the degree of soil acidity, ;;oilE tend to becoae
more acid in reaction as successive crops are roiuoved.

Soil Acidity and plant Grovrth.

One of the i^nportant thinir.s to note here is th-j exceedingly
vital and useful role ^fhiob the hydrogen ion plays in the mechanisin of
plaiit nutrition, 7/e have tended to look upon the presence of liydrogen
in the soil solution v/ith disfavor and to consider that the soil acidity
was somethinj^ which should be corrected. It now appears that a little soil
acidity is a o^<^^ thiniW and that to a certain extent at least, it is not
so much the acidity of acid soils but the lack of essential nutrient
elements such as caloiuia, nagnesiuiti, potassium and others which is respon-
sible for poor plant grov^-th, 1/Vhen the ressrve supply of these essential . ••• ■-
elements in the soil is replenished through liming and fertilizing operations,
normal crop grov:th results.

Liming alone '■.•'ould correct acidity and supply calcium and
magnesium if dolomite is used but it would not correct deficiencies of
other essential nutrient elements. In other v/ords, "Lime alone without
mcaiure makes the farm and fanaer poor,"

W, C-, Colby

Plat 7 HooV

'{
i

ioy

-i-.

(.Co Ic tie)
I

V^V^-_!^-0*

■(^^

^, <.'Ci\.ii-.

*-'■ • '"t M ci »;.«(« I ;

Nutrients, like calcium, move from the mineral to the colloidal clay and

h'omus, a;:d from there to the plant roots (right to left), Hj^drOj^en, or

acidity, traded by the root for nutrients, goes in the opposite direction

to break dovm the mineral crystals like limestone and to put the calcium

nutrisnt into availability for the plant.

by William A, Alt^recht

Departvaent of Soils, University of Missouri

-4-

HERE'S M IDEA

A very successful grower of strawberries in Bristol County has
adopted a rather unusual system of spacing,. He likes it so Yrell that vire
pass it along for the consideration of other groovers. In brief, the
system involves filling in ?/ith properly spaced runner plants the spaces
between alternate pairs of rows and leaving blank the spaces between the
remaining rows. The plants are set 30 x 45 inches. This permits
cultivation both ways until the spaced runner plants interfere. Vilien
spacing is completed, the plants will stand 9 x 10 inches apart, each
mother plant being allowed to develop 4 runners, one of vriiich will have
3 runner plants and 3 will have 2 runner plants each. The working space
between ravis is 30 inches although plant growth is so heavy it seems
somewhat less.

. < • r 30"i- • X 30" y

£!

45"

Space

between

rov^s

V
A

■Q

■'

45"

4'5"

45"

= mother plant

FARIvi SAFETY , A F AtHLY Ar£AIR

The recent observance of National Farm Safety Week has shown
farmers the importance of year round safety. Since the farmer is usually
his ovm boss and employs only a few men, he can make the decision that means
the difference between sa.fety and sorrov./ on his farm and in his home. But
his decision v/ill bring more results if backed up by common action on the
part of each member of the family.

Farm safety is particularly a family affair because unlike the
urban dweller, the faiiiily is closely associated vj-ith the actual operations
of farming.

-5-

Common sense tells us, for example, that children have no more
right to be near or on a piece of operating farm machinery thsui city
children have to be around a punch press or a moving locomotive; they have
no more business driving a tractor than city children have behind the v;heel
of a 100 horse-po\«;er passenger automobile.

All members of a farm family need to knavi the danger spots on
their farm— and these spots need to be m.ade as safe as hur^anly possible.
The National Safety Council estimates that one out of every 10 farmers will
suffer a disabling injury, either on or off the job in 1947, unless extra
precautions are taken.

One out of every 350 farm families will suffer the pain and
sorrow which accompany accidental deaths in 1947 unless extra precautions
are taken. Four farm buildings will be destroyed by fire every hour during
1947 unless extra precautions are taken.

The family should learn three things:

1. ?jhat hazards menace their lives at home, at v/ork and on the
highv/ay.

2. YJhat each member of the family can do to eliminate as many of
these hazards as possible.

3. That carelessness on the part of any member of the family
perils the lives and happiness of all.

As President Truman says: "Caution and intelligent effort on the
part of every farm family in the land will lessen the suffering and economic
loss caused by accidents,"

G, Van Horn

PREicIATURE COLORING C^ EARLY MC INTOSIi

During July of this year, as in 1946, the premature reddening of
Early Mcintosh apples in certain heavily loaded orchards attracted
considerable attention. This condition seems to be associated v/ith hot,
dry v/eather in early July and with an excessively heavy load of fruit.
There is reason to believe that this variety is particularly susceptible
since other varieties growing alongside show no early coloration,

A complete solution of this problem viill await further study.
The contention of one individual that a particular spray was responsible
has not been substantiated. The possibility of boron deficiency is being
investigated, and if a shortaj^o of that element is found, it v/ill give
further support to the opiiiion that the problem is associated v/ith the Virater
supply in the individual fruits. It is a well knovvn fact that boron
deficiency shovv^s up in years v/hen drought occurs o/b a critical season.

In July 1946 Fruit Notes this observation was reported. Trees
showing many small, red apples also showed enough green apples for e. normal
crop and the latter apples had a somewhat higher average seed count than the
red ones. If "all of the apples showing premature coloring had been removed

-6-

in late June along with enough of the green apples to brin§, about an average
spacing of 6 or 7 inches it is just possible that the problem v;ould largely
disappear, Grov»ers vHclo practice early and heavy thinning have reported
no difficulty.

THE DYfARF APPLE TREE SITUATION

English horticulturists have performed a real service in bringing
order out of chaos as regards dwarfing stocks. They assembled and made a
thorough study of such stocks from all over the world including French
Doucin, English Paradise and many others and then assigned the so-called
"Mailing" numbers ranging from I to XVI. Each of these numbers refers to
a stock which exerts a definite dwarfing tendency. Thus ivialling IX has come to
mean a tree of a certain size. It might taerefore be ass'umed that a grov/er
could order and obtain a tree budded on a particular Mailing ptock instead
of a mere "dv/arf tree", the common designation in years past.

The public was quick to grasp the significance of the English
classification and, thanks to much favorable publicity, ordered more trees
than the nurseries were able to furnish. Prices mounted, and certain
nurseries redoubled their efforts to supply the demand. They established
stock beds involving several of the Mailing numbers. But unfortunately,
some of the nurserymen have mixed up their Mailing stocks, a2id v;hile minor
differences are apparent to a careful observer, separation and identifi-
cation are difficult reminding us of the work which the Exiglish horticul-
turists did so painstakingly, years ago. Thus a program which should simpli-
fy a complex situation is showing signs of confusion. Ultimately the
nurseryman may limit himself to one or tvio dvrarfing stocks. At present,
there is at least a possibility, as in telephoning of "getting the wrong
number".

The Fabulous Benton Plarbor Market, Sales of products on this famous
Michigan market reached an all' time high in 1946, the total amounting to
19,361,540,29 according to the State Market News Service, Peaches v/ere
the biggest item, 1,445,339 bushels with a value of ^3,150,839, Apples
Vv'ere second with 791,307 bushels which averaged ^2,06 per bushel. Next
came strav;berries with 136,263 crates averaging !i|.7,14 per crate, and
grapes had a total value of ^'765, 103,

Yii^anted, A good, bearing apple orchard of 15 to 20 acres not more than
25 years old; buildings of less importance than soil, site and varieties.

The Red Apple Club , Although the v<friter is at present in Shenandoah, Iowa,
on a nursery inspection trip, plans are being made for a careful inspection
during September of each block submitted in connection vdth membership in
the Rod Apple Club, The total number of applications is not large in view
of the high standards as regards yield, grade and freedom from blemishes.
Each application will be carefully considered on the basis of an official
sample and the total yield. If no more than ten individuals qualify for
membership this first year, bearing in mind the many haze>rds of the current
growing season, the record v/ill be a gratifying one,

miT/mag/8/26/47

Octobor 20, 1947

Prepared by the Fruit Fro{i;ra!:i Coranittcc of the Extension Service
u, H, Thics, Dxtcnsion Korticulturist

Contents

\Tny The Late Coloring Hclntosh?

Some Harvest Season Observations

Those Abnormal Leaves

Ma{jncsiu!ii Deficiency, A Major Problen

A Note on Pollination

To Prop Or Not To Prop

Suggestions On The Control of Ilico in Orchards

IJotcs on Rat Control

WHY TlIE LATE COLORING MCII^ITOSH?

In an average season, Septoinber 15 to 25 marks the height of the
I'&Intosh apple harvest, with picking getting under way arouiid September 12,
This season very few were picked before September 15 and in nany orchards
even then the tinge of color was not typical of the variety, while a large
percentage of the crop was still green, Wealthies, normally picked around
September 10, v/ere still on the trees ten days later because so many of
them were as green as the pastures of Ven.iont, A review of v.-eather condi-
tions may help to explain this lack of color.

Bloom cajne a v;eek or ten do.ys latQr than usual. This v/ould tend
to delay harvest since' a fairly definite nuLiber of days must elapse between
pollination aiad mat -ritj' of fruit. As the S'jnmer progressed, the exposed

Issued by the Sxtension Sorvice in furtherance of ilcts of Hay 8 and June
30, X914, Willard A. Munson, Director, University of I'lassachusetts, United
States Department of Ag.ri culture and County Extension Services cooperating.

-2-

side of the apple seemed reluctani: to take on riore than a tinge of color.
Much of August and the first three v:eeks of September wore muggy, Groi-rth of
the fruit continued but nothing had happened to initiate the process of color
development, as for example cold nights ivhich are often follov/ed by clear
days. Not -ontil the first frost around September 21 or 22 did coloring proceed
rapidly.

The writer v/as in a high elevation orchard on September 26 and the
Mcintosh harvest was just getting under T:ay, It continued until about October
8, In this orchard the apples v/ith partial exposure to light v;ere still too
green to pick v.hile the type of color on those on the outside vrould be greatly
improved by another week of good coloring weather. Incidentally, the frviit
was sticking on tenaciously even though no hormone had- been applied. There
had been practically no drop up to September 26,

Ultraviolet light is apparently an important factor in color develop-
ment. Less of this portion of the sun's energy reaches the earth -.;hen the
atmosph'jre lacks the clearness of a frosty morning. The notion still persists
that cold nights bring out the red color in apples. The cold nights tend to
sot the stage, and the clear days provide the magic touch which transforms
into a brilliant red pigment, a material manufactured by the loaves.

GOT'B HMVB3T SEASON OBSERVATIONS

Almost everything vio do in the orchard during tlie year has as its
objective the production of a large crop of high grade fruit, 'Te prune, spray,
thin, fertilize, etc., in order that each tree may j'ield its full share of
well colored, unblemished fruit. In the rush of the harvest season, -,.'hen
comiting bushels and supervising inexperienced help seems of utmost importance,
we are likely to miss out on an opportunity to size up the results of our
efforts. A day spent in looking around irhile the fruit is ctill on the trees
may pay big dividends.

If we look at a bearing tree at all critically, we notice at once
a difference in color of the fruit on different branches, and we take as a
matter of course the green fruit on the inside of the tree, assuming that
little can be done about it. But many trees have more than their share of
limbs which never receive the direct rays of the sun. Pruning to remove these
handicapped limbs can be done much more effectively if wo first observe where
tl;3 poorly colored apples are produced,

Linbs v/hich hang do\m. in the grass are obviously in the vinwanted
class. The same is true of those parts of limbs which are drooping, heavily
shaded, or submerged and as a result produce fcv; Fancj/ apples. At pruning
time we may well concern ourselves with the removal of these unprofito.ble
limbs and parts of limbs, instead of cutting off enough of the over-topping
limbs to let the sunlif^ht in. The linbs with foliago no\r exposed are almost
certain to bo younger than the shaded limbs and are therefore in bettor
position to produce Fane.'- fruit.

-3-

Another observation worth naJcing at hairvest tine has to do v/ith
the location of insect and disease blemished apples. If the topnost llTibs
shoT/ noro scab than other limbs and if the outside rov/ of trees sho".:s more
curculio than trees in the center of the orchard such observations point
the -.."ay tovrard orchard improvement along these lines - (l) lowering the
tops of trees \7hich cannot be reached v;ith spray naterial, (2) eliminating
barriers along the edge of the orchard to permit sprajring each tree from all
sides, and (3) paying special attention during the spraying season to those
parts of trees which at the present time shov; more blemished apples.

But our observations ought not to end i;ith a comparison of color
and pest blemishes. Is the average size of the fruits of all varieties as
largo as it should be? Are many two-inch apples in evidence on heavily loaded,
biennial bearing trees? If so, when thinning time comes around next June
(after the? June drop is over) it may be a good investment to thin heavily,
and thin early.

How about the color of leaves? Are the leaves on some trees dark
green Avhile other are yellowish? If so, maybe v/e can case up on the amount
of nitrogen on certain trees and give more to others. The nitrogen supply
is reflected in leaf color as vrell as size and color of fruit. The practice
of giving so many pounds of nitrate of soda to each tree needs to be modi-
fied in accordance with the present vigor of the tree. Some trees can use a
double amount to a good advantage vdiile others may need little or none at
all.

One other observation seems to be in order, Kany orchards show
characteristic symptoms of magnesiuiTi deficiency. Others show marginal burning
while still others shov/ v.'hat appears to be a combino.tion of spray injury
and malnutrition, A tree with an ample supply of all needed mineral elements
is apparently more resistant to spray injury than a tree v;hich lacks one or
more of these essential elements. The writer has in mind one young orchard
which was planted immediately after the removal of old trees. The soil was
apparently depleted of certain elements needed for tree grovrbh and as a
result these young trees show rather heavy defoliation, A thorough going
soil improvement program, including a liberal application of high magnesium
lime ojid of a complete fertilizer or of manure, will be necessary if those
young trees arc to get off to a proper start. It is false econoirry to allov/
young trees to loaf along on a starvation diet. There are too many 10-year
old apple trees in JIassachusetts today v;hich are no larger than well grorm
5-year-old trees, A critical look at individual trees before the leaves-
fall, rdll provide the basis for better soil management and a better spray
program in 1948,

No Scptoribcr FRUIT NOTES — Partly because of extended field trips in con-
nection vj-ith the Red Applo Club, no issue of Fruit Notes v/as prepared during
September. (Maybe no one noticed the omission).

-4'-

THOSB ABNORJ'IAI. LSjWrSS

Apples, Nimerous snmples of tipple leaves have been mailed to the
University this' fall witli the question "Waj the brovmish areas?" The aiiswer
is not necessarily the sanio in each case, since the brooming doesn't always
follow tlie same pattern. Some loaves show mainlj'' burned out scab spots
Vv'ith tlio brovmish area extending a quarter of an inch or more beyond the edges
of the spot* Hero it is evident that \vhatever spray material v;as used, it
was caustic enough to eliminate the spot and a little of the normal loaf
tissue for good measure. Under the right weather conditions (probably hot,
muggy weather) a wettable sulfur plus lead arsenate might be rosponsiblo.
And if lime sulfur ivero used, marginal burning as "vgII might result. Scab
infections at frequent intervals in spring and early summer, have set the
stage for a considerable amo^ont of burning from subsequent sprays.

But spraying doesn't account for all of the abnormal leaves. The
nutritional sot up of the tree soem.s to be another important factor. It is
a matter of common observation that a?i impoverished tree is much more subject
to spray burn than a vigorous tree. The latter is able to withstaxid almost
any spray program within reason, while a slight lack of balance or a deficiecy
of an essential element such as magnesium, nay m.anifest itself in off color
foliage if not actual scorched areas. Very characteristic magnesium do-
ficioncy symptoms ( a ;/ellcwing or broiming of the leaf tissue between the
veins) is apparent in some orchards this fall»

The practice of setting young trees on an area v.here an old orchard
has been removed, ivithout first replenishing all essential mineral, elcm.onts
through the use of high magnesium lime, manure, complete fertilizers, cover
crops, etc., may bring to light real deficiencies in 5''0ung trees, if not
actual defoliation. Old apple trees do not necessarily exert a toxic effect
on the next planting altiiough they may remove certain available mineral
elements so ocizpletuly as to place tho young tree on sljort rations.

Peaches . Within the past fev/ woeks the writer was as]s':ed to examine
two peach orchards in which some of the trees show abnormal leaves. In
both cases the diagnosis v;as arsenical burning of tho tvigs. One of those
orchards has boon dusted with load arsenate several tines and v;as practically
defoliated. The other was adjacent to an apple orchard and some of the
nearby peach trees had received too much drift from the o.pplc treos.

Arsenical bu>-ning of peach twigs nay be easily recc-nizGd by tho
broijnish color of tho bark, cracking of the bark wlierc the injury is severe,
gur:My masses here and there and early defoliation, "'Hiere only a slight
ano-i.mt of injury occurs the leaves may hang on fairly v/oll although they
may appear yellcrvvish and some of then may suggest certain virus diseases,
such as X-Disease, These two ailuonts should not be confused however, since
the latter is characterized by a yollovash appoaraiaco in irregular areas
of the leaves, tliosc areas later turning brown and dropping ai/ay, leaving a
ragged or lacy appearance. As in arsenical injury the older leaves tend
to drop first.

-5-

Since X-Disoasc seems always to bo associated with diseased choko
cherries, it is un-.;ise to plant a peach orchard anj'T/here near these alternate
host plants. And i/henevor diseased trees shov; up in the orchard it is v/ell
to ro2Tionbcr 'that X-Diseaso is incurable and that the fruit is certain to be
bitter • and lonsalablc. In a poach orcliard as in ojiy other kind of an orchard,
diaf^noBis is of utmost inportance, for only than can proper stops be taken
to insure healthy, hi^h producing trees.

MGIJESimi DEFICIEi^JCr , A MJOR PROBLEM

Many of cur soil t;.'pcs alonp- the Atlojitic seaboard are notoriously
low in the olcnent rnagnosiun. Crop removal, erosion and leaching tend to
deplete the already liirdted supply of this highly essential elonont. It is
well to bea.r in rdnd that maj_;nasiun enters into the composition of chloro-
phyll, the green coloring matter in plants, TJithout an ample supply of mag-
nesium, no green plant, that is no plant dependent upon the products of
photosynthesis, can function normally. Distinct sj^'mptoms of nagnesiuia do-
ficioncy have bocn observed in the follo'ving fruits in Massachusetts, -
apples, poaches, grapes and raspberries. The most coinmon syiaptoms are a
yellov.dng or brov.-ning of certain parts of the leaf blade between tho veins.
The midrib and veins tend to remain green while other parts of the leaf take
on a yellowish or brovmish color. Early dropping of Mcintosh apples is another
symptom, of magnesium deficiency*

As much lime has probably boon applied in Massachusetts orchards
during the past 5 years as was applied during the previous 10 years. But
only a start has been made in replenishing the r.agnesiura by this means, and
in many cases the soil is still extroruoly acid as a result of repeated ■appli-
cations of svilfur over a period of years. It should bo the goal of evcs^r
orchardist to apply enough high magnesium lime to bring tho pH up to at least
5,5, This conditioning program ■'vill not only replenish the supply of m.ag-
nesium and calcium, but at the same time it will h.clp to make available other
elements including nitrogen, Tho cover crop v;ill tend to improve as this
balanced condition is restored and greater benefits will be obtained from a
comploto fertilizer application since there will be less tendency/ for mineral
elements to remain in an \;inavailable form.

Such a progrrun may be considered as a form of insurance against a
mxagnosium deficiency, 5, 10, or more years ahead. But high magnesium lime
cannot bo relied upon to provide needed magnosiujTi in the tree this year or
next. It is too slovr acting to provide nsedod roagnesiuni promptly, I'/here
deficiency symptoms exist, Epsom salts, knov.-n to tho chemist as magnesium
sulphate, is one of the recommended materials, 3ot;i high magnesium lime
and Epsom salts should be used in a vcrj^ acid- soil v;hcre there is reason to
believe that tho supply of available magnesium is at a low level, A high
magnosiijm lime will servo a verj/- useful purpose in future years while the
Epsom salts v;ill tend to supply needed magnesium within a fev: months.

-6-

A NOTS OM FOLLINATIOH

The effect of a noar-by pollcnizer on the crop of Mcintosh nay be
observed over and over again in Massachusetts orchards this fall. The light
crop in many orchards is probably due less to frosts than it is to faulty
pollination. In a season when bee flight is limited, we must mrjco it easy
for the bees to carry suitable pollen to the I.lclntosh blossoms, Farm, sunny
weather during the blossoming period may bo extremely liraited, A Mcintosh
tree next to a Red Astrachan tree stcjids a much better chance than a Mcintosh
tree in the middle of a Mcintosh orchard, Yfe would go so far as to suggest
that the ideal arrangement in a Mcintosh orchard is for every tree of that
variety to be not more than one tree distant from a good pollcnizer . In a
solid bloc!: of Mcintosh trees no better solution can be found than to graft
one prominent branch in each tree to a good pollcnizer such as Rod Astrachan
or Golden Delicious,

TO PROP OR NOT TO PROP

In years past it was not at all uncommon to see heavily loaded
apple trees generously supported by prop poles of assorted lengths, Ono tree
might have a dozen or more props tilted outviard from tho tr^jnlc to relieve the
strain on crotches in danger of splitting, i\nd in the off season, huge piles
of these poles were in evidence at points convenient for next year's uso and
for winter quarters of the codling moth, as well. Today, propping of apple
trees seems to be less coinmon. If such is the case, what may be the reason?
Right or r;rong, here's our guess:

Modern pruning methods tend to develop a tree vdth stronger frame-
work, A loader tree, '>vith its v/ide angled scaffold limbs and its absence
of v/horls, v/ill support a tremendous load of fruit mtli little or no breakage.
Limbs will curl dovaward, in a mamior reminiscent of the Norway spruce, but
tho sturdy crotches refuse to give v.'ay. If breaks do occur thoy arc usually
found where a limb has been allowed to divide into two more or less equal
parts.

In a vase-form tree, or ono of the multiple leader typo, a heavy
load of fruit may cause a third or half of the tree to split away. Or we
may find a three-way split v/ith the entire tree resting on tho ground. It is
no wonder if the owner would consider spending v.'eeks cutting prop poles, after
the complete loss of a fevif trees capable of bearing 25 bushels of apples each,

Tliis fall ono may see unpropped orchards bearing more thc>Ji 400
bushels per aero vdth only an occasional limb giving vfay. Seldom does the
broken part ai.icujat to mere tlian a tenth of the tree because tho framework
is designed for holding up heavy crops of fruit over the normal life span of
tho orchard. The situation may be suraj~arized in this way: Prop poles are
much less essential in trees of good frar.iework. They provide hibernating
quarters for codling moths. Unless properly placed, breakage nay occur in
spite of propping. Placing' props involves skilled labor and thoy tend to
intorforo v/ith harvesting. All things considered, perhaps vra should put more
emphasis on pruning and reduce our props to firewood.

-7-
SUGGESTIOKS OM THE COI'ITROL OF I.IICE III ORCHARDS

The apple harvest this year ;^ot under v/ay in nost areas later than
usual and, consequently, the hustle to canplcte harvesting will probably be
j-rcater than ever. After a busy harvest season it is natural that there be
a let-doTfli, It is unfortunate that this usually comes at the tine when the
vrork of controlling field mice in orchards occurs, Maiiy vinsuccessful results
in controlling this rodent have been caused by failure to i^i'vo proper super-
vision to this vfork, 7/orlcnen, v/ho are trust/rorthy and conscientious, nust
be selected.

Control neasures recoimacnded for field nice are based on a knowledge
of their habits and characteristics. The nere fact tho.t the mouse does not
like to come out in the open makes it necessary to place the bait in its run-
ways, if efficient control is to be ejipected. That this increases the labor
cost is unquestioned but any job worth doing is v/orth doing well. All gro\'VO.
whothor old hands or new at this business of controlling field nice, should
have on hand a copy of the leaflet "Mouse Control in Orchards", and should
read it carefully.

On field trips to orchards last fall, it was noted that several
orchardists were paring apples before applying rodonticide. This is not
necessary. Other growers had become careless and v/crc guessing at the amoimt
of poison and bait used. Such methods not only increase the cost but decrease
the offectivoness of the control method, /vn effective field mouse control
program is less expensive than a haphazard one. Two or throe trees damaged
each year in a block of trees can, in a few years, put that orchard in the
red. Let's raalce up our minds to do a thorough job of mouse control this
year!

Carl B. Henry

Shrivelli ng in Storage , Like advancing age, certain
things about fruits in storage creep up gradually and
linawares. Shrivelling of apples is an example. That
nay be prevented almost lOO,'?, even though the ripening
process may only be retarded. Shrivelling begins im-
mediately o.ftcr harvest if apples are put into dry boxes,
It proceeds rapidly if the storage air is also dry.
Wetting dorm the floor, v/alls and the boxes themselves,
frequently, is good insurance, A simple device for
measuring relative hvuaidity, such as a wet and dry
bulb thermometer, is quite essential if there is any
likelihood of apples giving up moisture to the con-
tainers and the surrounding air.

-8-

NOTSS OH RAT COI'JTROL

Efficiont rcdcnt control mothods aro based en the habits and
characteristics of the rodent to be controlled. The results obtained aro
usually in proportion to the amount of this kno\f;led{.-o that the operator
has of the particular animal and hoiv thorou[]hly ho applies it.

Questions asked of rodent control agents at farra moctinj-'S can but
lead to the belief that a far too large percentages of the people attending
these meetings knov; very little of the life habits and characteristics of
the i.iost coni-;ion farm rodents. For example, take the most danagiiig of all
the rodents, the brorm or Norway rat ^raid ask yourself these questions. If
you can ansver them, you should be able to control rats,

rjhere do rats live and breed? At v;hat a^e does a rat breed?
Tijhat is the largest opening aliovrable (round or square) to prevent rats from
entering a building? v^Jhat v/ill a rat eat? 7,'hat materials are ratproof?
Hoy; high will a rat jump? Hov7 d-^ep 'ivill a rat burrow? 'Till a rat take to
the water readily? IIov; far will a rat travel? VJhere do rats prefer to
travel? '""/hat does a rat dislike most of all?

The last question is paramount. The rat dislikes most of all to
bo exposed. Thus the elimination of debris, proper storing of merchandise
and the correct construction of buildings become of first importance. The
farms which go from year to year without a rat or mouse problem are the ones
that carry out a strict sanitation program. Doors must be fitted to the
proper clearance and v;indows and other opening rat-proofed with the correct
material. High grass, vraeds and debris should be, kept away from the ex-
terior of buildings, More education on the habits and characteristics of
rodents that drjnage farm crops and buildings could v;ell bo included in our
agricultural school progrfr-jii,

Carl B, Henry and Charles C, Scott

Poultry Manure as an Orchard Fertilizer. Just because an occasional

grower has used too much poultry manure in a bearing orchard does
not mean that this i.-.atcrial is completely ruled out as an orchard
fertilizer. Applied sparingly and broadcast over the area between
the trees, poultry manure works like magic in peppint; up a scanty
cover crop, V,hcro the trees aro impoverished a little more may be
applied as a m.eans of encouraging the development of greener leaves
which, in turn, v.dll result in apples of slightly larger size, and
more of them. The secret in getting ideal color of fruit, early
maturity, and the finish which the market demands, is to place a
definite liiTiit on the amount used, far below the overdose which
experience shows will result in a "henyard" tj-pe of apple. This
apple is inclined to bo la.to maturing, more spongy/ in texture, of
much poorer color and, in general, unattractive.

-9-

Strawberry Leaves and tg'ext Season 's Crop. There is said to be a fairly close
correlation betv.-esn 'the" nimber of vij^orous leaves on a strawberry plant in
September and the ntmber of berries the plant produces the follov/ing Jime*
This explains the disappointing yields of late formed runner plants and the
bumper yields of veil spaced plants v/hich form their root systems in late
July or early August,

lYintrsr Fruit .'Schoo l. No plans have been made for a 1948
Fruit S'diool thus far, V.^iether or not a School is held
ViTill depend in part on the prospective enrollment. Any
reader of Fruit Hotes interested in attending" a School
of from 3 to 5 days diiration some time betv/een January''
and April is invited to drop a card to "/. E. Thies, Depart-
ment of Pomology, University of liassachusetts. Please
indicate (l) your preforence as regards subjects, (2)
number of students you represent, (3) month preferred,
and (4) any other suggestions.

P erils in Pear Pick ing , In a recent is.^ue of a Boston paper there appeared
tv70 items ~c*oncGniing elderly men vrho had suffered injuries in falling from
ladders v/hile picking pears. Doubtless similar stories about yo\mg or middle-
aged apple pickers might be told. The harvest season invariably bring its
list of casualties resulting from this once-a-year venture into the tops of
tall troes, Prunors seldom shoir such a venturesor/3 spirit. The lesson to
be draTm from the harvest season casualty list is briefly this: '."whenever
a tree requires a ladder more than 20 feet in length, the oMier should sharpen
his sav/ and do one or more of the follov;ing: (l) cut out some of the trees
entirely to prevent the others from reaching slcyimrd, (2) if the trees are
40 years old and older m>ake a start on removing the whole block, and (3)
v;here spacing is satisfactory but tops are beyond reach, "top" the trees to
a height of 15 to 17 feet, Winter injured 3aldv;in trees present a special
hazard and should receive priori'cy as regards the crosscut saw.

Keeping "Posted" , In the Middle Vfest a thorny tree knovm
as Osage Orange (Uaclura pomifera) was very extensively
planted years ago as a hedge to mark the boundaries of
fields. As these tre^s were removed, tliey -./ere cut up
for fenoeposts ajid are proving extremely durable. They
are said to outlost the average farmer. One of the early
nurseries in lov/a is reported to have sold nothing but
Osage Orange trees.

-10-

Ch okecherries Shovj A utimn Coloririf; in Jul y, One doesn't ha^e to wait until
a -tumn to see reddiTh leaves along the roadside. As early as July the
leaves of chokecherries Infected \;ith X-Disease sho-j a distinctly reddish
coloration. As a red flag denotes dan.ger, so these red''ish leaves send
forth a v;arnin{; to vrould-be peach growers in the vicinity. It is a v/aste
of tine and irioney to set peach trees v/here such an environment exists. If
a peach orchar.d is already utider v/ay, all chokecherries v.'itiiin 200 yards
should be sprayed v'ith Anmate in July, 1948.

L'iouse Guards Koed A ttention This .^'all. Hire guards serve
a useful purpose~d\rr'ing the' early life of an orchard, pro-
vided they are set lov; enough to prevent nice from getting
underneath. But tree trunlcs increase in diaiiieter v/hile the
guards reuain as they v/ere originally. Too often the grower
goes along from year to year with a fo.lso sense of security.
An 18- inch piece of l/4-inch mesh wire can scarcely protect
a tree vrith a trunlt diameter of 7 inches because the dia-
meter of the prote'^.tive band is less than 6 inches. Some-
times the guard exerts a throttliyig effect. At other times
it develops easy points of entrance for the ever v;atchful
moxvse, A v.'atchful grower can avoid both of tiaese conditions.

A Bumper St rawberry Yield . Host strav/bcrry growers are content if they
harvest one quart of ben-'ies per original "mother" plant. On that basis,
an acre requiring approximately 5000 plants mifrht be expected to yield,
about ths-t number of quarts of berries the follovfing season. Last Gumi.ier
a home planting of about l/lO acre involving 500 plants on the property of
Co'onty Agricultural Agent Stanley L. Burt in Sunderland yielded 1118 quarts,
or more than 2 quarts per plant. Can anyone "top" this?

Tour of By^P rodu.cts Plan ts, Before this issue
of Fruit TTbTes is receivodT" noticos of an in-
teresting tour to be held in late October v;ill
be mailed to members of the II.F.G.A. by Secretary
Vi. R. Cole, An opportiijiity will be offered to
see modern equipment in operation in Ayer, Little-
ton, and "iVestford, It looks like a verj v/orth
v;hile tour.

The Odd Variety Season. Every day brings to the University speciraens of
apples for identification. An apple of the Ewalt variety, an old forgotten
apple, arrived I'ron two different individuals oq aucoossive 4ays,

'•'^X.A.AJ.A^

November 28. I9U7

Prepared "by the Fruit Program Committee of x\:<^

W. Ho Tliies, Extension Horticulturi;

iL'-.f

The Red Apple Clulj
Mulch Conserves Moisture
Codling Moth in I9U7
Studies of Apple Scab
Biological Control
A Promising Red Sport

Contents

Planning a Pruit Storage
The Building Situation
Tire Prevention Program
Growing Additional Mulch
Nursery Inspection Trip
Suggestions on Mouse Control

Issued "by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of i'lay '6 and June 30,
191^5 Willard A. Munson, Director, University of Massachusetts, United States
Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.

- 1 -

THE RED APPLE CLUB

TT.venty-one Massachusetts growers have qualified for membership in a new
"honorary fraternity" knovm as the Red Apple Club, This nev/ project emphasizes
three importaiit factors in orcharding; namely, control of insects and diseases,
fruit color, and yield. In order to qualify, the crop must (1) be at least QO/iJ
free from insect and disease blemishes, (2) grade at least 60^ U, S, Fancy, and
(3) amount to at least 400 bushels per acre if trees are 20 years old or older,
300 bushels per acre if trees are 15 to 20 years old and 200 bushels per acre if
trees are less than 15 years old.

Inspection of the apple crop is made on the basis of a carefully taken sample
amounting to about 5 bushels, each apple being e:x;a2iiine d for preventable blemishes
and for color. In a iarge orchard comprising several blocks and several varieties
it would obviously b* difficult to obtain a sample which would be representative
of all the apples eft the farm, If^jiace the grov/er is permitted to ask for an
examination of tho fruit in one particular block, so long as it contains at least
one acre. In moct cases, the samples have represented a block of 5 acres or more.
Membership in the Red Apple Club is distributed as follo^/s: V/orcester County - 5,
Hampden and Middlesex - 4 each, Hampshire and Essex - 2 each, Berkshire, Bristol,
Franklin and. Norfolk - 1 3ach. A certificate of membership will be presented by
the Massachusetts Fruit Growers • Association at the Annual Meeting in January,

LIULCII CONSERV'ilS MOISTURE

The I'ef ent prolonged drought gave an excellent opportunity to check on the
value of mulch as a cor:server of soil moisture. On October 27, just before the
heavy rain of the 30t'i and 31st , soil samples were taken in a raspberry planting
half of which was mul.cned and half of which v.'as not* The soil under the mulched
half was cool and mor.st to the touch. There was moisture enough present so the
soil adhered well to 'oho soil auger and no difficulty was experienced in gotting
samples, Vjliere the mulch was heavy and thick, about 8-10 inches, the soil appeared
nx)rQ molct than v/here the mulch was thinner, 3-4- inches.

On the unmulchec. half the condition was quite different. The soil was so dry
that it wouldn't stick to the soil auger. It ran off like sand, Y/hen the several
samples were dried and weighed, it vms found that the soil under the mulch had an
average moisture cantent of 22 percent, just tv;ice that of the unmulched soil
which v;as 11 percent.

Although the recent rains have helped, the soil in some places is still
pretty dry. Unless there is considerable rainfall before the ground freezes,
trees may go into the winter in an unsatisfactory condition, A little dry weather
in the fall to slow up grov.i;h and make the trees harden their wood for winter is a
good thing. But like other good things, it can be overdone. If trees go into
the winter in too dry a condition, cold, dry winds can do severe damage* at
least to fruits or varieties which are not particularly v«'inter hardy. Perhaps
this is the yeai' when mulch \;ill pay an extra dividend by reducing the amount
or severity of v/inter injury,

— J. S, Bailey

- 2 -

CODLING MOTH MP 1947 EXPERILSNTS ^

Apples in the experimental orchard at the Vifaltham Field Station had the greatest
infestation of codling moth in 1947 that has been recorded in 22 years - BUT ONLY IN
ONE BLOCK. That block was sprayed v;ith benzene hexachloride, an insecticide noted
for its short period of effectiveness and one v/hich is not considered especially
effective against this pest. The blocks where DDT or lead arsenate, either alone
or in combination, v/as used v;ere either entirely free or had an insignificant
infestation averaging less than 3 codling worn stings per 1,000 apples.

Since all of the blocks were sprayed on the same day, vie must assume that the
timing of the applications in the spray schedule was satisfactory, at least where
DDT or lead arsenate v/as used.

The dates of application were;

First Cover ,.,....,....••••«• June 4 Compare these dates v/ith

Extra Curculio ,,,.♦.,,,,,,,, , June 10 your application periods.

Second Cover June 23 naturally allowing a fev." days

Third Cover July 11 for climatic differences between

Fourth Cover July 30 your orchard and Vialtham,

Most of the worm injury occurred in July from late hatching first brood v.'orms,
and the sprays on June 23 and July 11 v/ere the most critical. Obviously the
extended periods of hot, dry v/eather favored codling moth development, but even so
a reasonable spray schedule should have given reasonable results,

DDT continues to prove its effectiveness against codling moth and personally

1 believe that a combination of lead arsenate 2 pounds, 50Jo DDT wettable pov;der

2 pounds in 100 gallons of spray is the most effective forrnula of insecticide for
ALL COTOR SPRAYS.

Could it be that the old familiar bug-a-boo of inadequate coverage is still
the cause of trouble?

— W. D, Vi/hitcomb
=(< ***************** *

STUDIES OU APPLE SCAB AT THE VfALTHAIvI FIEL D STATION

Our plan of study v;as designed to clarify our knowledge of Phygon and
Puratized Agricultural Spray, The interest in these materials seemed dominating.

Our v/ork in 1946 revealed the astonishing fungicidal action of Phygon, at
1 lb, to 100 gallons of water. Our work in 1947 gave similar astonishing results
in the control of apple scab with Phygon l/2 lb. to 100 gallons of water. In
1946, Phygon caused some degeneration of the green matter in the leaves and there
was indication of a decrease in size of individual fruits. This year l/2 lb, of
Phygon caused similar foliage injury whether one or more sprays were applied. Is
the injury serious? Is the effect from the pre-blossom applications more or less
than the post blossom applications? Can the injurious element be buffered by the
addition of a corrective? These are questions that only further study can answer
and the help of chemistry is needed. Injury to the face and heuids from contact

- 3 -

wi-bh Phygon v/as experienced by some growers, Howard Gilmore offers an ingenious
"Fay IJountain Method" of overcoming this problem, - "Fill the spray tank v;ith
water; then place the bag of Phygon under water and empty its contents". There is
nothing gained by first iuaking a slurry of the material. At Vvaltham we dumped the
Phygon into the tank.

It has been claimed that sulfur and lime depreciate the action of Puratized
Agricultural Spray. Extensive laboratory and orchard studies indicate that these
claims are exaggerated and even doubtful, Puratized and paste sulfur combined
performed about the same a? or a little better than Puratized, or Puratized and
dry wettable sulfur combined. Puratized and Ferraate combined was highly effective
and virtually the same a;j paste sulfur alone. Considering all of our results
(small and large scale tests), Puratized with lime, and without, showed no
significant difference. Our tabulation of apples for scab is as follov/s:

Treatment

Puratized, 1 pint

Paste Sulfur, 11,75 lbs.

No treatment

Puratized, l/S pint

Paste Sulfur, 5.87 lbs.

% Scabby Apples

Mclnt^

DSh

Mcintosh

Delicious

'h-

Kendall

2,23

3^65

0.0

0,5

.20

0.0

0,0

0,8

90,68

71^26

1.04

1.0

0.19

0.5

Puratized, 1 pint
Lime, 3 lbs,

Puratized, l/2 pint
Kolo Spray, 3,5 lbs,

Phygon, 1/2 lb,

Puratized, l/2 pint
Fermate, l/2 lb.

6,97

2.42

0,70

4.95

2.55

0,47

.06

0,0

.46

0,0

1.5

3,6

0,3

The early protectant sulfur sprays should carry at least 6 lbs. of actual
sulfur to 100 gallons. For 50^o Paste sulfur the equivalent is 12 lbs, of paste.
For 70^0 Paste sulfur the equivalent is 8,6 lbs, of paste. Though some allovance
may br; made for the finer particle size, peculiar to paste sulfurs, it is never-
theless desirable to provide at least 6 lbs, of sulfur to 100 gallons in the
early sprays, ,

— E. F, Cuba

ARE Vffi COMING TO BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PLANT DISEASES?

Combatting insect pests and plant diseases with living organisms comes under
the category of biological control. The action of ladybug predators on aphids,
and the Macrocentrus parasites on the larvae of the Oriental fruit moth are
examples of insects controlling insects. Employing the "milky disease" against

- 4 -

the Japanese beetle grubs typifies insect control v/ith a specific bacterial organism.
The destruction of plant lice by certain species of fungi illustrates biological
control by pathogenic forms of fungi.

In the realm of microscopic life, nematodes have been found to pierce the cells
of fungus threads and suck out the contents. Aside from the direct attack of one
fungus upon another, the mere presence of many fungi and bacteria is able to suppress
or completely inhibit the grovrth of other micro-organisms by the action of certain
soluble excretions or grovrfch by-products. Penicillin is such a substaiice produced
and released by members of the Penicillium fungi, and is well knovm to be deadly to
many disease-producing bacteria of humans.

Streptomycin is a still more recent "drug", produced by the fungus-like
organism, Streptomyces, vmich will destroy certain disease bacteria that penicillin
will not affect. In recent years, plant pathologists have experimented with these
so-called "drugs", azid some interesting inforraation is forthcoming v;ith the use of
streptomycin, A pathologist in California found that streptomycin readily kills
the different bacterial organisms that cause fire blight, tomato bacterial canker,
bacterial leaf spot of carrot, potato scab, bean blight and still others.

Plant pathologists in Wisconsin reported recently how they obtained a similar
extract from Streptomycos and completely inhibited grovrbh of the apple scab and
peach brov/n rot fungi in laboratory cultures with dilutions as high as vne to
8 million. In greenhouse tests, infection of susceptible apple leaves by apple
scab v/as greatly reduced or prevented outright by spraying them with a water
dilution of streptomycin 4 hours, also 4 days, before inoculation with the scab
spores.

This appears to be a new angle to the use of organic fungicides for plant
disease control, — or is it a type of biological control?

— 0, C. Boyd

********************

A NOTE m^ HAI'ID POLLINATION

The follovvTing comments on a new method of insuring pollination were recently
made by Ben Drev; of Westford; 'HVe secured definite evidence that our hand-
pollinating efforts resulted in more apples per tree, than on those trees not
hand-pollinated, but the difference was so slight that v:e need to know a lot more
about the many factors involved, particularly the timing, before trying this on a
larger scale,

"l(Ye treated about an acre of large trees (Mcintosh) with our self-collected
pollen from Astrachan blossoms, using small camel-liair brushes,"

********************

GALBRAITH BALDT/IN , A PROMISING RED SPORT

In 1934, a small brunch on a Baldwin tree located in Block 0, one of the old
experimental blocks of the Liassachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station, was
observed to produce five highly colored apples. This branch was first noticed
by Floyd Galbraith who -v/nrked in tho Station orchards at that time. The sport
has since been called "Galbraith".

- 5 -

One year shoots from the sporting branch were top-grafted on a tree in the
spring of 1935 to see if the high color could be maintained, .After the grafts had
been knovm to produce highly colored apples, trees were propagated from them and
planted in a new stock orchard. The trees were planted in 1939 and have now borne
two crops of highly colored apples in contrast to regular Baldv/ins grooving adjacent
to them.

About two weeks before Baldv;in harvest the Galbraith Baldwin takes on
considerable red color and by harvest time it is an over-all red which extends all
the way into the calyx end of the apple. The red is of medium shade, not quite as
bright as Gallia Beauty nor as dark as Starking, It is very attractive and has a
certain' snap to it. The apples appear to be the same as regular Baldwin in all
respects except color, Galbraith Baldwin apples have a uniform shade of red in
contrast to regular Baldwin which may vary from dark to bright and snappy to dull,

T/hile the popularity of Baldwin has declined slightly in recent years, the
Galbraith' strain of Baldv/in appears to be superior to any Baldivin now being propa-
gated and certainly is worthy of consideration by those who wish to continue
growing the variety,

— V/, D. V.'eeks

PRELEIIN.^Y PLAIJMING FOR A FRUIT STORAGE

There are several iraportant factors to consider in planning a fruit storage
with packing facilities. These in a reasonable order include: circulation; type
of structure; materials; cost; and operating costs. The item of circulation can
be reasoned by making small sketches of different idoas and tracing the lanes or
routes over v^hich products and men must move to, within, and out of the storage
and packing areas. Herein lies the greatest planning difficulty, but until the
shortest and most sensible routing is devised for every operation the entire lay-
out may contain "bugs" v/hich ivill always remain to cause v/asted time and extra
expense. Routing from orchard to building must be planned stop by step through
unloading, motions v;ithin the storage, both horizontally .and vertically, to
coordinate vifith the easy meeting of empty boxes, grading, covering, return to
storage or movement directly to market. Good routing or circulation sh-Tws up when
the directions are continuously one way with the absolute minimum of cross traffic
and wasted motions,

naturally the type of structure will depend upon the kind of operations the
grovrer intends to pursue. If he stores and cools fruit before grading and sale,
the plan will be different than if he first grades > cools, and sells. The same
becomes true for any other ccanbination. He may prefer to carry on his business '
using several methods which v/ill require most careful consideration to make all
parts work well. For some to place the grading room along side of the storage
may be quite ideal, but perhaps not bt^st for others who may find it better to plan
the grading room in line with the storage.

Materials and costs go hand in hand. Availability of these and skilled
labor make a good combination. Unusual materials along with labor unfamiliar v.dth
these mean higher costs, Maintenance, insurance, and depreciation can be large or
small. Substantial materials and construction are generally real economies in the
long run.

- 6 -

A considerable part of the operating costs can be determined before building.
Of these the question of amount of insulation versus size of refrigerating
nachinery enters strongly. Y/hen insulation materials are rather high in cost it
may be cheaper to use less of these and install a larger cooling unit. The
reverse holds true at other times. Running costs of the larger unit are seldom
too important, Vihich to choose, because conditions do change, may be decided on
the "first cost" basis.

Wasted motions because of poor planning will alv/ays be costly. The real
secret to economy of structure and labor hinges upon good preliminary planning,

-- M, J. Liarkuson

********************

THE BUILDING SITUATION ,

I ■! I I — I IM M ■■!■ I« ■!■ V «

In ten years the value of farm structures has doubled. This is due in part
to the decreased purchasing value of the dollar, to the scarcity of lumber and
the relatively high costs of labor. To replace these buildings would cost three
times their former value. These are round figures. Close estimates are difficult
to obtain because of the confusing building situation.

One of the greatest tragedies that can befall a farmer is loss of his
structures including contents by fire. One farmer out of every forty is visited
by fire every yoar and about half of those visited have serious or crippling
losses according to Howard Russell, Chairman of the Farm Fire Prevention Committee,
The farmer can do two tilings -v.-hich v/ill reduce these losses. He can heed the
precautions directed to farm men and women prepared by the Farm Fire Prevention
Committee and he can carry adequate insurance on his buildings and contents.
Farmers v/ho are careful, thoughtful, and fire conscious and whose employees are
trained similarly, generally have a better record of losses by accident and fire
than those who disregard warnings, instructions and suggestions for safety.

Building materials are becoming more plentiful as production is increasing
but scarcities will exist until the needs of housing become more normal. It is
likely that prices of labor and materials will stay high for several months at
least. It is always a matter of conjecture when and how much prices will fall.
It is most linlikely that prices v;ill ever drop to the level of the thirties
because of the permanently reduced purchasing value of the dollar,

IThether one should build at the present time or not depends on many factors.
If his business is such that he can reap quick and large profits sufficient to.
warrant the structure and can liquidate the business quickly, the investment in
a structure may be vmrranted. On the other hand, the probable income from many
New England f&ms will not justify the present high cost of construction, V.Tien
construction can be deferred, it is usually advisable to do so.

Masonry vmlls for fam structures are becoming more common. Many farmers
have said that the use of cinder block masonry in construction compares favorably
with v/ood frame construction, Vv'ood masonry requires two coats of a water-proof
cement paint applied v;ith a scrub brush, othervJise the walls will absorb dampness
from the rain,

' — \'J» C, Harrington

********************

- 7 -

STATE FIRE PRBVEFTION FROGRjtt'I

At the Fire Prevention Conference called in V/ashington last spring by
President Truman, the governors of each state were asked to call similar meetings
on a state-wide basis. Accordingly, Plis Excellency, Governor Bradford, requested
that every organization interested in either fire prevention or fire protection be
present at a conference at the State House on October 27, and indicate what ths
organization could and would do to reduce the v.-aste resulting from farm fires.

The magnitude of our collective farm fire losses is almost astounding—
approximately ^1,000,000 annually, with losses from a few dollars per farm to
perhaps ^20,000 or ^25,000, These losses are divided so that farmers each pay on
an average from ^25 to 4-^0 annually.

Unfortunately farmers are never fully reimbursed from losses by fire as
buildings are usually insured for only a fraction of their present day worth and
an even smaller fraction of their replacement value. The same also holds true for
the cattle, crops, feed, machinery, and equipment either stored or a part of the
structure. Other losses e.re interruption of the year's incom^i and inconveniences
v/hich last until replacements are completed.

The firo prevention committee specifically recommended in its report to the
Governor, the f ollai7ing;

To FARIvIERS: prevention

1, Make all chimneys and smokopipes safe by cleaning, pointing, rebuild-
ing or renewing. Provide one foot clearance bctv/een smokepipes and
woodwork or provide adequate insulation,

2, Kavo electric v;iring and equipment inspected by a power company
representative, or a competent licensed olectriciin; incroase size
of wires and number of circuits v/here needed; add new circuits for
new equipment. Use time-delay fuses of proper size on all motors,

3, Forbid smoking in all farm buildings except the dv;elling,

4, Install lightning rods according to Master Label Standards and keep

them effective,

5, Consult v/itii your pov/er company representative before buying vielders
and other heavy duty eq\iipment,

6, Dry hay thoroughly before storing; use thermostatic fire detectors
and watch for aeating.

7, Cover all buildings with non-combustible roofing,

8, Keep premises clean. Clear all brusn, v;eeds, t^nd litter for a
distaiace of 100 ft, from buildings to avoid conflagration from forest
and grass fires,

9, Install main sv/itch near entrance of barn, so that electricity may
be cut off outbuildings at night,

10, Request an inspection of your pr';porty by the local firo chief tuid
follow his rccomrriondations.

To FARS'IERS; Protection

1, Provide and make available water for fire department; as an easily reached
farm water hole, reservoir, or cistern, unless public hydrants exist,

2, Keep fire extinguishers on hand and recharge periodically,

3, Keep light ladders v/ith roof hook and garden hose available,

4, Keep spray machines full of Vifater and ready for use except in freezing
weather.

To FARM WOIIEN: Prevention

1, plan hoi;/ to get your family out in case of fire at night,

2, Never use gasoline inside the house,

3, Never use kerosene to start or accelerate a fire.
To FARM V/OlffiN: • Protection

1, Have a fire extinguisher on each floor and learn hov; to use it.

2, Keep baking soda or a carbon tetrachloride extinguisher in kitchen for
grease fires,

3, Use care v/ith matches and all electric appliances,

4, Keep basements and attics free from rubbish, and keep all electrical
equipment in good repair,

— V/. C. Harrington

GROOVING ADDITIONAL iilULCH MATERIAL

There are at least 3 ways of securing mulch material for us in an orchard.
They are: (1) Producing the material between the trees; (2) Producing the mulch
on other areas of the fanti t'^' be cut and hauled into the orchard; (3) Purchasing
straw, hay, or other material from outside sources. The possibilities under (1)
and (2) are very often neglected although there is reason to believe that in
many cases t^vo dollars worth of mulch material may be grovm for each dollar
invested in fertilizers.

In an Ohio experiment where the soil t-..sted about pH 5, no fertilizer at all
resulted in a yield of mulch material consisting of mixed grasses, amounting to
1573 pounds per acre, V/here 200 pounds of Cyanrjnid per acre was applied, the
yield on 5 different plots ranged from 3933 to 4689 pounds per acre, liVhere 400
pounds of Cyanamid was applied, the yield amounted to 5143 pounds per acre.
High magnesium lime nitrogenous fertilizers including poultry manure ,and "complete"
fertilizers are ommg the possibilities for stepping up the yield of vegetation
in many Massachusetts )rchards,

* * :ti 4: :tc :tci4ci|( * i|c :«c :f * « iK * * * * *

- 9 -
REPORT ON 1947 LTURSSRY INSPECTION TRIP

The nursery inspection job in 1947 was the largest and most extensive under-
taken so far. It included the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Nev/ York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Alabajiia, Tennessee, Virginia,
Maryland, and Delaware, In all, 32 nurseries were exaiiiined including most of
the larger nurseries in these states. Six inspectors participated in the work
v/hich extended over 3 weeks and covered 6500 miles of travel. It took 981 man-
hours of actual v;orking time at a total cost, including travel, of almost $i5,000
to do the job. As nearly as we can estimate, we have examined between 3 1/2 and
4 million apple trees as v;ell as perhaps a million pear, plum and cherry this
past summer. Of this number about 75,000 were misnaraed trees.

Ko inspection work was done on peaches in 1947 due mostly to lack of time.
Each year brings in some new requests from nurseryiaen for this service. Y»g are
trying to find and train a sufficiently large crew of inspectors to handle all
requests. In the meantime, v/e are doing the best we can and giving service where
the most can be accomplished,

— A. P. French

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS ON MOUSE COHTROL

The following questions may be of some help in reviev/ing the mouse control
program. If a grower can truthfully say "Yes" to each question, then at least
one of his fruit growing worries is lessened,

1, Have the dropped apples been picked up throughout the entire orchard?

If they have, is it knovm in v.'hat sections the most nibbled apples

were found?
2* Has every block in the orchard been carefully checked to deteririino the

degree of mouse infestation and have the most heavily infested areas

been noted?

3, Were active mouse signs, such as fresh grass clippings, smoothly worn
runways, and nibbled apples, looked for or v;as the mouse infestation
determined from casual ooservations while v;orking at some other job?

4, T/ill it be safe to leave the tall grass or v;oeds that are growing close
to the tree trunks?

5, Is there a supply of rodenticide or zinc phosphide treated steam crushed
oats bait on hand?

6, Was rodenticide used at the rate of one level teaspoonful to one quart
of cut apple bait? Was it accurately measured?

7, Vifere all areas in and around the orchard, where mice have protective cover,
baited, as well as the area within the drip line?

8, Are the wire tree-guards in good order, set v/ell in the groun and no
openings virhere v;ire is joined together?

9, Have the hired hands, doing this work, been properly supervised and
thoroughly instructed? (a) Can they distinguish an active mouse runway
from an inactive one? (b) Do they knov; the most likely places to look
for mouse activity? (c) Have they been impressed with the importance of
this annual orchard problem?

Any grower can check the results of his efforts by spending a little time
trapping, particularly in areas v/here there is some doubt as to how v/ell the viork
v/as done,

— Carl B. Henry

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Prepared "by the Fruit Progrsjn Conmittc-e of tno Ib-t;
W, H„ Ihies, Extension Horticulturif •.

December 30, 1947

Conteut;

New Uses for Deciduous Fruits
Seepage Spots in Orchards
Contour Orchards
Apple Insect Control
Eradicating Apple Scab

Hardy Stocks for Baldwin Trees
Fire Protection On Fruit Farms
Rat Control -- A Year Round Job
The Farm Woodlot
Index for 1947

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of Ma^' S ixrA J'2n-5 J>0,
191U5 Willard A. Muut-on, JJirector, Unirersity of jViass?.ciuisetts, Uiiited Statec
I3epa.?tmon^> of Agricult\xr« and Couivty Extension Services cooperating-.

IffiW USSS FOR DEC IDUOUS FRUITS ;

The need for new and wider markets for deciduous fruits, particularly those
portions of these fruits that are sometimes wasted, has caused the U.S. Dept, of
Agriculture to undertake a long-time project under the Research and Marketing Act
in the hope of expanding the outlets for these products. It is estimated that
around one-sixth of this country's apple crop is either wasted or brings a very low
price because the apples are undersize, offshape, or have some other defects that
make them less desirable for the fresh fruit market* Similar wastes occur in the
production of practically all of the other deciduous fruits.

The research v/ill be conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural and Industrial
Chemistry's Eastern Regional Research Laboratory in Philadelphia, and its Y/estern
Regional Research Laboratory at Albany, Calif., in cooperation with the Virginia
Agricultural Experiment Station at Blacksburg, Vb.» , and possibly other experiment
stations. Studies will be made on peaches, pears, apricots, plums, cherries,
grapes, and berries.

This v/ork is being undertaken lai^ely as a result of the success the Eastern
Regional Research Laboratory has had during the past few years in finding new out-
lets for apple products. Of the 18 products now being made commercially from apples,
two of them, apple concentrate and apple-flavoring essence, v/ere developed in the
Eastern Laboratory. The apple essence has received a particularly enthusiastic
commercial acceptance, and is being u6«d in the manufacture of candies, soft drinks,
jellies, and other products that lose flavor during cooking,

SEEPAGE SPOTS IN ORCHARDS

On many hillside orchards farmers are troubled by wet spots caused by under-
ground seepage. Underground v.-ater tends to follovv' along a hardpan or clay layer
(See Fig. l) and when this layer comes close to the surface, vrnter seeps out and
keeps the ground below wet. Occasionally these spots become so vret that they are
a costly nuisance - bogging down equipment and keeping some trees from reaching
maximum production.

In general (See Fig. 1) the solution is to intercept this underground seepage
water by a tile line around the slope. The assistance of someone experienced in
this type of work is usually necessary since test holes must be dug to locate the
sub-surface flow before excavation is started for the tile line.

The intercepting tile must be installed above the v/et spot at a place v;here
the impervious layer is below frost line, preferably more than 30" belov/ the ground
level. Tile laid in this manner should have a grade betv/een ,1% and ,5;'c.

Vflien v/ater from the intercepting tile must be emptied at the bottom of a
steep grade, bell tile should be used as a conduit. On steep grades land tile is
likely to cause subsurface washing along its path. Generally, at least two concrete
collars are necessary on the bell tile conduit - one v/here the tile system joins
it and the other at the outlet (See Fig. 2).

Assistance for this type of work has already been furnished by technicians of
the Soil Conservation Service working through local Soil Conservation Districts,

Benjamin Isgur

District Conservationist

Cause of 3 eepy Area; - hardpan layer
coming close to' surface of soil at
break in slope

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F,3Z

-3-
SHALL m PLAMT ORCHARDS ON THE CONTOUR

Contour plantin^^ is almost a necessity for the average cultivated New England
orchard. 1/Ve have all seen v;hat has happened to the soil of many a peach orchard
where no special precaution against erosion was taken. It has happened in apple
orchards, too, and one writer recently referred to the apple grov/er as the "most
myopic of all in this matter of soil conservation",

nevertheless, we must admit that it is not imperative that orchards in complete
sod be planted on the contour. For sod orchards on slight slopes, there is no
advantage from contour planting, but there is benefit if the orchard is cultivated
as a whole or in strips. Cultivation is sometimes practiced in young apple orchards
and omitted as the trees approach maturity. There is no question about the
advantage of contour planting v/here soil erosion is a problem*

Many New England orchards are on slopes of 10 to 15^i, I have seen them on
slopes above 20^o, There are good reasons v;hy some of the best orchard sites are on
sloping land. It happens that some of the best apple soils of this section have
a characteristically sloping topography, and furthermore such topography promotes
good soil and water drainage. On slopes above lO'/^, it is both difficult and
expensive to operate tractor-dravm equipment, and above 20^ such operation is almost
prohibitive. Engineers tell us that contour farming saves from 10 to 12/'o in time
and 9 to lO^b in fuel and oil over up-and-dOT/Ti-hill operations > and there is less
wear and tear of equipment, to say nothing of being easier on the operator. On the
lesser slopes, contour planting may mean the sacrifice of one degree of freedom of
movement of equipment through the orchard, but on the steeper slopes the direction
of movement is pretty well determined by nature, I have seen orchards on such
steep slopes that it was impracticable to move equipment up and down the slopes and
where movement v/as as near on the contour as the lajTOut of the orchard would permit.
It might better have been laid out on the contour in the first place; it cannot be
done afterward.

Contour planting should be considered only as a means to an end. It is not
itself a method of erosion control, but it gives a basic framework on which conser-
vation practices such as terracing, ridging, simple contour cultivation and strip
cultivation may be planned and carried out.

Then there is the question of road location. Nearly every orchardist knov;s
the problem of road erosion on sloping land. Sometimes it becomes so serious that
it is necessary to relocate the roads. Considerable thought should be given to
lanning orchard roads so as to reduce erosion of them to a minimum. So far as
possible, they should be on the contour. This usually means longer roads, but the
"longest way around is sometimes the shortest v;ay through".

Space does not permit our going further into the pros and cons of contour
planting of orchards, nor of giving details of methods^ Orchardists desiring
more on the subject, particularly those v;ho are contemplating planting an orchard,
might viell consult txvo good publications in this field, namely; "Soil Management
Practices in the Orchard", ^Michigan Experiment Station Circular Bulletin 199; and
"Conserving Soil and Moisture in Orchards smd Vineyards", Farmers' Bulletin 1970,

Technicians of the Soil Conservation Service will give technical assistance
to orchardists interested in developing conservation plans for orchards. Applica-
tions for assistance should be made to the board of supervisors of the soil
conservation district in v.'hich you live. For further information as to procedure
consult your county agricultural agent,

A. B, Beaumont

State Soil Conservationist

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-5-
EVALUATION OF PURATIZED AGRICULTURAL SPRAY ^ AN ERADICANT FOR APPLE SCAB

Science has been searching for the ideal fungicide for controlling apple scab.
Since 1908 when liquid lime sulfur came into use as a funt,icide for scab, to replace
Bordeaux mixture, notable progress has been made in this direction. This article
is written to consider the usefulness and limitations of puratized Agricultural
Spray,

This material has good scab-protective and curative values. It is expensive.
As a protectant for scab it gives no better control than high grade v/ettable sulfur,
vjhich is much cheaper. For that reason its use as a protectant spray is not
encouraging. Under most conditions it is non-injurious to the trees and it is
compatible viith sulfur, Fermate, Nicotine sulfate and lead arsenate. As a curative
spray for scab, on the basis of the writer's research work at Walthara, it is
superior to liquid lime sulfur, its only competitor, Hov/ever, its action as an
eradioant or curative is intriguing. Inconsistent curative results are reported
by growers, and to explain these discrepancies statements have been mads that
sulfur, lime, hard water, magnesium and clay in the v;ater invalidate or depreciate
the toxicity of puratized. Some of us even think that the variable results are due
in part to the age of the scab spots, the younger infections yielding and the older
ones not yielding; also that the absorption of puratized by the scab fungus in
lethal amounts is influenced by the physiology of the scab fungus or the leaf cells
on which it forages. Changes in the chemical composition of the product itself
cannot be ignored in searching for the answer to the problem.

The age of the scab legion is not necessarily a criterion. Scab spores in
all ages of foliage lesions are killed. Nevertheless, it is best to spray the trees
to eradicate scab at the calyx period or very soon thereafter to prevent the scab
from parasitizing the loaf tissue to the killing point, and from sporulating
further,

Puratized Agricultural Spray should not be used after June 15 nor beyond
20 days after calyx. This is a precautionary measure intended to prevent any
possibility of tainting the harvested fruit with mercury. Since in this period
both primary and secondary scab of various ages of infection are apparent, this is
the appropriate period to eradicate foliage spots. Eradication of these infections
with Puratized is ultimately complete.

The lethal action of Puratized on the scab fungus is not necessarily immediate,
Ilany growers have been disappointed because spore germination tests after treat- ,
xaent have indicated a negative or incomplete result. Eventually and in most cases,
however, scab is satisfactorily arrested.

There is indication that lime and bentonite weaken the action of Puratized.
The addition of one half the formula of v/ettable sulfur to 1 pint of Puratized can
be an advantage on the basis of tests in 1947. Paste sulfur or a high grade dry
wettable sulfur free of bentonite or similar inert material is preferred. Fermate
1/2 lb, may be substituted for sulfur with the promise of even better control of
foliage scab,

Puratized Agricultural Spray is a good protectant against fruit scab but it
will not eradicate it. Obviously then it is important to apply the Puratized
eradioant spray at calyx or soon thereafter to keep foliage scab from spreading to
the fruit.

Finally we are still searching to leurn why the 1946 and 1947 productions of
Puratized Ab^icultural Spray used at the rate of 1 pint in 100 gallons have not
eradicated scab as promptly nor as completely as the mora concfentrt\te'i 1945 Puratizad
N5E, used at tne rate of I/2 pint to 100 gallcMas water,

E. F. Guba

-6-

Land Clearing

A new publication, "Clearing and Improvement of Farm Land in
Massachusetts" is novi available through tne Hailing Room at
the University of Massachusetts or your County Extension
Office, Just ask for Bulletin- No. 439. Quoting from the
cover page, "The primary purposes of this study have been to
appraise the methods used in land improvement, to evaluate
the results in terms of cost-benefit comparisons, and to
study the significance of land reclamation for the future
of agriculture in Liassachusetts", Any fruit grov/er
interested in clearing additional land or improving land
novv in use \yill find helpful suggestions in this publica-
tion.

Hardy Stocks for Baldwin Trees. It is a well knov.-n fact that we have no apple
variety which completely replaces the "good old Baldwin", Cortland and Gallia
are partial replacements, but there is real need for a combination eating and
cooking apple to extend the iiclntosh season. Many grovrers v/ould probably take a
chance on planting another Baldvdn block, W'jre it not for the susceptibility of
this variety to winter injury. This is particularly true in view of the new red
sport (Galbraith Baldvdn) described in the November issue of Fruit Notes,

V/hy not develop a Baldwin orchard of this new strain on one of the hardy stocks,
such as Virginia Crab or Hibernal? Baldxvin trees on such stocks have been brought
through severe v;inters at Orono, i.Iaine, Tho chances in Liassachusetts are very
much better. To establish such an orchard a Virginia Crab tree, for example, which
has been budded on a seedling root is set out in the orchard and allov.'ed to
develop a sot of scaffold branches. These branches are later grafted or budded
to Baldv;in at points about a foot distant from the leader. Thus v:e get a Baldwin
tree with a seedling root, and with a trijnk and crotches of a very hardy variety,
Anj'' grower interested in starting such a block of trees may obtain the necessary
information by contacting the compiler of Fruit Notes,

He***********:):***

YnTiat is "Orchard Reorganization '*? iiany of our present day fruit plantings repre-
sent long years of "hit and miss evolution". Innumerable blocks of fruit trees
have come into existence, not because the ov.Tier considered the soil and site ideal,
but because particular areas v;ere not well suited to anything else, "If it's too
poor for hay, it will at least grov; apple trees", seems to have been the philoso-
phy behind some of the orchards of grandfather's day. And to make matters v/orse,
small detached areas were often planted, thus contributing to inefficient managc~
ment, while in some cases, extensions of particular blocks v;ere accomplished by
planting trees on areas which v:ere either poorly drained or hopelessly rocky.

In its simplest terms, orchard reorganization means revamping our present day
plantings to reduce the amount of labor required and to increase the per acre yield.
Probably every orchard in Massachusetts lends itself in one way or another to this
kind of improvement. Among the possibilities are (1) elimination of crowding
fillers, old trees, blocks in frost pockets, etc., (2) drainage of wet spots,
'3) removal of stone walls and boulders, (4) improvement of environment, .
^5) improvement in facilities for pollination, (6) consolidation of blocks and ex-
pansion by planting on better soils and sites, (7) smoothing of orchard floor to
permit easier movement of equipment, (8) installation of better v.'ater supply for
."praying, and (9) any other labor saving or yield increasing practice within reason
Evory acre at its best means every permanent tree at its best.

-7-
FIRE PROTECTION ON FRUIT FAPJ-IS

The recent destruction of several large Cold Storages by fire raises the
question as to what can be done to prevent the repetition of such losses. In
talking to Stacy Gay of Three Rivers recently, I discovered that he was very much
interested in this question. In his or.m storage he has one small carbon tetra-
chloride fire extinguisher which holds perhaps two or three quarts of liquid. Such
a small capacity extinguisher would probably be useful if one were right on the job
when the fire started. But usually fires don't start at such opportune times.

Since an orchard sprayer is an excellent piece of fire fighting equipment,
the question was raised as to how a sprayer could be fixed so that it could be used
during freezing weather. Seldom is there heat enough in storage or outbuildings
to prevent v;ater from freezing. Therefore, the question is, what could be added
to the water in a spray tank to prevent it from freezing so that it v/ill alv/ays be
ready for use when needed. The material must be non-inflammable, non-corrosive to
the metal tank or pump, it must be cheap, if used around electrical equipment must
be a non-conductor, and must be readily available. Also, v;hat can be done to keep
the engine and pump in condition for instant use? For example, how can the pipes
in the pump be kept from drying out?

Until very recently our storage on the hill had nothing but the conventional
acid and soda tjrpe extinguisher which v/ould be very dangerous for the operator to
use around any electrical equipment, I wonder hov/ many fruit growers are aware of
this danger and havo provided themselves with t;ypes'of fire extinguishers contain-
ing carbon tetrachloride or carbon dioxide to use around electrical equipment,

■.>••'. • , J, S. Bailoy

RAT COIjTRQL — A YEAR ROmfP JOB

Rats never take vacations. They nay raise 6 or more litters per year with
from 6 to 22 in a litter. Ignoring the death rate, the progeny from one pair of
rats could exceed 350,000,000 in 3 years.

Hence rat control must be a continuous job. "Rat-control weeks" are entirely
ineffective against the continuous activities of rats, unless they arc followed
by a year-round program of rat killing. Once rat numb^rt arc reduced in a
community thoy can be kept down at little cost by "maintcnsince control". If
regular control is neglected during the year, rats will rapidly increase, until
they require another intensive and expensive rat-control v.Gek. Costs aro decreased
and losses of grain are miniuizod whon each farmer, miller, and householder makes
rat control a part of his regula,r chores,

Pre-baiting is still one of the most important steps in rat poisoning. No
one can tell you very accurately ho\i many rats you are feeding on your farm or in
your tovm. The chances are thr.t you aro host to many more rats than you think
possible. The chances an. als^^ vjry good that in attempting to control your rats
haphazardly, you have suc^-eeded in training them to distrust you, to be wary of
food. Nor do you kno\v ^^'herf=' these rats of yours are concentrated. You may be
able to predict, more or less accurately, that most of them are around the chicken
house or in the barn, Yjliat percentage of the total population? You do not know.
Pre-baiting with unpoisoned food that is clean and fresh will tell you much about
your rat population.

-C5-

Take plenty of time to pre-bait, a r/eek if necessary. As far as possible,
remove all sources of food for rats before exposing baits. Cover grain bins,
empty self-feeders, protect garbage, etc. Do not disturb the environment any
more thcai necessary as this tends to nake the rats suspicious.

The best bait for your farm can only be determined by trial. Some suggested
baits are as follow;

Ivieats: Fresh hamburger, ground bacon, canned dog food, dried dog food,

Fishj fresh ground fish, caimed fish as salmon, tuna, sardines or cat food,

MAW AG I! :G THE SIIaLL FOREST

(since many fruit farms in Massachusetts include a farm woodlot, the following
suggestions from an experienced forester v/ill be of interest to fruit growers)

In this issue of Fruit Notes I v^ish to discuss the management, protection,
estimating, cutting, and selling of the forest crop, taken from the farm v/oodlot.
The farm ivoodlot is a small forest, but v-^ry important in the mcjiagement of a
well run farm. The farm woodlot provides many items needed on the farm. It is
not possible to ignore this source of supply.

Let ne describe a small forest and how it is possible for you to help it
grow. The small forest should have trees suited to the soil, climate, and locality.
If you watch this very inportont condition, you \/ill have a good 'salable crop
later on. Poor or surplus trees must be thinned out and taken out to give the
gold ones more room to dovelop. Such a forest should have no over-ripe trees,
past their best grov/ing years, nor should there be any diseased or damaged trees
and no very branchy or badly shaped trees,

You will find the forest floor covered with needles, leaves, ti'dgs, and small
branches. This covering permits the soil to absorb large amounts of water needed
by the trees and also prevents erosion. Beneath this litter is a moist fertile
layer of riumus covered with sub-soil. Over-grazing and fires should be controlled.
Over-grazing will ruin viha.t otherwise v.ill become a well managed and v/ell kept
forest on the farm.

If the trees are all of the same age, the crowns almost touch to form a sort
of ceiling of foliage, called a canopy. In a nixed aged stand, there is no
continued canopy, but in either case crovms are healthy and usually ma.ke up about
a third of the total height of the tree.

How con you help the forest grow? l;/e all knovif that a forest grows by itself,
but we also knov; that it will grov/ faster, and bring more profit if the owner
helps it along. The oivner wants to have as many trees as ho can of the best
quality possible in his forest, and he has these by good management and good
management alone.

In your v/oodlot you will find trees that are crooked, treos that arc forked,
trees that arc diseased, some that are dying, and others that stand too close
together. Those aro the trees to concentrate on at the time of cutting, whether
you are cutting for saw logs or for cordwood. Every time you do any cutting in
the v/oods you should be making an improvement cutting. From these harvestings
you will be able to get some firewood, possibly some puJ.p,wood, and bean polos or

tobacco poles. You will also be able to ^et sone rails for your fences and
certainly you will bs able to get some fence posts v/hich are very badly needed on
the farm. All of these materials taken from the farm forest represent clear t^ain.

Now in the farm forest we vdll find weed trees, such as red maple, pitch
pine, choke cherry, and often times various other types of hardwood sprouts which
choke out the better types of trees. All of these poor specimens should be
cleaned out. If no use can be made of the unwanted small trees, a good way is to
lop off only their tops. Then they will live on, shade the ground, and force
the better ones to grow tall and straight. In order to save time my recommendation
is to cut only those inferior trees \vhich are actually choking off the better
ones.

In the next issue I will discuss thinning and pruning for better quality
luinber,

- R. B, Parmonter

INDEX - 1947 (The number following the month indicates the page on which the
article appears)

Apple Scab (i.Iar. , 1) (Nov,, 2)
Biological Control (Nov,, 3)
Blueberries (Apr., 6)
BrovT. Rot (July, 7)
Building Situation (Nov., 6)
Codling Ivloth (Nov., 2)
Coloring (Aug,, 5) (Oct., 1)
Contour Planting (Dec, 3)
Cultivating (F?b,, 4}
Disea33 Free Plants (July, 7)
Do Ycu lOiow (July, 4)
Dr air age (le-i . , 1)
Dv;arf iiess (.-lUg. ,
P'arm Safety (Aprr ,
(;Ov. ,
Fann 7jCodlot (Dec,
Fertilizers (FoO. .
Fruit rt;\. Fr.':)du-".ts (Dec, 1)
Fruit Set ('July, 1)

Fruit School (Feb,., 1) (Apr., 1) (Oct., 9)
Fruit Varieties (Feb., 2,5) (laar,,3)

(Nov., 4)
Fungicides (Mar,, 6) (Apr., 2,4) (May, 5)

(Dec, 5)
Harvesting (Oct,, 2,9)
Historical (liar,, 4)
Index (Dec, 9)

10) (hay, 1) (Aug., 4)

7) (.Dec, 7)

4) (iviar,, 5)

Insecticides (Dec, 4)

Leaves (Oct., 4)

Magnesium (Oct,, 5)

Marketing (Apr., 8) (l.lay, 9)

Mulching (ilnv-:. , 1, 8)

Nursery Stock (Apr,, 7) (Nov,, 9)

Peaches (July, 7, 8)

Pollinating (i»yr.. , 8) (Oct,, 6) (Nov, ,4)

Pou] bi'y i.iai.'ur? (Oct,, 8)

Propping ^C^t

Raspber.-'!.os (:iar.; 2) (Apr,, 5)
Red r^ple Club i. aay, 2) (Nov, , 1)
Rodfti:t Coiitrr-1 1,'Jctr, 7, lO) (Nov., 9)

(Dec, 7)
Spidc-rs (,lto/, o)

Spraying (Feb. 5) (Apr., 7) (iviay, 6)
Soils.. ''.^.ir. , 10) (ivIay, 3) (July, 10)

(iiUt,.., 1)

Soil .^icidity (ilar. ,

Storage (Feb... 3) ^Xt., 7) (Nov., 5)
Strawberries (July, 6) {^':^^.» , *i;
Tree Removal (liay, 9)
Vieed Kill'^rs (i.Iay, 7)
V/inter Injury (Feb., o)

5) (Apr.,

-•fa' 3 3 )

10)

,,,f^^^^%

• ^4/ % \

//■

Prepared "by the I'ru.'.'^ Prosr-am Comviit't :::; oi tno -v
W. H. ThiGs- Extenc^lon Horticultu;;-

February 28, 1948

Contents

Peach Buds and Low Temperatures
Evaluation of Fungicides

Shall the Apple Grading Law Be Changed?
'Western' Lead Arsenate
What Kind of Spray-Oil?
Managing Small Forests

Issued "by the Dxtcncicn Service in furtheraace cf A i''. % of Kay i.> '^nd June 30s
1914, Willard A.. MuXiSont Dix'sctor, Univsrsioy of MassachusertSj Unitsd States
lOepa^r'smaAt of Agricxilturs and Oo^mty Extension Services cooperating.

- 1 -

PEACH BUDS AND L0£ TEIvIPERATURES

Peach buds in the University orchard survived a minimum temperature of -16,5°
on January 24, A recent examination reveals that there is less than 1% injury to
tender varieties such as Triogem and Golden east. In some seasons a minimum
temperature of -16° v/ould cause considerable injury to peach buds or might even
destroy all of them. Such seasons are those v;hich have periods of mild v/eather
followed by a sudden drop to a low minimum. Fortunately for the peach growers,
this winter has been one of long continued cold v;ithout any periods of mild
weather. The maximum temperature barely v/ent above freezing for a month previous
to January 24 and there were seven or more nights when the temperature was below
zero. This extended cold spell conditioned the peach buds so that they were able
to withstand the low temperatures which occurred in our peach orchard. In orchards
where the minimum temperature dropped lower than -16° there will no doubt be more
injury than we observed, but it should take an extremely low temperature to kill
every peach bud this year.

— W, D, Y.^eeks

New Strawberry Variety Released Fairland, a new, early,
red-stele resistant strawberry which may be adapted to
NeiT England, has been released by the USDA and the Univ.
of Maryland, Trials in the Northeast indicate Fairland
as suited to the region v/here Howard 17 is an important
variety. Selected in 1938 from crosses between Aberdeen
and Fairfax at the Plant Industry Station at Beltsville,
Maryland, Fairland has been widely tested as US-3205,
Interested growers may buy Fairland plants from nurseries
in Maryland and Delaware which cooperated in conducting
the field trials.

Blueberry Pollination The importance of cross pollination of blueberry
varieties is emphasized in experiments by E, M, Meader and G, M. Darrow
covering a period of 3 years, l/ork v>rith 15 highbush varieties show that
cross pollination usually increased the crop sufficiently to warrant
inter-planting of two or more varieties. It tended to increase the
percentage of fully developed seeds per berry and resulted in larger
berries. In 1945 the cross pollinated Rubel gave a AZfo greater crop
than the self pollinated, and the yield for the first 8 days of har-
vest v/as 3,6 tipaes that of the self pollinated.

Raspberry Spur Blight Succumbs to Fermate A raspberry planting
in the Connecticut Valley v.-hich v/as so badly infected by Spur
Blight as to be practically worthless, has recovered completely
under Fermate treatments and promises a bumper crop this season.
Two Fermate applications on the new canes, plus a Delayed
Dormegit application of Elgetol where the infection is severe,
will do the trick. For full details, get a copy of the mimeo-
graphed leaflet from your county extension office. Fermate is
what might be termed a "specific fungicide" for the control of
both Spur Blight and Anthracnose,

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- 3 -

■/^ple Purchase Program An announcement was received in the FliiA office
in .-^herst, February 6, to the effect that the USDA will purchase fresh
apples for the School Lunch Program and for v/elfare use. Purchase will
be made on the basis of an offer and acceptance from growers, associa-
tions of growers, grov/er's agents aiad licdnsed dealers. There will be
no set price. The purchase annouji cement , blai:iks on which to make the
offer, and information on grades and varieties may be obtained through
County ACP offices.

Summary of Fruit Plant Patents The total number of Plant Patents issued in the
United Sta;tes up to Deceraber 31, 1947 is 773. Of this number, fruit plant patents
as follows are included: Peach, 47; Apple, 27j Strav/berry, 11; Plum, 10; Cherry, 9;
Nectarine, 8; Apricot, 8; Grape, 6; Pear, 6; Blackberry, 3; Raspberry, 3;
Avocado, 10; Orange, 7; Pecan, 3; and 1 each of Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Pomegranate
and Y/alnut. (Rose variety parents lead th'3 list, with a total of 320.)

An Observation on Bumblebees A report from the Cranberry
Station in East Vf'areham contains this interesting comment:
"a very remarkable and possibly very instructive incident
relative to bee abundance v.as observed. The winter flowage
was removed from a bog of 2^ acres in East Carver on June 20,
Bumblebee v/orkers and males came to this bog in astonishing
numbers. It vfas estimated that a third of a million of
these bees were there m.uch of the tL.'ie. V/atching them at
v/ork as they rose from the cranberry vines and went back to
them, gave one the strange feeling that he was looking on
a bumblebee sea. Honeybees seem.ed to be entirely absent."
(If similar breeding grounds for bumblebees v/ere to
surround an orchard ajid if the trees bloomed as late as
cranberries, pollination v;ould be less of a problem).

National Advertising The apple industry's first cooperative national ad
appears in the February 21st issue of a popular v;eekly magazine. It is a
full pagei four color affair, featuring leading varieties, including
Mcintosh, vifith combined health and general use appeal,

IS ^ TB.IE FOR A CHANGE IK THE PRESENT APPLE GRADING LAY/ ?

Last April the Massachusetts Agricultural Program Board recommended that the
MeF.G.A. appoint a committee - "To develop a program of education in grading,
packing, and handling apples," In accordance with this request. President Cheney
appointed the following committee: H, F, Bartlett, P, H. Couhig, J. B. Farrar,
0. C. Roberts, and IV, H, Thies,

In studying the problem to v/hich it had been assigned this Committee discovered
a general disregard of the Grading Law and only a feeble attempt to enforce it.
Under these conditions the Committee concluded that any attempt to develop an
educational program to aid in the improvement of grading and handling practices
would be futile. Therefore, the Con-unittee proceeded to find out the attitude of
growers with respect to the apple grading lav/ by sending questionnaires to 112
producers representing all classes from those v/ith small orchards to those with
the largest orchards in the State, Sixty percent of these questionnaires were
returned which is considered exceedingly high for this type of survey. The questions
asked with the number and percent of replies to each question are shovi.n on the.
acGOmpanying chart.

- 4 -

In addition to answering; the questions, many growers made additional comments.
Here are a few w?iich are typical:

"No law is any good unless it is adhered to. Flagrant violations should be
prosecuted, I believe the chief trouble is at retail level. Some stores buy iunk
and then sell at a marked up price. Apples belov-/ a 'certain grade should be kept
off the retail market. No farm product is kicked around as much as apples."

"The law requiring the top of the box to be a fair sample of the v.'hole box
should be enforced on shipped in apples as v/ell as on Massachusetts packs."

"it is about time for another try at rigid enforcement,"

"I feel that standard U. S, Grades would simplify the efforts of growers to
pack within a grade and should help inspectors to enforce the grade." "Many apples
sold in Boston marked Mass. Fancy Grade are below the standard for that grade. If
apples are marked a certain grade they should live up to that grade." "It v;ould
be better for the apple business to pack U. S, No. 1 and U. S. Fancy and then
e nfor ce the law." "I am in favor of a grading lav/ made to apply to retailers if
it could be enforced which is doubtful 'under present conditions." "There should
also be a compulsory tax of 2 cents a bushel for advertising,"

The survey made by this Committee indicates that the majority of apple growers
in Massachusetts; (1) Favor a revision of the present iJass, Apple Grading Law,

(2) Believe that the so-called "Massachusetts Grades" should be eliminated,

(3) Feel that the law should apply to retailers as well as gro\'.-ers, (4) Favor the
compulsory marking of the grade on a closed package. (5) Do not favor the marking
of the grade on an open package. (6) iVant the la^v rigidly enforced.

Results of Questionnaire on i'lass, Apple Grading Law (Dec, -1947)

(YhTs questionnaire was sent to 112 grov/ersT Replies were received from 67,
or 60)i of the total number, )

Yes No

(1) Should the present Mass, Apple Grading Law be revised? 41 {7b%) 14 {2b'/o)

(2) Should the so-called "Massachusetts Grades" bo eliminated

so that the law would include U,S. Grades only? 51 (80^) 13 (20?;)

(3) Should the grading law apply to retailers as well as

grov/ers? 58 (92?o) 5 (8^0

(4) Should the grading lav; be rigidly enforced? 61 (95^) 3 (5%)

(5) Should the marking of the grade on a closed package be

compulsory? • 52 (81^0 12 (19^0

6, Should the marking of the grade on an open package be

compulsory? 14 {25%) 48 (77^0

Total bushels represented 744,200

— 0. C. Roberts

Fruit School for Agricultural Instructors A Fruit School in .
Amherst, primarily for agricultural instructors, is planned
for April 20 and 21, These dates coincide with the spring
vacation in many high schools. Such a School vdll replace,
for this year, the one for fruit grov^ers held in 1946 and
1947. The latter may be resuiaed in 1949.

- b -

"Y^'ESTBRI':" LEAD ARSENATE

The unprecedented change-over from lead arsenate to DDT for the control of
codling moth in the Pacific Nortliwest apparently has created a surplus of lead
arsenate in that area. At least some of it has been made available in the East
at some advantage to the consumer. Questions have been raised concerning the
safeness and effectiveness of this western lead under our eastern conditions.
Here are the- ansv/ers that we have been able to gather at this writing.

Letters to Professor l/hitcomb and me from state, federal and commercial
entomologists v;ho have worked with the several forms of western lead arsenate
have provided the material upon v^rhich this report is based.

Form ; ITestern lead arsenate is produced in two forms. One, the so-called
amorphous type, consists of irregular particles in a variety of shapes. These
may or may not be ground to finer sizes but the result is a powdery material similar
to the standard acid lead arsenate well known already here in the East, The second
type, known as flat or crystallne (platelet) lead arsenate differs from the stan-
dard type in the shape of the particles. They are flattened, irregular discs, a
characteristic v.'hich con be seen under a microscope or good hand lens.

Relative Merits ; There is some indication,t not supported by all investigators,
that the flat lead arsenate adhered to th.e foliage and fruit better than does the
standard, amorphous form. Apparently the discs come to lie like shingles and thus
form a more complete coverin^^. It is the opinion of those contacted that conditions
hers in the East should not materially change the effectiveness of the flat-type
lead arsenate nor make it less effective than the standard type,

Safeness: The relative safeness of the western and eastern loads should not
differ^! Both are required by lav/ to contain not mors than 0,75 per cent soluble
arsenic. In view of this, no one can foresee any reason for believing that western
leads of either form should be any more injurious to trees in the East than the
standard lead arsenates used in the past.

Combination with other materials- There is the possibility that the addition
of oil-type stickers and sane other materials might cause a flocculation in the
spray tank which would decrease the value of the flat-type lead if it has any
advantage. In Llassachusetts, where pests are severe enough to require the addition
of an oil-tTy'pe sticker, it is probable that DDT will be added to the lead arsenate,
Vihere this is done no sticker need be included,

— Ellsworth H. 1';Tieeler

VaiAT KII>ro OF SPRAY- OIL?

As a fruit grower, do you take better care of the motor in your car or
tractor than you do the treos which provide your income? How do you buy oil for
your motors? liost of you probably have a good reliable and favorite brand. You
also know what viscosity or S,A.E, number is best f<Ji- the particular engine. And,
when asked v/hether you vjant a 30 or 35 cent oil, you always say "The best, of

course".

How about spray-oils for your trees?. Here again, specifications vary and so
do prices. But do you knov/ v;hat characteristics in a spray-oil are desirable? Do
you always choose the higher priced ones? Tlicse points can be important to you as
a fruit grov;er. Spray-oils are not all alike* They differ in their effectiveness
and in thoir safeness on your trees.

- e -

Let's settle, right away, one obvious difference betv/een the oil products
offered on the market. Some spray-oil stocks are prepared as oil emulsions. They
look like a white paste and are truly a concentrated oil emulsion. Most contain
about 83 per cent actual oil. The remainder is water and the emulsifier which viras
used to form the emulsion. Since they do contain water, these pastes must not be
subjected to freezing.

Other spray-oils may be purchased in the form of an emulsible or miscible oil.
These preparations are not emulsions but contain from 95 to 99 per cent actual oil
plus some kind of an emulsifier. They look like plain oil but v/hen poured into a
tank of water a creamy-v.'hite emulsion is formed. Since there is no water present
in the prepared product and no emulsion is preformed, freezing or standing around
does not injure this type of spray-oil preparation.

Thus v;e see that either of the above stock preparations of oils is satisfactory
so long as we know about the actual amount of oil present and the proper way to
handle and dilute each type in the spray-tani-:. Of course, it is true that part of
the price of an oil emulsion, the v/hito paste type, is for the water it contains.
Railroads do not haul water for notliing,'

Then what is important in considering tlio purchase of an oil for spraying?
Just this,' Tho~ource or kind of "raw" oil that was used by the manufacturer in
making up the concentrated oil emulsion or the emulsible (miscible) oil prepara-
tions which you buy. From here on, xviien I say "oil", I have reference to the raw
oil as the manufacturer of the prepared products receives it from t?ie producer or
the refinery. These oils differ.

Studies by Dr, P, J, Chapman and his associates in Geneva, H. Y, , as well as
others in both state and commercial laboratories have shown that oils, particularly
those from the eastern aiad mid-contin-:;nt fields, are more highly paraffinic in
character. These paraffinic oils are also more effective as insecticides. Oils
from the western fields are classed as naphthenic and have been found to be less
toxic to insect forms, T/;hy then, should a fruit grovier buy an oil emulsion or
miscible spray-oil containing the less effective or naphthenic type of oil?

In these same studies the investigators have found that oil type and degree
of refinement are important in determining the safeness of an oil on developing
buds and young foliage. Vfiiy should you, as a fruit grower, use an oil that is
less safe on your trees any more than you would use a poorer type of oil in your
engine ?

How can you tell v/hether the prepared spray-oil you are about to buy is made
out of tlie better type of oil? Here are some suggestions,

patronize a reliable dealer who represents or handles the products of a
reputable -manufacturer of insecticides. The table below gives the possible
range in the specifications of a satisfactory rav; oil of a safe, paraffinic type,
Vj'ith these specifications in hand a reliable and interested dealer can find out
for you whether the prepared-oil stocks ho hiiTidles contain oils which "fill the
bill". Producers of rav; oils and the manufacturers of prepared oil emulsions and
miscible oils are well acquainted with these specifications and can provide the
information for dealers.

The specifications follow on the next page. Don't worry if you or your
dealer or his salesmen do not understand them; those who prepared the products
v;ill, or should understand if they knov; their business.

- 7 -

Specifications cf paraff inic-type "raw" oils preferred for manufacturing oil
emulsions and miscible oils for use on fruit trees in Green-Tip to Delayed- Dormant,

Good Quality, Better Quality

Low Cost, Safe Higher Cost, Safer

Viscosity (Saybolt, at lOOop,) 90

Gravity (A.P.I» degrees) 28 (minimum)

Unsulfonated residue (A.S.T.M.) 75 "

120 seconds --
31 (minimum)
90 "

Homogeneity

A relatively narrow boiling
distillate portion of petroleum.

* The following methods of testing oils are to be used: Viscosity:
Kinematic, A.S.T.M. Designation: D445-39T. Conversion to Saybolt
Universal Viscosity, A.S.T.iil. Designation: D446-39, A.P.I. Gravity:
A.S.T.M. Designation: D287-39, Unsulfonated Residue: A.S.T.M,
Designation; D483-40.

— Ellsworth H. Vilieeler

********** **:*********)(<***J(<Jt: ****** ******

MANAGING SIVlALL F0R5STS

(This article is included in FRUIT NOTES not because some orchards resemble
a forest, but because forest trees are included in many of our fruit farms.)

Harvesting the timber crop is a very important part of a management program.
Harvest cuttings are made principally to obtain cash from the mature trees rather
than improve the remaining trees. The manner in which this operation is performed
decides whether the forest will be completely destroyed or left in shape to pro-
duce another crop in 5 or 10 years. There are several methods of harvesting the
crop, namely clear cutting, leaving seed trees, cutting to a diameter limit, and
last, selective cutting or selective logging.

There are some points in favor of the first three methods mentioned, but the
best method is selective logging, or selective cutting. It is the best way to
harvest a small forest of mixed age. In the small forest the farmer looks over
each tree to decide w'hether he should cut it now or allow it to grow. This
method combines both stand improvement and harvest cutting. In this selective
cutting, there are such trees as those that are diseased or insect infested, the
limby, crooked, or scarred trees, the old ones and less desirable varieties are
cut which benefit the remainder. The other trees that are cut are those that
have passed the best growing period or can be sold more profitably now than in the
future. And so it is recommended that trees of low quality or over mature be cut
for sale right now. Another advantage of selective logging is that each tree can
be harvested at its highest value.

Too often trees are cut just when they arc making their most rapid grovith.
Sometimes this may be justified by high market prices or by the cnmer's need for
cash. Frequently however, he takes a real loss by cutting too soon. It is
possible for the owner to find out exactly how fast trees are growing by using the
following formula: P _ 400 P _ Percentage of grovrt;h in last year

ND
N -; Number of rings in the last inch

D _ Diameter of tree

Using this formula, the ovmer will find that a tree may be growing as much as
6% a year, Nov; that's good grovrth, alloiv the tree to remain, cut out some of the
trees around it, and increase its gro\.'th.

The ovmer should go through his forest v;ith a paint gun or paint brush and
mark trees that ought to be felled. Using v/hite or ye llov/ paint, which is a con-
trasting color, these trees v/ill stand out and tne choppers will know exactly v:hich
ones to take out so as to leave your stand in fine condition. The trees should be
marked twice, once about 4-1/2 feet from the ground and the other just belovif the
stump height. This is being done so that you can check on the chopping. If any
trees are not marked on the stump, they have been cut ".vithout the permission of
the ov/ner. Unless the stump is marked, the ov.ner has no v;ay of checking on the
chopper.

Assistance in marking the stands for selective logging is available through
the Extension Service EOid also to some extent through the Soil Conservation
Service District. It is highly recommended that this service be requested in
order that a small forest be properly marked for selective logging,

-- R» E, Parmenter

1948 Apple and Peach Spray and Dust C hart s The 1948 recommendations
for the control of Apple and Faach pests are now available at the
county extension offices or at the University in ^Vrriherst. The nev/
charts have been duplicated on recently acquired equipment in the
Mailing Room. This makes it possible to distribute them about six
v/eeks earlier than in 1947, If yourcopy is not delivered soon, v^e
suggest that you contact your county extension ofrice.

Apple Storage Capacity Exceeds 2,000,000 Bush els A recent
survey of iJassachusetts storages brings to Jight these
interesting facts: "Co-untry Point" storages total 92, are
operated by 81 oi/.Tiers and have a combined capacity ai.iount-
ing to 1,807,000 bushels, "City" storegcs held an added
360,000 bushels, making a total of 2,167,000 bushels.
About 15 more storages are at this time in seme stage of
development, discussion, decision, pl^uming or construc-
tion with an expected future capacity of perhaps a quarter
of a million bushels. The number and total capacity of ,^
storages in tliC various counties are as follows; Berkshire
(3) 31,000; Bristol (2) 15,000; Essex (7) 80,500; Franklin
(5) 86,000; liompden (13) 99,000; Harapshiro (5) 75,500;
Middlesex (35) 1,098,000; horfolk (6) 48,500; '.Worcester
(15) 271,500.

A vanning Combination The Rod Apple Club coiatinos 3 important factors in the
fruit busi~si""~-""rl;~t control, fruit color and yield. If each of these are good,
production ccsts are lowered a:id profits arc raised. "lYo once saw a vaudeville
actor who performed the se.eningly impossible feat of hanging a plug hat on his
toe, placing a lighted oir.ar and a small bouquet on the hat, kicking the assort-
ment into the air and (bclljve it or not) catching the hat on his head, the bouquet
on his coat lapel simd the cigar in his mouth. And ho got paid for it.' The apple
gr.3wer, likewise, gets paid fo.- a 3-in-l performance — mastery of insects and
diseases, brilliant fruit color and a bumper yield.

No January FRUIT NOTES This is the first
issue of FRUIT NOTES since December, None v/as
issued in January for a variety of reasons.

^itJuitNcftu.

APRIL 30,19^18

Pr«par«4 by th« Fruit Program Committve of the Gxtensioo SerTloo
W. H* Tnies, Extension Horticulturist

Contents

Liming Orchard Soils
The Magnesium Deficiency

Situation
Provide Water for Bees Dur-
ing Pollination

Recent Reports on Control

of Fruit Diseases
Chemical Thinning of Apples
You Can Save on Spray Oils

in 1949

The ABC's of Fire Prevention

How Fresh Fruits Rate m Food Value

Managing the Small Forest

Issued by the gstansion Serrioe in furttieranoe of Acts of May 8 and June 50,
1914, Willard A. Kunsou, Director, Dnivereity of Massachusetts, United StatM
Departnent of 4^rioulture and Cov^ity SjcteQSiooi Services oo<^rati2^^•

LII'-IIHG ORCHARD SOILS

To offset the acidifying effect of repeated applications of sulfur in an
orchard, about 3 pounds of high magnesium lime aro needed for each pound of sulfur
applied as sulfur dust or wettable sulfur spray. In other v;ords , an orchard
receiving 500 pounds of sulfur per acre per year will need about 1^ tons of lime
every other year just to neutralize the sulfur. No wonder many of our orchard

soils are extremely acid,

(-'

How does a fruit grower go about getting the high magnesium lime needed for
his orchard? ¥[e put this question up to L, C. Kimball, Worcester County
Assistant in Conservation. Here are his comments; "First contact your local
community committeeman or the County Agricultural Conservation office, A farmer
requests as much lime as he thinks he needs. The community committee then
considers the request. It may recommend more or less than the farmer, although
the county committee usually approves the smaller of these tv;o amounts. Bulk
spreading is the common practice in larger orchards, the lime coming to the farm
in trucks. Smaller orcnards still get delivery in bags. At least three lime
concerns have a product testing 21^0 magnesium oxide (MgO), One of these concerns
(Les) also has a product from another quarry testing 7;o. Others deal in high
calcium lime, some testing as low in HgO as ,5;^o".

There is seldom enough of the 21% product to supply the demand among fruit
growers. But every fruit gro-wer should specify this high magnesium type of lime.
No cheaper form of magnesium, to prevent a deficiency in future years is available.
By all means get a 21^o luigO lime if you can, and in no case apply a lime with less
than 7% MgO. Conservation v/orkers \/ill be very cooperative in conforming so far
as possible to the needs of the fruit grower. Tell him what you want. As in
some other fields, it may be a case of "the v;heel that does the squeaking gets
the grease". The 3 to 1 ratio between lime and sulfur is well worth remembering,

THB MAG::BSIU1>1 deficiency SITUATION

(V\fe quote here part of a letter on this subject written by 1(7. G, Colby of the

Agronomy Department)

"Many if not most of the soils of our state are potentially deficient in
magnesium. The easiest and cheapest way to supply magnesium, unless serious sym-
ptoms of deficiency are present, is to use magnesium limestone. Since many of the
orchard soils need lime, the use of dolomitic limestone serves a double purpose,
viz,, correcting a soil acidity and supplying the nutrients magnesium and calcium.
The use of high calcium lime mijjht even accentuate the need for magnesium.

In the mineral nutrition of plants, the plant tends to take in a fairly
constant quantity of bases, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. If the
available supply of any one of these elements greatly overbalances the supply of
any of the other three, deficiency symptoms of any one of these three may eevrlop^
In other v^ords, an over-supply of calciiom makes it more difficult for the plant to
obtain both magnesium and potassium and an over-supply of potassium in turn makes
it more difficult for the plant to obtain magnesium and calcium, etc. This helps to
explain, for example, why plots treated with potash frequently develop magnesium
deficiency symptoms whereas plots receiving no potash show no magnesium deficiency.

It seems to me that the A.CP. has some-^ing very worthv;hile to offer to the
orchardists of Massachusetts and that if the conservation program can give magnesium
limestone rather than high calcium limestone, they will be accomplishing two objec-
tives, viz,, neutralizing excess soil acidity and supplying the nutrients, calcium
and magnesium,"

-2-

Effect of Mulch on Yield of Northern Spy ^ples The following data showing
the effect of a liberal mulch in a Michigan orchard is furnished by E. J.
Rasmussen, now of New Hampshire , The year the trees were mulched, each tree
received 500 pounds. Wo mulch or fertilizers viere applied later except on the
check trees which had the regular fertilizer treatment. It will be noted
that the effect of one application of mulch in 1942 began to wear off after
about 5 years when compared to unmulched trees.

Mulched, 1945

Year

Unmulched

Mulched, 1942

1942

9,5 bu.

17.0 bu.

1943

8,5 bu.

20.8 bu.

1944

17,0 bu.

20.7 bu.

1945

5,5 bu»

9,2 bu.

1946

20,1 bu.

24.4 bu.

1947

19.4 bu.

21,2 bu.

7.5 bu.
17.7 bu.

5.8 bu,
31,5 bu,
27.1 bu,

FAmi AIJD HOME VffiEK FRUIT IviEETIKG
University of Massachusetts, ijihorst - July 21

How Many Trees Do You Spray Per Minute ? Knowing the output of our spray pump
and. the number "oF trees passed per minute v/e can easily figure the number of
gallons applied on each tree. Following are the numbers of trees passed per
minute while driving at varying speeds in orchards with trees spaced at different
distances:

Mi le s per Hour Tree Spacings ( feet )

1.0
1.5
2.0
3,0
4.0

]|clt;itc>|<!tci|c>tc:|<itc:t(itci)citcl|citc!tc^i|cit<*itci|cit<

Lime Sulfur Tends to Reduce Yields Most apple growers are
familiar with v;hat is commonly knovm as lime sulfur burn, both on
the skin of the operator and on the leaves of the tree. Leaves
treated with this caustic material are smaller. They have
scorched margins and are less efficient in the manufacture of
starch. That is v/hy the milder forms of sulfur are used so
generally today with a resultant increase in yields. Following
are some figures from a Virginia orchard where part of the trees
were sprayed with lime sulfur over a period of 5 years, and the
rest viith flotation sulfur. Four crops were borne during the
5 years. The trees sprayed v;ith lime sulfur averaged 4.06
bushels per tree while those sprayed with flotation averaged
5.85 bushels per year,

************************

Ho March Fruit Notes Lest some readers of FRUIT NOTES wonder- if they have been
dropped from our mailing list, we offer this explanation. No issue was distribu-
ted during the month of March,

16x16

20x20

25x25

30x30

40x40

5.5

4.4

5,5

'2.9

2,2

8.2

6.6

5,3

4„7

3,3

11.0

8,8

7,0

5,8

4,4

16,5

13.2

10.5

8*7

6.6

22,0

17.6

14.0

11,6

8.8

-3-

PROVIDE V;ATBR for bees during POLLIiJATIOH

*
The need of water by bees is not commonly understood. In the case of
colonies brought into the orchard for pollination, the provision of a good source
of uncontarninated water close to the bees v;ill benefit then in two viays; in the
first place they will not have to seek for a supply of water, possibly at some
distance, and this will permit more time for working the blossoms; in the second
place if they can have a source of uncontaiiiinated water there will be much less
chance of bee poisoning. Frequently, bees having no other source of water will
collect dew from leaves having a deposit of poison from early spraying, Another
source of danger is from the bees collecting water near the filling station Vvrhere
insecticides or fungicides may have been inadvertently spilled. One of the best
sources of water is from a keg from v/hich water drips slowly on an inclined board,
Pans of water also carx be used but it will be necessary to place shavings or
similar materials in the water in order to allow the bees to have a chance to
light. Moreover, with the open pans there is the possibility of the spread of
Nosema disease to bees since open pans may be contaminated by body wastes as the
bee is drinking.

If a brook is present •uithin ~ laile, little concern need be given to the
provision of a vvater supply unless such a source of water is contaminated by
insecticides or fungicides,

— F, R, Shaw

RECENT REPORTS ON CONTROL OF FRUIT DISEASES

The follovifing are brief references to progress reports given at the annual
meeting of the j^erican Phytopatholo^ical Society in Chicago, December 28-30,
1947, The complete printed abstracts of each may be found on the pages indicated
of the January 1948 issue of PHYTOPATHOLOGY ,

1, Antibiotics for plant disease control: Curt Leben and G, ?,', Keitt,
V/isc. Station (p, 16), In laboratory tests a species of Streptomyces
produced a substanco that was highly antagonistic to 29 different
plant disease fungi. It completely inhibited growth of the apple scab
fungus at a dilution of 1:8,000,000 and of the peach bro\'m rot fungus
at 1:11,000,000, ITnen sprayed once on susceptible apple leaves 4 days
prior to inoculation in the greenhouse, the antibiotic material
either prevented outright or greatly reduced scab infection. The
substance vias not toxic to most bacteria.

2, In a second greenhouse test using the streptomj''cin, the same vforkers
(p, 16) obtained complete prevention of apple leaf infection by scab,
and tomato leaf infection by early blight. Artificial rain tests
indicated that the active material resisted washing on both kinds of
plants.

3» Antibiotics for crown gall control; Jack E. Haiipton, Arizona Station
(p. 11), Active galls on plura, pear, cherry and privet, as well as
on various herbaceous plants, v>fere quickly and completely inactivated
by thoroughly soaking with penicillin and streptomycin. Commercial
preparations and locally produced crude preparations were equally
effective. Streptomycin v>ras found to be somewhat more efficient
than penicillin.

4» At the same (Arizona) Station, J« G, Brown found (p» 3) in similar tests
that those antibiotic materials acted only upon the diseased tissues,
killing the gall cells and causing the galls to disintegrate, but having
no effect upon the healthy host tissue (root, stem, branch) from which
the galls had developed.

5, Fernate concentrate spray from airplane for apple rust control; A. B.
Groves, u» Va, Station (p, 11). A single application Hay 11 on York
and Y/inesap trees, using 7,5 oz, of Fermate per gallon of water, at
the rate of 8 gallons per acre, gave a reduction in cedar rust spots
of over 94%,

6, Sour cherry susceptible to the peach X-Disease; D, H. Palmiter and
K, G. Parker, New York Station (p. 20). English Morello and Mont-
morency cherries growing near X-diseased chokecherries and peach trees
showed virus-like sjTiiptoms, Graft and bud inoculations into peach
trees from diseased cherry trees produced typical X-disease symptoms
in the peach trees. Corresponding symptoms were produced on sour
cherry trees by inserting buds from X-diseased chokecherries. As a
result of this disease, 55>o of the trees in one English IJorello
orchard produced no fruit in 1947*

7* Apple bitter rot reported on fruits of sour cherry; Clyde E. Feet
and Carlton F. Taylor, VJ. Va, Station (p. 20)* Dry sunken rot v/as
produced on one side of the fruit with typical pinkish spore masses,
with up to 15yo of the fruits affected in some trees. Successful
inoculations of apple fruits proved the correct identity of the
fungus,

8. Apple bitter rot on peaches; G, B. Ramsey, M, A. Smith, and B, C.
Heiberg, U.S,D,A, (p, 22). Certain shipments of peaches in northern
markets from Georgia during July 1947 showed brovvn, dryish lesions
from one-fourth to three-fourths inches in diameter vath typical
bitter rot pinkish spore pustules. Inoculations produced typical
bitter rot on apples and pears, also similar lesions on peach and
plum fruits,

— 0. C, Boyd

50th Anniversary of the Cortland Apple The original
cross between Mcintosh and Ben Davis which resulted in
the Cortland variety is said to have been made in 1898,
just 50 years ago, and the first tree bore its first
apple around 1906, It vms introduced about 1915. The
intervening years have seen thousands of tests of this
variety, it has been tried under all sorts of condi-
tions as regards soil types, spray programs and storages,
V/e believe it has stood the test fairly well and is
today well established as one of our fairly important
varieties. Certainly its reputation has improved during
the past 10 years. Possibly the old saying, "It takes
60 years for an apple variety to prove its worthv/hile-
ness" is partially true.

Coverage Possibilities of a Fine Mi st Spray The numbers of droplets per square
inch resulting from the distribution of a gallon of liquid uniformly over a
surface of one acre are indicated by the following data. (A micron is about
1/25000 of an inch and 1000 microns are equal to about l/25 of an inch):

Diam , of Droplets Number of Droplets per Square Inch

in microns _______ ___, ______ '

60 9224

100 1164

200 142

500 , 9

1000 • 1.1

In still air, droplets 50 microns in diameter require about 5.4 minutes to fall
50 feet, v/hile those with a diajueter of 5 microns require about 5,5 hours to fall
the same distance.

A Sling Psychrometer in Every Storage To eliminate guesswork concerning
"the relative humidity'~Tn an apple storage every storage owner should own
and use a sling psychrometer, more commonly knovm as a wet and dry bulb
thermometer. The cost amounts to about 4 or 5 dollars. Proper relative
humidity and proper temperature go hand in hand in the maintenance of top
quality. Premature ripening as well as shrivelling are prevented by keeping
both of these factors as nearly ideal as possible. Experiments show that
an apple loses more v^ater at 50° and relative humidity 80^i, than it does at
30° and relative humidity 10%»

***********************

A Now Bulletin , "Apples as Food " This ue^v publication. Bulletin
No, 440, by Essolon, F'-jlli^rs and C-utowska, is now available from
the Mailing Room at the University or from your County Extension
office. It covers the folloT,;ing topics j History of the apple,
production and consumption, composition of applos, factors affec- •
ting composition, effect of processing fmd cooking on composition
and nutritive value, and physiological and therapeutic pr-iperties
of apples. It also contains a very complete bibliography.

***********************

Menacing Mummies Peach mummies are the result of decayed peaches from
previous years and yet they are themselves extremely resistant to further
decay. Their rolo in the spread of Broxm Rot is a dual affair. Not only
do the partially buried mximmles on the ground give rise to spores which
develop in large numbers in the toadstool-like grov/ths, but the dried
mummies on the tree may themselves take on a grayish appearance and
produce so-called conidiocporos. Those mummies are a menace whether on
the tree or on the ground. Light cultivation during the spring season
tends to breaic off the fruitin^ bodies from the mummies on the ground
and thus prevent the maturity of spores. It is not very commonly known
that a mummy may lie dormtmt for 3 to 5 years only to function as a
spore producer wiien conditions become favorable as for example, whon
tl-iC mummy becomes covered by a thin layer of moist soil. Brov;n rot
control is greatly simplified if all of the mummies are dostroyejd or
treated in such way as to prevent spore development,

***********************

-6-
CHmilCAL THIMING OF APPLES

Dinitro Materials ,^jpl.. thinnin'^ preccnts nowc prc;bl»jas« Varieties vary-
widely in their tendency to set heavily, bear regularly, and in their pollination
requirements. The amount of bloom, time of bloom, vigor and age of trees, pollina-
ting vfeather, type of polienizers in the block, bee activity, soil, and nutritional
conditions of the tree must be considered. The dinitro materials, Elgetol and the
powder DN No, 1, are the most suitable dinitro materials. They must be used at
blossom time, IVith the varieties Yellow Transparent, Duchess, Y^ealthy, Baldwin,
and Golden Delicious, these materials should be applied the first day of full bloom
of the spurs. Some varieties, particularly Wealthy and occasionally Baldwin, may
have a large number of flower buds laterally and terminally on the past season's
shoots which generally open two or three days later than the spur bloom. On such
varieties, a second application at half strength is often necessary. For varieties
like Delicious, Northern Spy and H, I, Greening, the dinitros should be applied the
second day of full bloom. These varieties apparently need more time for cross
pollination to take place. These three varieties, v/hen vigorous, fully grovm, and
adequately cross pollenized, may need thinning to obtain suitable fruit size and
overcome their tendency to alternate. Of the dinitro materials, DN No. 1 is begin-
ning to gain favor over the liquid DII's and the pov/der DN No, 2, since it appears to
thin as v/ell as the other dinitros but is less caustic and injurious to the foliage.

Following is a suggested concentration schedule when using the dinitro .
materials,

Dinitro Per 100 Gals .

V ariety Timo of Application Liquid Powder

Duchess 1st day full, bloom 1 1/2 to 2 pts. 3/4 to 1 lb.

Yellow Transparent 1st day full bloom 1 l/2 to 2 pts, 3/4 to 1 lb,

Vfealthy 1st day full bloom 2 pts. 1 lb»

(possible 2nd application
for lateral I; terminal

bloom) 1 pt. 1/2 lb,

Baldwin 1st day full bloom 1 l/2 to 2 pts, 1 lb.

Golden Delicious 1st day full bloom 1 pt. l/2 lb,

Delicious 2nd day full bloom 1 pt, l/2 Ib^

Hormones During the last tvio years considerable interest has been shown in
chemical thinning with naphthalene-acetic acid and some of its derivatives. It has
been used successfully on Delicious, Baldv/in, Yi'ealthy, and Northern Spy applied at
calyx time. The commercial preparation about which most is known is "App-L-Set"
and the concentrations suggested are based on experiments with it alone. Other
commercial formulations may or may not thin to the same extent. This type of
material has the advantage over the dinitro materials in that accurate timing of the
spray is not as important. Also, it may be applied after the blossom period when
there is less chance of frost and the maximum amount of pollination and fertiliza-
tion has token place. This period of delay can be important and helpful in deciding
whether to do any chemical thinning in "sarly blooming seasons or when weather condi-
tions have not been ideal for pollination and fertilization up to the time of
full blocm.

However, the hormone materials may be somewhat erratic in performance and cause
occasional txvisting of the "leaves. Also, it is not yet known whether trees of such
alternate bearing varieties as TJealthy will bear annual crops follov/ing its use. In
other v;ords, v/e have loss experimental evidence v/ith this material than we have
with the dinitros.

The suggested concentrations of App-L-Set for thinning at calyx time for
vigorous mature trees are:

Ounces of App-L-Set
Varieties at Calyx Time per 100 gals .

Delicious 4

Northern Spy 4

Vfealthy 8

Baldwin . 8

We v;ould expect, but have no evidence to prove, that Early Mcintosh, Duchess
and Yellow Transparent v^rill require from 6 to 8 ounces of App-L-Set at CaljTc time,

— F. Y/. Southwick

YOU cm SAVE OK SPRAY OILS BI 1949

V/hy not use a safer, more effective oil spray and save on spraying costs at the
same time? It can be done -- one 1947 Red Apple Club member is doing it every year.

On the farm of Mr, Shaun Kelley, in Riclimond, Berkshire County, orchard manager
Edivard Coningsby proves that savings are possible, Hov/? He does not purchase a
concentrated oil emulsion (v;hich usually contains at least 14)4 water and is
difficult to hold over from one season to the next) nor a miscible oil (which is
often less effective because so much material is likely to run off the tree and
may be expensive too) nor an ejiiulsible oil (ivhich has many advaiitages ,but , like the
other two, imless you are sure, may net contain the safer and more effective types
of oil and also may be expensive).

Instead, for the Kelley farm orchards, a hij;,hly-paraff inic , straight oil is
purchased — a lOO^'b oil having specifications equal to those listed in the February
28 FRUIT- NOTES for the "Better equality. Higher Cost, Safer" tj-pe of paraffinic oil.
Let's call it a high gravity (at least 31), high unsulfonated residue (at least 90)
or "superior" oil.

How much did it cost? This superior oil actually cost the grovrer less per
gallon than vvould a concentrated oil emulsion (with the v;ater in it), a miscible
oil or an emulsible oil. And, furthermore, since it is a superior oil and thus
more effective, the grower uses it at a lower concentration of only 2 gallons of
actual oil per 100,

Still another saving is possible, Ivlr, Coningsby emulsifies this superior oil
in the tank of his spray-rig, Ke uses Bordeaux mixture (2 lbs, copper sulphate,
4 lbs, lime) as the emulsifier. And there is the point. By using a superior —
a safe oil — the .lil application can b-i continued into the late delayed-dormant ,
when 2 to 3 spur leaves twe curled back from tlic- cluster bud. In many years a
fungicide is necessary at this timo. The jordwaux mixture not only emulsifies the
oil but also acts as the fungicide. It would appear to me that tiiis combination
might save, in some years at least, separate applications of an '.:)il in the green tip
or early delayed- dormant followed by a fungicide in the late delayed-dormant or
early p re-pink.

Some grovrers prefer not to use copper because of the possibility of russetting
under some conditions. That need not prevent them from taking advantage of the
savings described abovo, A commercial blood albumin containing 4 ounces of actual
blood albumin and 12 ounces of inert clay per pound makos an excellent, thoroughly
tested and inexpensive emulsifier for tank-mixing oil sprays* Fermate or a similar

-3-

material may be used as the fungicide. In fact, blood albumin (2 ounces actual
blood albumin or l/2 pound commercial material per lOO) is recommended for use along
with the Bordeaux mixture in New York where some 75-80^9 of the apple growers tank-
mixed superior oils in 1948 for delayed-dormant and late delayed-dormant applica-
tions.

If they know you are interested soon enough, I am certain that your dealers
v/ill cooperate lOO^j in making sure that they can supply you with commercial blood
albumin and with straight, paraffinic-base oils having the recommended specifications
and at prices allov;ing for real savings. Some 6 or 8 oil producers and refiners
had regular and superior paraffinic-base oils available in 1948, Prepared miscible
and emulsible oil products made from superior oils are available if you desire them.

You may have been told taiik-mixing requires extra time and is inconvenient.
Here are some facts.

Tank-mixed oil emulsions may be prepared in any conventional type of spray
rig now in use in Massachusetts orchards including the speed sprayer. Besides
adding the emulsifier, just three operations are involved which are not necessary
with prepared miscible oils and some oil emulsions but which would improve and
safen the use of oil sprays if practiced where most oil emulsions and all emulsible
oils are employed. They are: (1) shutting off the water after from 10-15 gallons
— never more — are in the tank (2) pumping the mixture of v;ater, emulsifier and
straight oil through the pump and back into itself, preferably through a gun or
broom for at least one minute — (1-|- to 2 minutes if you guess at it) -- this makes
a good time to fill and light the pipe (3) turning on the water again to fill up
the tank. In other words 2 minutes is all the extra time that need be required to
prepare a load of tank-mixed oil emulsion.

Complete directions for, and demonstrations of, tank-mixing oils viill be
available in 1949 through your County Extension Service, Complete specifications
for the regular type (minimum values of 28 gravity and 75 imsulfonated residue)
and superior type paraffinic-base oils as drawn up by Doctors P, J, Chapman and
G. 17, Pierce of Cornell University will be available early in the fall,

— Ellsv^orth H, ViTieeler

*******************

THE ABC's OF FIRS PREVENTION

In a recent farm survey 81^:i of tiie farmers v/ere found to be tolerating
dangerous fire hazards which <jould be easily remedied, according to 7i'. C, Harrington,
farm safety engineer. Fire prevention and fire protection begin v/ith fundamentals,
but many farmers do not realize that there are three basic types of fires and that
each should be handled in a different v/ay.

Class A fires involve v/ood, trash , paper and other combustibles and can be
fought effectively with soda-acid extinguishers . Class B fires are grease , oil ,
and gasoline fires and should be smothered v;ith carbon dToxide, foam or vapori zing
liquid extinguishers . Class C fires are electrical fires and shoul'd be controlled
with carbon dioxide , or vaporizing liquid extinguishers. If possible, the current
should be shut off. In all cases, extinguishers approved by the Undenf>rr iters '
Laboratories should be used. Failure to appreciate the ABC fundamentals of fire
costs farmers an estimated 4^90,000,000 viforth of property and kills approximately
3,500 people on farms each year.

HOW FRESH FRUITS RATE IN FOOD VALUE

(From a chart supplied by the Bureau of Huiaan Nutrition and Hone Economics)

per 100 grams «' raw food, editle portion

B Vitamins

Approximate measure
equivalent to 100
grams of food 1

Vita-
min A
Value

Vita-
min C

Thia-
mine

Ribo-
flavin

Iron

Calories

Apples

Apricots

Avoc ados

Bananas

Blackberries (or

dev/berries)
Blueberries (or

huckleberries )
Cantaloups (or

nuskmelons )

Cherries

Cranberries

Currants (fresh).,.

Dates

Figs (fresh)

Godseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guavas

Lemons

Limes ,,.. ,

Mangoes

Oranges ,

Papayas

Peaches ...........

Pears ,,,

P e r s immon s (Jap a-
nese )

Pineapple .,

pluiTis ,.. ,

Raspberries .......

Rhubarb ...........

Strawberries

Tangerines

Vmtermelons

1 small
3

-g-, 4" diameter

1 medium
3/4 cup ,

3/4

cup

1 slice 3/4" thick J

2-3 medium ....... j

3/4 cup ,, I

1 cup diced J

3/4 cup ,,,.. \

2 snail

slice,
X 1"

X 2^-"

+ **

■=■ melon, 5" diam. » *♦

3/4 cup

1 cup

3/4 cup

12-15

2-3 large

3/4 cup

1/2 medium

1 bunch of 20-25.,

grapes
-g- cup or 1 large..
-^ cup juice ......

^ cup juice ......

-g- cup or 1 mediu:.!.
1 medium

1 wedge 3" ,.

1 medium .........

1 medium , . ,',

1 medium

* * !if
=^ % *

(2)

(2)
(2)

(2)

265

100

70
55
60
315
90
45
45
75

80
45
55
75
50
45
50
70
85

60
55
75
20
40
50
30

*** Excellent; ** Good; * Fair; Less than fair (no entry)

RATINGS; Excellent, good, fair, as used in this table are based on the dietary
allowances of nutrients for a moderately active man, recommended by the National
Research Council in August 1945. To rate Excellent, a ravif food provides at least
50 percent of the daily allov/ance for each nutrient; Good, 25 percent; Fair 10
percent. Ratings- do not take into account losses of vitamins or minerals that may
occur during cooking, cutting, or other preparation.

1 Approximate measures are compiled from various sources,

2 Data are insufficient to rate the food as a source of this nutrient.

-10-
iMAI'IAGIMG THE StiALL FOREST

At this time of year a question arises, "Should I plant forest trees?" This
can be answered in a general way but it is alv/ays better to have advice from the
Extension Forester, County Agent, or the Soil Conservation Technician. Trees of
useful varieties and successfully staa-ted on the right land are almost sure to
return a profit to their aV'Tier, The planted forest also yields many products
needed on the farm, such as posts, firewood, lumber, and timbers. It is also a
home for wildlife, may serve as a vjindbreak, will conserve moisture and prevent
erosion, also it will give the ovoier and his family recreation.

Generally, forest trees should be planted: (1) on cut over areas or in forests
so run dovm that they are not reseeding or are reseeding too slowly; (2) on land
that' viTill be or has been ruined by sheet or gully erosion; (3) on rocky, hilly or
worn out land; (4) on land restocking to worthless kinds of trees; (5) on odd
corners of woodland too small or inaccessible for cultivated crops or pasture,

inother question that always comes up, "Yihat kind of trees should I plant?"
Roughly speaking, we have light sandy, gravelly soil on v.'hich red or Norway pine
is the best tree to plajit, Y/e have sandy loam, a_ little heavier soil and sill.
light, on which white pine grov<s to best advantage. And then v/e have a type of
soil v/ith a clay base so that drainage is poor, and we recommend spruce as the
best tree to plant on 'this type of soil.

For complete information on forest planting in Massachusetts, send to the
Extension Service at the University of Massachusetts for leaflet No. 213. In this
bulletin soil and the tree have been tied together,

— R. B. Parmenter

Pruning Deer Damaged Trees In an area where young trees are subject to
deer dumjige, it is not advisable to prjactice the sarae type of pruning as
where no such damage occurs. The reason is obvious. If a grower does a
careful job of training a young tree in accordance with the central
leader idea, and deer proceed to browse the tips of all the branches in
addition to the "leader", the framev/ork is severely upset. Instead, it
seems advisable to do very little, if any, pruning during first 4 or 5
years, or until the tree becomes too high to permit brov/sing of the
topmost branches. Such trees should be grown as rapidly as possible in
the hope that they v/ill soon outgrow the unorthodox pruning caused by
the deer. In other vrords, vire may as well grov; some extra branches to
compensate for the deer's lack of judgment. But, where deer are absent,
the 2nd and 3rd years are very important as regards framev/ork develop-
ment.

The Dixi Blueberry Not a Native of Dixie In the
Dixi (Note the spellingj variety"~of blueberry we »

find a story of human interest. It vsfas developed
by Dr. Frederick D, Coville, the originator of a
number of other varieties, shortly before his
retirement. This variety may have been one of his
favorites. Anyv/ay, he decided to pass it on to
posterity as his parting message. So he gave it
the Latin name "Dixi" (I have spoken).

^fwANcftu

JUNE 25, I9M8

Prepared by the Fruit Program Committee of the Gxtensiou Service
W. H. Tnies, Extension Horticultxurist

Contents

Apple Crop Prospects
Pollination and Fruit Set
Do You Know?
Notes on Rat Control

Red Apple Club

Effect of Newer Insecticides on the Honeybee
Oil and Gasoline Conservation on the Farm
Pressure Loss m the Spray Hose

Issued by the Sstension Service in furttieraaoe of Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, Willard A* Munson, Director, University of Massachusetts, United States
Department of i^ipriculture and County Sztension Sei-vices cooperating.

For Your Date rook — £^y 20 and July 21
Ti'iese are Fanu LUid Home '.."eek dates for
fruit |:rov;ers - ti:e first for f^rov.'ers of
small fruits aJid the second for ^ro\?ers of
tree fruits. The place is University of
iilassachu setts in ArJierst. — — — — —

Interested in protect in;; Fruits A.:':ainst Zirds? If robins,
catbirds and other feat'.^ered creatures' are ^ettinj^ a major
sj:are of your blueberries or sweet cherries, you may ivant
to provide a protective covering of tobacco clotli netting.
This material may no^v be obtained in small quantities at
reasonable cost. It comes in 11-yard v;idths. For further
details, contact the co;,:,;iler of FRUIT KOTES.

T* T* T* T* T* T* ^ T* T^ T* 'p T*

Blossom ThinninK; v/ith i.aphthalone Acetic Acid
This iiiaijic aaterial, v-'hicii' has proven so effective
in holdin[j auplss :;n the tr ^io at harvest time, is
also effective in the removal 'f excess blossoms.
Several growers have tried it this season, and
careful tests arc being conducted by members of the
Experiment Station Staff. The results v/ill be
observed v/ith roai interest.

Wurscr^/ Inspection Trips. The first of tv/o nursery expeditions tiirough
eastern U. S., conducted by the members of the pomologj- uepartment, v;ill
begin on June 28. This trip v;ill involve nurseries along tiie Atlantic
Seaboard as far sjuth as Virginia. A second trip in August v/ill take the
group as far v;est as lovia. These inspocti'^ns for Truenoss-to-irarae v/hich
have been cmducted since i;>21, have cleared un varietv mixtures aiaount-
ing to hundreds of thousands of trees. Today most eastern nurseries are
fairly free of misnamed trees,

Apple Crop Prospects. (Statement prepared by C. I), Stevens and A. C. Hackendorf
'"^f the II. E. Crop Reporting Service.) The united States apple crop in commercial
areas is indicated by June 1 conditions t.) be moderately smaller than both last
year and average. Pr-. spects vfere reduced by poor pollination v/eather during Lay,
especially in the Central States, T)ie crop varies from one to tv.'o v;esks earlier
tnan last year in the East to about tw^'j v.oeks later in the Pacific C »ast States.

For the Middle ^itltaitic States, a crop of about the same size as last year and
moderately smaller than average seems probable, Hov;ever, the lateness of the
season, cool, rainy v/eather at bloom time, ejid the uncertainty as to the size of
the June drop makes any statement hazardous at this time. In 1:1 ew York , frost dam-
age was light except for a few Hudson Valley sites, but there v«as much rain and
cold weather during the pollination period. In Pennsylvania, the heavy bloom in
the important Adjuns-Pranklin-Yjrk area did not produce a heavy set because of rain
and frost at bloom time, Jonathans Luid Roaes appear to have good prospects but
Staymans, Delicious, a:id Yorks appear very li^^ht. In the So uth Atlantic Statos ,
^Tuv.'crs report an unusually ne-<vy drop during ^lay and tl:e crop nrospecc is nov^
belov/ average but about one half larger than the short 1947 crop. In the Central
States, June 1 conditions indicate a smaller crop than l;i3t ;,''-ar in most States

-2-

and probably about tv/o-thirds of an average crop for the area. For the v/estern
group of States, production should be fully as large as average but considerably
belov7 the record large 1947 crop,

soi.a: OBSERVATions on follii:aticu akb fruit set

In its simplest terms, tne setting of fruit involves the transfer of pollen
to the stigiaatic surface of the pistil v.'hich, in the. case of the apple, is a five
parted affair, Apple pollen, unlike the pollen of the corn plant and of nut trees,
is sticky and therefore is not carried in the v;ind. Insects, particularly bees,
are essential. Successful pollination also implies flcr^ers uninjured by frost
and, in the case of self-unfruitful varieties, pollen of a suitable variety.

The .iclntosh variety is notoriously self-unfruitful. Unless pollen of a so-
called diploid variety such as Cortland, Delicious, \:ealthy. Red ^strachan.
Duchess, Early llclntosh, etc, is deposited on the stigxnatic surface while it is
receptive, the set of fruit is certain to be disappointing. Baldwin, Gravenstein,
and othfjr triploid varioti-3S are nvOt effective pollenizers.

This season thero has bec3n little or no frost injury to the blossoms, thus
eliminating one of the adverse fact'^rs experienced in recent years. Cold, rainj/-
woathor during bloom, hov/over, groatly interfered v;ith bee activity. In some
orchards, it is doubtful if the temperature v;as much above 60^^ at any time during
bloom and, at best, the bees had very few hours suitable for n'-rmal activity.

Inclement v/eather during bl )om along \iith a scarcity of bees in some orchards
have provided ideal conditions for stud;/ing a^iother factor, namely, the nearness
of other varieties suitable for cross pollination. Careful obsorvati tns have
once more c-nfirmed our opinion that a scarcity ^f p'/llinating varieties in 'Uir
Mclnt 'sh blocks is greatly reducing the chf.uice -jf cross p.)llinati-'n. ITc must make
it easy f^-r the bees, in a cold rainy season, to tnmsfcr pollen -.f the right kind
from one tree t" another without a lengthy flight. Lclnt'>sh trees alternating
with Delici'-'us or Cortl-ind show, in general, a go-)d set. Solid bl.jcks of L.clntosh
shwv;, ;n the average, a light sot.

Many observations have been made of Mclnt'/sh trees immediately adjacent to
a Red Astrachan or other gojd pollenizer. In these cases, we 'if ton find as mejiy
as tw-i or three liclnt-^ish apples on a single spur. This conditi'm djos not exist
in the case of t, solid ticlnt )sh bl 'ck.

To surainarize the situation, \fo must make better provision f )r cross pollina-
tion as a means of insuring a set of fruit in u season such as this. Grafting
one brcoich in- every Llclntosh tree to a go .d pollenizer next spring may return big
dividends in the years tt c Jme,

Vfe Visit '"eltsville. ^ -.;hree-da2/ visit

to the Pliait Incustry Station at Belts-

ville, lloryliuid raid to 'v/ashington, D.C,

l:ay 24 to 26, v/as most interesting and

informative. A day cJid u half was spent

in looking over experimental v^ork and

conferring v/ith U,S»D,A» workers, l^ew

developments in small fruits and in tree

fruits vrere reviewed. The more important

observations will be presented in an early
issue of FRuIT IJCTSS.

-3-

DO YOU KNOW ?

That the bushel container t/s use in narketing apples frequently costs more
than the pest control pro^^rana? It is entirely possible, oven under present day
costs, to spray or dust aii orchard very thorou,.;iily as many as 6 times for as
little as 30 cents per bushel, provided v/e get a large niimber of bushels per acre.
One hundred dollars per acre for spray and dust materials seems lilco a heavy
investiaont. But if a crop amomitiiig to 500 bushels per acre is harvested, that
means only 20 cents per bushel for riaterials. Labor and depreciation on equipment
may add a similar- amount, Vfe frequently pay around 35 cents for a bushel box.

That it costs more to establish a blueberry planting than it does for any of
the other fruits ^rovm in Nev; Ei^igland? This- is true not only of tree fruits but
of grapes, raspberries, strav;berries, etc. ITie initial cost of blueberry plants
for a 1-acre planting may amount to ^^500 or more. In vievi of this fact, soil and
site must be very carefully selected in oraor to justify so largo an initial
investment.

That the best v.ray of Iw.QriKg the cjst -.f pr:'ducii.g fruits ds t;. grow -,re
bushels, tons, or quarts per aero v;ithout greatly increasing the per aero invest-
ment? It costs about so mucii to fertilize, pruixe, spray and thin an acre of fruit
trees. Put v;e can.loi:;er the cost per bushel by getting more bushels per acre.
Struv/borrioE offer, a striking tjxijnple, Tho plants for an acre of land cost about
so much. There is also a fairly fixed amount of labor in setting pltmts, placing
runners, controlling v/e'jds, and in mulching. Our chances of making a profit are
greatly increased if v;e can produce 6,000 quarts per acre instead of 3,000.

That the controllable factors in strav.'berry grovdng have greater influence
on yields than the uncontrollable factors? V/e commonly blarao thew^ath^r for a
poor strawberry jdsld. But inclement v/eather may be largely offset by good
management, A summer drought is loss damaging on a good soil. Excessive rain
during the harvest seas m causes fov/er decayed berries if the planting has b^jen
properly fertilized. Deep freezing of the soil acid consequent heaving of the
plants may be avoided by mulching. The stravi'berry groiver has mere or loss complete
control over such factors as soil, variety, spacing, pest contr'^'l, v-reod control
and mulching. If tho planting is ■;thorvvi5e -i.!:., unfavorable v/eathcr ■.vill cause
much loss reduction in yield.

That hundreds of tons of poultry manuro are being i.'astod on poultry farms by
dumping in out of the v/ay places? This valuable fertilizer sh"uld be put t-; use
on farms \/itiiin easy hauling distaiice. On a fruit farm, it may be used to gotjd
advantage in grwing additional mulch material on meadOTi l;.ind outside the orchard
or in growing young trees. It may even bo used in mv;deratl..>n in early sprin^^ in
the bearing orchard where the trees -aic. the cover cr.-'p sh'Jw a definite need of
stimulation.

That piles of prop poles aiid piles of apple wood in or near the orchard
pr-'Vide ideal hibernating quarters f '-r c-'dling moth? Faere an old neglected
orchard has been r-jm^-ved iSid t!ie trees cut int i firewjod, numerous c idling moth
pupae are likely tr> be found under tho .IJ bark, from v;hich the moths emerge to
infest nearby trees, A number if yearc ago, trees in a IJashoba orchard nearest

such a woodpile were so badly infested by codling moth the next stunmer that
tho owner picked all ^'f the apples off w,ien partially gro\.in and dostr^/yod thoin.

-4-

That a sav/dust xnulch tends to steal nitroj^en from nearby trees or shrubs?
The reason is briefly this; Sav;dust is hi^^h in carbon and very low/' in nitrogen.
The organisms responsible for the decay of sawdust themselves require nitrO(;;en.
They take it from the soil and thus they offer strong competition to nearby
plants, A tree or shrub mulched v/ith sav.'dust and given <i, j cxtrl. iiitTt;gon -jfcLy show
yellovdsh leaves and make poor grav/th, Eut if additional nitrogen is used, the
sav/dust exerts a beneficial influence, particularly in stabilizing the moisture
supply, Bluoborrios mulched with savi/'dust are likely to require -cvico the normal
application of nitrogen.

That the apples in the top of a tree have better color not alone because they
receive more sunlight but because the leaves from which the apples obtain needed
gr"!vvth materials are bottfir exposed to light than the leaves on the inside of the
tree? Thoso topmost apples have other advantages. The v;ood on v.liicl: they gr^Av
is, in general, younger. It tlicrcf orcj has a better conducting system than the
older, shaded, drooping parts of the treo,# Such apples are literally "looking,
up" in more ways than one. In pruning a bearing tree mo strive to olininatc, so
far as . possiblrj, the poorly located br-ancnos instead of cutting uut the vigorous
parts if th?i tree in tho hope -"if invigorating th'j others.

That an inconvenient v/ater supply is one of the biggest drawbacks in the
entire spray prograr:!? Vfi'ien v/e buy a po'.ver sprayer vie invest a considerable sum
of money for one purpose, namely, to apply spray materials. It is not a suitable
piece of equipment for hauling water. If we must go dor.n the road half a mile to
fill the spray tank we are wasting very valuable time, A nearby water hole, or a
supply ttinl: used for nothing but hauling v.cter to the sprayer, helps greatly to
increase the efficiency of the spraying equipment. An apple orchard should be
completely covered in not to exce<id three days* Spraying time may often be cut in
half by bringing the v;ater to i:ho sprayer instead of using it as a veliicle for
cruising the countrvsidc in soarcn of suiter ,

That thero may bo as many as 8 brooas of red mite in a single season? In hot
v;eather a brood may ccmpieto its lif.: cycle in as short a time as 11 days • This
h-;lps to explain the heavy build-up in som^j orchards even though relatively f-jv;
over-twintering eggs v/ore obsorvf.d. Throe factors seem to influence the summer
buildup -- number of overw inter-id eggs, natural enemies, and weather.

That an applo tree v;ith a "sxiOT/ball bloom" may set a heavy crop evon tiioiAgh
no more xhan ^% (1 in 25) of the blossoms set fruit? This assvuiies 5 blossoms
to the spur. One good apple on ovory fifth spur may be all the trees should
carry, A spacing of 3 or 10 ixiches is quite ideal.

That purification .>f the air in an apple storage is a practical means of

preventing storage scald? Canisters i"f activated charcoal havs been found highly

effective for this purp )se. Dotviils of this new drjv-lopment will bo presented
in an early issue '^f FR^'IT NOTES .

That the red brmded leaf r-'illor, 1 '-ng considered a minor apple p:;st in
Massachusetts, has suddenly bee ^nc a ;aaJor pest in many orchards? In 1947 this
insect v/as m ;ro tr 'mblesome, in general, than codling moth. It to..)k a hoavy t.ill
in some of th^ orchards in the i:ash-;ba area, A thorough applicati >n of load
arsenate in the calyx arid the first covur sprays, paying particular attention to
the underside ./f the leavos on tJio inside of the tree, is ;m effective ntocu'is of
combatting tho first br^od.

Nev/s Item . Joe liclntosh of Scabville has f 'juiid a long-looked-for helping
hand ----- at the end '^f his own arm.

-5-

That a peculiar pinched and t^reenish appeararice around the calyx end of an
apple is due to an alternate host disease, knov.-n as quince rust? Delicious,
Gravenstein, etc., are particularly susceptible, 'i'lherc the alternate host plant,
the coHinon juniper, is found in lar^^e nujp.bers nearby, heavy infections ;uay be
expected unless particulsa' -.tt-Jnti "n . is paid to et-rly season control through the
use of F'erinate.

That youn^ fruit trees including applies and peaches should r.iaJce a tenrJ.nal
gr Tivth f :-.t loi.st 18 in. tl.e i'ir;-t year? It is a serious r.iietcike to allov<
nev.'ly set trees to get off to a slo-.v start. Ever;;/thini^ needed to induce s-crong
groT.-th t;hv5 first season should receive attention. These include a good. soil,
early plr-oiting, a little extra nitrOf.c-n, mulchinL;, and in a dry season, v/atering.

That the secondary spread of applo scab, unlike priiaary infections, comes
about only as a result of rain ''./ui^hint and splashing the suircner spores from one
part of a tree to another? Scab spots on leaves izi the top of the troo arc
obviously more menacing than tliosc on lower brariches. The su;nmer sports , unlike
the ascosporos, are not carried t..; a:;iy '■ixtfent by air currents .

That the suffix "cide" Liiplies a destroyer or killer of ono kind or another?
Examples aro found in such tenns us fuuiiicide, insectlcid3, larvucide, rodenticide,
ovicide, bactericide, etc. In this ago of specialization vie have corae to look
upon a material as having, a specific effect upon one typo of organism or up in one
sta^^e in its life history.

That, in many fields -v.'e ^re not. tiliinj.., the subsjil "f ^-rjjidf athcr 's day?
One has only to exaiTiins tho surface soil at the tup of a badly eroded slope to
detect definite subsoil charticteristics, A similar textured strata might bo
found at a depth of several fcx-t ut th.e bottom of a slipo. It is no v.'onder that
some parts of our present fields ^.roducc so poorly. The problem is not so much
on-, of adding chemical fertilizers as .-'f modifying the soil texture. A liberal
additi-n if organic matter in tho f-^rra .^f a mulch, ripplicatiins of high magnosiuia
lime cuid a complete fertilizer v,'iil '\elp greatly to rest^>re such areas to their
former pn ductivonoss.

That the C''mr.ionly recommend :;d practice of trimming the r''-."'tE of strawberry
plants at setting times is f>r c"invenienco in transplanting arid n't because the
plants mai:e better t-,rov.-th? A reviovr of iic.lf a dozen bulletins reveals n ,) hint
"f superior performance .'••f the pl;.nts. But m^st of tho authors refer to the fact
that tho removal of long, strag^:ly roots speeds up tho plur.ting partly because
one doesn't have t^' dig so deep a }:-jl'e,

RED APPLE CLUB

The Red Apple Club, an honorary fraternity among apple grov/ers in
Massachusetts, will be conducted a^ain -cnis season. During the latter part of the
euivxier aii opportuni-cy T.ili be offered ariy interested ..lassac.iusetts grov.-er with 5
acres or m.ore to apply for Club membership. The requirements based on one variety
are as follows;

(1) The crop must score at least 90^., free from insect and disease blemishes.
(2) Grade at least 65;,i, U. S. Faiicy, ar.d (3) Yield at least 200 bushels per ucrc' if
trees are less than 15 years of age, 300 bushels per aero if trees are 15 to 20
years of age, and 400 bushels per acre if trees are more than 20 ^^ears of age. A
simple spray and dust record v.ill also bo required.

Killing of rats by one means or another has been attempted as far back as
history records. The results are usually temporary and nust be repeatea over
and over again. Killing has been placed last in the rat control progra;.i for
several reasons, jtoong these are the smartness of the rat itself, the laiov.dedge
and care required to use poison successfully, the rapid populati^m increase
rate ^f rats, and the failure in the past of -chose who have- relied on killing
alone as a control measure. This method is more successful toid is least required
v;here sanitation and rat proofing measures have been established and maintained,

******************

"No Dollars - N "> Dice", F, A, Ivlrbz, Foreign Liarketing
Specialist, U,S,D,A. speaking before The Centennial
Fruit Congress in St, L'Uiis, .iissouri, painted a dark
picture for the future of fruit exports to European
coiintries, lur, I.Iotz said the situation could be
explained in four -v/ords: "Ko Dollars - No Dice", The
relief prograias way include siJrn.o fruit, but until
European nations resume pr^^ducti 'n -'f articles they
can exchajtige for U, S, credit, there is little hope
of resuming apple saip:;ients t''' Europe on prewar scale,

******************

PRESSURE LOSS IIT SPRAY EOSE AT DIFFERENT RATES OF YWu

The working pressure at t.ho spray nozzle is much more significant than the
pressure at the guage. This is especially true where a large amount of spray
material is delivered through a spray hose of small diameter. The follov/ing
figures indicate the heavy losses in pressure where siiiall dio/aeter spray hose
is used with a pump of large capacity/.

Flow in oallons per
minute at 600 lbs,
pres sure

pressure loss in pounds per sq. in,, for
60-ft. length of hose with fittings

V^ in.

T7^

<i in.

i/4 in.

90
130
175
225

275
■62b

13
25
35
45
55
65
125
250

125

150

185

240

"^nuiNcftu

JULY 30, I9H8

•i...

''■4?'*a^.;,,.-^

Prepared by the Fruit Program Committee of the Extension Service
W. H. Tnies, Extension Horticulturist

Contents

Fruit Variety Testing Program

Chemical Weeding of Strawberries

Air Purification for Apples in Cold Storage

Progress Report on Chemical Thinning

Late Season Control of Apple Scab

Fruit Insects in Midsummer

Some Orchard Observations

Institute of Cooperation

Farm Enemy No 1

Issued by the Extension Service in furtnerance of Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, Willard A. Munson, Director, University of Massachusetts, United States
Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.

-1-

FRUIT VARIETY TESTING PROGRAM

One of the important services v;hich the Pomology Department carries on for the
fruit grower is the testing and evaluating of fruit varieties. The total number of
varieties of all fruits being grovm in the University of Massachusetts plantings
is well over 500, Not all of these are under active test^ since in the case of
apples, especially, v/e are preserving a goodly n'omber of old varieties which have
only historic value, Hov/ever, the list of newer naraed vai-ieties and numbered
seedlings under active test at present includes about 50 apples, 35 pears, 50
peaches, 20 plums, 20 cherries, 25 strawberries, 20 raspberries, 10 blackberries,
40 blueberries, and 40 grapes.

The Department issues a list of varieties recommended for commercial and home
planting as well as a list of varieties suggested for trial only. These lists are
revised each winter and are available to anyone who is interested,

— A, P, French

Fruit Thinning , An Old Practice , Long before the removal of excess fruits
became a common practice or cnemical thinning was even dreamed of, a
Massachusetts apple groVTer is reported to have done something about this
age-old problem. Robert ivlarjiing of Salem whowjs graving apples in the
middle 1830 's found that his Baldwin trees were bearing fruit 'every two
years. One spring he went thru his orchard and picked the blossoms off
every other tree (vre'll assume small sized tree^. The untouched trees
bore fruit that year, and the follca^/ing year the remaining trees bore
a crop. This probably marks the first attempt at blossom thinning,

lie*****************

Y/hat Limits plant Growth? Air and water plus energy from the
sun are responsible for about 95^ of the total weight of
growing plants, but the, 5% furnished by the soil determines
the yiold. Even though weather conditions are almost perfect
yields may bo lovx because the 5% furnished by the soil is
limiting the plant in utilizing the other 95%, And to
complicate the mattor, plants aren't as fortunate as cattle.
They can't break through the fence and go v;here there is
more food,

Delicious , Our Most '.Tidcly Gro-.-fn Apple Variety,
Based on average annual production for the years
1942-46, the Delicious apple crop in the U, S,
amounted to a little more than 20,000,000 bushels
or about l/o of the national crop. The variety
next in importance is Yfinesap v/ith about 12,000,000
bushels, Mcintosh is third aiid Jonathan fourth
vdth about eight and seven million bushels
respectively, Romo Boauty, York Imperial, and
Stayman come next in order ivith approximately
six million bushels each.

-2-

che:.iical y/eeding of strawberries

TiTith the development of a host of chemical weed killers, the question naturally
arises, can any of these be used to weed strawberries? The information available to
ansv/er this question is very limited but it does suggest that certain materials are
worth further trial, Anong these the sodium salt of 2,4-D is probably being given
the most extensive trial.

An attempt to find a chemical weed killer for strawberries is being made in
the Pomology plantings at Amherst. Plots have been laid out both in a newly set
and in a fruiting bed.

TfVhile it is too early to draw any conclusions, control in the newly set bed
looks more promising than in the fruiting bed. Pre- or post-planting treatments
with the sodium salt of 2,4-D are being tried along with several other chemicals
ajid chemical combinations. These plots Vifill be available for inspection during
Farm and Home Days.

— J, S, Bailey

AIR PURIFICATION FOR APPLES IN COLD STORAGE

Follov/ing the past storage season apple storage operators may be interested in
slov/ing dovm the rate of ripening, softening, and severity of storage scald of this
fruit. Recent commercial trials in ijew York State have sho\-m that air-purification
v/ith activiated charcoal cannisters has added from 4 to 6 weeks to the storage life
of Mcintosh (based on firmness of flesh) and controlled storage scald as well or
better than shredded oiled paper,

¥(hat does air purification do?

( As apples ripen they produce a number of organic gases some of v^hich give
apples their characteristic aroma. Ethylene, an odorless gas, is one of them and
when present in very small amounts is capable of stimulating the rate of ripening
of firm ripe apples. This gas is produced in increasing tanounts as the fruit
ripens until a peak is reached, and then gradually declines. Drops, and fruit
that has been off the tree for several weeks, generally produce more ethylene than
freshly picked fruit in a firm ripe condition. Consequently, later picked apples
can be stimulated in ripening by ethylene produced by drop fruit or earlier picked
apples that are in the same storage room. Also, other gases produced by riper lots
of apples can greatly increase the severity of storage scald on those apples that
are harvested and stored later.

Considerable work has boon dono attempting to remove these ripening and scald
gases from the storage room air. The use of a special activated charcoal has been
found most suitable for this purpose. Occasionally grov;ers have a problem with
foul odors in storage originating fr:)m boxes, other produce, etc, v^hich tend to
give an undesirable flavor to the apples. Activated carbon v/ill cleanse the air
of a great many of these; odors, also.

What is involved?

In order to install on air-purification unit one must have a forced air cold
diffuser or a bl-'^v/er unit which provides good air movement throughout the room at
all times. Good air circulation is of primary importance since removal of organic
gases cannot be complete and cffectivo unless all of the air in a room is being
constantly cleansed.

It is necessary to have about one canister for eTer7 200 to 250 'bushels of
fruit* TAese canisters, containing 1*5 pounds of carbon each, are mounted on
a manifold which in tium is installed in a wooden or sheet metal housing. To
this housing is connected an auxiliary fan vdiich drairs air through the canisters
and discharges clean air into the intake side of the cold diffuser* A diagram
of a canister and a general arrangement of the unit is shown below.

Top view

Arrows

indicate
movement
of air

Activated
carbon

Activated Carbon
Canister

Cold
diffuser

Auxiliary
fan

Side view

Diagram of Activated Carbon Canister and
Arrangement Necessary for Their Installation
as an Air Puji.fioation Unit in an ^ple Cold
Storage Room.

It is estimated that such an installation will cost {^proximately 6 cents
a bushel. Yearly maintenance 0.5 cents a bushel. After each season the
canisters are returned to the manufacturer who reactivates the carbon and puts
it back in the canister.

For those who may be Interested in air-purification, more Information may
be obtained from the Pomology Department, University of Massachusetts, Anherst,
Uassachusetts.

-4-

FROGRESS REPORT ON CliEMICAL THIMING TESTS

Chemical thinning tests were conducted at Amherst rjid in three commercial
apple orchards using the dinitro materials (DW i^l and Elgetol) at blossom time and
the sodium salt of naphthalenep.cetic acid (App-L-Set) at oalyx time and two and
four weeks after calyx. One test on' Halehaven peaches was conducted using three
dinitro materials (DN #1, DN #289, and Elgetol) at blossom time.

Although the bloom was heavy, the v/eather, except for the first t\vo or three
days v/hen apple flowers commenced to open, v.-as not conducive to a heavy set. During
the bulk of the blooming period, cool, rainy -.veather Ij.mited the extent of polli-
nation. Under these conditions the set was not nec-rly at! g^roat as the bloom
indicated it mi^ht be, Elgetol applied to Red Astrachan^ Baldv.-in and Duchess
resulted in much more thinning and foliage injury thr.n similar single or double
applications of DN #1, Vifhere the set vjas heavy onoui^h to v/arrent thinning on
Yellavi Transparent, V/ealthy, Duchess, and Early Mcintosh, DW -jfl gave satisfactory
results. It no longer seems desirable to consider the liquid dinitro materials
for blossom thinning of apples. In the peach test, DN -^^289 reduced the set more
than equivalent concentrations of either DN #1 or El^jetol,

j^plications of 8 oz, of App-L-Set per 100 gallons of spray at calyx time
eliminated the crop on Duchoss applo trees and r';sulted in severe leaf dwarfing
and distortion. Calyx applications of this material to Vfealthy, Mcintosh, and in
some instances Early Llcliitosh, thinned satisfactorily at calyx time with much less
foliage injury, App-L-Set appoo-rs to be more injurious to apple foliage v/hen
applied shortly after bloom than it does v/hon used at the same or higher concen-
trations two and four weeks after calyx.

Tests at Amherst and in one graver's orchard, using up to 12 and 20 ounces
of App-L-Set per 100 gallons of spray two and four vciks,, respectively, after
calyx on Mcintosh, Golden Delicious, and Early Kcr'ntoi-h, show that chemical thin-
ning can be accompli. shed c.b this late date, A. trcotiuen'^ that oaii be made as late
as four weeks afi-'i.T cal'/>" h-.'.s 'he distinct advxi^o.FC f^ver ::■''!: ''^-cza or calyx applica-
tions since i.ha cictenb of fruit setting and the ne-; ?.:rsity ■f'or thniming can be
rather accurats'.y petnrm:-ri'-«i by that timeo Cf ocv-.-. s;.:. the oarlior thinning can be
done, the g-;eutoi are the ohai'jces of obtaining di^oj ru'^ lu ooiimeroial size with the
least reductioxa in yield vxid of mailing alternate bearing varieties bear more uni-
form, annual crops,

— F, "vT, Southwick and VJ", D, Weeks

LATE -SEASON C0NTR0_L OF APPLE SCAB

The surect m v.y to prjvc'nt iate season infection of apple Scab is to have no
leaf or fruit inf ectM:!;. 7.']ivr. tha first of Au.;u'^t c\.-:rives.. Very few Llclntosh
growers in ,ivaf-".-:,'^hu^.c-;-:t£i ere jn that position ';his .y-'^r •— cr in aruy year for that
matter« A- lo";: £■'■ ,?•- -ivi Scab apjts aro pi'e'Sint in \he br^-es, :'i ths top
brai^chot' in par ■:le' .i.ar.^ there Is danger of i'vulv -'j;.fo'-.-':i.v,i, parti^ul•.^rly (1) after
the spray dop^'f.-;-.: f'-i-r^ -:.v:i h-.z-^ cOTor spray b.:.?omij'J '^utgr-OkVi o-' is leathered away,
and (2) if conrinuouf or f.nte mil- tent wet periods of sufficient duration occur
during August or Ssp-uenboru

This year when many orchards sho^.T dangerous amounts of active Scab on the
foliage, even though very light infections may exist on tho fruits, grov^ors need
to know certain facts about requirements for fruit infection during the period

-5-

betvveen the last usual cover spray and harvest time. Based upon artificial
infection experiments, using ivlclntosh apples in Now York State several years ago,
pathologists found that wet periods of at least 40 to 45 hours are necessary for
Scab infection during the first half of August, v/hile the fruit must remain wot
for 3 to 4 days to allow infection during late August and early September,

This means that there still is time to head off an infection of unprotected
fruits if an application of sulfur dust or wettable sulfur spray is made (1) after
a wet period in the first half of August has progressed to the 30 to 35 hour period
and promises to extend still further, or (2) after a 2- to 3-day v;et period in
late August or early September,

Although no definite information is available on length of wetting period
required for late season leaf infection, observations indicate that the upper
surface of v/ell matured loaves may require nearly as long a period as the fruits.
The under surface of leaves is much more readily infectod during August and
September than, the upper surface.

In considering standard spray materials possessing the longest protective
properties for late season Scab control, the sulfurs rank first. Full strength
Formate in the late cover applications coinmonly allows considerable under-surface
leaf infection during August and September, whereas good protection may be main-
tained from its use duriiig the same period on tho apples. Spray residues of
wettable sulfur, or sulfur plus Formate, outlast Formate alone for leaf protection
-- find probably also for fruit protection,

— 0. C. Boyd

FRUIT INSECTS IN MIDSUMi\./[ER — 1948

Fruit insect pests have made this an interesting season for the entomologist --
perhaps a hectic one for the grower. Or, should I say that insect pests are
making this a tough season -- because they are not through yet. Of that unfor-
tunate fact, wo can. be sure.

Let's review a few of tho outstanding developments, note our mistakes and
make plans to correct them before we forget v;hat they vrorc rjid how im.portant they
became as the season progressed,

PEACh'ES - The BHC-DDT coiibination appears to have done an excellent job for
peach growers and has not caused injury. In a few cases those late Curculios did
some damage after the final application had lost its effectiveness but the
Oriental Fruit Moth never got started in the tenriinals where the three applications
of DDT were applied at weekly intervals. Injury by Tarnished Plant Bug was also
reduced, but an early — real early — petal-fall application of DDT would improve
the control of this post. There uro too many peach trees being weakened or
destroyed by the Peach Tree Eoror, It is now so practicable to control that insect
with DDT that I hope growers really do a good job and thus lengthen the productive
life of their trees,

PEARS - Some excellent reduction in Pear Psylla early broods have been
obtained with dormant oils applied before many eggs had been laid, DN materials
including the novt DN-289 were good ovicides, but many eggs were laid after they
could no longer be applied safely. Nicotine sulphate alone and with simraer oil
have been effective against the nymphs of summer broods.

-6-

APPLES - This yoar tho najor insect pests of apples have boon - or are now -
plum Curculio, Bud Moth, Red-banded Leafrollor, Codling Moth, European Rod Mite
(or in some areas the Clover Llite), Still to bo accounted for are late Red-banded
Leafrollor, sui:Tmer brood Bud Moth, second brood Codling Moth and Apple Maggot,
Mites and jiphids night require additiono.l liieasuros also, — — —

The prolonged period of emergence, feeding and egg laying by Pluin Curculio
make it outstanding at present in actual damage caused to fruit. Heavy rains washed
sprays off and it seemed almost impossible to maintain effective protection,

Overv/intering Bud Moths were killed effectively by dormant applications of
DN materials. Many orchards, however, provide excellent demonstrations of the
necessity for complete coverage. They also point out the increased insect control
to be gained by pruning off those low-hanging branches v;hich are hard to hit
thoroughly. Control of the summer brood and the final damage to the fruit will
depend upon how well growers have applied sprays to the undersides of the foliage
during the latter part of July, i5|)plications of oil and nicotine in delayed dormant
or even the thorough underneath application of load arsenate and DDT in early sprays
were quite effective also.

Red-banded Leafroller needs watching. Satisfactory control of this insect is

impossible by ordinary spraying methods in trees v/hich aro not pruned, are full of
watersprouts or hang right doxvn into tho grass. It is not an easy insect to kill,
but all the evidence points tov/ards the use of DDT plus lead arsenate in one

application , to the right place at tlie right time . The placo is the undersides of

all the leaves and tho time is during tho last week of July and first two weeks in
August, Of course, the roal time was back at Calyx, 1st and End Cover periods.

Codling Moth seems to be under control v;here protection with DDT was complete
throughout its rather extended active period. The first brood was late and v/e do
not knov; yet hov/ extensive the second brood may become,

European Red Mite has caused a great deal of damage although I am sure some
growers with Red ilite injury do not realize it. It showed up first on Baldwins
and Delicious and then on other varieties. The picture is complicated by serious
outbreaks of Clover Mites in at least one area. The Two-Spotted Mite still has
time to come into thi; picture.

With good oils available — and they v;ill be if growers demand them — it seems
unnecessary to endure the "run around" for svunmer Red Mite control I have witnessed
recently. At present summer control measures are expensive, likely to be injurious
and many times are ineffective. Let hindsight remind us, now, to use foresight in
1949 and to control the European Rod Mite early v;ith the proper applications of a
good oil,

Apple Maggot fly emergence started late and reached a peak slowly. The
additional emphasis upon summer Bud Moth, Rod Mite and Red-banded Leafroller
control in late Julj;- and August should have helped also to control this pest,

— E, H. V/heeler

Mpnthly Rodent Con trol Notes , Tho best time to prevent losses by
rodents in fam storages is just previous to the actual storing of
products. Controlling rats or mice after tho storage room is
filled is difficult and cxponsivo. (Carl Henry)

-7-

OBSSRVATIGNS IN TV/O ORCHARDS (Tv;o successful growers, both former presidents of
the IvIFGA, were asked this nonth to present their observations on anything of
interest in their individual orchards. Their comments are well v/orth reading,)

Artificial pollination . 'In 1947 we planned to dust a large block v/ith pollen from
an airplane. For various reasons we did not do it, but had a bumper crop on ;vhat
has alv/ays been a shy bearing orchard. Had we dusted with pollen v;q v;ould have
given the credit to that.

"This year v;e tried bee inserts on the hives in several blocks. The patented
insert vre used induced most of the bees to vv-alk through a tray of pollen on their
way out of the hive. It- looked as if tho bees could not help but carry a load of
good pollen on every trip, Vfe used some pollen (VTealthy) that wo gathered our-
selves and some that we purchased. Germination tests on both were nado in Amherst
and pronounced o.k,

"Vn'e vrere also careful to replace tho pollen about every two hours as v;e loiev/
it vrauld deteriorate from the light and heat of the hive. In tho blocks where the
inserts were used, v/e had slightly more than a colony of bees to the acre. One was
a Mcintosh block and the otiaer Delicious both of v/hich vjqto short of pollenizing
varieties. Both have grafts that are not yet in bearing,

"As to the results: B'":th blocks have practically no apples at all, Tlie
Delicious block has four trees adjacent to a Jonathan tree that are loaded. No
other pollinating varieties seemed to affect the Delicious, The llclntosh block
has a good crop adjacent to Astrachan, an.d some apples near Ya'calthy and Cortland,
Delicious pollenizors appeared to be '«;'orthloss for llclntosh this year,. As to
conclusions: I will let you draxv your oim. 'iVo are not convinced that the method
is worthless. However, our faith is badly shaken."

(Jonathan Davis, Sterling Junction)
Chemical Thinning and Other Observation s,

"A hormone natorial applied "as a thirjiing spray at double the strength
normally used to prevent drop, did a fine job on '.Jealthies, and little hand thin-
ning was needed. A fe\: weaker troes were thinned too much. Early Mcintosh were
also thinned too heavily. Next time I v/ill use 6 oz, instead of 8 oz, per 100
gallons. Foliage on both varieties still shows the effects of the thinning spray.
During the first few days tho trees lookod as if something had shut off the water
supply. Another test I have made is Eastern vs, '(Ve stern lead arsenate, tT./o rov;s
of each all season, (So far no difference has been noted.) More Russet on all
varieties this season. Rosy Aphis plentiful on Cortlrxid, IJo Leafhoppers this
year in spite of a straight load arsenate progrtuu, DDT last year must havo
finished them,

(Travel Note) - Leaf Curling Midge has arrived in Brimfield.

Phygon has apparently done a good job in controlling Scab v/ith fev/er appli-
cations and longer intervals bet^.voen sprays. Very little effect on the foliage
has been observed, Grov;ers in this section are v/ondering if a slight yellowing
near the edge of Mcintosh foliage is due to frequent, heavy applications of
finely divided sulphur,"

(V/aikor Cheney, Brimfield)

j^'IERICAl^I INSTITUTE OF COOPERATION COMNG TO STATE UNIVERSITY IS AUGUST

The University of Massachusetts becomes the hub of the Araerican farm v/orld
for four days this summer, when the American Institute of Cooperation meets here
August 30 through September 2. Leaders of the farmer cooperative movement, members
of cooperatives, educators f"rom colleges and universities, administrators, and
farmers themselves will gather from all parts of the nation to discuss cooperation,
to get acquainted with one another and with coiimon problems and to enjoy the
varied attractions of New England,

Recreation and sociability will center around a Gay Nineties Barbershop
Quartet, a New England seafood dinner, a square dcmce festival, and a special
pageant staged by the Iilichigan Fana Bureau. Nccrly 100 young people from Llichigan
v;ill journey to Amherst for this event. The pagsant will portray the role of
young people in cooperatives, Tho local committee on arrangements is headed by
Dr. Adrian H. Lindsey, head of the depai'tment of a.gricultural economics at the
State University. Theme of the institute is Fanner Cooperatives as a Part of the
American Economy.

Two special sessions v.'ill precede the main conference. These vjill come the
morning of August 30, One is a conference to discuss extension teaching in the
field of farr.ier cooperativos. The other a special conference of cooperative
information editors, Tho latter ivill include a luncheon, Tho main conference
will got underway that aftcrn'Oon,

Two special schools will also bo hold in ac'van.ce of tho conference, August
16 to 27 at the University a collo^e couras on the Principles of Cooperation,
This is for college credit, Cooporativs ^d.ucation will bo the subject of a
workshop which will ..ioot from A--guGt 23 to 27, Aiid i.jiother vrorkshop on the subject
of Cooperative Education for Residents of tiio G i 'larnuni ty will bo held August 27
and 28,

Registration blanks for advance registration may be obtained from Roy E,
Moser, Stockbridge Hall, University of Massachusetts ,• Amlierst. ' Reservations for
tho Nev; England Seafood Dinner must be cOLiplotod by August 21, Headquarters for
the Institute v/ill be in I.Iemorial Kail on the Uni-\rersity cs?jTipus,

FARI'.'I ENEMY NO, 1

WANTED: For sabotago, robbery, murderi
RE1.7ARDJ Millions of dollars in savings,'
Y/JffiNING: Ho is savago,' Kill hin on sightj

* He has the v/orld's vforst name — "Rut",

. * Ho runs v;ith a big gang — aii estimated 150,000,000 rats in the
United States,

* Ho spreads disease a;uong people and animals,

* He murdors chickens and young livestock in cold blood,

* Ho takos a 200,000,000 bushel cut of America's grain crop.

* Ho is trying to sabotage our Nation's food production,

WAR H.iS BEEII DECLARED AGABIST TEE RAT,' JOIN THE FIGHT 1

^njuit Ncftti.

August 30,I9U8

"The New England Seven"

In 1928, seven apple varieties were favored
for commercial planting in New England. An
appraisal of this list, 20 years later, is
presented on Page 1»

Prepared by the Fruit Program Committee of the Extension Service
W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Contents

The New England Seven

Harvesting Pointers

Apple Maggot Fly Emergence

Uratsrellas for Insects

Pruning to Improve Size and Color of Fruit

Notes on Mouse Control

The Falmouth Strawberry Crop

Eradication of Apple Scab

Preventing Phygon Chlorosis

The Red Apple Club

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, Willard A. Mimson, Director, University of Massachusetts, United States
Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.

-1-

TIIE Ilg.Y ENGLAIID SEVEH

Horticultural authorities in New England got together in 1928 and prepared a
list of apple varieties best adapted to commercial planting at that time. The seven
varieties on this list were Ealdv/in, Delicious, Gravenstein, Mcintosh, Northern Spy,
R. I. Greening and Vfealthy, It was not the intent to advocate the planting of all
of these varieties in every Kew England orchard, but to provide a list from vjhich
three or more well adapted varieties might be selected, Vi/hen the list was published
the prediction v;as made that the next decade would find one or more of these
variotie's waning in popularity. It v;as also felt that some of thorn would gradually
be supplanted by newer sorts. It is not surprising, therefore, that our attitude
has changed as regards variety recommendations during the intervening years, A list
prepared today \vould differ considerably from that of 20 years ago.

Speaking for Massachusetts alone, and vdthout any attempt to convey the
attitude in the other Hew England states, our present day appraisal of the above
mentioned varieties might be suiiimarized as follo;vs: Baldv;in Still considered a
good apple although not being plojited at all extensively, Llaiiy trees damaged or
killed by the cold viinter of 1933-4, Production not raUoh more than half that of
1928, but will continue to occupy a place of some importance on our markets for many
years, Delicious 'iiTould undoubtedly be included in a similar list today although
few growers produce this variety at its best. Size, color and yield frequently
leave much to be desired, V/hero conditions arc favorable and a high percentage of
Fancy fruit is groivn, this variety has proven profitable. One of its claims to a
place on the list is its influence as a pollcnizer. G raven stein In spite of its
excellence for pie or sauce and as an eating apple, tlils variety seems to be on the
way out. Cold winters have taken a toll and few trees are being planted. The red
sports are providing a partial substitute for this good old variety, Mcintosh (Dur
Number 1 commercial variety which makes up at least 60% of the total crop, compared
with 25^0 in 1925 and A0% in 1940, It is fully as popular as in 1928 and promises
to top the list for years to come, A further increaso in the percentage of Mcintosh,
hmiQ^er , should not be encouraged. Northern Spy This good old variety :)ccupics a
very minor place in our commercial plantings. It is popular v/ith consumers although
groijvors find it relatively unprofitable because -^f its biennial tendency, slovmess
in coming into bearing, smaller percentage of Fancy fruit and a very tender skin,
R^ I, Greening Of interest in only a few markets. Very few trees being planted,
A good cooking apple, but might not find a place on a present day list* Yteglthy
popularity v.'aning. Still a considerable number of trees in commercial orchards
although not being planted by most growers. Variety cannot compete v;ith Mcintosh,
Was widely planted as a filler tree. Production will decline as these are removed.

If a list of seven commercial varieties were prepared today, it would certainly
include Cortland and probably Early Mcintosh, Gallia Beauty deserves attention as
a partial substitute for Baldwin", Red spvorts of Delicious, Gra^'■enstein, Baldwin
and others should be considered v/horcver these varieties are being planted. And
since the New England Seven included three varieties (R, I, Greening, Gravonstein
and Baldwin) which are ineffective as pollenizers. Golden Delicious, certain
Mcintosh relatives such as Ilacoun and Hilton luid other good pollenizers assume a
role of some importaiace, particularly in the production of Mcintosh, a self-unfruitr
ful variety.

-2-
HARV3STING POINTERS

Avoid Bruises; Not only do bruises and skin punctures detract from the
appearance of the fruit and offer places for the entrance of decay organisiiis, but
they also tend to hasten the rate of softening: -and moisture loss. Experiments have
shown that even one bruise can appreciably hasten the rate of softening of the
uninjured portions of the fruit and may increase the moisture loss by as much as
400 percent.

Moisten Boxes* If apples are to be stored in field crates or v/ooden boxes it
is desirable that they be well moistened before they go into storage or very shortly
thereafter. Dry wooden crates may absorb up to I/2 pound of moisture apiece from
t?ie storage room air. Since moisture absorbed from the storage room air comes
largely from the fruit, it is very dosirable that the boxes be v/ell soalrod. Add
moisture regularly so that the relative humidity is maintained at 85 to 90 percent.
Apples will show \asible shriveling when they lose approximately 5 percent of thoir
weight as vrator vapor.

Cool Apples Quickly: It is estimated that apples will lose approximately one
week of their storage life for every day they romain out of cold storage after
harvest. Also, as apples rincn they produce a volatile substance, ethylene, v/hich
will hasten the ripening of less mature fruits, A few bushels of ripe Early Mcintosh
or Mcintosh drops, for instance, can produce enough ethylene to shorten the storage
life of a lot of firm, ripe llclntosh by as much as six weeks. Also, other vapors
from ripe apples are capable of greatly accentuating the sowrity of storage scald
on susceptible varieties like Coj-tlcmd, Consequently, store apples promptly and if
possible keep early apples, drops, and rather ripe, Jjater picked fruit in separate
rooms from those apples which are picked in a firm ripe condition imd are to be held
for extended periods in storage,

— F, VJ, Southvdck

OBSERVATIOIvS OF ^FLE I/IAGGOT FLY SI'.SRG Ei:CE

The weekly reports of the day by day emergence of Apple Maggot flies provide
interesting reading for those who beliove their maggot troubles are caused, at least
partly, by"^late-emcrging flies, Ro,>;cr Peck, Dorrtmce Green cmd Ralph Roberts have
reported on applo maggot fly emergence in traps located in Shelburne, vaibraham
end Gra;iville respectively.

From August 1 through August 15 these cooperators have reported, from their
areas, fly emergence equal to the follcr,;ing percentages of their suirauor totals:
vTilbraham 27f.; Granville 20;;i; and Shelburne 4?.y„ And, in addition, Ralph Rooerts
reports that 18 flics have emerged in late July and August fr.m a box of maggot
pupae placed in tlio ground in 1946,

Even when we disregard migrating flios — which wo cannot afford to do — the
above figures give us mtuiy reasons for continuing our protection against Apple
Maggot well into August,

— E, H. Y'Jhceler

UI VIBRELLAS FOR INSECTS

Are you groiving umbrellas for the insects in your orchard? Take a look now .-
before the harvest gets into high gear. Step inside the trees. Are there any
openings to the outside? V/ould you or any pest get wet if a broom or spray-mast,
in action, went by the tree? Are branches v.'ith moderate or light loads of fruit,
touching the ground? In other ^^'ords, you v»'ill do a better job of pruning next
winter and spring if you examine your trees no*/ wiiile in full foliage. And j^ood
pruning is the first step towards good pest control in 1949,

The need of open trees which allow sprays and dusts to be directed to the
inside of the tree and undersides of the foliage is emphasized by two factors.
First, perhaps, is the increased use of spray-masts, heads or booms of various
kinds. The man behind a gun could, if he would, pick out openings in a tree and,
by adjusting the gun, take advantage of them, Waere mechanical arrangements are
employed for directing the spray, the opening to the inside of the treo must be
provided by proper pruning.

Secondly, but no less important, is the presence of such pests as the summer-
brood Bud Moth, the several mites and the Rod-banded Leaf roller in addition to
Codling Moth, In spite of improvements in insecticides, thorough coverage is still
most important v/hen controlling these insects and mites. Thorough coverage of all
twigs and branches, both high and low, is essential for good Bud Moth and mite con-
trol by early spring applications. How many of those hard-to-hit places could you
eliminate without reducing your crop?

Your trees will look a great deal different when pruning time comes around.
Take a brush and a con of paint with you to a few typical Baldwins, Greenings,
Cortlands or any others that look like umbrellas. Step insido and. mark the branches
and limbs that need to come out. Also mark the ones that need thinning. These
troes can then be used as guides to a better pruning job and improved insect con-
trol in 1949.

— E. H, Vmeeler

PRUNING TO D.IPROVE SIZE AiTO COLOR OF FRUIT

The harvest season is fji ideal time to observe the effects of previous
pruning and to lay plans f 5r the next pruning session. Pruning, if it has any
purpose at all, is designed to accomplish one or more of the following: (1) lower
the per bushel cost of production, (2) increase tho percentage of salable fruit,
(3) eliminate lov; grade fruit at the source by preventing its development. This
applies tc fruit color ca:id size as well as pest blemishes.

In the preceding article tho relation of pruning to insect control has been
stressed. Let's carry the thought one stop farther and talk about those little,
green apples of poor quality. Once upon a time certain horticultural teachers
emphasized tho low headed, open center tree, "Gut u big hole in the top and let^
tho light in", they advocated, not realizing that in so doing they were eliminating
vigorous fruiting viand. This method meant cutting out young, upri^^ht growing
branches in the hope of invigorating the older, shaded wood*

This doctrine is based on wrong assumptions. One needs only to study the
development of a bearing tree to sense tho fallacy of continually savring off those
gr-Tv-rths which extend upv/ard and outward. Instead, it seems advisable to cut out

-4-

the older, drooping, shaded parts of limbs. A study of the kind of fruit produced
on those handicapped parts of the tree at harvest time v;ill reveal the reason. A
secondary branch graving do\';nvvard from the underside of a scaffold ILmb on a mature
tree vifill tend to produce fruit of sr.:aller size tind poorer color. This is especially
true if the branch is in dense shade, because the lea.ves from v/hich the apple obtains
its carbohydrates have poorer light exposure and are therefore less efficient.

Everything v/o do in the orchard is done with one objective in mind, — the
production of a profitable crop, Yflien v;e prune a tree wo have in mind more effec-
tive spraying, branch spacing and the retention of those parts of the tree v;hich are
most capable of bearing high grade fruit. Harvest time is the season when v/e can
size up our pruning efforts a:id lay pltms for next March v;hen ws again get out the
pruning saw, V/e might mark for removal a fev/ branches v;hich are now producing low
grade apples, instead of trying to invigorate those branches by removing younger,
and therefore much more valuable parts of the tree,

A fruit spur may bear a good apple now aiad then for a period of about 8 or
10 yo:.rs, Vfl-ien it has outlived its usefulness, the ohai-.ces are the brtuich to which
the spur is attached is partially overtopped by younger brunches with younger spurs.
In pruning, v;c therefore remove many of the older branches entirely instead of
bothering v;ith individual spur removal. Much c;an be done to improve the grade of
fruit in most bearing trees by confining the cuts very largely to older branches
an inch or less in diametef,

IvOT3S CN HOUSE CONTROL

The practice of piling heavy mulch up to and against the base of fruit treps
for the purpose of sraothering the grass is one that appears to be growing in popu-
larity among some commercial orchardists. Usually the intention of the grower is
to remove the mulch from the tree base after harvest is completed. However, there
have been instances where this operation was overlooked, and serious damage by mice
resulted. Since orchard mice have been knovm to damage tree trunks and roots during
every month of the year, trnd particularly during the early Fall months, placing of
the mulch directly against the trunk of the tree is hazardous. Extra mulch shoul d
not be placed within three feet of the tree trunk, if mouse injury is to be proTen-
ted . ' ~

Damage of trees by mice is easily dotectod at this time of year. Trees vrith
small, sparse, light-colorjd leaves and poor teaminal grov;th should be examined for
mouse injury. After the i'javes fall, trees v/ith sjiy of those sjTnptoms may be
difficult to find or entirely forgotten. If marked noT/v, extra care may bo given
these trees during the approaching Fall and Winter months and a bct-cer job of mouse
eradication can be done.

Quite often trees damaged bolo-,; the ground level by mice arc located in
sections of the orchard that are particularly favorable to mice. These areas
should receive special attention suid one or t\70 extra poison bait applications,

Orchardists who have sections in their <;rchard v/hcrc mice have been a problem
and where control methods have boon unsuccessful should contact their Cou/nty
Agricultural Agent for advice,

— Carl B, ]Ienry, Rodent Control Agent

*******************

NOTES ON TH5 FAUIOUTH STRATOERRY CROP (County Agricultural Agent Bertram Tomlinson
subi.iits the following interesting coimnents on the strawberry situation in
Barnstable County, V/hat he says about yields in relation to cultural
practices is especially significant.)

Cape strawberry grovvers enjoyed a fairly £;ood harvest through the past season
with prices ranging from 60/ a quart vAolesale for early shipnents to a loxv point
of 12/ a quart during the height of the berry season. The weighted average price
to groovers ranged from 28/ to 31/, depending on the amount of early bsrries shipped
in at the higher prices. Ordinarily, the harvest season gets underway about the
second v;eek in June and is completed by July 1st, but this year, for the second ,
season in succession, the harvest carried through the first full week of July,
This was because botii 1947 and 1948 were characterized by unusually cold spring
v/eather that retarded growth.

One of the most interesting features about the Capo crop is the tremendous
jdeld received by the bettor growers rxnd the rather high average yield for all
grovrers. This year v;as no exception, for Jack Saiabade of Teatickot actually
shipped 26,000 quarts from his tv/o-acre strav.-berry bed,ujid when he stopped shipping
July 9, there seemed to be at least 1,000 quarts still on the vines. Furth.ernorc,
most of this crop was shipped in trays v/ith baskets filled to make a high crown,
Kad those been packed for shippiiig in orates v.'hero the crowr. is much less, he
v;ould have had a much higher count., possibly oO,000 quarts instead of 26,000.
Vrtiilo Mr, Sarabadc considers this a good yield, he also speaks of it as a normal
yield if one has healthy, strong, well-developed plants, and u good growing season,
laany growers in other areas may find it hard to believe this statement, but I knov/
from my close observation of the Gape industry that yields of ten and twel^/e, and
e-'/on fifteen, thousand quarts are not crrnsidertd unusual. In fact, one gro';;er this
year was so worried about his crop that he put in an urgent plea for a visit to
determine the trouble tuid remedy, if any. His field v;as examined carefully, :.Jid
although he did have an o.bnormal condition brought on by heavy application of
fertilizer in Liarch and some d^mgor fri:x:i the t^/zo- spotted red spider nov/ called red
mite, he shipped 9,000 quar.ts from the plot slightly under one acre in size,

I believe no other area in the country can match the Falmouth area in this
consistent high production, end the secret, in my opinion, is the care given during
the first season when the beds are being made up. The prevailing custom is for ro-z/s
to be planted 5^- feet apart, and the plants are spaced one foot apart. All daughter
plants are hand spaced in straight rows, tiiree on each side of the mother plant.
In the fall, the beds consist of seven plants across -che rov.' allo'.ving approximately
9" of space betv/een plants, Grov/ers are now giving more attention than ever before
to cover cropping, and some of tlie better grov.-ers devote two full seasons to cover
cropping before setting out the land to strav;berry plejits,

Vfliile the system of fertilization varies somewhat, the general practice is to
apply a band of super-phosphate ai'v-iund each plant a week after setting in the
spring, at the rate of 500 or 600 pounds per acre. Tvvo or three v/eeks later, a
similai' application is made of 5-10-10 fertilizer or 4-12-4, This is cultivated
in and clean culture is practiced to keep all weeds out of the patch. This
usually means one hoeing in addition to several cultivations. About mid- July,
another application of fertilizer is made, this tiiae between the rov.'s, applying
5 to 8 bags per acre, ;Jid this is cultivated in. Rakes are. then used to pull the
soil in towards the mother plant to form a bod throe ^r four inches nighcr than
the area bet'-voen rows. Runner plaits are handspaced through July aaid AUt,ust if
necessary, and all runners not noodod are pulled off. Another application of fer-
tilizer, 5 to 7 bags per acre, is applied as u topdressing in o'urly September,
and the following spring around the middle to latter part of iiarch, the beds
receive cjiother application of fertilizer varying from 5 to 7 hiandred pounds per

-6-

acre. Occasionally, grovrers exceed tiiis quantity, but they have learned that
heavy spring applications promote 7/eed grovrth and berries are too soft to stand
shipment.

Practically every variety knovm has been tried out by the FalnOuth growers
and tested under their soil conditions, but the Hoi-^ard 17 has proven itself
superior to any other variety during the past 25 years. In general, grovers }iave
been rather free frora serious insect and disease problems during the past eight
or ten years, but indications are that strav;berry weevil is again on the increase,'
and growers must be alert throughout the year, in order to maintain plants capable
of high production,

ERADIC./yilON OF JiPPLE SCAB WITH LIERCURI-AGET.4TE SP.^AYS AFTEH liTFECTION

111 1945 the NexY York-New England Fruit Spray Specialists began to experiment
v/ith mercury sprays after Dr, Fran!-: lioivard, plant pathologist of the Rhode Island
State College, gave us the results of his pioneer v;ork v/ith Puratizod N5E,

In 1945, at Waltham, Puratized H5E performed censationallj'- in clearing up
foliage scab. In ly46 caid 1947, apparently the s,'ime mercury fungicide, bearing
the name Puratized Agricultural Spray, usod experimentally end commercially to
eradic-ate scab gave variable, intriguing, tcid. often disappointing results. In
1948 the results in general v/crc hotter, VJlion used as a prot^jctant or preventive
spray, the control of scab in these years of epidemics has been excellent and most
satisfying.

This year at 'lYaltham the scab oradicant action of other, mercury sprays was
studied, Mcintosh trees xioro sprayed for the first time on June 2 (five days
after calyx) when foliage scab was first evident. On June 14 the trees v;ere
sprayed a second time. These dates are 22 and 34 days after the first primary
scab infections. Almost all of tlae foliage; scab seemed to be eradicated after the
first application of mercuri-acetato and mercuri-f orm;'jriidc, and eradication v;as
definitely complete after the second application.

ivlercuri-acetate gave the most satisfactory eradication and prevention of

scab. Even the primary infections occurririu^ in the rains of ivlay 10- June 1, that
, J . ^ „ ■, o f'-lmosc/,cormas^aly „. -,^ , • a. a.

had no-c yet appeared on June 2, ■'..-ore/ desrro;/&d,'' These results can have important

implications. If all of the pri:.iar"y incubating scab am bo killed v/ith early but
poorly timed applioatioiis of morcuri-acotatc as the results suggest tmd in addi-
tion provide good. protectant or preventive action, the contr'"'l of apple scab
should be- greatly simplified,

Mercuri-acetate is much superior to mercuri-lactate (Puratized Agricultural
Spray) as an oradicant for scab. Its action is Y-zry positive. Cooperating
growers this year obtained consistent and siiailur satisfying results i.'ith mercuri-
acetato.

Interesting experiments are b«ing plrmnod for 1949, :a\d we sincerely hope
that the manufacturers can supply uri v.-ith stable products ef the stone composition
next year,

— E. ?, Guba

-7-

PREVENTING PHYGON CHLOROSIS WITH EPSOM SALTS

Using beans for test plants in the greenhouse last winter, we observed that the
addition of certain chemicals to the Phygon spray, notably sulfate salts, prevented
Phygon chlorosis. Correction was obtained on beans with magnesium sulfate (epsom
salts), manganese sulfate, and magnesium phosphate. Undoubtedly, had we continued
our search we would have found others. Correction of chlorosis was obtained by the
addition of as much chemical as Phygon,

This information was applied to our experimental orchard, T/Ye note that
varieties differ v;ith respect to Phygon foliage chlorosis, and they respond differ-
ently to correction of chlorosis v;ith epsom salts under our test conditions at
T/altham, Mcintosh and Baldwin are very sensitive; Delicious not so sensitive.
Correction of chlorosis by the addition of the same amount of epsom salts as Phygon
was satisfactory on Baldivin and only partially satisfactory on Mcintosh, Sulfur and
insecticide (DDT and lead arsenate) on Baldv/in this year caused severe russetting,
stunting and cracking of the apples. Untreated trees shov/ed no injury, Phygon and
insecticide and epsom salts did not injure the finish, at least significantly.
Further experimentation in 1949 is planned to determine the amount of epsom salts
needed to give satisfactory rectification of phygon chlorosis on Mcintosh, Epson
salts added did not affect the potent fungicidal action of phygon,

~ E, F. Cuba

APPLY IJOh for red APPLE CLUB MEI'IBERSKIP

Commercial apple groivers in Massachusetts are again offered the opportunity of
applying for membership in our honoraiTr fraternity, the Rod ^ple Club, Last year
we expressed a hope that at least 10 growers v;ould qualify. To our surprise, the
number mounted to 21, This year, viith serious russetting in some orchards, low yield
or pest injury in others, vie again set 10 as a very creditable goal in number of
Club members.

The rules of the Red Apple Club are few and simple;

(1) The crop must score at least 90^ free from insect and disease blemishes,
(2) Grade at least 65% U. S. Fancy, and (3) Yield at least 200 bushels per acre if
trees are less than 15 years of ago, 300 bushels per acre if trees are 15 to 20
years of age, and 400 bushels per acre if trees are more than 20 years of age. A
simple spray and dust record vrill also be required. The only important changes
over last j'^ear are: (1) An increase from one to three acres in the minimum acreage
to be sampled, and in the larger orchards (15 acres or more) 20^ of the total
acreage. This will tend to eliminate the smaller blocks and it ivill mean the
soi-npling of a larger proportion of the total crop, (2) The percentage of U, S.
Fancy is increased from 60/o to 65%,

Any reader of Fruit Notes who feels that his apple crop stands a chance of
qualifying should contact his County Agricultural Agent by mail or telephone indi- •
eating when harvest will begin. The county office will have full information by ,
September 30 concerning sampling and inspcctivn.

^imiiNcftu

>*^ ^ <?,

CctoLer 3C, I91je

o^ BLUEBERRIES^ ^c^-%''%^

. FruU trees ^ ^ ^--^l^-?/^

^^'•^e Garden ^V % ^^O^f^^

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Storage M&n&ceriient Evaluation of Fear Varieties

i-^clntosh Urairs ' Wursery Inspection ~ IS^

Virus Liseases of otrawberries _ Fire Prevv^ntion

I Improvement of the V/ild Lowbush L^ueberry Do Vou Know?

Testing 3trc<wLerry Varieties

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

-1-

S70RAC-5 l.IAITAGEIiEl^T

Good cold storage management goes beyond the maintenance of suitable tempera-
tures alone. One of the frequently neglected operations in commercial storages is
the maintenance of a high relative humidity.

Apples are about 85/o water and the intercellular spaces v/ithin the fruit may
be assumed to be saturated vrith v;ater vapor at any given temperature. Consequently,
apples v/ill lose moisture whenever the surrounding atmosphere has a relative
humidity below 100$'=, At any given temperature, the lower the relative humidity
the faster the rate of moisture loss by the fruit,

V»l-ien apples lose about 5/j of their weight as v/ater vapor, visible shriveling
is apt to occur. It would seem that the simplest thing to do to reduce losses
v>rould be to maintain a relative humidity of 100/b, However, it is difficult to do
so at 32° F, Even if it were possible, it is undesirable since a saturated atmos-
phere is ideal for mold and fungus grovrth on boxes, walls, and fruit, A musty
odor may develop and be absorbed by the fruit and readily tasted by the consumer*
A relative huiaidity of 85 to 90/J is considered most desirable.

Chief Factors VHiich Tend to Loiver the 3Iumidit y. (l) Dry Poxes , It has been shovm
that a b'o'nW-dry field crate nay absorb up to one pound of v/ator in a cold storage,
TJhen there are 10,000 dry boxes in a room they may absorb enough v/ater to be
equivalent in weight to 250 bushels of apples. Unless water is added to the room
the moisture absorbed by the boxes will come largely from the apples, IVe have had
a dry harvesting season. Many boxes were very dry v.-^hen they went into storage.
Don't hesitate to soak then dovm ivith a hose even after they are in storage,
(2) Cold Coils . The lower the tomperature of the refrigerant in the coils the
greater the amount of water vapor v;hich v;ill condense on then as frost. V.lien the
fruit has been cooled to the desired point and outdoor temperatures are cooler,
raise the refrigerant temperature if possible,

Maintenanco of Suitable Relative Kuniditios . Vmen the relative humidity is belov/
65>i there are several v/ays in which it can bo raised. Some operators atomize water
into the air by the use of commorcial humidifiers or home made outfits. Vnien one
considers tlic quantities of vrater ivhich can be absorbed by dry boxes it is obvious
that those units must deliver large qiiantitics of v/ater vapor to be effective.

The boxes and floors may be v;ct dorm periodically v;ith a hose. If one adds
no vrater to the room until it is fillod to capacity this method is probably not
nearly as effective as it v;ould be if it is done each day as the fruit is moving
into the room because one just can't get the v/ater quickly to all parts of the
room once it is full.

How t_o j-ioasurc Relative Hujnidity . The instruments availably for measuring relative
humidity are numerous. Frequently those tj'pos vmich can be read directly, such as
hair hygrometers, arc popular because thoy can be road as easily as a thermometer.
However, they are not consistently as accurate as a s ling psychrometor \^hich r/e
recommend for this purpose. If any substitute is used it should be checked fre-
quently v/ith a sling psychrometor. A sling psychrometor consists of two thermom-
eters fastened to a v/ooden or metal backing so that they may be twirled on a handle.
The bulb of one thermometer is enclosed in a cloth wick v.'hich is moistened (v:et
bulb) v/hilc the other remains uncovered and dry (dry bulb). As the thermometers
are twirled (air movonent ovor the wet bulb is necessary) v;ater evaporates from
t!ic v;st bulb tuid since evaporation is a cooling process the temperature of the vxet
bulb is reduced as compared to the dry bulb except when the relative humidity is

ioo;a.

-2-

^]v Icr.Yor the relative humidity tho gror.t'-r the rate of evaporation and
tcmpcraturo lov;oring of the v;ct bulb. Hence, by n^tin£; the tcnpcraturc difference
bctv;ccn the r/et and dry bulb themonotors the rolative humidity can bo doterrdn'-jd
from suitable tables. Tho tables may be obtained froiii the U, 3, '. ,oathor Bureau
or in liraited Mimeographed form from the Department of Pomology, University of
i.;assachusGtts, Amherst, Massachusetts. Infonnation concerning places -..•here sling
psychrometers may be purcliascd }:iay be obtained from 'cho Department of Pomology,
also.

— F.

Southrick

*****

* *

liCinTOSII STRAIII3

Are there superior strains of i'lclntosh? The ansvrer to tiiis question is one
in v/hich every fruit rrovror is vitally interested.

In 1940 the Pomology Dcpartm.ent initiated a project to detenninc v;hether or
not there are 'superior strains of Hclr.tosh, hi orchard composed of seven selec-
tions of Mcintosh strains v/as plaiitcu in ly'12. Tlie strains used in the experiment
were Sogers and Greening L'dntosh, t-'.;e red or blush t^ncs v;hich are offered by
the nursery trade. The other strains v;erc obtained from grovrers or exporii-ient
stations and v/cre designated by niunbcr. Strains 1, 8, 12 and 45 v:oro reported to
be of the blush tj'pe. Strain 39 v.'as a striped t^.-pe vliich r/as included for
comparison,

■Te hope the experiment r:ill find the ozisvrcrs to some of those questions. Are
there differences in yield, aiaount of red color, type of red color "blush or
striped," preliarvest crop, storage life, and quality ai.iong the different strains?
Other points to look for r/ill include tree vigor, differences in size and sliape
of fruit, and v.'l-ether or not the color tj'pe is maintained,

Tliis v;as the first season that the orchard has produced enough fruit to mal-ce
observations of the different strains. Hov/ever, the crop \,as so small (4 to 8
bushels for each strain) tJiat araount caid t;,.'pe of red color v;ere the only points of
compai'ison made. The follov/ing table summarizes tJie findings of this year's
observations.

Strain

Percent

of appl(

vdth

Percoj

it of

ai^p

les

Percent of apples

or 3

more red

color

blush

tjTe

striped type

Sogers

100

Crooning

100

From tlie table it can readily be seen that there are differences in amount
and, type of red color. The Rogers strain stands out as being the most highly
colored and it does not produce any striped apples. There are probably no signi-
ficant differences among stri'.ins 1, G, cjid Greening in amount aiid kind of color.
Strain 12, r/'iioh originated ill British Coliuabia, v;as reported to be a blush type,
yet nearly tv;o-tliirds of this year's crop was striped, VHiether this condition
continues xrlth future crops remains to be seen. It may be possible that some
strains are not stable and revert back to tlie striped^ condition. Strain 39 per-

formed as expected. It had the poorest color and all of the apples xvere striped.
Some notes were made as to the quality of red color and finish of the fruit. For
the most part the red of Rogers and Greening v/as bright and attractive. The
finish of the fruit was smooth. The red of strains 45, 8, and 12 had a tendency
to be dull and unattractive. The finish on many apples was very rough.

Due to the size of the crop this report must be considered as preliminary.
It will be interesting to see if the strains hold their sane relative position in
regard to amount and type of color in future years. It now appears doubtful if
significant differences in other factors among the strains will be foimd, but it
is too early to tell as yet, A few good crop years should give us the ansv/ers,

— IT, D, I'Veeks

D:;:GENERArivE disease of strawberries

The so-called running-out or degenerative diseases of plants are caused by
specific viruses. There are five kno\-m virus diseases of strawberries of vj-hich
tv;o are particularly destructive, namely. Yellows and Crinkle. All auch diseases
of straviberries appear to be more pronounced in the far '.'Jest then in other parts
of the country, Yellov^s, or Xanthosis (the Greek word for Yellovrs) is the one
vri.th v/hich vre are concerned in the East. Its symptoms in iJarshall and certain
other I/Iarshall-like varieties are very pronounced and unmistalrablc, but vury faint
and difficult to detect in most of the so-called eastern varieties.

As indicated in' the July 10, 1947 issue of FRUIT KOTES, J, B, Demarce at the
Beltsvillc, Maryland, Station has learned that the lovf vigor, unproductive condi-
tion of some of our eastern varieties is due to the presence of the Yellov/s virus
which is either partially or alraost completely masked. In Marshall, Yellov;s causes
a decided yellov/ing of the loaves around the margin and betv;een the larger veins,
as well as a crinkling, curling, and upward cupping of the leaflets, and a marked
divarfing of the leaf petioles and blades. In addition, there is a premature
reddening or fall color of the older, outer leaves, and a pronounced suppression of
runner fomriation.

During the past six years, Demaree has grafted runners of suspected plants
representing many varieties from mid-western and eastern states onto runners of
healthy Karshall plants. If the suspected plants carried the Yellov:s virus,
typical pronounced symptoms would develop in the i.Iarshall plants. Using this
method of indexing plants, Demaree has been able to detect Yellows in many of the
varieties commonly grovm in Hevir England, In fact, samples of Hovmrd 17 and
Robinson plants sent to Demaree in the spring of 1948 from one of our nurseries
proved positive for Ycllovis this fall when grafted onto Marshall. A second lot of
Howard 17 from another nursery proved to be virus-free, Stravroerry Yellows is
likely to spread rapidly wherever the conmon strawberry aphid, Capitophorus
fragaefoli a.bounds. The most outstanding symptom of Yellows in varieties commonly
grovm here is a slight to moderate dwarfing of plants v;ith varying degrees of
suppression of runner formation.

In his most recent report 'on Strav/berry Yellows, in The Plant Dis, Rptr.
(U,S,D,A. ) 32:10:428-432, 1948, Demaree implies that much of the unproductiveness
of strawberries in the East might be due to the presence of the Yelloa'/s virus,
that is, v;hcre grovvring conditions are othon-/iso favorable. He offers two methods
for remedying the virus problem:

"Tavo methods are available for remedying, or perhaps eliminating, the strav/-
berry- virus-disease problem in eastern United States, First, a temporary or stop-
gap method for immediate adoption by extension workers consists simply in the
rcccanmGndntion to growers to use for sotting now fields only vig/orous plrnts malcing

runnors freely, having larf^e, green, smooth leaves ^.vith upright petioles, and
taken only frora fields !:novm to have been productive. Second, a slower but a more
positive method for providing grovrers v/ith better stock is that of indexing the
laore desirable varieties vdth Llarshall or f.oino other good indicator varioty. Plants
tlius proved to be free of virus must be propagated under surveillance in a vector-
free area for replacement of planting stock nor; being uc-3q. The iudexing of
varieties and naintenaiice of clean stock can probably best be done by State
Experiment Station V/orkers, Since each State -grows coir.paro.tivcly fov; varieties,
it -..■ill be a small task to index those fevr sorts best adapted for growing in that
particular State. Vriien a sufficient quantity of clean stock has been propagated
from the indexed varieties, a portion nay bo distributed to plant grc'ers for mass
production under State regulations assuring maintentjice of clecji stock,"

Such a system of maintaining virus-free stock would be similar to the method
of producing ^/irus-free foundation stock of seed potatoes in isolated sections
vrtiere the insect vector for tlic virus does not abound,

— 0, C, Boyd

:^ :;; >!i )(-- :^; :(: :f; ;i; :?: ^i :*: :j; :<i: :}; 3|< % :+i * ^

IIiPRO\T::i:!;^T OF TIS r.'IID La\T/J3II DUJEBEHIiY

The harvesting oaid marketing of lov.'bush blueberries has become dx\ industry of
some importance in the State, Alth.ough infonnation conoorhing the size raid value
of this industry for tlie State as a i/hole is not available, a limited survey made
in the tovms of Granville njid Blandford in -'lojnpden County revealed that there arc
nearly 1500 acres of blueberry lots in tlicsc to\-T.3 aiid tho,j?jin"iial value of the crop
is about V 100, 000,

Naturally, the lowbush blueberry grcr./s on soils which are lo-.'; in fertility,
and often dry, v.-here competition from other vegetation is at a minimum. Under such
conditions growth ajnd jdelds are necessarily limited. It v/ould seem., therefore,
that where moisturo is not the limiting factor, grer.-.i:h and yield could be improved
by the use of fertilizers. This has been tried vdth the usual result that competing
vegetation v;as stimulated to the point where the blueberry/, in spite of increased
grov.-th, could no longer compete and vras lost in a mass of its more vigorous
neighbors ,

In addition to fertilizer :ead weed problems, the grov;ers are faced vdth out-
breaks of disease and insect attack. During tlio pact summer a serious outbrcalc of
the blueberry flea beetle occvu'red in tlic C-ranvillc-Blandford area. This problem
was vigorously attacked by members of the Entomology Department, They found that
DDT and Parathion arc very effective in controlling this beetle, V.'ork is undervTay
to deternine its full life history so that more effective control measures may be
developed,

Tlie grovrers of lowbush blueberries rcalizo tiiat they have several problems and
have requested that something be done about thorn. Consequently, a Station project
for the improvement of the lo'.-.-bush- blueberry has "-^ocr. started. This project wdll be
broad enough to cover all phases of lowbu.sh blueberry culture and as 2iev; problems
develop they vd 11 be attacked as far as personnel csid funds vdll peiTrdt,

The problem of wood control must bo solved ''.jofore an effective fertilizer
progrojii cm bo dcvolopcd, A recent v;ced survey in C-ronvillc and Blandford revealed
that about 40 kinds of weeds occur vdth some frequency cxid that eight of these,
bayborry, sweet fern, America:! aspen, meadow sv/eet, common brrJ:o, chokeberry.

sheep laurel, ajirl trailing devz-berry, are serious and should receive first attention.
Nerct sprinf; trial plots v;ill be established in the blueberry fields vhers several
;naterials and methods v:ill be tested for their effectiveness in killing- these weeds ,

— J, Z, '."ailey

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EYAnjATIOII OF FESiR VAP.IIJTIBS

The University pear orchard contains fo:-ty nained varieties of pears. These
trees are maintained to pro\n.de Material for student instruction a:~.d, in the case
of ncner varieties, to enable the Pomology Departrr.ent to determine their relative
value .

The coi'.bined opinions of observers in the Uni\^rsity orcliards and those of
pomologists in other sections of the country' are presented herer/ith for soxio of the
less cov.inon varieties,

Berger: Attractive, large sir.e, equal to or better than Bartlott in
quality,

Ca^niga: Similar to Sechel in color and flavor, but larger in si.^e,
i^Dpears to be bli^li-t resistant.

Conference: Similar to Dart.lctt i:*. appearance, but inferior to
Bartlott in quality,

Eivarb: Good, size, fine texture, r.elting, [;ood quality, fesistant
to bliglit,

Gorhaiii: Similar to Bartlett in size, and quality, but ripens tv;o

to three v.'eeks later. It is considered a good variety for
canning,

Cvld: Good quality, late keeper, blight resistant,

Phelps: Icolatively unattractive (due principally to its rough
surface), modiun size, juicy, 3omev;-hat tart in flavor,
a late keeper,

Poult'^)noj': Eartlett t;;/pe but not a.s attractive in color, mediocre
quality, ripens four '..'ooks later than Bar-tlett.

V.'aite: Reseip.blcs I'artlctt in shape, attractive, medium size,

mediocre quality; -iroiUi.ces very little if any oollon so
tliat cross pollination is essential for a crovi,

I'l'illard: Large, green color, roujch, irrog'alar in shape, inferior
quality, late keeper.

In, addition to the naned varieties in the University orchard, there arc also
tiTcnty seedlings sent here for trial by the U, 3, Department of Agricultur'., These
sorts have not bonie a sufficient quantity of fruit as j'^et to furnish a measure of
their characteristics,

-- 0, C, Roberts

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REPORT OIT II'SPSCTION OF I'lURSERY STOCK FOR "TRUEI!F33 T3 K/jiS" DURING 1948

The 1940 nursery ins-oection trips cohered essentially tlie scjae territory as
last year Tvith the exception of lova and Missouri,

Travel dist-a;.ice to these tv;o states suggests a bieniiial ratl.er tha^i en annual
inspection, Tvro nevi concerns, one in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania v/ere added to
the list of nurseries inspected, malcing a total of 28 for 1948, In general, t'le
airiount of stock inspected r.-as materially less than last year in most nurseries, due
to ret renclij lent by most fruit nurseries and adverse r/eather conditions v;hich- reduced
ina-nji stands of stock. The nu:aber of nisnaraed trees found ■i.'as smaller than usual,

I'o systematic inspection work v;as done on peaches in 194S nor is any plaxined
for the near future,

— A, P, French

)(c ^ +, ?;: ^; :Jc 51: ^ :*: ^ :^ >^ sf: i^; :^«: H^ ^ :i: si:

FIRE PR3Vi:i?TI0N

Fire not only claLns thousraids of lives e\rery year, -but fire-caused destruction
threatens a loss of three-quarters of a billion dollars in 1948 alone. Of all the
catastrophes rrhlch afflict majikind, fire is perhaps least deserving of the tei-m
"accident," .'."e caiinot prevent earthqua!:es, torrential rains, or hurricanes.

But most fires are preve;itable. Man, not -"Tature, is careless in disposing of
a natch or a cigarette. Meai, not l.'ature, thoughtlessly piles up inf lai,imable
materials i:i basements or attics and permits the development of other fire hazards,
Sin6e the best defense against fire is alertness, everyone is urged to malcc a
special effort to remove fire hazards and to build up habits of fire prevention.

In fulfilling our responsibility to assist in every feasible vfaj/ in making the
public aviare of the groat neod for fire-prevention activities," I \i.rge every agency
of the Department to support the program of fire proifention", says Charles F,
Prai'inan, Secretary of Agriculture, "Let us cooperate completely i.'ith farm organi-
zations, local fire departments, raid other agencies to curb fire losses. Let
those T;ho have contact v;ith fanii people stress the importance of eliminating fire
hazards from fani'. buildings and r arununitics , Let uS' all, as good citizens, find
ajid eliminate si'ch fire hazards as may e::ist in :uid about our I'An.i homes,

"Host fires are m.an-nade. Therefore, most fires are preventable. Let us
prevent them -- by being alert — active — cooTorativo,"

DO YOU KHOVf

That the vmste from pear canning plants is suitable for grov/ing high protein,
high vitaiain yeast for use in pvoultry food? One half of the hundred thousand tons
of pear v.'aste available tmnually could bo made to produce 1,500 tons of concen-
trated feed vrorth (:250,000.

That apples in Yakima oxid. \'ena,tcheo, Y.'ashington arc much smaller this year
than normally? In contrust to the large sizes of past sno.sons, many Delicious arc
in the medium size class. V/ith the Delicious cro-^ about Io^j aiid Jonathan 20%
belovr estimates, the 'Vashington total is certain to shrinlc bolov/ the five year
average.

-7-

That locr.l or nearby o.pplc receipts in Boston for September arc 38/> larger
tlicji the five year avora^jc? F-^v; apples r.-crc shippcu in, yet the total (nearby
r'jid shipped in) v/ac 10^ rreater than the five year average, indicating a very
favorable situation in the Coston apple market.

That the term "v/eed" applies not to a particular plant, but to a plant in
relation to its envi roi^-aent ? Under one set of conditions a plant may be highly
beneficial and under other conditions, thoroughly obnoxious. Definitions include
(l) a plant out of olace, (2) any injurious, troublesome or unsightly plant,
(3) a plant i.'hich interferes v;ith the gro\.-th of the crop to v;hich the field is
temporarily devoted, etc. i\ny of the fruit plants might under certain conditions
be classified as vreeds.

That the iimerican oil industry had its beginning in 1359 v:hen the first oil
v;ell r;as drilled at Titusville, Pa.? Tlie 1948 U, S, production rail araount to
more tlia.n tr;o billion barrels or 60O gallons for every person. Oil in various forins
is an essential 'material on the fi-u.it farm aside from its use as a:i insecticide-
Imagine a farm vdthout lubricants:, fuel oil or gasolinej

That about 60/= of the pruning siid thinning in poach orchards in liesa County,
Colorado, is done by vxorl'ors walking on stilts? The practice began about 1904.
(From King i^ple and 'iueen Peach, Illinois, September, 1948),

That a bone dry apple bo;-: may absorb as much as one pound of water from the
contents or from the surrouiuiing air in storage? V?aen an apple loses about 5/j
of its v/oight as v/ater vapor, visible vshri veiling begins.

That go;, of all farm fires are preventable? Farm fires cost vlOO,OCQOOO last
year, killed 3,500 farm people, aiid injured thousaaids, Elimi3iate all your Fire
I raps .

Jli ;;» ;{c :i: ;*; ji< ^ ;(;:(: :i; ^ >f; ;^ ;;<:1: Jj; >i: :|: ^

TSSTIi 'G STRAiVBBRP.Y VAEI3TIZ S

Plans are under way for the establishment of a strawberry variety testing
project T/hich \7ill help to determine the behavior of promising varieties in different
parts of the State, It is a well knovm fact that strawberries are quite sensitive
to soil and climatic conditions, A variety which produces \tc11 in Amiierst may be
poorly adapted to growing conditions on Cape Cod, 3y using a variety such as
liov/ard 17 or Catskill as a yardstick and growing other varieties along side, a
direct comparison may be made. The above mentioned project is designed to compare
at least five promising varieties in at least five different counties in
Massachusetts. Fifty plraits of each variety will be distributed among carefully
selected cooperators. These growers vail give the plants the same care as is given
their ovm plantings, and yield records vdll be kept. In this v:ay additional
information concerning strav.'berry varieties in relation to soil type and climatic
conditions i.'ill be obtadned,

* * * * * * :;; si; * ^.- * >;; :;4 * .-t; :{.■ :f; * ^

B?2. APPI^B CLUB KZIBERS TO BE AinrOUNCED SOOII. Llombership in the Red Apple Club vdll
exceed that of 1947, Thus far about 25 "gror.'crs have qv\alificd for admission to
this honorary fraternity. It is interesting to note tliat in at least three orchards
a 5-bushel sfuiiplo of apples was thoroughly inspected v/ithout finding a single scab
spot, in spite of a very rainy I'ay ojid June.

* .-:■: ***;;; :'. * * * ^'t :;: .-j. * * ;(! :;c ;f: *

^iwJUNcfta.

NOVE^fHEP 3 0,1948

o^ BLUEBERRIES^ ,0^"^%.%

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Complied by W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Cont ent s

Why Is Cross Pollination Necessary?

Soil Acidity; Its Causes, Effects anri Cure;

Looking Kackward

What, No Apples?

Mulc];ing tbe Strawberry Bed

Chemical Thinning of Apples
Troduction of !\1cIntosh on

?i!alling Stocks
Fire Prevention on a Fruit

Farm

Attractiveness of Frnit /lossoms to Honeybees

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

- 1 -

•.".IIY _I3 CROSS F0LLI::ATI0F NECES3j\HY?

Tliis question is often asked by inquisitive fruit grwrers as v/ell as students.
It can be "briefly arisr;ered by stating that the constitution of sotac fruit plants
is such as to malce self-fertilization impossible. Sorae varieties of apple such as
Gravenstein produce only a very small ainount of viable pollenB This is because
such varieties have an uneven number of chroinosomes in th.eir cells. As a result,
when cell di\'ision takes place during the fonuatinn of pollen,, raaiiy pollen grains
fail to receive their full quota of chro:AOsomes r Consequently, tl:ose pollen grains
do not mature properly and the result is many abortive pollen grains, v:Idch fail
to geminate siriilarly as do the shrivelled seeds one sometimes finds in an apple,
Naturally, one v/ould not choose such a variety as a pollenizer for itself or exiy
other variety,

IIoa';ever, another condition laiovm as self- incompatibility exists in most of
our apple, pear, pliun and sv/eet ch&rrj'- varieties. In this case the varieties have
an even nujaber of chromosomes. Each pollen grain receives its noiTial quota of half
of them' and develops into a good plump grain which v;ill gen-ainate a:ad gi'ow.
However, it villi germinate and grov; only in the blossom of e^iother variety, — not
in a blossom of its mai variety — because it carries a genetic factor v;hich
inhibits the grovrth of the pollen tube dovm tjirough a pistil of like genetic
mal:e-up. In this caso, like ropels like, so \'^ry little, if any, fn;it is produced
unless a good pollenizer is nearby.

In the case of sv;eet cherries there are many varieties v:hich not only are
self-incompatible ; but also cross incompatible v/ith several other variotios.
Fortunately, this is not a coriimon situation in apples. On the ether hand, most
peach and seme cherry varieties vdll set fruit by themselves because nature did
not endavr them r/ith thi-^ peculiar type of her3dity»

Self-incompatibility is not peculiar to fruit plants. As a matter of fact
it is found also in jcv'?ral vc-gotatles, flor-ers, and othev crops.. It may be of
interest to note that the first case of it vras discovered in the wild mullcn
nearly tare hundred yoars ago by a botanist v;ho vw.s not; at all intez-estcd in helping
fruit grwrers to get a better set in seasons such as the past spring,

— A, P, French

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SOIL ^riJITY ; ITS CAUSES, EFFECTS J^ID CURBS

Soils naturally, contain eitiier insoluble clay or hunic acids, In'most
productive soils these soil acids are combined with bases such as lime, magnesia
and potash. Soils became progressively more acid and less productive as these
bases are lost from the soil by leaching or by having been ■absorbed. by the crops.
Many agricultural practices speed up the losses of tiioso bases. In orchard soils,
dusting sulfur and nitrogen fertilizers are particularly effective in increasing
the losses of these bases because the sulfur produces sulfuric acid and nitrogen
fertilizers produce nitric acid in the soils. Both of these strong acids increase
the solubility of the bases in the soil v;ater and cause their more rapid loss as a
result of Icaciiing or cropping.

There are several direct effects on the productivity of soils v;hich I'esult
from the loss of bases. Calcium, magn-osiura and potassium bccomo limiting factors
in plant growth because of their r--^!lative scarcity rather thcji from the inability
of plants to secure cither of those elements from the acid soil. Calcium, magnes-
ium and potassium are kna-m to be quite available for absorption by plants vrhcn
thej' ore pr sent in acid soils. Plants have a tendency to absorb a constant total

amount of these bases and therefore these bases must be present in the soil in
proportions that v:ill result in the plant absorbing the most desirable amount of
each. In acid soils vrhere all of these bases are lov/ the addition of any one of
the bases separately as a fertilizer may actually cause a decrease in the absorp-
tion of the others by the plmat and the net effect vdll be a decrease .
in. ^rield rather than the expected increase, j\nother direct effect of soil
acidity is that some plants are actually sensitive to the acidity itself.
Obviously this effect can be corrected only by red\icing the acidity.

Several other effects result from soils becoming extremely acid. Some of
these effects are chemical and others are biological. The chemical effects are
usually those associated with increased solubility of elements vdiich are toxic
to the plant xrhen present in too high concentration in the soil solution. Iron,
aluminum, and manganese become more soluble r;hen the acidity is increased and
cause a depression of plant grov;th because of tlieir excessive availability. In
addition, iron and aluiainum react vriLth phospliates in more acid soils to form
insoluble coinpounds caid thus indirectly affect the phosplic.te nutrition of the
plant by malcing this essential substance less availa.blc.

The undesirable biological effects that result from extre.ae acidic condition •
of the soil are associated v;ith botli the acidity and the chemical behavior of the
elements needed for the nutrition of tiie soil nicroorganisras . The m.ore desirable
bacteria are replaced by fungi v;hic]i produce substfuices v/hich are toxic to plants.
The beneficial legiuac bacteria v;ill not grow rnd fix nitrogen and the series of
bacteria which cooperate to convert organic matter to available nitrates are
slowed dovm in their activity, ilaiiy other soil microorganisms that gro-v." vrall and
produce desirable substances in neutral soils are limited in their acti-'ri.ty in
extremely acid soils.

Before the orchardist uses fertilizer to increase productivity, it is
necessary that he correct the acidity of extremely acid soils with dolomitic
limestone or i^ther neutralizing materials, Tlio fertilizer can then perform its
functions without being limited by the factors resulting from extreme acid
conditions in the soil.

In summary, neutralizing excessive soil acidity brings about the follov/ing:

1, Increased supply of available calciiun - calcium and magnesium, if
dolomitic limestone is used,

2, Increased availabilitj'- of phosphates,

3, Decrease of essential elements v;hich arc toxic if present in too high
concentration such as iron and manganese,

4, Decrease of toxic non-TCSsentials such as aluminum and certain organic
toxins,

5, Substitution of beneficial bacteria for the less desirable fungi,

— Dale JI, Sieling

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LOO;:iNG BACiaTARD

Don't looJ: baclcmrd. The past is past. Forget it, Lool: to tlie future.
Good advice under sorie circuiastances , But should v/e forget old friends who
liave served us faithfully and long?

Among the peach varieties of 25 years ago were several v:hich could be
called true and trusty old friends, a^iat has happened to them?

The comnercial list was sliort: Greensboro ^ Carmen , Champion , Belle of
Georgia , Elbert a , jJ, II. Hale « Greensboro is a v;hite fleshed peach ripening
in early August. It is one of the hardiest in bud. Sarliness, bud hardiness,
productiveness and soil adaptability are its chief assets. Its quality is poor
aiad it has a tendency to cling. Because of its earliness it nade money for those
v;ho grev/ it. It has been almost entirely replaced by v-ellovr varieties of higher
quality such as liarigold,

Cannen is another productive, vrhite fleshed variety ripening 10 days to triTO
weeks after Greensboro, It is not qquite so hardy as Greensboro but hardier than
the yellov; varieties then grovm. It v/as very popular 25 years ago, in fact, i.ras
considered one of the best varieties of its day. It has been replaced almost
entirely by such yellcnv, high quality varieties as Golden Jubilee and Triogem,

Chai;vpion is one of the finest flavored peaches ever grorm. Its rich, soft,
juicy flesh is a delight to the palate. -Iov;ever, its soft, v:hite flesh gives an
unattractive canned product. It is quite hardy in bud but too soft fleshed for •
good handling and is very subject to brovm rot. It has almost entirely
disappeared and is being replaced by Summercrest,

Belle of Georgia , another high quality, vrhite fleshed variety, is productive
and quite bud hardy. Its ripening Season is just ahead of Elberta with \7hich it
often had to compete and, therefore, was at a disadvantage because of its v;'nite
flesh. Very fevr are grown today. It has been replaced by yellov; varieties of
the Elberta tj'pe.

In general, there is little demand for white-fleshed peaches so that in most
cases they are being replaced by yollovT-f Icshed sorts,

Elb erta raid J_, II. Ilgle are still being groim rjid will be discussed later,

— J, G, Bailey

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CM YOU TOP THIS FIB ? At the recent Kentucky State Fair, as vai added attraction
in tlie Fruit Department, a fivo-foot apple pic (made v.dth frozen apples) brought
people to the apple end of the exhibit hall, A Louisville concern balccd the pie
in their large oven. Pic and tin vyeighed 390 nounds. Governor Sarle Clements
of Kentucky cut tlie pie in a special ceremony and about 125 servings wore given
out. The remainder vras served to the public free - first come, first served,
using 1,000 six-inch paper pla.tes. So, if you have 1,000 guests to serve, a
five-foot apple pic, six inches thick will do the trick. The five-foot pie pan
is the property of the Kentucky State Horticultural Society,

N, D, Annstrong, Secretary-Treasurer of the Am, Pom, Soc, sp^ys "Until we
hear to the ' contrary, v.-e are calling this the 'VORLD'S L/UiGEST APPLE PIE. If you
can beat it, let us know tind v;e will h.aul dov/n our fla.g.*'

-■ 5 -
VaiAT, WO APPLES ??

The best ways to sell apples is to display Fancy apples. That has been
said so many times it sounds \/orn and threadbare, but it's just as true as the
first time it v/as said,

I have observed the reactions of various groups to displays of good apples.
At many fairs aiid Horticultural shows 'there have been displays of numerous
varieties of apples, both old and nev;, banlcs of apples, and desij^ns of apples.
People stand and look, recalling the apples of their youth and hcv/ fine they
tasted, liovv often they remark, "If I could only buy apples like those at the
store."

Apples are often passed around to groups v:hich come to the campus of the
University for variovis meetings,, llaturally, v/e give them the best. And how many
times I !;ave heard people say, "Ohi If I could only get apples like those at the
store."

Cvood apples whet the appetite for apples. In fact, they'vAet the appetite
to the point where apples often disappear from displays. Yet, in spite of such
evidence there Vv-ere no apples on display at the recent Ilorticultural 2ho\7 at
Horticultural ilall in Boston, Here a real opportunity to advertise apples was
missed. Isn't, tiiere some organization of grov;ers i.dth sufficient interest in the
apple industry to arrange such an exhibit? "..liat, no apples?

-- J, 3, Bailey

:|« ;t^ j'fS Sti :{< ;f; ^ ^- !|i :(; 5|<: :^; ;i< ){: % :(c ^e :*;:!: Jf: :ts

irjLCHiNG- THE stra:;bepjiy bed

As soon as cool November weather has checked grov/th and hardened off
strawberry plants, a mulch for winter protection about three inches thick should
be applied. It prevents hca-ylng of plants caused by freezing and thawing,
prevents cro-./n injury, delays spring groiTch until more favorable weather, aiid
avoids winter drying of plants. During the fruiting season, the mulch conserves
soil r.ioisturo, discourages ;.'cods, Irccps fruit cloan, rnd pickers prefer it to
bare soil.

Experience suggests a mulch vrhich does not mat dwrn'so closely that plants
arc smothered, remains where placed; whicli is also cheap, free froin troublesome
v;eed seeds, - and easily applied,

VHiere obtainable, marsh hay or svralc grass is as good as strav; and cheaper,
Seav/eed has proved practical for local use, C>n Cape Cod pine needles liave been
used, but the supply is limited, the mulch rather too compact. Baled strav: may
cost more but is a good mulch and frequently used, provided any smothering chaff
is discarded, C-ro\7ing rye, oats or millet especially for mulching is practical,
if these crops are cut before their seeds mature,

— 0, G, Anderson

- 6 -

CIEilCAL TlilimiNG OF APPLES

Results ob tained in 1943 . The vifork in 1948 consisted of testing trro
dinitro materials (Elgetol and a dinitm povfder, DN ^^l) and the sodiiim salt of
naphthalene acetic acid (App-I—Set), As you all appreciate, the pollination
vreather this spring vms not conducive to a heav^' set. Consequently, thinning
vms not generally nuch of a problem this year in some sections of the state
except where biennial bearing varieties of good vigor blossomed heavily and v;ere
inter^planted v,dth many good cross-pollinating varieties.

Some of our results and observations may be tabulated as follows:

1, Of the blossom thinning materials, the dinitro pov.'der DIJ -..j-l is an effective
material and mucli less injurious to apple foliage than Elgetol, A v.-et,
cool spring is conducive to severe foliage "burn" from Elgetol, Elgetol
appears to be on the v;ay out as a thinning material for apples,

2, The hormone material, App-L-Set, seem.s much more likely to cause permanent
leaf injury cjid dwarfing when applied near bloom or early cal^'.TC thcsi it
does at late cal^o: or 2 to 4 weeks after caly:':. This seons to be true
even though heavier concentrations are put on later,

3, It appears that apples can be thiinned up to 4 \Tecks from cal^.":! T.^ith
hormone. The concentration, hoivevcr,- must be increased markedly as one
gets further av/ay from calyx. Also, soi.ie of the benefits in size and
annual blooming of some varieties may oo lost the later one delays putting
on the material but the chances of over thinning may be considerably
reduced. It is considerably easier to forecast the set 2 weeks after
caljc-c than it is at calp:,

4, A tree v.'hich is not excessively thinned by chemicals at blossom time

or calyx may outyield and produce fruit of larger sizo than a tree thinned
to the same degree by hand a month later,

5, From measurements of bud size it a.ppears that the hoiTiione type materials
thin off a larger proportion of flov:ers and ^''oung fruits fran the less
vigorous flov.'ering spurs than they do frcm the vigorous ones. This means
thp,t the greatest thinning is apt to trJre place on the inside and lower
shaded limbs than it v;ill on the outer, better exposed places on the
tree T;hich generally produce the more vigorous spurs,

6, From data' obtained by counting all flo\-;ers and young fruits falling from
the trees, up to and including the June drop, that have been sprayed
vdth a horraono t^.-pe matoz'ial at oal^-cc and up to 4 v/eeks later, it appears
that the drop is delayed for a few days shortly after the material is
applied. After this short period of delay the rr.to of urop is mar]:cdly
accentuated so that total drops exceed that occurring on unspraycd
trees. Apparently the liomone "sticks" them on for a short while before
the opposite effect talccs place.

- 7 -

The following data were talcen from some Early Mcintosh trees, nearly-
identical in size, where a comraercial job of chemical thinning vms done.

Av, Sizes, in bushels
per tree

Air, Total
Yield per

Treatment

Under 2-^"

2i - 2^'

2 5/4" up

tree

Check

Hand thinned ,

3,0

5,6

0,0

8,G

DN ji^l - 1 lb, /loo gals.
Applied at full bloom

0,5

5,7

4,5

10,7

App-I-Set - 8 oz./lOO gals,
implied at early caljrK

0.0

1,8

4.8

6,6

— F, Y.', Southwick Pud. Vj", D, V.'eeks

Four Times Ud

Four Times Dovm

Four Times since 1775 — after the Revolutionary V/ar,
the V.'ar of 1S12, the CiAdl ^..'ar, aaid 'Torld u'ar I —
this country Jias had four major inflations. Prices
doubled or trebled in eacli instance. And four times
these prices carae tumbling domi again — vdth farmers
at the bottom of the crash, '.'.'ill there be a fifth
crash after our present inflation??? Soirie say "yes,"
others say "no." Our suggestion is, "play it safe."
Buy U, S, Goverm.ient Savings Bonds, Eead the enclosed
circular as to v;hich bonds to buy, where to buy, and
v;hy. Just remember what happened before. Don't let
it happen again,

— R, H, Bunn

*!* -^ jfC «fC rjC 'f^ ?fC ^

•P '1' 'K •!•

* *

PRODUCTION OF I.ICIIITOSII OT! LiALLIllG STOCKS

The search for a root stock v.diich vdll produce a smaller Hclntosh tree lias
been going on several years, \'Ie hope to find a stock which v.dll produce a tree
that starts production early vdiich will never ^et too large and at the same time
give us the sarae yield per acre as a larger tree, A tree v/hich could always be
picked with an eighteen foot ladder v/ould be much easier to spray ruid pick.

Yield records from our experimental plantings of Ilclntosh on lialling root-
stocks indicate that our search for a rootstock v;hich produces a smaller tree may
be realized. Per acre yields from trees on Lialling I and II compare favorably
vn.th those on the more vigorous and larger trees produced by stock XVI, Trees
on this stock v.-ill be nearly as large as trees on seedling roots.

''There structures house unattended motors or diesel engines, some provision
should be riiade to urevent fires starting in the en;;ine or cnnipressor rooms froia
spreo-ding to other parts of t'lT? structure, '.'.'alls of nasonry, preferably
plastered with a Portland cement plaster, tor^et'ier v/ith a metal or otlier tj'T)e of
roof v.'hich keeps the fire confined until the fire apparatus arrives, is most
helpful.

Protective devices can usually be installed easily and cheaply. If the value
of the machinery or otlier equipment \Yarrants, one or ;iore unden^riters-approved
extinguishers should be iriimediately available. Carbon dioxide and carbon tetra-
chloride are commonly used to extinguish firos in such places.

Lightning protective systems are recopjiiended for isolated far.i structures
particularly those located on hir:h or elevated ground, Tliese protective systems
eventually pay for th.enselvcs in reduced rates and in reduced lossos.

One or more hose comiGctions and sufficient h'">se to reach all portions of
the structure is an invaluable asset, should the fire be discovered before reaching
larj'^e proportions. Sprin::ler systems uay be used in rooms, \.-hethor above or belovf
freezing temperatures, A fog or spray may be t;sod advantageously to cool fires,
particularly v/hen confined to small rooms such as are found in a dwelling,

— v.", C , Harrington

ijc :flf :^ ->- >fc 4-" % 'K ^ ^^ 'i' "I- ^ 4^ + ^- * * ^

FACTORS H'rUJEITC lUG ArTMCTIV7i::Z5S 0£ FRUIT BLOSSq rS TO HCIIEYSEES

It is a fairly common erjporionce for a fruit grov;er to note that certain trees
or varieties of trees are seemingly neglected by honeybees during bloom, ^ta.ong
the fa.ctors that detenainc the attractiveness of blossom.s to bees arn the following:
(1) wiiount and sugar concent rati or. of nectar, (S) aanount of pollen available,
(o) ai'iount of bloom, the greater the amount, the more attractive it seems;
(4) condition of bloom.

The fact that bees can detect difforenccs in sugar concentration has been
recently provon, V.liile insufficient tests have been conducted, it is evident that
a variation of 20-30$^^ sugar may occur bet^vcen t\;o varieties. Even greater varia-
tion in sugar concentration is present between different species of plants, as for
exa!"!iple apples and pears. Further studies of the sugar concentrations of nectars
are advisable. It is possible tliat such studies might influence the planting of
certain varieties in order to improve pollination.

It is evident t)iat from the standpoint of pollen, bees A-dll collect this where
it is most abundant. Therefore, vigorous trocs with comparatively largo ai'aounts of
bloom would be more attractive to bees provided that tlio development ''.f th.c blossoms
ivas at the same stage.

As far as the condition of bloom is concerned, it is generally considered that
a tree in full bloom is more attractive thaji one either at an earlier or later
stage of development. There arc some exceptions to this, apparently, lir, George Rea,
forr.aer extension Apiculturist at Cornell, is authority for the statement that at
times, nectar secretion in Mcintosh is at its height about the timo of petal fall,..

"Hiile this discussion has presented some of the explaiiations for tlie apparent
profcronce of boos for certain varieties or species of fruit trees, it should not
bo forgotten that som.e plants in bloom at about the sa'no time as fruit rmy be more
attractive to the boos. If this is the case, it would seem that some action yrdght
be tcdren to reduce the abundance of plants if the bees prefer them to fru-it bloor.i,

— F, R, Shaw

Tiie average yield per acre of Ilolntosh on Hailing I over the last five-j^ear
period from' an orchard set in 1920 v/as 550 bushels, and for l.lclntosh on
Hailing XVI, 355 bushels. The per acre :delds were calculated on the basis of
35 trees per acre for the smaller trees on Iiallinc I, and 24 trees per acre for
trees on Mailing XVI,

In a nuch younger block of trees v/hich fruited for the first time,_ season
yield records indicate that trees on Hailing II \fill produce as v/ell as those on
Hailing I or XVI. Yields fron trees on the more dv;arfing stocks such as lil, 17
and V v-ere considerably lighter. Some of those stocks have been discarded for
reasons other than light cropping. Yields from trees on Hailing XII and XV v;ere
disappointingly lovv. These stocks uill produce a tree nearly as large as seedling
root s ,

Due to the long life span of apple trees, \iork rdth rootstocks is of
necessity a long, slow process, but progress is being made. 'i:e can nov; definitely
eliminate many of the Hailing rootstoc]:s as being undesirable for one reason or
oaaother. For the grower v;ho desires a medium sized tree \-hich can be more
easily sprayed tuid picked, Hailing stocks I and II appoar to be the best bet at
the present time,

— H. D, V'^eeks

An esse ntial has been definod as sonothing vre can ' t do without,
but^iTo]* an unessential aS something we can do v;i i: j-iout , but don 't .

fipuj: pr::v3::tioh ou a fruit farli

Anong the many evils of inflation is one generally given little attention
but v.rhich may, oiid often does, assume large proportions. This is the lo\7 aiiount
of insuraiice generally carried on farm structures constructed at a tim.e when the
purchasing value of the building dollar was comparatively high, V.'ith building
costs at least t'.Tice v;hat th.ey were ten years ago, it behooves a farmer to study
his insurcjice policies carefully with a \'iew to increasing the insured values so
that t]iey are commensurate with present day or replacement costs.

At the saj'jie time h.e should give some thought to th.e fire hazards on his
premises and ta,ko iira.iediate steps either to reduce the hazards, eliminate them
entirely, -^r install protective devj.ces. Some farmers have developed a false
sense of security by insuring their buildings for all aaid perhaps more than they
v/ere worth, only to leam later that tiiey v;cre completely out of business with
attendai^t or consequential losses nearly as large as the buildings lost by fire,

Fevj- Tamers have "ilo o:aoking" signs conspicuously posted in their buildings
and many sm.okc in buildings where shavings, hay, straw, Mid oth.er foi-ms of litter
are strevm over the floors, and even in rooms where fuel and lubricating oils are
stored. These forms of carelessness are not tolerated by careful farru ovniers.

Some kinds of electric v/iring liave a habit of depreciating rapidly vdiere
moisture is present. The only roLiedy ror a wiring s^ystem that has deteriorated is
replacement. Open v.-iring (knob tmd tube) protected fram m.echanical injury is one
of th^e safest aiad most durable tj-pes of v.dring.

DECnmES 30. 1948

Prepared by the Departments o£ Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS
Are Insect Pests Increasias?
New Project in Apple Tree Nutrition
Looking Aroand
Doraant Season Jobs
A Visit To Beltsville
Index

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

j^ li-SBCT PESTS INCREASING OR JUST HARD,ER TO CONTROL?

The answer to both questions is "Yes", i'kid we wis'i it vrere possible to stop
right there. But soiaeone always asks, "'vThy?", So here v/e go.

Yes, insect pests., are increasing in two ways. First, there are nov; more
kinds of insects in the country vdiich do damage to crops. And secondly, there are,
at least in some years, more individuals of one kind or another to cause trouble.

The first .tjtie of increase has resulted mainly from the accidental introdu.c-
tion of foreign species, I.iany of those introduced forms have not become pests,
but too often they have. And when they do become pests it is usually with a
vengeance since their natural checks, or enemies, have been left behind. In many
cases, also, these displaced insects find a far more abundant food supply in .
their adopted home.

Then, too, there are native insects that have become pests as a result of
conditions being made more favorable for them. For example, the Codling Moth and
the Colorado Potato Beetle v;ere not pests previous to the planting of large
acreages of their favored food plants. This situation has allovred for the develop-
m.ent of pests of economic importance from some of our native species. Sometimes
rather simple changes in agricultural practices may bring about conditions which
ma!-:e a sorious problem out of an insect already there, but of no concern. For
exar.iple, in many of our orchards nowadays, v;e don't let the liogs eat the drops as
fast as they fall — nor do we have any substitute practice.

Although very hard to prove, there is soino ovidcnce that certain spray or
dust materials may act in a way t!iat allows an otherwise unimportant insect or
related fonn, suddenly to become a dostru.ctiv3 pest. The interrelationship of the
use of DDT axid the appearance of the Two-spotted Llite in orchards may be one such
case. It is stated that in the State of V.'ashington the use of DDT has resulted in
the v/ooly aphid becoming a pest of major concern.

And now for that second type of increasp — the greater numbers of individuals
of a certain species.

Usually there is a fluctuation in the abundance of a species from season to
season, from orchard to orchard or from one scries of years as compared to another.
Although you maj'' not thinlc it tn.ie next July and August, the Japanese Beetle cannot
possibly be as numerous throughout tho infested area ne:rt summer because of -the
drought this past season. Eggs could not hatch nor young grubs become established
in nonnal numbers.

On the other hand, tho dry, hot weather favored Apple Maggot, second brood
Codling Moth, Bud Moth, Aphids, and a host of others. They were more numerous or
will be next year if nothing interferes v;ith their development between now and
then, •

Some insects beoomo more numerous according to a more or loss definite cycle.
Fall T/Tebtrorm and Tent Caterpillar ojid probably Red-banded Lcafroller are outstanding
examples of this. Extremely fa.vorable or adverse conditions, v/holly apart from the
normal factors governing the cycle, may on occasion cause tho variation frona the
usual pattern.

Large acreages or block plantings of favored varieties or t;,TjOS of host plants
nearly always result in increased populations of certain species of insect posts
when other conditions are not unfavorable.

Yes, insect pests are harder to control. This is not 'altogether the result of
changes within the insects nor to changes in control practices. It is due in part,
at least, to the more critical consumer, the keen competition for markets and the
pride a fruit graver takes in a crop that is 95/3 free of insect and disease
blemishes. The fruit grower of today v/ho continually lets insects or diseases take
over 10f;l of his crop does not remain a successful frait gro\7er. Thus, in an
indirect v/ay, it is harder to control insects because of the extent to which we
must control them.

Some Insects are actually harder to kill, thaii in previous years, with stan-
dard spray materials. Lead arsenate placed in the calyx cup at the petal-fall
stage year after year has led to the development of Codling Moth worms that do not
bothor to look for the calyx end of the apple. They just go in anywhere as "side
worais". It has been shovm in scientific tests that CodDing Moth strains, resistant
to lead arsenate, are to be found in v/ell sprayed orcliards. And noiv, we have
developed in the laboratory and have found in nature, strains of flies more resis-
tant to DDT«

The arrival of new pests, the development of nev; habits and strains v/hich make
chemicals less effective, the unJcnown effects v:hich mt\y follow the use of nevi
chemical controls, ajid the seasonal fluctuations of insects mal-:e pest control an
increasingly difficult problem. Is ii surpi-ising that we must spray our orchards
more often and with more materials then was necessary in grandfather's day?

— Frank R, Shaw and Ellsworth H, V/heeler

ITEIT PROJECT KI - ^PLE TREE irjTRITIOLI

A nev: project on apple trco nutrition has been initiated by the departments
of pomology, cJ.onistry and agronomy, Y.'ork on tho project is already underway.
This spring the differential fertilizer and mulch treatments v/ill be applied to
the field plots for tlio first time,

Some of the objectives of tho project are to find out v/hat effect different
levels of nitrogen in the tree have on its gro\,-th, yield, color and keeping quality
of fruit. An attempt will be made to maintain three levels of nitrogen in the tree'
by soil applications of a nitrogen fortilizor, hay mulch, and a complete fertilizer,
sucli as 7-7-7, In addition to soil t'jsts under the various treatments, leaf samples
vrill be collected and analyzed for nitrogen, calcium, potassium, phosol-iorus, and
magnesium. Chemical analysis of the foliage should onablo us to tell v/hat effect
different levels of nitrogen have on the intaice of mineral elements into the tree
in relation to their availability in the soil, V/e also hope to find out if soil
applications of elements other than nitrogen are ncccssai-y to iaaintain maximiuu
gro'.rth aaid yield. The ultimate goal of the project is to find out hov; to maintain
the proper level of nitrogen and other cloments in tho tree wi\ich v/ill produce a
maAmum crop of highly colored apples,

— Yf, D, Y/'eeks

Apple Barrel Reverie "-'ind nO\¥ tho jolly farmer packs his apples

up for to-.-.'ii. This is the top ro\,- in the bar'l ^ — 0,

and those — — o o o o o o, are furtlior do\;n,"

-3-
LOOKING AROUin)

Last month v.'c took a look into the past and reminisced about some old peach
varieties. This month ivc r;ill take a look around at the varieties v;e aro now
grcr-miij to soc how well they fit out present situation*

The earliest poach on the recommended list is Marigold , a cross of Lola x
Arp and one of the" earlier introductions from Nei-j- Jersey, ' The frait, v;hich ripens
the first week in August, is ycllov! fleshed, r:ell colored, aLaost freestone,
medium in size, aiid although not one of the best in flavor, it is very 0°°^ for
an early peacl;. The tree is vigorous ajid productive and has fruit buds v/hieh are
quite cold resistant, ItSvchiof advantages are carlincss, bud hardir.ess, produc-
tiveness, and good flavor.

The next on the list.. Oriole , is a cress of Slappy x Admiral Dewey, another
of the earlier introductions from Nc\/ Jersey, It ripens 3 or 4 days after Mari-
gold, The fruit is yello\r fleshed, freestone, attractive, very good in flavor,
and medium in size. The tree is largo, vigorous, productive and one of the
hardiest in both v/ood and bud. The treo sots such large crops that vory heavy
thinning is necessary to get size. Even v.dth hcav^/ thinning the fruit is only
medium or a little better in rizo. Many poach grov.'ors object to tho variety for
this reason. However, it does fill in a gap ho-'cv:c:jn Marigold end Golden Jubilee
and its outstanding hardiness, productivenesr^ aaid quality recommend it.

Marigold and Oriole h.ave not boon planted in large quantities and probably
1'd.ll not bo. They are useful to extend tho earliness of the season for local trade,

Goldon J ubilee is an open pollinated seedling from a tree which resulted from
a croEF. of Elberta x Greensboro, It is another of the early New Jersey introduc-
tions. It is very popular ainong Llassachusetts growers and has been planted in
considerable numbers. The fruit, which starts to ripen at the end of the Oriole
season or about 4 weeks ahead of Elberta, is above medium to largo in size, yellow
fleshed and freestone. It develops good color and excellent flavor and is very
attractive. The flesh softens too rapidly for long distance shipment but since
most peaches are sold locally or at nearby markets, this is not a serious hajidicap..
The tree is vigorous and although a bit slow in coming into bearing, it is very
productive v/hen it does start. It is more hardy in bud than Elberta but not
outstandingly so. Golden Jubilee v;ill probably continue to be a popular
commercial variety.

For a nimbor of years we searehed for a good variety to fill in betvreen
Golden Jubilee and lialehaven and finally found it in Triogem, This is one of the
more recent introductions from ITev; Jersey, a cross of ilale x Marigold, The fjruit
is yellow fleshed, freestone, firm, vory high in quality and color, very attractive
and medium to largo in size. The fruit colors vrell several days before ripe,
ripens slowly and hangs to the tree well so that picking need not be rushed. The
tree is medium to large in size, vigorous and very productive. It needs a good
soil and good culture to obtain best performance. It sets heavily and requires
plenty of thinning to get fruit of good size. In some sections it is rated as a
better commercial variety than Golden Jubilee,

Halehavcn is so well knov/n that it hardly needs comment. It is rapidly
becoming one of the chief coimnercial varieties in L'assachusctts, Some consumers
are beginning to recognizC' its value and call for it by name. It originated at
the Michigan Experiment Station as a cross bet'/reen J, H, Hale and South Haven.
Tho frj.it Is jrellow fleshed, freestone, large, vrell colored, attracti^-e, fii:m

-4—

fleshed, and hangs to the tree well. It starts to ripen about 18 days ahead of
Elberta, The tree is large, vigorous, and productive with fruit buds which are
fairly cold resistant. All -things considered, Halehaven will be hard to beat for
its season,

Suramercrest, a cross -of J, H, Hale x Cumberland and one of the more fecent
introdu'ctions l^rom New Jersey, has con&iderable merit as a variety to fill in
between Halehaven and Elberta, The fruit starts to ripen a v;eelc tO'.lO days ahead
of Elbe'rta* It is yellow fleshed, freestone, fine flavored, large and v;ell
colored and attractive when grovm under proper conditions. Unfortunately, the
fruit does not hroig to tli? tree well and must be picked aa soon as it becomes
firm ripe. It also softens a little too rapidly for best commercial handling*
The tree is large, vigorous and productive. In fact, it^ is so vigorous that if
planted on rather fertile soils or overstiniulated by cultural treatment, it easilj^
becomes over vegetative and produces fruit v;ith little red color* It vdll probably
never be in a class v;ith Golden Jubilee, Halehaven and Elberta but has a place in
the variety list until a better one is found,

Elberta has been the outstanding commercial' peach of the eastern United States
for many years. Its v;ide adaptability, productiveness, desirable commercial
characteristics and wise consumer acceptance have made it popular in many sections
and it vi,'ill remain popular until a better variety of the same season is found. It
is losing same of its popularity in ilasoachusetts because it ripens in Mcintosh
season. Most of the peaches produced in Massachusetts are grown by apple
orchardists who raise peaches for diversification. Consequently, any peach variety
which competes for labor with iiclntosh harvest has less appeal than a variety
ripening ahead of Mcintosh,

J. H« Hale is another old variety vrhich vms very popular for many -jrears but
has been losing some Of its popularity recently. The fruit is yellow fleshed,
freestone, very large, attractive, fine flavored, and firm, an excellent commercial
peach in its fruit characteristics. However, the tree is distinctly d\7arfish,
lacking in vigor, and shy on production. The fruit buds are quite susceptible to
winter injury. Also, this is one of the few peaoh varieties which is self sterile
and requires cross pollination. It is the tree and not the fruit charactcj-* which
have lost J, H, Hale much of. its former popularity. It ripens v/ith or a little
after Elberta and so it also needs attention in Mcintosh sea»on« It is undoubtedly
on the way out,

.. J, S, Bailey

********************

Apples and Pears Ripen Faster Of f than C^^ th e Tree » In 1947 a USDA worker
compared the rate of ripening of Delicious apples and Anjou pears by keep-
ing half of the fruit unharve'sted and an equal nimber in cheesecloth bags
suspended from the same limbs. Differences in maturity of the two lots
were determined periodically by ]jioans of a pressure tester and the amount
of soluble pectin present. It was found that the Delicious apples ripened
three time« faster in the bags than on the tree and the pears 'in bags, four
times faster. This study shows v;hat every grower should laiow, that the
beat place to keep fruit is on the trees unless it can bo placed inmiodia-
tely in cold storage,' (From T.'isconsin Horticulture)

********************

1949 Apple , Peach and Pear Spray Charts . Earring an
unexpected delay, the nev/ spray cliarts should be
ready for distribution around the middle of February.
Instead of submitting the copy to the State Printer,
printing will be accomplished by means of the Veri-
type aiad liultilith machines in the Mailing Room,

An Echo of 1912 . In an old file we discover how Massachusetts farmers
v/ere advised to spray in'1912, "Facts for Farraers", Vol. 11. No, 8,
covers "Spraying, — Vihy/'hen, Hov;, Vjith '.iTiat", by F, 0, Sears, And
believe it or not, only four applications are mentioned as follows:
(l) autuiiin, after leaves are off the trees, — oil for scale; (2) early
spring, — lime sulfur for Scale and fundus diseases, (o) within a week
after petals fall, — line sulfur and lead arsenate, for scab, codling
moth and curculio, and (4) three or four weeks later, same materials ais
third spray, for codling moth, sooty fungus, etc. The advice offered
along v/ith the spray recommendations is as good today as it v/as then —
(l) get ready in aiiple time, (2) have a repair kit along, (3) know ivhat
you &re sprajdng for, (4) spray in tine, (5) !:pray thoroughly and {&)
have every convenience for the preparation and ni::ing of the 'spray
materials. If pests were more easily controlled 26 years ago, v/e have
reason to envy the grow'3rs of that era.

Are Some of Your " Field s "Flat T j res" ? Qvioting from a prominent
goils specialist. Just as i.i.any motorists noglect checking tire
pressure, so have v/e neglected checking the feii;ility status of
the soil. An autanobile tire built to run v/ith 32 pounds pres-
sure should be inflated to that level, Compr.ring that idea to
the soil, we should chock our soils to determine the fertility
pressure level. If the level is too low for optimum yields,
sufficient nutrif^nts should be added to bring the soil up to
the proper level, V.'e should test our soils frequently, like
checking our automobile tires and add nutrients to the soil as
we do air to tires. Flat soils like flat tiros do not carry
us very far,"

Along the same lino, another soils man in spealcing of
unproductive orchards sa.ys, "First tost for acidity, and add
lime, if needed, to improve tho sod, Yniatovor fertilizers arc
needed for tlie saiic purpose should also be added. This may
mean a higher grade of fci-tilizcr or more of it. The impor-
tant thing is to gro\-j- a heavy grass covor so that large
amounts of organic matter may bo added to b}ic soil,"

Our Cover Illustration , The winter scene on
our FRUIT FOTES cover is the viorlc of a fonraor
Amherst boy, Roger "Tolcott, nT.v living in
Agawam, Mr, V.'olcott is spending part of his
time in preparing illur.trations for the
Extension Service,

-6-

SaiE D0RI-.IA1-IT SEASON JOBS OLi A FRUIT FAIg.1

Starting now a fruit pjrov/er may still have time to periona as many of the
folloi-zing vrinter jobs as his conditions require?*

(1) Order sprayer and duster repair parts cjnC. do a couplete job of over-
hauling,

(2) Likewise the tractor and its inipleinents, and the trJck,

(3) Arrange for systematic check-up and servicing of electric motors,

(4) Improve the output of v/orio^ien by supplying shar}^)ened pi-nning tools,

(5) Remove old, unprofitable trees aiid filler trees v/hich crov/d the
permanents ,

(6) Set up a siniple record of yields and market returns by varieties.

The orchard business today oaimot support nonprofit or lov; profit trees
or blocks of trees. Such trees, unless required for cross pollination,
should be removed,

(7) Study your fertilizer j.!rogram to see if a revised soil management setup
v;ill improve yield, sice ;jid color of fruit, Thon mdce rure of a
fertilizer supply by placing your order soon,

(8) ¥.ev! spray materials suggest a car'^ful a:id conservative reviev: of your
spray program. Seek the best information ai'ailablo if you are con-
sidering a change,

(9) Field and storage crates needing repair, also boxes in shook, provide
v/orlcr^ien v;ith jobs on stonuy daj''s,

(10) If your harvesting, grading, or other equipment hius caused delays and
only temporary repairs b.ave been made, vihy not act now and order repair
parts? Ordered parts may talce longer than you think.

To protect the sprayer against rust and corrosion, Indiana growers have for
many years used a mixture of three parts of crcaik case oil and one part of kerosene,
'In preparing the sprayer for v;inter, the suction hose is first removed from the
supply tank and placed in a container filled v/ith the oil-kerosene mixture. The
motor is then started and the mixture alla'/ed to flow through the pump and out the
overflovY pipe back into the container. After the motor is shut off, the pump
drain plugs are removed and the surplus mixture allo-',;ed to drain out. Even though
the outfit needs a complete overhaul later, it should first be given the above
trcatracnt. It involves little time and expense, and v/ill give good returns in
sprayer perfor..ianco the follovvdng season,

— 0, G, Jkiderson

Hoy/ Dry is Your Storage ? Th.c easiest v/ay to find out is to use a sling
psychrotiotor, sometimes Innotm as a vrot ojid dry bulb thermometer.
Seventeen of thcso inexpensive gadgets \roro recently bought by apple
storage o\'niers in Ilampden County, The relative humidity should bo
85 to 80^3, In othr;r words, the storage air should be at leo.st 85/i
saturated. If it is less than that, the fruit tends to shrivel. It
is v/oll to remonber that in many cases, boxus went into storage bone
dry and that they have actually pulled vrater out of tho apples.
Visible shrivelling has already occurred in a fev/ storagos* IIoi,7
about yours?

-7-

A VISIT T_0 BELTSVILLE

During the past summer the writer spent a very interesting day and a half at
the U,S,D,A, Experimental Farm at Beltsville, Maryland, ,. Much of the time v/as
spent with Dr. Ci, H. Darroiv looking over the strawberry and blueberry test plots
although Home time was also spent with four other workers along fruit lines. The
more important observations are noted belov/. They suggest not only a wide range of
experimental \;ork but real progress in v;orking out certain fundamental problems,

^ 31iishex'ries , One of the handicaps in most varieties is an imperfect scar.
This refers to the point of attachment of the berry, where damage frequently occurs
in picking. Varieties v.'ith perfect scars are being sou;;ht. In scoring varieties
ao regayds scar, Burlington is best with a rating of lOj Rubel, 8; Stanley, 4 to 6;
Katherine, 1, In ilev; Jersey a planting of about five acres lias been established
for the testing of varieties vifith reference to this important feature.

The present acreage of cultivated blueberries in tlie U, S, is about 10,000,
Varieties in sight may increase the acreage to 50,000, But \7hen varieties v/ith
perfect soar are developed, the acreage may increase to 100,000,

lisjiy hybrid varieties are being tested including crosses between high and lavr
bush species and the rabbit eye blueberry of the South, In North Carolina about
.10 acres are under test raid in Georgia about 20 acres. Of interest in Iilassachu setts
are certain Ixardy highbush varieties, hardy half high and hardy lowbush, pa.rti»
cularly thos.e 7dth large berries and a stiff stciu.

Certain bluebcrr;,' aihnents, including "stunt", are found to be transmissible
by budding, (Observations on stra\/bcrries, peaches, and apples v:ill bo included
in the next issue of FRUIT IIOTES.)

"The Farrier ' s 1948 Inccme Ta^" , This is the name of a new
publication (Special Circular ilo, 123) which came off the
press in October, 1948, It was prepared jointly by the
Extension Services of the six H, E, states, Delav;are,
How Jersey, and several federal agencies, A copy may be
obtained from your county extension office or from the
Uni vers ity.

:t::^!(c!)e^******:|c*j(: + ****!(c

A Suggestion on Pruning , In pruning a bearing apple tree, it is helpful
to visualize the tree v;ith a full load of fruit and a branch arrangement
which allov/s each spur a partial exposure to sunlight. This means that
each major branch has a definite space v/hich it occupies v/ithout much
competition. The dormward' grovdng parts of each branch are more poorly
located from the standpoint of sunlight than the outv;ard and upward
gro\-;ing parts. But frequently a towering upright branch is mmecded either
because it is encroaching on a vjcll located branch or is, itself, out of
reach, V/lien the pruning job is completed, the branches will be reasonably
well spaced, and the troo v;ill be thin enough to allow svjilight to filter
through. Spraying, thinning and harvesting will be easier bc«o.use a
dense tangle has been transformed into an orderly arrangement of
efficiently located fruiting wood.

**:(;*!)c:4:*-:i:*:(;***;i<*:(c**>t:j(c

- s -

INDEX (I'lunber in parentheses indicates month ; second number, p age )

Apple Scab (2) 2: (?) 4. (8) 6

Apple Insects (7) 6; (o) 2, 3

Anple Varieties (4) 4, (?) 1, (3) 1;

(10) 2| (11) 7
Bees (2) 3; (4) 3; (6) 6; (ll) 9
Blueberries (2) 1; (4) 10; (lO) 4; (12) 7
CheLTical Thin.ning (4) 6; (s) 1; (7) 1, 4,

7j (11) 6
Chlorosis (s) 7
Crop Prosneets (6) 1; (lo) 6
Do You Know (6; 3; (10 ) 6
Fertilizers (12) 2, 5
Fire Preventi-on (4; 8; (lo) 6; (ll) 8
Food Values (4) G, 9
Forestr;;/ (2) 7; (4) 10
Fruit Diseases (4) 3j' (4) 5 -
Fruit Insects (7) 5; (12) 1
Fungicides (2) 2; (4) 2j (?) 4} (G) 6
Grading (2) 3
Harvesting (8) 2
Insecticides (2) 5; (s) 6} (?) 5

Lead Arsenate (2) 5

Liming (4) 1; (11) 1

Magnesium Deficiency (4)1

Mulching (4) 2j (ll) 5

Nev; Engl^md Seven (8) 1

Nurserj^ Inspection (6) 1

Peaches (2) 1; (4) 5| (?) 5j (ll) 3j

(12) 3
Pears (7) 5} (lO) 5
Pollination (2) 3; (4) 3j (6) 2j (7) 7»

(11) 1, 9
Pruning (4) 10; (8)
Raspberries (2) 1
Red Apple Club (2) 8j (6) 5} (8) 7}

(10) 7

Rodent Control (6) 7} (?) 8j (8) 4
Soil .'Acidity (4) Ij (ll) 1
Spraying (4) 2, 5j (6) 3; (12) 5, 6
Spray Oils (2) 6| (4) 7
Storage (2) 8; (4) 5} (?) 2j (lO) 1
Strawberries (2) 1, 7, 2; (8) 6j (lo) 3,

7; (11) 5
Variety Tests (7) Ij (lO) 5, 7j (ll) 7

3, (12) 7
3} (6) 5} (8)

App_le_ Production by V arletios . The loading apple
variety in the U, 3, at tlie present tirao is
Delicious , During the period 1942»4G nearly twice
as juany bushels v/cre produced as of ojiy other variety.
The next throe varieties in order of importfjioe are
V."incsap , Lclntosh, and Jon.athan »

*****

************

lialcc

linos

limo

lino

soils

crop

also

cheap

label

Sure You Got HIGH I^AGKES Toll Line . The' content of magnesium oxide in-
tone varies from about ,5;o to 21/J, A Iiighm^agncsium or dolomitic
is available if you insist on it. It talccs about three pounds of
to offset the acidifying effect of one pound of sulfur. Orchard

must therefore be heavily limed svnry foi.' years if a good cov';r
is to bo grovm. High magnesium lime corrects soil acidity ojid
adds CXI extremely important clement, magnesium. There is no
er form of magnesium for use in the orchard. It pays to read the

on the bag, Lisist on high mage s i\im limo.

************

*****

FRENCH HALL

February 10, I9>

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. H. Tliies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS

Effect of Recent Warm Weather on Fruit Plants
Red Ra^berry Varieties

Fog Out Farm Fires With the Orchard Sprayer
.^plying Nitrogen from the Spray Tank
"Superiol" £^ray Oils

Dormant DN> s

New FM Rural Radio Network

Fruit Diseases

Strawberry Leaf Spot

A Visit to Beltsville

Painting "Temporary Trees

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, ,Wil lard A._ Munson,,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

- 6 -

f PC OUT T^APJ.i FIRES \ I IT TI.S CI^ c.'ARD 3PRAYj5R

Orchard sprayers vrlth a pump capacity of 20 gallons or ;iicre per r.iaute have
rendered service above expectations in extinguishing fires in fann buildin~s.
Using 500 to 500 lbs, pressure, the veater is applied v;-ith an orchard gun creating
a fog in the room or enclosure \/here the fire brealcs out. This fog moistens all
enclosed surfaces as vcell as the air, and suffocates the fire by exo»luding the
oxygen. Control is obtained by the fog method \nth less v/ater, offers some
protection to the operator of the gun, and there is less water damage. Light,
mobile, motorized fire equipment operating on the fog principle, is being purcha^-e.
by rural communities.

During mild weather the orchard sprayer can be kept in readiness or prepared
for fire service quickly. In freezing vreather the most desirable storage space
for the sprayer vrould be a frostproof room. Here water may be left in the sprayer
engine, p\.mp, and tanJc, so that the fog may be applied at the earliest moment
after the fire starts.

Lacking a frostproof storage, the engine may be filled with anti-freeze.
The sprayer tanlc may be filled nearly full of vrater, leaving space at the top
for the expansion i/hicn occurs with freezing. The pump should be drained and
cone experienced worlonan assigned to replace drain plugs in case of fire. kal:e
3ure that water cannot seep in from the tanl: to the pump v/hile the machine is
stored. Check the battery occasionally to make certain it v/ill start the motor.

Fire is a farm hazard of serious proportions, Vjliere co;iimunity fire equipm.?j.i.
is not available, insurance rates are high. The repair or r-'place-nent of a col,.
storage at harvest time due to fire is a problem no grox'/er v/ants to think abcnt.
A high pressure spray machine is the best type of fire fighting equipjiient .avail-
able for farm use, and needs only to be kept in readiness.

— 0, Ct. Aiiderson

J^mi^nTROGEN FROj. THE SPRi lY TAIIK

A rather revolutionary method of applying nitrogen to apple trees is current 1
receiving a lot of publicity. It consists of "putting urea, a nitrogen compound
v.hich contains 43/-0 nitrogen, in the spray tank and applying the nitrogen as a
spray.

Five pounds of the uroa compound to 100 gallons is the recoriimended dosage.
The material may be put in with the regular in:;ecticidal and fungicickl sprays ^^r
5).pplied as a separate spray. There is no evidence that it is not compatible
ViJth regular spray materials and it has not causod any injury to foliage. Two
"'jhcduioE for applying arc suggested. The first consists of four sprays comnim-
''-ng with tv;o pre-blossom or pink sprays, one cal^oc and one at first cover. Tjh
■.^.'■■utir] r.ohfsdule of three sprays starts \Tith the calyx followed by first and
^•■■i'ioj-.ri covor sprays. Trees which are low in nitrogen and have a tendency to .-cr
& -ij?;ht crop shouJd obviou"^^ly receive the first schedule. Trees v/hich have a
good ros'irve of nitrogen and sot hea-/;/- crops may get along all right with the
seoo/,r] r.nli'jrlulo.

•••ome of the advantages v/hich are claimed for applying nitrogen as a spra^/ a.-'.
cn:.i.t L'lOrrj coiitrc)] is obto.inod of tlie nitrogen supply of thj tree, better centre -
of frjit r.et, hi n-hor rod color of fniit, and better tree gra\-rth. In the case cf
a vory dry r^prJijp-. v:h.;j, soj ] ir-pp] jcat J ont; of nitrOf;en miglit not become availnbli'
oO th-'3 T,r-i'>r. Ill hh;\.; i.ii i ri f liiAiii-.* luA: ox' vrfir-n the soi.l is ro \mtei' logger, tha'.

.Lit) roott ca.r.no\ fiuic^ion, niTror;en spra^AS .iiay nave an advantage, ^-ovever,
recent results of experimental v/orlc carried on by the Cornell Experiment Sttitic;
bailed to show aixy significant differences betv;een soil applications or spray
applications on ;!/ield, red color, size of fruit, shoot grov.'th and set. There ..■
no report on the effect of this method of applying nitrogen en the groiTbh of-
-^rass or c^ver crop in the orchn^'c'.

It v;nuld appear tliat until more experimental evidence is obtained to
indicate the possible benefits of nitrogen sprajdng, the grower must make his
decision as to the method used, on the basis of cost. If he figures that hp ca.
fertilize his orchard cheaper by spraying, it may pay him to try it,

— W. D. y.'eeks

^^PPu.Y OILS

Oils are used on apples to control European Red Idte and San Jost 6cale.

"Superior" type oils are: (a) More effective insect killers; (b) Safer tor
■crees; (c) Available under several brand names. "Superior" is no_t a brand v-.-vn.-.

Tanlc-mixing (emulsifying) a "Superior" type oil v/ith Blood .Ubumin enable.^
=i. grov/er to use: (a) A more effective and safer oil; (b) At a LO'.j'ER COST than ;•■
prepared miscible or enulsible oil or oil emulsion containing a less desirable
oil.

Hsing a Tanlc-m.ixed "Superior" t^/pc oil is SURE, SAFE, SUPLE, and SAVIKG.

Eollov; these simple steps to savings v;itli "Superior" oils used the Tank -mix
way v/ith Blood AlbuiTiin Snulsifier, (a)^Buy a "Superior" type straight or 100
percent oil. Two gallons of oil for each 100 gallons of snray. (Three gallons
xor Pear Psylla control in the Dormant.) (b) Buy a commercial Blood Albumin
-i-mulsifier containing 25fi (4 oz. in each pound )of blood albumin. Cne-half
pound for each 100 gallons of spray, (c) Have the spray-rig ready to go — v.-ith
"it le&.st one hose equipped rrith a gun or broom that can be opened down into the
t'jnk,

kTrien ready to malce tho application proceed as follows:

^^andard Type Sprayer : (l) Start the motor, pump and agitator — do not stop
them until tank is sprayed out. (2) Run in 5 - lb gallons of water - HO LiORE -
•^T just enoupjh to r.iakc tlie pump work. (3) Add the commercial Blood Albumin
^laulnifier; I/2 pound for each 100 gallons the tank holds. (4) Pour in the
_'^uperior" type, lOO percent or straight oil — 2 gallons to each 100 gallons.
' SJ lam on the pressure - open gun or broom into tank and hold for 1-1-g minute-.
-n other v;ords, spray the conoenbrated water-blood albiuain-oii iiuxture back into
jtuelf for a full minute. I'lore time does no damage, but is unnecessary. (5) fi
'".'ink. with water. (?) Open nozzles into tank to remove concentrated mixtni-c i'roj 1
pjjnp, hor:<j Ji.rier- ajid guns or brooms. (8) Spray the orchard,

_ ^^_eed Sprayer ; (l) Start motor. (2) Run in 5 - 10 gallons of v;ater or as li^' -
as possible hxA sbill have the pump ajid agitation system work. (3) Add tne
ooirimercial BJ.ood ATbumin Emulslfier — l/2 pound to each 100 gallons, (,4.) Foi r
'n the "SiperJor" type, 100 percent- or straight oil - 2 gallons: to each 100
"al].ons, (5) AlJow the water - einnlsifier - on! mixt.i;ro to lr.i^ 1 ii.'r-.'ii,-.; 1 ;> ' rv

1 to 2 lainutes (Some nurse ri(_jC liave a lead of hose from the punp that could
directed into the tanl<:,). (G) Fill tajiic v/ith vmter. (?) Spray it out.

— E, H, "'heeler

.:Oi L.:\i:T DI J's — Uuravele di

Goine people are confused by the number of DIJ or dinitro spray materialo nov;
•■■vailable for dormant sprays. One should remember that the older tj-pe ON
uaterials contain dinitro-o-cresol. They are sold in the form of liquid slurric;
or suspensions of that salt or in the form of pmvders. Liquid fonns contain
20/^ of the active ingredient and are represented by such brands as Elgetol,
Krenite^init rosol; the powders contain 40^ of th^e active ingredient and are
represented by such brands as DH Dry Mix Ko. 2 and DN Dry Powder,

These materials are compoiunded so that a quart of liquid is the equivalent
of a pound of the powder. Used at correct dosages tliese materials will contro-L
Rosy Aphis and other Aphis, Bud I'oth, and Oyster Shell Scale. They are
recommended for use in the dormant period and are best used alone and not in
combination ■■.,-ith oils because of the danger of injury to buds under some
conditions. (For Pear Psylla as ovicides, they are used in the t>;reen tip stage
when the eggs are on the spurs.)

This year there are some new DH materials on the market. These contain tht
triethanolainine salt of dinitro-o-sec-butyl phenol. They are prepared in tlie
forra of a true solution of this dinitro compound. Used at only two quarts, thcv
will control the insects mentioned above with the exception of Oyster Shell
Scale which would require three quarts per 100.

There is the additional advantage that these new DK materials vdll control
European Red Mite by killing the eggs in the dormant period. In other v/ords,
if an apple grovrer chooses to use one of these new Dll materials, he caii control
Rosy Aphis, Bud Moth, and also Red Mite with the one domant application. For
some growers this represents a real advantage,

Y-Ihere Bud Moth and/or Aphis are not problems, then the "Superior" tj-pe oiit
are still the cheapest and most satisfactory control for European Red I.dte.

The nevi DN insecticides described above may be used safely on pears in t.i>.
::reen tip stage as recommended for pear psylla control ivith the older t^'pe Di:
:aatoriais, Psylla eggs are Icillod by a concentration of 2 quarts in each
100 gallons.

Peach trees should not be treated v;ith the nev/ tj-pe of DN compound.

The new Dll's arc on the market as DN-239 and as Elgetol 518. This new kir;.'
^f Eigctol is what mekes the picture somev/hat confusing. The nev/ DN's are
somewhat more potent thon the older typos and should be used on apples in t'.\e
strictly dorr r ;rait on ] y.

It is impcrtfejit for i'l-nt growcrr, to decide whicli dinitro material they
.'loed for their orcK%ixds and tlien to ni.-.ka cori.i.in they obtain the one decided
upon,

— E. r'i, ..iiceler

-■■ISIOH SERVICr; PUIJS PROGRAi,.S FOR M317 FI.I RURAL RADIO ITETVfORK

^mnouncement has been made that the Extension Service, University oi
■u.So^chu setts, vrill participate v:ithin the next few months on programs of xne
Rural Radio Netxvork, a new FM service beaaned exclusively to faiTn families. This
announcement comes from V/illard A. Munson, director of the Extension Service.
"Extension work v/ith the iletv/orlc must naturally be light at first," he states,
until FH radio enters more rural homes."

Extension specialists and county agents, in addition to resident and
Experiment Station staff members and specialists from other ::oveniinent agencies,
met recently on the campus v/ith officials of the Rural Network. The delegates
expressed interest in the nevir FL! Network and agreed to cooperate. Flans are nn\;
undenvay for participation.

Director llunson reports the Netv/ork v;ill carry detailed analyses of
immediate market reports, weather reports for farmers, agricultural news, talks o.r.
farm practices and home management, as vrell as broadcasts from other agricultural l
schools ajid colleges — in addition to federal, state, and private agencies.

The Rural Radio Network may be heard on Y-'ACE-FU, channel 100.3, from 6 in
the morning until 9 at night. The ITACE-FM channel reaches Central and Western
liassachunetts, as vrell as many parts of Connecticut, New Hajnpshire, and Venaont,
providing a static free radio signal.

The Network has been in operation for the past seven mnnbhs in New York
■itate, r.ervlng the entire milk shed region plus New York City proper v/ith top
flight farra information and entertainment,

George Vanliorn

gECENT_ REPORTS ON FRUIT DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL

Effect of Nitrog_en Fertili_zer_ on the Control of Scab in L IcIntosh app les.
In a number of cropV, tliVnuVritiou xevel of"pl8jits has been shorm to have a
direct bearing on susceptibility to certain diseases. Especially is this true
when the level of nitrogen and/or potash is involved. It is coinmon observation
that scab is difficult to control in apple trees grov/ing in a poultry yard.
Rapid, tender, succulent grovrth encouraged by excessive nitrogen seems to be
at least one factor favoring copious scab development, D, II, Palmiter reported
(l.',F.G,A. meetings in Worcester, January 4, 1949) on a scab spray tost in an
orchard in the Hudson Valley where a number of Mcintosh trees received the same
sulfur spray program in each of 6 successive seasons. Some of the trees v;ore
not fertilized, some received nitrogen as usual in a spring application to the
soil, v/hile a third set received thoir nitrogen in the form of urea added to the
spray tank in 2 or 3 early season spray applications to the trees. In the
unfertilized trees the yield (average for 6 years) was only moderate, scab countti
on harvested fruits low, percent of drops low and fruit color very good. For
the trees that received Uramon in the soil, yield v/as much higher, but so was
scab and the per cent of pre-harvest drops, and tlie fruit color was poor. For
the trees that received nitrogen as Uramon or NuGreen in the spray, the a\^rage
total yield per tree was nearly as high as for the ground applications, but scaV
was no higher than in the unfertilized trees, pre-harvest drop v;as intermediate
between. the checks and ground applications of nitrogen, and fruit color was

110

good, otrajigcjly enou;_h, in the sarr.e orchard, the uijiiect yield of idlj t'at
loT/est scab counts on fruits, cjid tlie lovrest per cent of drops vicre obtained
from trees that received no nitro,^en either on the soil or in the spray, and
that were sprayed r/i-ch Ferrnate throughout the 6-year period. Fenr.ate contains
about lO^/i nitrogen.

Continued Use of Fermate Boosts Yield of Mcinto sh Apples, L. H. raliiiiter
of the W, Y^ T^'enevaJ Station reported at the recent science meetings in
Pittsburgh (Phjiropath. 39_: 1: lo, 1949) that "The continuous use of Fennate ^70
cent ferric dimethyldithiocarbaaiate) on Mcintosh apple trees v:):ich received u
nitrogen fertilizer over a period of six years increased the jdeld of fniit 57
per cent over that of corresponding trees that v/ere sprayed v/ith v/ettablc sulfur.
.Annual soil applications of tiTO or more pounds of N per tree increased the yleln
of sulphur sprayed trees over that of the unfertilized Fennate plots during the
first tvm years of the tost but in the last three years the Fernate plots have
outyielded even the best nitrogen fertilized plots. In 1947 and 1948 the best
sulfur sprayed and nitrogen fertilized plots averaged 9 boxes of fruit per tree
per year compared v/ith 17 boxes of fruit per tree per year from the Fermate plot; ,
Several factors appear responsible for this increased yield rdiere Fennate is usot.
' as the fungicide in place of sulfur, Fennate contains some niti-ogen aiid in a
spray season a tree may receive as much as -v- pound of IJ. However, other factors
such as reduced scab and spray injury to the foliage may be just as important.
In 1948 most of the trees in the experiment had close to 100 per cent bloosu, but
blossoms and fruit coimts indicated more than 50 per cent increase in fruit set
on the Fernate sprayed trees."

■2igSg. A" storage Rooms. U.S.D.A, Circular ITo. 765, Jan. 1948, contains a
detailed account of tests in vj-hich Ozone vms used in apple storages. Or one has
been used in humid meat, egg and apple storages for deodorizing the aimospjiere
aiid for preventing the grovrth of surface molds on meat, packages and walls. It
greatly reduces the population of air-borne fungi including those that cause
blue-mold and gray-mold rots of apples; and at standard concentrations (1.95 v.r.i'.
'ind times of exposure, it even slows up the rate of development of blue-mold
-iecay in apples, Hovrever, it does not kill the fungus in decay tissue nor does
it materially check the groivth of mold patches that are already established on
boxes, vmlls, posts, etc. Ozone, in fact, is a mild disinfectant, exerting it;;
bfest influence on the spores by preventing or reducing tlieir geraunatiO]! and the
formation of surface grovrth.

fJsu of over concent rat ions, i.e., 3,25 p. p.m. of Ozone in apple storages fnr
'■^uai exposure periods caused injury to apples, also off-flavor. No such
'lo]eterjous effects resulted from concentrations of 1.95 p. p.m.

^zone ip a 3tinulant_ f_or Certain Fungi . As indicated abov^. Ozone is to;.ic
.0 bhe sporea "of'Vome" fungi, " AccordTug to a report by M. C, Richards, Hew Ha-np-
"l.ire 3+;s,,t:on (Phyhopath. Abstr. 39: 1: 2^0, 1949) Ozone actually is a stimulant for
ofcr^.b.in fni-jg-j, , Under ordinary conditions t)io fungi in qiAestion produce spores
^"^ry r.p!;,rJrjg].y but r/Len f-ixposed to Ozone, they sporulate abundsuitly, Iii this
o'c-.t'^rory an-j hlie fungi that cause early blight of tomatoes, the black Ical'-spoc
of cabijf.ire, Wid i,he b'Jfi.ck-rot storage disease of winter squash,

— 0. C. Boyd

NO JATOARY FRUIT IIGTES - This is the first issue
of FRUIT NOTES since December 30. Other matters,
seemingly more urgent, have occupied our attention
during ■Jt.muj.ry.

^ 6 ~

1^ in''Efu;]i,'T STRAiirs c tu^ jti^a cerry leaf 3 P or fufc-us

It is well kr.ovm that some varieties of strav/berries are more susceptible f
the common leaf-spot disease than others. However, it \-as only recently that
several strains of the leaf-spot . fungus Qvlycophaerella fragariae ) were found, ^i....
being decidedly more pathogenic to certain varietiee than other strains. The
follo\';ing is a digest of an article by A. G. Plalzidas (of the Louisiana Station)
in Phytopathology 38:12:938-992,1948.

Seven isolates of thefimgus from different parts of the country ( Louisianr. ,
Oregon, Llichigan, Maryland, Nev; York) sho;ved widely different pathogenic proper-
ties when inoculated into ten varieties of strawberries. In fact, no two
varieties reacted exactly alike to all of the strains. Wo tnvo strains beliaxvd
similarly on all of the varieties. One variety, Caledonia, v/as moderately or
highly susceptible to all seven straios. Clermont shov/ed no infection from four
strains, a trace from one strain, and heavy infection from two. Iloiraro 17 s]iou'<''
a trace of infection from each of tv;o strains, v/hile U.S.D.A. Seedling No. 1021
yielded a trace of infection from only one of tliem. U.S.D.A. Seedling No, 1^"42
showed no infection from two strains, light infection from three ol-]iei-s, mui
neavy infection from the remaining tivo. One isolate (S1600) from New York,
produced moderate to heavy infection on all varieties except Ha'/nrd 17 and
•J.S.D.A, Seedling No, 1021 ~ only a trace on them. Strain S1610 (from louini .„■,..
produced moderate' to heavy infections On all but tla'oe of the 10 varieties; no
infection on them, Clermont, liov/ard 17, and' U.S.D.A. Seedling No. 1021. In
contrast there was one strain of the fungus, the Oregon strain (S8?), that vm.-
wealcly parasitic on most of the varieties; producing heavy infection on one
(Caledonia), light infection on two, a trace on three, aiid none on four. Somt
varieties that remained free of infection under natural conditions took the
:"'iscase ^fhen inoculated artificially. Iloivard 17 and U.S.D.A. Seedling No. 1021
v.'ere almost immune to all strains even when heavily inoculated. Certain
v.?.rieties appear to merely escape the disease in the field by virtue of thoir
grwing habits, whereas 'Howard 17 and U.S.D.A. Seedling No. 1021 appear to
possess iiiarked inherent, "ch.emical" resistance to all fonus of the fungus,

-_ 0. C, Boyd

****** **:^*;****** + ***

This So-Calle d_ V^inter - The mean tcmporaturc in Amlicrst
during Uo'cember wa"s"' slightly above the freezing point,
»nd much of the month of January has seemed oven more
springlike. The writer set a fev; strav/berry plants on
January 8 (fall planting?) and on January 14, Howard
C-llmore of 'w'estboro brought .to a meeting two apparently
undejaaged Baldwin apples which lie picked in his orcliard
the previous daj/. No apple blossoms have been reported
to date.

_-io\/_ Pnaning Ix^aflet - "Pruning Apple Trees" is the- title of a no'>.
leaflet wliioh wl'J 1 \,o rc;!,'\y for distribution in the very near
future. It covers hli<> prnniuj;; of bobh young and bearing trees ano.
is v;r;ll illustrated. A copy may bo obtained fnar. your County
S;:teuGion Offj.ce or from hho Ilai.ling Room at the University.

_-. . lSIT to BELTSVILi.£ (Continued fro:n December Issue)

Follov;ing are a few observp,tinns nade at tlie L'.S.L.A. Experii".ientai b arm i."
BeltSTille, Maryland:

-Jtrawberries - In breedin;-; bett3r varieties ^ a planting of 6100 seedlings is
bting studied. The numbers of seedlings ejid the characteristics are as f ollov/r :
red stele resistance, 1283; late ripening, 1512; firmness, 1174; flavor, 684;
size, 171. A striking example of the longevity of pollen stored at a temperaturv
of about 40'^F. and relative humidity of 50% was observed. Year-old pollen store I
-mder these conditions .genuinated well and gave a good set of seed.

Among the virus diseases are crinkle, curl, v/itches broom, yellows (yellov.
edge in England), etc. One of the virus diseases, common in the East, results i-i
shorter petioles on the Marshall variety and a tendency for the leaves to lie
on the ground. Practically all plants of certain varieties are n^n: infected,
■w. attempt is being made to establish viras-free sources of our more important
varieties using the grafting method of determining the presence of virus in
doubtful plants. At present, plants of vs'even virus-free varieties have been
isolated: Dorsett, Klondike, Tiarshall, Culver, Robinson, and two I'arietie.-^ of
Tennessee origin.

Peaches - In 'a study of mineral deficiencies, magnesium deficiency v/as found L"
show up first where both calcium aiid potassium are high. Calcium seems to be r.
partial substitute for both magnesium and potassium. It has a striking effect
or. root development. Tfliere calcium is lov;, roots are much restricted, Higii
c&lciuin means many fibrous roots. (A high nitrogen level v;as maintained in the
above study.) In breeding peach varieties for hardiness, stations for testing
are being established in various northern states. Up to ,20 or 25 trees are
•ivailable for this purpose. The University of Iiassachusotts is invited to
cooperate,

iippl es - In a study of apple trees under lov;, medium, and high nitrogen levels,
uo difference in magnesium deficiency s^/mptoms v/as noted in the mediunfand high
.'litrogen levels but, in general, the smptoms were more severe on high, than on
-o\7, nitrogen trees. There seems to be a relation between night temperatures anu
-he coloring of apples. If apples mature at a time v^hen the nights are v/arm,
color is likoly to be inferior. One of the Beltsville workers told of a survey
in the I'lorthvv'est vrhich shows a relation betiveen the supply of nitrogen and yi^ld.
Tr.e optimum nitrogen level should be maintained, if possible, in every orchai-d.
-'•rJlo\7ing is a summary covering the yield in 25 orchards over a five-year perioc.
•i~rogcn fertilizers included ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, etc,

N'umbor of Actual Pitrogen Packed Boxes per tree

Orchards Applied (Piange from 1940-44)

7 1 pound 5.3 - l?.l

11 li-2ir pounds 7.5 - 15,1

5 3-4 pounds 4.9 - 19

***t. ****** **+-***^'f**

'.•v. you ordered your ilif'.h lia^gnc^siujii, or Dolomitic Idmo ? Orchard soil? aro
v'.'ioii.irig incroaslngly aci"!," I.Iagnosiu:,i deficiency symptoms are present on a
iurv r: 'iingly large munber of farms. Uony orchards will be givntly mprorou
■^y " £ ior.s j^er acre r..pplicati.on of High Ilagncsium Limo.

****iiic ****** **>)t 4c* ^. -j.*

- i:. -

irALhlihG "TS^iPORARY" TREES

w'e occasionally see fruit trees in which pruning v/ounds have been painted t.
.-right red or green. The writer recalls one orchard in \vhich wounds as small as
..alf an inch in diameter had been carefully painted. Obviously, this represents
u vmste of time and paint. But there is a way in v/hich paint of any color may
be used to good' advantage in a closely planted orchard, VJherever crov/ding has
begun or threatens to be a problem in a few years, a paint mark on the trunk of
each of the trees destined for ultimate removal simplifies the pruning job,
Having decided which rows are temporary, only a little time is required to make
this identifying mark on the same side of each tree in those rov>rs. Then, at
pruning time, there need be no question about v;hich tree is temporary and v/hich
is permanent. The former may be slashed back enough to provide needed space,
temporarily, while the permanent treos are allowed to spread out naturally. Ilaij
an hour spent in wielding a paint brush v.dll help to eliminate guessv/ork in
orchard reorganization. No ladder is needed for this task, and one paint mark
on the trunlc may result in more benefit than dozens of paint narks on pruning
wounds here and there in the tree,

A Ilursery Oddity - Imagine finding an apple on a one-;^ear whip,*
That actually happened tnvice in a Pennsylvania nursery last
summer. The Yellovf Delicious trees in question were well grovm
VThips, budded in August, 1947, V/hether or not the bud had
differentiated before or< after budding is unimportant. The fact
is that the bud resulted in a blossom cluster the following
spring, and that a vegetative shoot developed alongside to form
a one-year whip about three feet tall. One of the blossaiis v.-as
pollinated and a well-formed apple was found about four inches
from the ground when the nursery was inspected in late July.
The nurseryman might be justified in claiming that his trees
are "ready to bear". At least he could prove his claim.

Tvjenty- eight Compete for 3 Prizes - Compe-
tition was keen at the Pennsylvania Farm
Show fruit exhibit January 10-14. In the
Red Rome Class, for example, there were 28
plates, and in the Rome Class about the same
number. Total attendance at the Shov; ^vas
reported to be half a million,

The 1949 Apple Spray Chart - A supply of the nev;-ly revised
apple spray chart ]ias been delivered to each of the County
Extension Offices, Your copy may be in the mail by the time
this issue of FRUIT NOTES is received.

NdtitL

MARCH 25, I9U9

Prepared by the Departments o£ Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. H, Thies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS

Effect of Liae Sulfur on Yield of Apples

Off-Flavor in Peaches Sprayed with BBC

Fog Fire Equipment

Fruit Diseases and Their Control

Soil Management Methods for Raspberries

Strawberry Yields Reduced by Yellows

Looking Forward to New Peach Varieties

issued by the Extension Service. Willard A. Munson, Director, in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Universitv of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services Cooperating.

JFl-.;Ci' OF LD-E SULi'UK OJM YIZID OF APIr-U^o

(This articlej prepared by Professor E, J, Rastau £. s ei- , University oF
ivew liampsliire, is of timely interest at this seaaon when spray materials are
being ordered and plans are being made for the fi^ht against apple scab.)

L-3-.I-F-D, L-S_M-F-D, Lime-sulfur aeans fever dollars; Lime-sulfur means
fewer dollars. Yes, Lime-sulfur, when applied as a spray for scab control on
apples definitely reduces j"ields, and consequently means a reduced income to
the orche.rdist. In fact, the old Lime-sulfur schedule was responsible to a
large extent in some orchards for the biennial bearing of such varieties as
Northern 3py. Some experimental work several years ago in New York showed that
the apple foli-age spraj^ed with Lime-sulfur was less efficient in the manufacture
of carbohydratos for as much as 7 days after the application than unsprayed
foliage. Since the carbohydrates are necessary in the gro\-/th of the tree, in
blossom formation, and in producing a crop of apples, the Lime-sulfur sprayed
trees should produce less fruit since they have less materials from which to
develop the fruit. This was found to be tine experimentally in some spraying
experiments in Michigan, A block of Northern Spy trees which had been
sprayed for a number of years with Lime-sulfur and which had shown low yields,
sometimes a crop only once in three years, was divided into three plots. One
plot viras sprayed with Lime-sulfur, another v?ith wettable sulfur, and a third
with a fixed copper fungicide. The following table shows the effect of the
spray treatment on defoliation and yield. _,

Effect of Spray Treatment on Defoliation and Yield of Northern Spy

(1939-1943 inclusive)

Treatment Aver. No. of Leaves Aver, Yield in Percent

(100 spurs, August 20) bu. per tree Increase in

1940-44 yield over

Lime-sulf'-ir

Lime-sulfur, 2-100 474 39.0

■Vet table sulfur, 8-100 . 603 51,2 2C.5

Fixed copper-lime, 2-4-10o' 643 61.2 53,5

It is seen that there is a definite relation in the amount of foliage
and the yield. The Lime-sulfur sprayed trees had smaller mishapen leaves and
showed more defoliation and definitely lower yields than did trees sprayed
with the other materials.

Yes, someone will remark after reading this information, "Vifhy this data
on Lime-sulfur vdien the material is out of date?" Some folks are going to
continue to use Lime-sulfur, especially if 1949 is another favorable year for
scab development and they fail to get control of the disease, hoping at least
that the failure x.o obtain control was due to the material, and not to poorly
timed and inadequate applications.

Another reason for giving this information on the effect of Lime-sulfur
on yield is to emphasize the importance of studyirig the effect of all of the
ne-m pest control materials on yield and injury to the trees, as viell as on
pest control. Not enough emphasis is placed in spray research on the effect
of the various materials on returns to the grower over a period of years. We
are all looking for an easier way out, A year or tvio of experimental v;ork
does not tell the whole story cm the merits of the various materials offered
for sale by numerous insecticide and fungicide conpanies. Just because a
material will control a pest doesn't guarantee it a place in a spray program.
Use the old tried and tested materials until you are sure there is something
better.

Be not the last to try the yet imtried nor yet the first to cast the
old aside,

OFF-FLAVOR IM PEACHES SPRAYED V.'ITH BHC

Benzene hexachloride has been so effective in the control of plum
curculio that it looked very promising for the control of this pest on peaches.
It was very disappointing to learn that BHC causes the development of off-
flavors in some varieties, when canned.

Trees of the early varieties, Greensboro, Mikado, Ilarigold and Oriole,
were sprayed three times, liay 29, June 3 and June 10, With a combination spray
containing 2 pounds per iCO gals, of 50?^ vrettable BHC, containing 6>b gajrana
isomer. Check trees were sprayed v/ith a similar combination, without BHC,
At harvest time samples from both BHC sprayed' and check trees v/ere taken to
the Department of Food Technology for canning, freezing and later testing.
Fruit of 32 other varieties, all of which had been sprayed with the BHC
combinations, were likewise canned and frozen.

No off-flavor was detected in the fresh, canned, or frozen fruit of the
check lots. Likevfise, no off -flavor was detected in the fresh fruit of bhe
BHC sprayed lots. However, among the canned lots of BHC sprayed fruits, a
few varieties had a very strong off-flavor which made them practically inedible,
Some varieties had a strong off-flavor which was bad enough to be unacceptable
to some people. Other varieties had a slight off-flavor v/hich would probably
not be detected by many people, A few had no off-flavor.

After BHC sprayed frozen peaches were thawed and warmed to room tempera-
ture for tasting, no off-flavor of the BHC type could be detected. However,
when peaches of nine of these varieties were reprocessed by canning, a slight
off-flavor developed in five of them. It appears that heating brings out the
off-flavor caused by BHC in certain varieties.

There v/ere both white and yellow fleshed varieties among thoso which
developed an off-flavor. Time of ripening made no difference, Greensboro
(65 days from last spray to picking) and Eclipse (85 days) had a very strong
off-flavor. Among those v;ith a strong off-flavor v^cre Mikado (65 days from
last spray to picking) and Belle of Georgia (103 days).

-3-

I'lvj peach ^pray schedule v/hich i.ill be available soon states that 51iC ,
^er.zene hexachloride, in any form should not be used on peaches. Instead,
pounds of 50>o wettable DDT per 100 gallons is recommended for the control uf
plum curculio,

— Johjn 3, Dailey, & I'Tilliam B, Esselen, Jr.

FOG FIRE EQUIPIiSNT

A fruit grower exporting apples .aay sustain a heavy loss if the cargo i:?
lost at sea or his crop is damaged in transit. But his loss is much greater
If hiP apple storage burns davm before he can dispose of the stored apples.

Realizing that the pressures developed by orchard sprayers produce a
superior fog type of spray, especially effective in fighting fires, state aiia
county officials in some states have adopted their use. In Kent County,
■lichigan, two fog type spray outfits were obtained several years ago and
housed in the garages of the highway department in rural areas. Today that
county has seven outfits. All the firemen are volunteers.

Some agricultural engineers believe that orchard sprayers represent one
of the most effective types of fire engines ever developed. The average spra;.
tank full of water applied in a fog may be fully as effective in fighting a
fire as two to three thousand gallons applied in a solid stream.

The fog expelled from a gun at customary orchard pressures is so fine
that v;nen it contacts the fire it turns to steam. 'Vhile this happens it absorbs
heat and it helps to push the oxygen away from the fire. This accounts for the
amazing speed with which these fog guns subdue a fire, and with much less
water than a conventional fire engine uses, Water damage to property is reduced,
and the limited supply of water in most rural areas is utilized to the utmost.
In the February lOth issue of "Fruit Notes", ah article offered suggestions
on keeping a spray rig in readiness for fighting fires in v/inter. Not only
grov/ers, but rural communities, are adopting this safety measure in some
states,

Pennsylvania State College has received most favorable reports from
thirty towns using fire trucks equipped for high pressure applications of water
with fog guns. Neighboring fire companies show a fine spirit of cooperation.
The many tliousands of spray rigs on U, S, farms could be of tremendous value
in reducing the 0100,000,000 annual loss from rural fires,

— 0. G. Anderson

Jjc ¥ ;». Y ^r ^ * :.^ ^ 5^ * :*- ¥ * =f =^ -"N + V * *

RECEKT RliiPORTS OX F'RUIT UISBASES MP TliBIh COIMTKOL (conxinued)

Fermate S uperio r to Bordeaux on Grapes . Our present recommendations for
using iron carbamate instead of copper fungicides on grapes are based primarily
upon experiments conducted prior to 1948 by the N. Y, (Geneva) Station. A. J,
Braun of that Station reports further on the tests (Phytopath, Abstract 39 :1;
0,1949): "Concord vines sprayed tv/o seasons with Bordeaux Mixture, 4-4-100
and 8-8-100, and with Fermate (ferric dimethyl dithiocarbamate), 1-100 and
2-100, shovred accumulative effects of the treatments. The data were obtained
from control-pruned vines on which the number of buds was determined by the
weight of the previous season's shoot growth. Three applications of Bordeaux
liixture decreased vine growth as measured by length of shoot and petiole.
Similar applications of Fermate increased the vine growth. Berry size was
decreased by Bordeaux Mixture and increased by Fermate. Bordeaux Mixture
delayed ripening of the fruit. The vines sprayed with Fermate yielded more
than the unsprayed vines (yields adjusted for disease control) whereas those
sprayed with Bordeaux mixture yielded less. By taking advantage of the
increased vine growth resulting from the Fermate applications, greater increases
in yields may be expected. Early applications of Fermate decreased the
retarding effects of later applications of Bordeaux liixture."

A Mist Sprayer and a Spray-Duster that Really VIork on Fruit Trees , Plant
pathologists at Cornell University (Ithaca, N. Y, j report the following
(Phytopath. Abstract 39_: 1: 19,1949) : "A sprayer for fruit trees, developed at
Cornell University, applies either wetted dusts or mist spray formulations.
The spray, or spray-dust, is carried by an air stream delivered from a 3-inch
slot, 8 feet long, set at an angle of 35° from the horizontal. The air
delivery of the machine now under test is approximately 20,000 cu. ft, per
min. at 105 m.p.h. Means are provided to adjust the angle of the air streams
to compensate for wind interference. There is a saving of water of approxi-
mately 7/8 of the amount used in conventional spraying. Control of apple
scab, cherry leaf-spot, and peach leaf curl has been equal or superior to that
obtained by conventional methods. Sulfur, lime sulfur, low soluble copper
compounds, ferric dimethyl dithiocarbamate, 2-heptadecyl glioxalidine, dinitro
ortho cresol, and insecticides have been applied. Experiments on the control
of fruit insects have been made in cooperation with entomologists. Both the
spray-dust and mist spray methods are effective, but the latter is more
economical of materials and is mechanically simpler. Disease control and
chemical deposit data indicate that adequate coverage is obtained with this
machine, which offers advantages over conventional sprayers in ease, speed, aiid
economy of operation,"

Cooling Peaches After Harvest Reduces Crovm Rot . The following report
by experimental station v/orkers in Indiana (Phytopath, Abstract 59; 1: 22, 1949)
appears to have more promise for post-harvest control of peach brown rot than
various pre-harvest spray and post-harvest dips employed by various experiment
station workers in 1948: "During the past three seasons broxvn rot has caused
serious losses to the Indiana commercial peach crop in storage. Common fungi-
cides applied in the orchard have not adequately prevented these storage
losses. Comparable samples of peaches were harvested in duplicate from

several orchards in 1948, One sample was placed imnediately in connrion storaf^e
at room temperature, and the other sample was exposed to a 24-hour cold storage
treatment at 40°?. before being placed at room temperature. The incidence of
brovvn rot development was recorded daily over a 6-day period following harvest.
In samples obtained from commercially sprayed orchards, cold storage treatment
greatly reduced the sub?equent development of brov.m rot in common storage,
BroiTO rot losses were reduced from 41.8/^ four days after harvest to 0,0/^ in
one commercial sample. Similar effects of cold storage were obtained with
fruit sprayed \vith Phygon (£,5-dichloro-l,4-naphthoquinone). This evidence
is opposed to the view commonly held by growers and fruit handlers that brown
rot development is accelerated v;hen fruit is removed from cold storage to
room temperatures,"

Midsummer Gil Spray Causes Storage ocald of Apples . Although summer oils
are not generally used in apple orchards in Massachusetts, the following
report (Phytopath, Abstract 39.: 1: 24, 1949) implies that fruit scald may result
from such applications: "The application of spray oils at ovicidal concen-
trations during July and August has resulted in an unusual type of storage
scald of apples in West Virginia, This relationship was suspected in 1944-45
and was confirmed by experiments in 1945 and 1946, The "oil scald" appears
in storage as small, sharply delimited, circular spots. They are centered
around lenticles and are small, usually tvTO or three, or rarely as large as
five, millimeters in diameter. Larger lesions are the result of coalescence
of smaller single layers of hypoderm v,rhich are plasmolyzed and discolored.
The light brown color of the dead cells is modified by the color of the fruit:
the color Of the lesions varies widely dependent on v/hether the spots are on
red, green, or yellow portions of the apple. The severity of the "oil scald"
increases during the late storage period; but it is abundant long before normal
breakdown of the fruit occurs,"

Nematode Root Disease of Peach Trees in Hew England . The meadow nematode
gi^oup, Pratylenchus species , injures the roots of a number of crops in the
southern states. In recent years, this pest is definitely assigned as the
cause of the brown root-rot disease of tobacco in states farther south, and it
is strongly suspected as the primary cause or starter of brov-m root-rot in
Connecticut Valley tobacco. Its choice host plants are cereals, i.e., grasses,
small grains, corn, etc. Nov/ comes a report from Extension Fruit Specialist
Frank D, Johanson of Connecticut that the meadov: nematode is suspected to be
at least one prominent reason for the decline in the life span of peach trees
in that state. It is well known that the roots of peach trees throughout the
southern states are highly susceptible to the root-knot nematode, but there
has been little evidence that the meadow nematodes are potential invaders of
peach roots. Professor Johanson 's release is based upon a report from the
U3DA Hematology Division on a diagnosis of diseased peach roots submitted bj
i'-r. Johanson. Incidentally, the meadow nematodes enjoy a much A'uder and
farther-north range of distribution than the root-knot nematode,

— 0. C, Boyd

30 IL HMAGEIIEITT ifflT HODo F'OR RiiSP BERRIES

Recent reports from Hova Scotia give some interesting results with red
raspberries when grovm under four different systems of soil management. Yields
for the past tv;o years were as follows:

"1947 1943

Sod 280 pints 75 pints

Clean Cultivation 3018 pints 1193 pints

Hay Mulch 3396 pints 1046 pints

Sawdust Mulch 4883 pints 1731 pints

The lov/er yields in 1948 were the result of severe killing of canes

the previous winter. All plots were fertilized with a 9-5-7 fertilizer,
1000 pounds per acre. The sawdust used wqs "run-of-the-mill" which was mostly
spruce.

The superior yields from the sav/dust plots are accredited to a heavier
stand of healthy canes in the fall, less \Yinter injury arid less anthracnose
than under hay mulch. The amount of winter injury and anthracnose in the
sawdust mulch plots were somev;hat greater than in the cultivated plots, but
the greater number of canes in the sawdust plots apparently still left .more
good canes for fruiting,

— A. P. French

STRAfBERRY YIELDS REDUCED BY YSLLa.'S

'Yellov'fs, a virus disease of strav/berries, long a serious problem in the
West, is novj also causing heavy losses in' the East, reports the U. S,
Department of Agriculture. J. B, Demaree, plant pathologist of the Department
finds the greatest concentration of the disease in the Middle Atlantic States
but has observed the infection as far South as Teacheys, N, C, The disease
is spread by aphids,

Mr, Demaree finds that not only are most of the older varieties such as
Aroma, Catskill, Dorsett, Dunlap, and Hov;ard 17 (Premier) infected, but that
some of the more recently introduced varieties such as Fairpeake, Midland,
and Maytime carry the virus.

The disease is not so easily recognized in eastern varieties as it is in
Marshall and Marshall-like varieties grovm xvest of the Rockies where conspic-
uous yellov-jing of the leaf edges is a tell-tale symptom. This is masked or
transitory in many of the eastern varieties. Here the symptoms are dv/arfing
of plants and lack of vigor. In the fall they sho\7 up in poor runner produc-
tion. These symptoms become accentuated in the second year. Eastern grovrers.

not recognizing the trouble, have believed that weak, hard-to-grow plants were
the result of varieties "running out." The effect in all varieties is reduced
yield,

ivir. Demaree suggests attacking the problem in two ways in order to
eliminate yellows from strawberry stocks. One is for the growers themselves
to use only vigorous plants taken from fields knorm to be productive. He
recommends plants that are making runners freely and with large green smooth
leaves on upright stems.

The other is for research workers to index the more desirable varieties
to find stocks of each that are virus free. This is done by grafting a plant
of the variety under test to a virus-free indicator plant of the Liarshall or
Marshall- like varieties. Plants proved free of virus must be carefully
propagated in an aphid-free area and used to replace present infected stock,

1/Ir, Demaree believes this indexing can best be done by State experiment
station workers. Since each State groivs comparatively few varieties, he says
it will be a relatively small task to index those best adapted for that
particular State, V.lien enough have been propagated, a portion can be distri-
buted to plant growers for mass production under State regulations that
assure maintenance of clean stock.

More about Lime Sulfur , The increase in yield from using
elemental sulfur instead of lime sulfur over a 10-year
fruiting period in a Maine orchard was 32/o^or over 5
bushels per tree. The additional annual cost of the
elemental sulfur v/as only about 5 cents per tree, Vilien
some of the trees, after the lO-j'-ear period were shifted
from elemental sulfur to lime sulfur or vice versa, there
was a delay of one year before the change affected bloom
or yield.

Note on Apple Scal d Control . Vhen a single variety was stored in a
roomj'consi'stently good scald control was obtained in Mew York State
through air purificating with activated cocoanut-shell carbon. Control
of scald was obtained with mi::ed variety storage in som.e instances
but in 9 out of 16 tests commercial control of scald vms not obtained
on Rhode Island Greening apples. Air purificationvri-tii activated
cocoanut-shell carbon added, on the average, about 3 weeks to the
storage life of apples, "k'.'ith iioLitoJh and Cortland about a month v/t.s
added from the standpoint of fruit firmness.

Using an Oil S pray This Sp ring ? Then you should be sure to get
a "superior'' type oil. "(See Note 3 on your 1949 ^ple Spray
Chart)

-6-

LOOKING FOR-- ARD TO JS^ PEACH VARIETIES

Some or the old varieties of peacnes v/nicli are no longer grown to any
extent as well as the present comniercial list were discussed in recent issues
of "FRUIT NOTES." ¥Jhile it is interesting to know what has Happened to the
standard varieties of yesterday and important to knoi7 about the commercial
varieties of today, it is even more important to know what the promising new
varieties are like. From among these new peaches will be picked the comanercial
varieties of tomorrow.

One of the newest varieties is Erly-Red-Fre . It is an early, white-
fleshed peach of very good quality. In 1948 it ripened five days aliead of
Marigold or about three weeks ahead of Golden Jubilee, It is attractive and
is said to produce quite uniform, medium sized fruits. In spite of its tendency
to cling it looks promising as an early variety when few local peaches are
available. Further trial v^ill be necessary to establish its real worth,

Raritan Rose , formerly W. J. 7)=^?, a cross between J. H, Hale and Cumberland,
is another early, white-fleshed peach. It ripens about three days before
Golden Jubilee in Oriole season. It is firm fleshed, attractive, freestone
and medium to large in size. The flavor is very good. The tree is moderately
vigorous and very productive. The fruit buds are medium or a little better in
hardiness. It is the best avhite-f leshed variety of its season.

Early Halehaven originated in Michigan as a limb sport of Halehaven. It
appears to be like that variety in most respects ejccept that it ripens earlier,
about with Oriole. It is a yellow-fleshed freestone of fair to good quality
and is well colored and attractive. It has not been fruited enough in
Massachusetts to get a real estimate of its value.

Red Haven, a cross between Halehaven and Kalhaven from Michigan, is an
early yellow fleshed peach of considerable promise. It ripens toward the end
of the Oriole season and into the first of the Golden Jubilee season. The
fruit is very firm, medium sized, freestone, has a thick, tough skin and fair
to good flavor. It is an outstandingly attractive peach which develops a very
high red color even in the center of the tree. The tree is vigorous and very
productive. Considerable thinning of the fruit is required to maintain size.
Fruit buds are quite a bit more hardy than Elbert a,

Sunhigh originated at the New Jersey Experiment Station from a cross of
J. H, Hale and a seedling of a Carmen x Slappy cross. The fruit is yellovir-
fleshe.d, medium to large in size, very attractive and very fine flavored.
It is usually freestone but has a tendency to cling in vret seasons. The tree
is moderately vigorous but bears heavy crops. The fruit buds are moderately
hardy. It ripens about v/ith Halehaven,

Kalhaven is a Michigan peach which resulted from a cross betv/een J. H,
Ilale and Kalamazoo. The fruit is attractive, medium to large in size, has firm,
yellow flesh and is usually freestone but has a tendency to cling in some years.
The quality is fair to good. The flesh is a bit stringy and coarse in some
seasons. The skin is thick and tovigh which with the firm flesh should make it

-9-

a good shipper. The tree is fairly vii^orous ari'j very productive. In fact, it
will probably require thimiing to ^et good size. It is reported to be abOA^e
average in hardiness. It ripens betv^r^en Summercrest and Elberta,

Sungold is a seedling of unknovm parentage which orginiated in Iowa. The
fruit is yellovv-f leshed, freestone and medium to large in size. It has good
or better quality in most years. The skin is medium thick and tough. Pubescence
is noticeable but not objectionable. It ripens about tvifo days ahead of Elberta,
The tree is dwarfish like J. H, Hale but bears heavy crops, so heavy in fact
that considerable thinning is necessary to maintain size. This variety is
apparently outstandingly winter hardy in both buds and v;ood. It deserves
further trial, for this reason, if for no other,

— John S. Bailey

Note on Organic Gardening . The advocates of organic gardening have at
least one idea on which most gardeners v/ill agree, namely, that compost
is an excellent material in the garden. There is much less agreement
with their contention that plants fertilized according to a carefully
specified method, without any inorganic fertilizers whatever, v;ill be
less troubled by insects and diseases and vrill contain larger amounts
of certain valuable food elements. An example of unscientific thinking
is found in a recent article v/hich tells about a chemist who has been
employed to make analyses of organically produced foods. Quoting from
this article, "Vfe are certain it will shovr not only larger quantities
of proteins but proteins of a different quality* It will assuredly
show larger amounts of vitamins," Unlike the research projects in which
a sincere attempt is made to obtain an ansv;er to a question, v/e have
here a case of drawing conclusions before the experiment is performed,

A Sargain in Magneoium , There is no longer any question
about the necessity of replenishing the supply of Magnesium
in our soils. A little arithmetic v/ill shoxT that High
Magnesium, or Dolomitic Lime offers a very inezpensiAre
solution to the problem. If the Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
content is 20/^, the cost per pound today of this essential
compound is only about 1-|- cents. The MgO in Epsom Salts
will cost at least 15 times as much,

3^C ^^ ^ ^ ^ 5|C 5|C »i. ^ 3p ^ 5f^ ijC Jp 5fi ^ J|C 3jC i^C

A very promising repelDent for both deer and rabbits was discussed
at a recent meeting in Washington, This material, not yet avail-
able for distribution, will be tested in Massachusetts. Ti^e
preliminary reports are almost too good to be true,

*******************

-10-

Fertilizing According to Tree Needs , Aj^'ple trees growing in sod are
generally somev;hat deficient in Nitrogen; hence, the common practice
of giving the tree a few pounds of a nitrogenous fertilizer each
spring. But if we guage the application by age of tree or trunk
diameter, we are likely to give certain trees too much Nitrogen,
and others too little. Better indicators of Nitrogen needs are
(l) average terminal growth, (S) color of fruit last season and
(3) the amount of pruning the tree has received. A tree pruned
rather heavily needs less Nitrogen than an unpruned tree. And a
tree at the hottom of a slope where it has access to a deep, fer-
tile soil may be making adequate growth without additional Nitrogen.
3o instead of malcing a blanket application, our program should be
flexible enough to take into account the needs of each individual
tree. Obviously, if we add the nitrogenous fertilizer (urea) to
the materials in the spray tank, and thus apply an amount of
Nitrogen in proportion to the number of gallons the tree receives
there is no assurance that the Nitrogen needs of the tree will be
met, A large over- vigorous Mcintosh tree which may need no
Nitrogen at all will actually get an over supply because more
gallons of spray material are required for complete coverage,

>)<**** ***>|! **********

Next Month — A nev*- feature, covering observations in
a particular County, will begin in the April issue of
"FRUIT NOTES". (Horcester County will initiate this
new, dovm-to-earth review of local items.)

^iwlkNcfUL

APRIL 30,I9U€

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. K. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS

Artificial Pollination of Apples
Sprays for Fruit Thinning
County Agent' s Corner

Red Apple Club — 1949

Orchard Reorganizatio

fiome Pacts About Frost

Orchard Reorganization — Before

and After

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of M&y 8 aiv^ June 30, 1914, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United Statea Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

ARTIFICIAL rOLLIK.JION OF JiPPlZS

Artificial pollination has been a to-oic of jon^id-jrable interest to growers
in the Northeast for a ;rood many years. In seasons when the blossoming period is
cool and wet and fruit set is apt to be light, the interest m artificial
pollination is at its height. Also^ there are still occasional orchards v/here
self-unfruitful varieties have been planted in solid blocks and in such places
the problem of cross-pollination is on annual one unless some other varieties are
planted or top-worked in the block.

The types of artificial pollination which have been tried and tested
experimentally to a certain extent are: (l) hand pollination; (2) pollen spraying;
(3) pollen dusting; (4) airplane pollination; (5) pollenbombs; and (6) bee-hive
inserts. Of these 6 methods hand pollination has been by far the most reliable to
datej

Hand pollination . This method is time consuming and expensive but may pay
for itself v;hen natural means of pollination are inadequate. A grower may
purchase pollen or "collect his avm from suitable early blooming varieties such as
Astrachan, Duchess, and Wealthy, One should be certain that the variety of pollen
obtained is suitable for the variety to be pollinated, Baldwin, R» I, Greening
and Gravenstein are varieties which have pollen v/hich is undesirable for cross-
pollination purposes. The pollen may be applied vj-ith an artist's ^/^'^ brush which
has the bristles clipped off straight and held closely with a small rubber band
or with the eraser end of a pencil. Flowers are most receptive immediately after
they are open. Pollinating one flower in every 5 or 6 clusters on a heavily
blooming tree is adequate. Two or three ounces of pollen by volimie is enough for
one acrer For those of you who may viish more detailed information on this method,
it may be obtained from the Department of Pomology, University of Massachusetts^
Amherst, Massachusetts.

Pollen sprayi n;^. Adding pollen to water in a sprayer and applying it as one
would a fuiigicide or an insecticide has been unsuccessful. The pollen does not
seem to stick to the stigmatic surfaceo Also, the stigmatlc surface is so
exceedingly small that the chances of pollen grains landing there are very slight.
Tests in V.'ashington indicate that after the pollen has been in water IG to 30
minutes its germinability was greatly reduced. In Vermont it was found that
pollen T/as practically non-viable after passing through the sprayer.

Pollen dusting , A bellows type of hand duster has been reported upon by
experimenters in V/ashington. They find it exceedingly v^asteful of pollen and apt
to result in a very uneven set of fruit unless extreme care is used. Those
sections of the tree \vhich were directly in line vj-ith the dust stream may be set so
heavily that considerable hand thinning must be done. Apparently this method is
better adapted to such fruits as cherries.

A irplane pollination . In tests conducted in trie 'k/enatchee Valley of
tiashington this method has failed to show any increase in set over limbs which i.er^
protected by bags during the airplane dusting period. Some growers in the
Northwest have tried this method and felt that a set of fruit resulted because of
it. However, the absence of any untreated portions of the treated area often
makes it impossible to judge the results. It seems doubtful that this method nas
any value, '^•'hen one considers hov; extremely small the stigmatic surfaces are
compared to the total surface area of the petals and foliage on a tree it is not

difficult to appreciate vihy ttiis method does not seem to work. The pollen hac to
contact areas the size of pin-points in order to be effective and for the pollen
to land on such small "targets" is highly improbable »

P ollen bombs . This method has been tested experimentally, also, and reports
shOTr that no increase in fruit set has resulted. Germination tests on pollen
exploded from such bombs showed an almost complete lack of viability.

Be e -Hiv e In s e r t s . This method consists of a pollen-bearing insert placed in
the hive~opening. ft is so constructed that bees entering the insert as they
leave the hive will contact the pollen. The results v^rith this method show that
its value is very questionable. Apparently an insert will reduce the normal
activity of the bees in the hive considerably. Also, some bees may collect
pollen from the insert and after flying a short distance immediately re-enter the
hive, A fimdamental difficulty xvith this method is that'during cool, cloudy
blooming seasons, when pollen dissemination is a problem- the temperature and
other conditions may be such that bee flight is limited. Bee flight is greatly
reduced at temperatures below 60°F,

— F, W. Southwick

SPRAYS FOR FRUIT TKINHI HG

A rather detailed discussion of chemical thinning has been prepared covering
the use of both dinitro and hormone materials for apples and peaches. As far as
possible suggested dosages and timing have been given for individual varieties.
For those who are interested in thinning, copies may be obtained by contacting
your local county extension office or the Department of Pomology, University of
Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass,

Tfliere the crop was light in 1948 many apple varieties can be expected to
produce a heavy bloom. In such cases there is always the possibility of an
excessive set, hand thinning costs, small apples at harvest, and biennial bearin';;
in following years c Chemical thinning may be of considerable help where an
excessive set is likely,

— F, 17. Southwick and VJ, D, Yfeeks

Boron Every 3_ Years . If you have experienced any Internal Cork in years
past and haven't applied Borax since 1946, you should malce '49 a "Doron
Year," Fifty pounds of Borax per acre every three years is apparently
enough to provide the small amount of Boron, an essential minor element,
needed for the development of normal fruit.

-3-

COUKTY AGENT'S CCItflSR

(Some observations in w'orcester County by Homer kills)

The Family Touch in Scab Control . Cnce a year when the spray season arrives,
fruit grovrers are concerned with scab control in their orchards. Scab infection
is closely related to the prevailing vreather conditions. The man on the fruit
farm must not only be a good orchardist but he also must be a weather man in his
ovm right, A Leominster fruit grov/er, better known as "Fitzie" among fruit men,
watches vreather developments in his orchard very carefully. As a matter of fact,
he has his entire family, Mrs, Fitzgerald and his two boys, weather conscious.
They all v^atch the weather, jot dovm when rainy periods start, check the
thermometer, keep accurate records; and upon these observations and records
Fitzie runs his scab control program.

S omethin g New Along the Equipmen t Line . A considerable amount of war surplus
equipment has found its^way onto Newlngland farms. Among the more popular is the
huinble jeep. Perhaps few of us ever thought that the heavy and cumbersome army
half-track would find a place on the farm, Yot Paul Vifashbum who operates

one of our larger fruit farms here in Vforcester County obtained an army half-
track and has mounted his speed sprayer on the back of it. This half-track was
far cheaper than euiy tractor he could have bought. Furthermore it is especially
ade.pt for getting in and out of wet places in the early spring. Perhaps this
piece of equipment has a future on our fruit farms,

3.C.3. On the Fruit Farm. The Soil Conservation Districts have been doing
a considerable amount of work on V'/orcester County fruit farms. Just recently
they completed a drainage ditch out at the farm of Commissioner John Chandler
in Sterling, This drainage ditch will help to take off excess water from an
orchard block about 25 acres in size. Removing this excess water will give the
trees a hotter chance to develop and will also enable the Chandlers to get in
that orchard early in the spring without danger of bogging down.

Many fruit grovrers here in ITorcester County are clearing land in preparation
for setting nevT fruit blocks, Jim Hyland over in Fiskdale has just had a 15-acre
plot cleared by a district contractor, and Fred Heidtmann is using them down in
Millbury to clear up an 8-acre woodlot where he plans to set out a few trees
this year. This work had previously been provided for in their complete
Conservation plan. Fruit growers realize the importance of setting out new
fruit blocks so that they will have young trees coming along to take the place of
old ones. This is certainly a healthy sign indicative of a progressive frviit
industry. This cooperative activity between orchardists and Conservation Dis-
tricts, leading to the drainage of wet land, waterhole construction, stone v;all
removal and land clearing, is a concrete contribution to the productivity and
efficiency of orchard promotion,

Your Ovm Fire Department . Mr, Howard Gilmore's orchard is quite a distance
from the local fire department, Vfe know that in a short length of time a fire
can do quite a bit of damage, especially if there is a high wind blov/ing,
Mr, Gilmore realizes that in his orchard sprayer he has an excellent piece of firt

fighting equipment and he really uses it as such, He keeps it filled with ^vater
at all times. He has a spray gun especially designed for fighting fires. The
sprayer is always ready for quick action; and if and vifhen a fire does break out
at his farm, he can have his sprayer on the job with little waste of time.

RED APFLB CLU B - 1949

The requirements for Red Apple Club membership in 1949 are as folloivs:

Acreage . In orchards of 5 to 15 acres, the oviner may select for inspection
one block of at least 3 acres and he may designate one variety to be inspected .
The block must be one of well defined boundaries and not a section of a larger
block. In orchards of more than 15 acres , at least 20% _of the total acreage
will be included. The minimum sized orchard is _5 acres .

Scor e , Grade, aiid Yield . The crop must (l) score at least 90/^ free from
insect and d isease blemishes , (2) grade at least 65/^ U.S, Fancy and (3j the yield
of all varieties must amount to at least 200 bushels per acre on trees less than
15_ years old , 300 bushels per acre on trees 15 to 20 years old and 400 bushels
per acre on trees 2_0 years old or "older, The"~t'otaT yield ivill be estimated at
time of sampling and this record~will be supplemented later by the ovmer's actual
count.

Records . The cwner should keep a record of his spray and dust applications
including dates , materials , time involve d and such other information as will be
needed in determining the per bushel costs of pest controlo

(The method of sampling the block in question and the details of sealing
and inspecting the sample will be described in a release shortly before harvest
t ime , )

_C_an You Use This Equipmen t ? One of our larger grovrers has
two pieces of surplus equipment: (l) a large capacity
sprayer in excellent condition with 400-gallon tnXik and
(2) a 500-gallon wooden tank to be used as a supply 'onit
for hauling vjater to the sprayer r Details on request.

Mice , Grass and Trees . Mice are found in orchards in sp ite of the trees ^
not because of them. They live mainly on grass and if a heavy grass cover
happens to coincide v/ith a tree trunk, the stage is set for a girdled
tree. But if the grass is scont;/, the mice will be elsev;here and the
tree will be in no danger of girdling.

REORGMI^^ING M ORCHARD FOR BETTER FOLLnvA TION.

Following is a representation of a 7-acre block (about 54 trees to the acre),
tnainl;/ ilclntosh and Baldwin virith a few Cortland and Delicious and the usual
assortment of "skips" or blank spaces. Pcllinction of L'clntoshj except in the
vicinity of the Cortland and Delicious trees^is very poor (Baldwin being
ineffective for that purpose). By removing the Bald'Afins in' every other diagonal
row, transplanting 5 trees v.'hich would otherwise be removed, and top grafting
every third row of Mcintosh, a crov,'ded block v/ith irregular bearing habit is
transformed into a high producing block in T.'hich every Mcintosh tree is adjacent
to a pollenizer.

M/g" M :b'm x'm^ m B'
rM^ M,

B' - j^r 1.1

H B"M ^l

D D D M
D D D

X II r I.I

mXm b

M X II B'M,
M B^l;lX

XI'.'iXm

M Zli X
- B^M M M 11 M
„ M B^i^ M M LI M

- jr M Xm m m h m
b''m f m m m b hX

LI - Ilclntosh

B - Baldwin

C - Cortlaiid

D - Delicious

US - Mcintosh (top grafted)

- Blank space

Block before removing Semi-peiTraiients ,
Transplanting and Top Grafting

Mb 11 M MS il K Mg M H MS M !J Mg '£

H M Mg H M Mg M li MS li M MS M
Lt M C C M MS M M Mg M M Mg M M

LI Mg Li M Mg M ri Mg M M Mg M M
M C LI M Mt H M MS M M MS M M Mg

Mg M M Mg M II Mg M M Mg M M MS
Mg II M MS M M MS M M MS M M Mg M

M M MS M M Mg M M MS M M Mg M
M M MS M M Mg M M Mg M M MG II M

D Mg M M Mg M M MS IK M Mg M M
M MS ;m I: MS n n r.g :i y. mg M M LIS

D M M Mg M M MS M M MS M M ME
D D M D LI M MS M II Mg M M MS M

M M D M M MS M M MS M M MS M

Block after reorganization

-fi-

SOIiE FACTS ABOUT FRCST

Critical temperatures for fruits at different stages of development are
indicated by the following figures. They represent temperatures endured for
30 minutes or less, v.dthout injury.

Kind of Fruit

Apples

Belicious
Some Beauty

Pears

Beurre Bosc
./inter i'lellis

Peaches

Cherries

Plums

Grapes

Buds Closed

but

Full Bloom

showing cole

25OF.

280F.

Small Green Fruits

29°F.
29

29
29
30
30
30
31

Records from various stations in New England reveal wide variation in dates
of the last killing frost.

Average Date of last Date after which frost

Station lulling Frost in Spring may occur 1 year in 5

Amherst

Concord, ii'ass,

Fitchburg

l.'estboro

^'Villiamstovm

Liiddleboro

Ilew Bedford

Blue Hill Observatory

Concord, Nev/ Hampshire

Burlington, Vermont

Kingston, PJiode Island

Hartford, Connecticut

ilay 12
May 8
April
I.Iay 6
May 2
May 12
April 14
April
May 7
April
April
April

29
28
23

Aiay 21
May 15
May 18
May 17
May 11
May 23
April
May 7
May 16
May 8
May 6
Ma-^^ 4

A difference of as much as Q° has been recorded at different elevations in
the University Orchards during a single night. If a frost follows a period of
weather favorable for rapid grov/th more damage is caused than if the same tempera-
ture follovjs a period of cool cloudy weather. Also, more damage results from a
given temperature vfhen the humidity is lov; than vrhen it is relatively high.

G-rovjers Urged to K eep Simple Spray Record . Any commercial apple grower
in iiassachusetts may obtain a form for recording weather conditions and
the details of the spray and dust program by contacting his county
extension office. Just ask for a Spray Record "Card, These cards pro-
vide space for noting rainfall, but stages, temperature and materials
used. Data of this kind will be of special interest to prospective
members of the Red Apple Club.

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS

County Agents' Corner

Fruit Varieties for Bone and Locker Freezing

Rodent Control Notes

Farm Income, Farm Prices, Farmer«Worker Relationships

Ponds for the Fruit Grower

Organic Phosphates

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 19J4, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

COUNTY AGENT'S CORI'IER

Franklin County (Observations reported by D, T, Thayer)

Nomaii EllauG of Dry Hill Orchard in luillers Falls mdertook something new

and different at- pollination ti'ie. As far as vre Imov/, for the first time in the

gast, a shotgim v/as used in pollinating. As one grov/er remarked, "The sliotgun
is generally employed following pollination,"

ElLns fired Golden Delicious pollen into the tops of a virtually solid block
of liacs in -an attempt to set a crop, Cortland grafts were introduced into the
block last yearj but were not cross pollinating this season.

The pollen, loaded in regular sporting cartridges (v/ith reduced propellant
charge and special wads) were flovm from Wenatchee, "lYashington, in refrigerated
containers to reach here in highly viable condition.

Three rovinds v;ere fired into each tree at different angles and raxiges.
Cloth "spotters" were rigged in the tree to act as aiming points, and as
reference to check fruit setting in relation to pattern of pollen dispersion.
The gun was a 12 gauge sporting arm of ancient vintage.

One tree in the block ivas comnletely enclosed with tobacco cloth v/hile in
the pink stage as a check. This tree was shot under the cloth at bloom and no
bees were observed inside. Slims has reported apples set on the bagged check
tree, but no coimt was m.ade»

There seems to be little research available on shotgun pollination, '»/e have
shot into many conifers and several deciduous species at the elusive partridge
and never found it too effective. It v/ould be quite embarrassing if our Dinah
dog began to point Mac trees.

Preston Tovmsley and his father, Fred Townsley, orchardists up in Ashfield's
Apple Valley, spend considerable time during the v;inter months getting out logs
from their managed timber lots. As soon as spray time comes, they lay by their
caw and reach for the spray gun. Preston says there are times v/hen they feel
like sawing right through the spring.

Folks travelling the Mohawk Trail claim to hearing cries of "Timber" from
Roger Peck's Valley View orchard in Slielburne, Roger claims to be the
"logginest" fruit grower in this county. He's pruned severely.. i,e, one foot
from the ground, a good many tliousand feet of fillers, crovYded trees during
recent years. Seems a lot more of our orchards could stand a selective cutting.

Over recent months a columnist iii the Boston Sunday Herald has been bemoan-
ing the gradual passing of some of the oldtime varieties. This is quite a
popular sport with some of our more earthy v;riters and some other rank senti-
i.ientalists who don't icnov; a Hubbardston from a door knob.

V/oll, Aubrey Amidon, Jr., of South Halifax, Vermont j can just about cover
any variety you want to bet. He says he has "50 or lOO" different varieties and
services a soecial demand trade for the odd ones.

Deer have alv;ays been one of his biggest pest problems. Until recently,
lead applications in the cover sprays, fall and winter dormant, have been used.
The lead has been put on'with a ,30-, 30, we understand, h'ow, through the
cooperation of the State, Aubrey has erected a v/oven wire fence 3 feet high
around the most browsed blocks.

Part of the Amidon orchard is in Colrain, Massachusetts, the block v;e took
the Red Apple Club sample from, Aubrey gets the latest dope from both Vermont
and Iviassachusetts, Vlhen Doc Boyd warns of an infection period and Aubrey viants
to go trout fishing, he checks the Vermont message, aiid vice versa. Last time
we vrere up there. Doc YJheeler couldn't find any red-banded leafroller. Said he
doubted if they could find their v/ay up to Amidon 's.

If there is any fruit grower in the state viho has never heard the ancient

wheeze about the apple expert who could tell apple varieties by taste while

blindfolded, come on up to any twilight meeting in Franklin County, Someone is
sure to tell it every time.

Hampden County (Observations reported by J, N, Putnejn)

HaiApden County orchardists met recently at the Wyben orchards in Yvestfield,
This orchard is operated by LIr, E, 3, Plartley and his son, George, One interest-
ing feature of this meeting was a visit to a young orchard established by the
Hartleys beginning fifteen years back. The land was originally covered v/ith
woods, and the Hartleys cut several years' supply of firewood from the lot, and
then began setting trees after partial clearing/ of stumps. Continuous work has
been done since that time in picking up stones and discouraging sprouts, Ed
Hartley states that this is the hardest way to do the job of establishing a new
orchard. Most growers in this area v/ho have tried this method now agree that it
is better to postpone planting a year or tviro, and in the meantime do a fairly
complete job of land clearing,

A demonstration of the Buffalo turbine sprayer was put on at this meeting,
Groi';ers viere very much impressed with- its performance. It looks very promising
for future use.

Frost damage in Hampden County apple orchards was apparently not serious.
The crop was threatened several times and tv/o grov;ers burned oil in five gallon
cans to heat their orchards. One man started his heating with crankcase oil,
refilling with furnace oil. The other used furnace oil entirely.

-3-

Scab control up until Hay 19 had been excellent. European red mite are
nore n\imerous than is usual for this time of year,

SELECTION OF FRUIT VARIETIES FOR HOME AIID LOCKER FREEZING

During the past fev; years considerable attention has been given to the
suitability of fruit varieties for freezing in many of the State Experiment
Stations, Such studies have been carried on at the University of Massachusetts
by the Department of Food Technology in cooperation with the Department of
Pomology, A number of varieties of apples, blueberries, cherries, currants,
peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, and stravrberries gro\"--n at the University have
been frozen each year over a five-year period. The frozen products vrere evaluated
for quality on a basis of consumer acceptability.

From these tests the following fruit varieties among others v/ere foi.md to
be particularly satisfactory for home or locker freezing:

Ap£le_s: Baldv;in, Cortland, Greening, Northern Spy, The Mcintosh and '/iealthy were
good if given a calcium treatment to prevent excessive softening.

Blueberri es; Host cultivated varieties^ as well as wild blueberries,

C?ierries (sour): Montmorency,

Cherries (sweet): Schmidt and V/indsor,

Currcaits: All varieties tested.

Peach es (yellov^): Elberta, Halehaven, Ideal, J. H, Hale,

Peaches (white): '.'fliite Hale,

Pears: Freezing not recommended as frozen quality is generally poor.

Plums: Albion, Burbank, Elephant Heart, Formosa, Monarch, President, and Red lung.

Prunes: German Prune, Imperial Epineuse, Italian Prune, Stanley,

Raspberries • (black): Bristol.

Raspberr ies (purple): Columbian, Sodus,

Raspberries (red): Chief, Cuthbert, Latham, Lloyd George, aiid Viking,

Strawberries : Catskill, CrimsonglaT, Culver, Dorset, Fairfax, Fairpeake, Midland,
Redheart, Senator Dunlop, Sparkle.

There are other varieties of the above fruits v>rhich would usually yield a
reasonably satisfactory product for home freezing. However, in the case of fruits

-4-

it would appear that as a general rule it may bo assumed that any variety, if of
good fresh eating quality, viill be satisfactory \7hen frozen. Pears are an
exception because they are not v;ell adapted for freezing and the resulting product
is usually disappointing. For the best quality frozen fruits it is also
important that only top quality rav/ material harvested at the optimum fresh
eating stage of maturity be frozen. It is likev;ise important that recommended
freezing and packaging procedures be f ollcuved. These may be found in the
liassachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No, 437 (revised) -
"Home Freezing in liassachusetts," This bulletin will be available for distri-
bution in the near future,

Williara B, Esselen, Jr.

MOMTPILY RODELIT CONTROL NOTES

Young fruit trees, planted as replacements in old tree sites, are often
retarded in groivth, due to being partially or completely girdled by m_LCG, This
may be prevented if care is taken, at the time of planting, to carefully fill
in the hole left by the removal of the original tree. Before a young tree is
planted, the groimd around the area v/here the original tree stood should not
only be filled in but trampled dovm firmly, either by running over it with tractor
wheels, water soaking, or by other means. This will give afirm, level ground
area in which to plant the nev; tree, V'hen this is not done, as so often is seen,
mice are furnished an ideal site for reproduction. If the ground is left uneven,
mice may construct runways that will furnish routes of travel for several future
generations of mice. Placing mulch over the uneven area usually forms pockets
Yifhere mice may vfork in perfect safety,

"^en grubbing around newly set trees, and particularly those set directly
in old tree sites, sod should not be left in such a manner as to furnish
additional mouse nesting and feeding sites.

Another reason for keeping a level ground area around newly set trees is
that a better job of mowing may be done. Meadow mice are definitely easier to
control in an orchard that maintains a smooth orchard floor. The month of June
will find many orchardists cutting the first grovrth of grass. Some v;ill let the
grass lie where it fell; others will place it around the trees in a ring; and
others may haul in extra mulch. luulching is recognized as an excellent orchard
practice and should not increase the mouse hazard if done properly.

If an effective mouse control program is to be carried out, then the
following DON'TS are in order:

(1) Don't place mulch directly against the tree. Place it at least
three feet from the tree base,

(2) Don't place a light, fluffy mulch covering, but apply enough so
that the mulch will settle compactly.

-5-

(o) Don't place mulch arouiad newly set trees that are in a rough area such
as caused by the removal of a previous tree. Fill in and pack dovvn the
area before applying mulch,

(4) Don't leave the grass around young trees unmov;ed for the entire
season, particularly in areas which cannot be reached with the
mower. After mowing has been completed, mice tend to move toward
the unmowed areas. If an unmov/ed area exists around a tree base,
mouse damage may occur before the fall baiting program begins.

Most orchard ai,vners dislike the expense and the tedious labor involved in
carrying out a successful fall baiting program, Hov/ever, this v/ork can be
greatly reduced by good orchard sanitation practices. Much of this v;ork caii be
accomplished during the months of June and July — such as good mcving, clean
tree bases, removal of brush piles, and leveling of uneven orchard floor areas.

— Carl B, Henry

Assistant District Agent
Conn,, Mass., Rhode Island

ilOTEC 01: F .^JvI IHC OLIE, F AEI-i PRICES, AIID F.'ffi l.iER-V.'OPJvSR RSLATIQirSHIPS

Massachusetts Farm Income - The cash receipts vmich Massachusetts farmers
received for their products from January to March 1949 were slightly less than
in the same months las'c year. Total receipts were $42,320,000 compared with
sii44,571,000 last year, a decrease of a little over 5 percent.

Falling Prices - Many Massachusetts farmers have never operated a farm on
a falling price level, Managem.ent problems on a falling price level are
different than on a rising level. Increasing efficiency is one of the best v;ays
to hold risks dovm and to insure profits. Plan faiTn jobs carefully, think them
through and try to do them in the easiest and cheapest way possible,

Fanner-Work'^r Relationships - Ilassachuset fcs fanners employ most help
during the summer and fall months. It takes considerable skill en the part of
the farmer to get the best results from the available help. Proper guidance and
handling are important. This requires kindness, tolerance and pabience,

VJhcn giving instructions -

1, Tell, show, illustrate and explain^

2, Tclze up one point a.t a time,
5, Stress key points,

4, Point out safe working habits,

5, Let the worker do the jlob,

6, Ask him questions,

7, Let him ask ycu questions,

8, Check his work to make sure he is working correctly,

9, If nece5sa.ry to reprimajid begin with a question -- lot him tell
his story first,

10, Don't be afraid to praise a job well done.

-6-

The Massachusetts Farm Situat ion - Prices for farm products began to decline
earlier and have dropped farther than prices for most other commodities. The
peak in fana prices in Massachusetts was in June 1948, By February 1949, prices
received by farmers have dropped about 12,5 percent.

Prices paid by farmers - including interest and taxes, reached a peak in
January 1948, They changed little during the first nine months of the year and
have since dropped only about 2 percent.

This does not me an that farmers are headed for a depression. It is more likely
to mean that the~"'bloom is off the boom,"

YiThat to do about it

1, Plan conservatively with emphasis on increased efficiency,

2, Feed liberally to take advantage of favorable feeding rations,

3, Fertilize adequately — fertilizer and lime are still among the best
buys,

4, Buy only machinery which will reduce costs or increase output,

5, Pay debts — a dollar is still worth a dollar when paying debts,

— Roy E, Moser

POMPS FOR THE FRUIT GROTrER

Interest in pond construction in this state has steadily increased since the
establishment of the first soil conservation districts. This was a little sur-
prising since Massachusetts' like other New England States is comparatively well
supplied with natural lakes, ponds, streams, and springs. Moreover, the annual
rainfall is generous and generally well distributed, although periods of drought
within the grov/ing season are not uncommon. Fruit grov/ers have a particular
interest in farm ponds as a source of water for spraying and in some cases for
irrigation.

The requests which have come to districts for assistance are evidence that
farmers need more ponds than nature provided. Two hundred and sixty-two farm
ponds have been planned, and of these, 69 have been constructed. Pond construc-
tion is becoming a major district activity. Technicians of the Soil Conserva-
tion Service assist' the farmer in picking a suitable site, and Service engineers
design the pond, all of which may require considerable tirae. The farmer pays the
cost of construction.

Enough data on the construction of ponds in this state have now been
accumulated to permit the drawing of the follov;ing, in some cases tentative,
conclusions: (l) Per unit of storage capacity, the dugout type of pond is cheaper
than the breastwork or dam type, (2) Dugout ponds can be built more cheaply with
a heavy bulldozer than with a dragline. Dragline costs approximate those with
the lighter bulldozers, Tifhen a dragline is used for excavation it is still

-7-

necessary to use a bulldozer to spread the soil, (3) Dugout ponds having
capacities betv;een 50,000 and 150,000 gallons can be built v/ith a heaAry bull-
dozer under favorable conditions for ^f75 to si-lSO under present costs.

The Soil Conservation Service is priraarily interested in pond construction
as a means toward the conservation of soil ajid v:ater. The pond should play a
part in a complete farra conservation plan. However, ponds may in many cases
serve different useful purposes including a source of v/ater for irrigation, fire
fi[;htin£, fish, and recreation, A inultiple-purpose pond returns most on the
investment,

— A, B, Beaumont

ij!*:;;***!;;*:^!^*** ******

Small Fruits Day, Jime IG. Interested in strawberries and other small
fruits? Then you may want to take in the annual session at the Cold
Storage in Amlierst, June 16, beginning at 10:30 a»m, Anong the
spealcers are Dr, A, S, Colby of Illinois who vrill discuss developments
in strawberry grordng. There v;ill be other spealcers, exhibits,
question period, in fact something to interest every grower of
small fruits,

*******************

R ed Apple Club . The spraying season is about at the half-
way nark. If you have done a good job of controlling
pests thus far and if your set of fruit shows promise of
at least 400 bushels per acre, you have a good chance of
qualifying for membership in the Red Apple Club, An
opportunity to apply for inspection will be offered
every ocsmraercial grower in August, In the meantime,
everyone vdth "honorary fraternity" ambitions should
keep a careful spray record, and otherwise strive to
qualify in the "three high hurdles" which involve
score, grade, and yield,

*******************

Deer Repellent , The new repellent mentioned recently in FRUIT ilCTES is being
tested in several liassachusetts Orchards this season. In at least 4 orchards
highly susceptible to damage, treated trees will be tagged to observe whether
or not further damage occurSo . This material is said to be so unpalatable that
deer after nibbling treated leaves spit them out promptly.

********* ***** * * * * *

Chemical Th inning , There is some evidence that the hormone, naphthalene
acetic acid, is effective in apple thinning even when applied as late as
early June, Grov;ers interested in trying this material in a small way
should m.ake the application before the so-called "June drop," Four \veeks
after petalfall may be about the limiting date. Full details are
available from your county e::tension office or the Department of
Pomology in Amherst,

-8-

Q RGAIIIC PHOSPHATES

TEPP and Parathion

These two materials are proving useful against certain orchard pests
in many parts of the country including Massachusetts, Since both of them are
hii^hly poisonous to v;ann-blooded animals, let's learn to handle and use them
sa fely .

These organic phosphates differ from wottable DDT and Lead Arsenate in that
they are absorbed through the skin. The manufacturers of tetraethyl pyrophos-
phate and Parathion spray materials recognize this fact and give com.plete
directions for handling the TEPP liquids and Parathion powders. These directions
and precautions are for your safety.

Residues of TEPP o.re completely non-toxic after several hours and need not
concern anyone. Residues remaining from Parathion sprays lose their toxicity to
insects after a few days and are neglible on food products after 30 days at the
dosages ajid nuraber of applications which seem necessary for insect control.

uoth materials are employed in the orchard in very dilute concentrations,
Hov/ever, spray operators should not be allov/ed to vrear spray soalced clothing nor
to be exposed to spray drift for several hours without washing the hands and
face thoroughly. Arrange the clothing to prevent drip dovm the back of the neck.
Provide a means for thorough washing of hands and face and limit the hours one
operator is exposed to excessive drift of spray mists,

TEPP has been a very effective material against mites and aphis this season,
Parathion is a good miticide and in addition may prove very useful against
summer 7md Moth and second generation Red-bojided Leafroller, It is being used
by some grcn-/ers to control curculio on peaches,

— Ellsworth H, Vflieeler

V.li y Som.e Spray Prog rams Eail . More spray progrejns "miss the mark"
because of poor coverage than because the wrong materials are used.
Almost any brand of material v/ill give satisfactory results if
properly applied. Failure to cover all parts of the trees is the
most common m.istaice of the spraying season.

Apply Lime V.^enever Conve nient , Liming the soil is one
operation v;hich may be done almost any month in the ySar.
Unlike mtjxy other orchard jobs, spraying, fertilizing,
thinning, mouse control, etc, v;hich are so dependent on
careful timing, there is literally no "closed season" on
liming. Maybe that's v;hy some folks put it off indefinitely.
But in so doing they are losing out on one of the basic
things in soil improvement,

******************

JULY 3, I9U9

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS

Chokecherries - Eliminate Them Now
Blaeberries for Home and Locker Freezing
Liming Orchard Soils
tount> Agents' Corner

The Apple Scab Situation
Evaluating the Newer Insecticides
Orchard Insect Control
Fall-Set Strawberry Plants
Fresh Frozen Apple Juice

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30- 1914, WiUard A, Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

CHOKECIIERR I BS - ELD,IINATE THB J HOl'7

The X-disease or yellow-red virosis, a virus disease of peaches, is apparently
becoming a real threat to the peach industry in some sections of the state. The
alternate host of this disease is the chokecherry which grows wild in abimdance
over most of the state. Since this diseaSe travels rapidly from chokecherry to
peach but very slov;ly from peach to peach, it is necessary to remove all choke-
cherries to a distance of 400 to 500 feet from the peach orchard to be reasonably
sure of freedom from this disease. Removal '-of chokecherries is the only Icnovm
control at present.

Some gro\f;ers who have peach orchards next to wooded areas heavily infested
with chokecherries find it practically impossible to eliminate them from such
areas, Tnis emphasizes the necessity for great care in selecting a peach site.
Setting peaches next to an area infested with chokecherries is inviting trouble.
If it is possible the chokecherries should be eliminated before the peaches are
planted. If they can't be eliminated another site had better be selected. Vvhere
it is at all possible, chokecherries should be eliminated promptly around orchards
alread2/ set.

The chokecherry is a persistent tree. If it is cut off, many sprouts will
develop from the stump. If it is dug out, any root pieces left v;ill send up
sprouts. The only sure way of killing chokecherries is by the use of an herbicide.
The most. -effective and safest of these is Aramate, It is used at the rate of 1 lb,
per gallon of water. Treatment is most effective if the spray is applied v/hen
the plants are grov/ing rapidly but any time from late June to mid-August appears
satisfactory. The f olj age of the chokecherries should be thoroughly wet with the
spray and roovfing postponed until the following season, Ammate is less effective in
shaded areas so that in such places one or two retreatments may be required.

Since Anmate is not a selective spray, it must be used around desirable plants
vrith care. Peach trees are quite sensitive to it so that it should not be used _iji
the orchard; only around the orchard,

Ammate is quite corrosive on metals. It should not be left in spray equipment
longer than necessary and the equipment needs to be v/ashed thoroughly iiTimediately
after use. Adding some spray lime to the wash v;atcr helps. It is also desirable
to wash the -'outside -of .^ ttie. spx-ay^er tQ..d*emoy#- ax»y., •W^tari^i.^^ich- hc^ slp^pe^j^cyer,

— John S, Bailey

ELUEBSF JIIE S FOR liOLIE AND LOC K ER FH EEZING

Both cultivated and vjild loiv bush and high bush blueberries have been found
to be quite satisfactory when frozen. Under some conditions trouble has been
experienced y/ith a toughening of the skins during freezing and storage. The exact
cause of this condition is not knovm. However, it has been found that in many
cases blanching prevents the development of tough skins. For blanching the blue-
berries should be handled in one or two pound amounts. They may' be blanched in
either live steam or hot v^ater for from 30 seconds to one minute, depending upon
the tenderness of the fruit. Firm blueberries should be blanched for one minute.
In blanching the fruit may be placed in a sieve and dipped into boiling water or
exposed to live steam. During blanching the fruit is softened and some color and
juice will escape. Immediately after the blanching period the blueberries should
be cooled by holding them in cold v/ater for several minutes.

-2-

Several different procedures for freezing blueberries have been found to be
satisfactory,

1. If the blueberries are blanched they may be froeen without added sugar
or dry sugar may be mixed with them at the rate of one pound of sugar '
to five or six pounds of fruit,

2. Fully ripe berries may be mixed with dry sugar at the rate of one
pound of sugar to five or six pounds of fruit. The fruit should be
stirred gently until sufficient juice coraes out of the berries to
dissolve the sugar,

3, Fully ripe berries may be packed in containers and covered v.'ith a cold
sugar sirup (a 40 per cent or medium sirup is satisfactory for most
people ),

4, The berries may also be packed dry v;ithout any sugar.

The selection of vrfiich method of freezing to use should be based on the
ultimate use of the frozen blueberries and the tendencjr of the skins of the
fruit to become tough (on basis of previous experience in freezing blueberries
of particular varieties in a given area).

During the past five years a number of different ' varieties of cultivated
blueberries, grown at the University of f-'Iassachusetts, as well as wild blueberries
have been frozen. The quality of the frozen berries has been evaluated on a
basis of flavor, texture and color. In general, all of the blueberry varieties
tested were considered as being of very good quality. Slight variations in
acidity and flavc v/ere observed among the different varieties, but it was a
matter of individ-^al taste as to v/hich variety v/as preferred. The varieties of
blueberries tested include: Cabot, Concord, Jersey, Pemberton, Pioneer, Rancocas,
Rubel, Scammell, Stanley, Y/areham and wild high bush berries,

-- Y.'illiam B, Esselen, Jr.

No issue of FRUIT NOTES was prepared during June.

-jf -/<■ -;;- -;;- ->t -;(• •>!- -><■ ■{;- -a- -At ■>(• ■K- ->!• -ji- ■);- -!<• ■?<•

7^.en Raspberry Leaves Turn Brown - Vfe frequently see the leaves on an
occasional raspberry cane turning brovm during June and TOonder v;hether
an insect or disease is responsible. The difficulty generally dates
back to the previous year when Spur Blight or Anthracnose infected
the new canes. Spraying with Ferraate during May helps to insure
healthy productive canes the following season.

-;;- -ic- ■«■ -;s- a- * -^ -x- ■«• ^- -;;• -;«■ -;i- ■;;- ->(■ ■«• •»«• Hr

LIMING ORCHARD SOILS

^C J.

VtTiy should an orchardist be interested in liming his soils, anyway? .-iftc
all, a fruit tree is just a tree and who ever seriously considered applying lir-ie
to tracts of timber? Yes, a fruit tree is just a tree but we are asking it to
produce a crop every year, not once in thirty or forty years. Consequently, we
must give that tree the best soil environment that we can, to keep it at a high
level of production. For that matter, we may someday lime and fertilize timber
trees if the demand for forest products becomes sufficiently acute. About eightee;
years ago, the writer visited some fertiliser trials with pine trees near Berlin,
Germany and saw some very marked responses of timber trees to the use of fertilizers

If we are interested in creating the best possible soil environment for the
tree to grow in, what is the role of Lime? Lime plays many roles in the soil, both
simple and complex. Following is a short discussion of some of them.

First, we say that we want to correct the soil acidity. Soil acidity is a
bad thing and we want to get rid of it. Therefore, we vi^ant to add lime. ilThile in
a sense this statement may be correct, it does not explain all that is involved.
Soils are acid because of an abundance of active hydrogen ions. V/e could also say
that they are acid because of the absence of calcium, magnesiimi and some of the
other basic elements. Actually, we are more concerned with the latter statement
than the first. iVe are much more concerned about the absence of calcium and
magnesium than we are about the presence of hydrogen. If the soil is well supplied
udth the basic elements, calcium and raarnesium, the acidity as represented by
active hydrogen will take care of itself. In fact, the hydrogen ion plays a very
important and vital role in the nutrition of a plant. It has been sho;vn that the
hydrogen ion is not necessarily a villain and that some "acidity" is actually a
good thing.

If liming is an essential operation in the treatment of acid orchard soils,
hovr much lime should one apply? The conventional procedure is to take a repre-
sentative sample of soil and have it tested for "pH". Recommendations are then
based on the pH test. This procedure is satisfactory as far as it goes but there
may be other points to consider besides pH when applying lime to orchard soils.
The terrain of an orchard may be steep and it may be about as easy to apply two
or even three tons to the acre as it is to apply one ton. Hence infrequent hea^.^
applications of lime would be more practical than frequent light applications.
Another factor for orchardists to consider is the acidifying materials used in
carrjang out the spray program. The most important acidifying element is sulfur.
It takes about three pounds of limestone to neutralize one pound of sulfur.

Some orchardists using sulfur ddst may use as much as five or six hundred
pounds of this material per acre per year. To neutralize this quantity of sulfur
1500 to I8OG pounds of limestone would be required. Hence, an orchardist using
large quantities of sulfur should make heavier 'applications of lime than one using
much smaller quantities of such acidifying substances.

In any discussion of the liberal use of limestone on Massachusetts soils, the
role of boron should be mentioned. For most plants to grow normally, a fairly
definite balance of calciijm and boron must exist in the soil. Since the natural
supply of boron is fairly lov; in most Massachusetts soils, heavj' applications of

-h-

lime may so disturb the Ca/Bo ratio that boron deficiency symptoms may develop.
Boron deficiency symptoms have already been observed with many crops in this
state, including the fruit crop. It would appear wise, therefore, to supplement
most hea\fy applications of lime with a suitable application of borax.

The unprecedented drought this year has caused heavy financial losses to
Massachusetts farmers but even the lining of this black cloud (or perhaps lack of
clouds) has just a tinge of silver on it. Dairymen have never cured better hay
and the land in orchards and elsewhere was never in better shape to receive a
liberal application of lime. There shoiild be no extracting of mired lime trucks
from wet spots in the field this year.

— Yfilliam G. Colby

-;;• -j;- -ii- -;(■ -x- -;;- it -;(■ -it -;;- ^i # it ■);- -;«■ -;:- it •};-

COUNTY AGENTS ' CORNER

(Observations reported by Lewis A. Norwood of Plymouth Coimty)

It looks as if the mulching program in the State Farm orchard is paying off,
especially during this dry spell. Vifallace Pratt has an excellent crop and the
leaves are large and of very fine color, ''iially has had considerable trouble with
Grape Cane Qallmaker in his vineyard this season. He has picked off 20 bushels
of the galls and destroyed them. It is the worst infestation that he can
remember. His method of pruning the Fredonia variety is working out very \vell.
He has adopted a system v^hich involves weighing the prunings and leaving
proportionately more buds on large vines. In other words, the number of buds
varies in accordance with the weight of the prunings. He looks forward to a good
crop of Fredonias this season.

Dry weather has hit the strawberry crop in this section, George Rounds is
cooperating with the Extension Service in a test planting involving 5 varieties.
Midland, Fairland, Sparkle, Catskill and Howard.

The County is fairly free from Apple Scab. Seme Scab, however, has been
noticed in the tops of trees in one commercial orchard Vv-here a speed sprayer has
been used. Minor refinements in spraying technique are apparently needed.
Clover Mite has been observed in Plymouth County orchards in the past few weeks.
There is also considerable Rosy Aphis damage especially on the Cortland variety.
Ralph Baker plans to use a dormant D-N this fall to clean up Ihis troublesome pest.

Essex County Fruit Grovjers Look Ahead (Observations reported by Calton 0.
Cartwright)

\irhile some of our younger fruit growers would think tivice before planting
an orchard which they might think was for' the benefit of the next generation,
"Dean" Harry Seagrave, manager of Long Hill Orchards, Inc., West Newbury, set out
a new peach and plum orchard last year and is now planning for an apple orchard
to be set on the contour in 1950. "Bill" Thies said on his last visit to this
orchard, "If our younger fruit grovrers had the enthusiasm and confidence in the
future that our "Dean" (of 80 odd summers) has, our fruit industry would surely
prosper."

-5-

Dr. Joseph Goodale owner of a large orchard in Ipswich is another active
member of our. "80 Club". Dr. Goodale spends a part of each day in his orchard
and has a keen interest in pest development and control as well as other orchard
problems.

Perhaps our older growers may have a foresight into the future. At any rate
they are certainly helping to lead us forward.

Other orchards are taking definite steps to replace some of their older
plantings. Archer Pierce, manager of Brooksby Orchards, Peabody, has just bull-
dozed seven acres of forest land adjacent to a two year old apple orchard. Apple
trees will be planted on this new site next year.

Edward Kehoe and Yninthrop Stacey, joint o-wners and operators of Merrihead
Orchards, Merrimack, have cleared a four acre site and laid out a diversion
terrace. This orchard will be planted with Peach trees next spring.

Harold Vi'alker, President of the Essex County Fruit Growers Association,
made good use of his bulldozer last winter when he removed a number of diagonal
rows to alleviate crowded trees in his large orchards in Lynnfield,

•>!• -;;- o'i- ■«• ^!- ■«• * ^ -K- ■«■ -:?■ ■«• i'c it -;i- * -> ^;- -x-

COia/lENTS ON THE APPLE SCAB SITUATION

It seems strange why there should be so much apple scab following such a
dry spring and summer. There vrere very few widespread or regional storms during
the spring season that brought prolonged wetting periods. However, the records
do indicate numerous sectional wet periods right on the border line in duration
for primary scab infection as well as for secondary spread later on. Some of the
wettings that favored infection in one part of the state were too short in
duration to allow infection in other sections.

Orchard examinations during May and Jxme indicate clearly that practically
all sections of the state experienced one or two infection periods before bloom;
some areas, at least one or tvro during the early cover spray period. The
principal reasons for appearance of scab are the same as in any other year:
failure either to time the protective sprays ahead of or during the wet periods,
or to obtain thorough coverage. Early maturity of scab ascospores last spring
and the moderate to heavj'- supply of primary inoculum contributed materially to
the development of scab before, during, and shortly after bloom wherever
protection was not adequate during the wet periods.

Considerably more infection of fruit spur leaves and sepals occurred at
pre-pink (April 13-lU and 18-19) and at pink (May 2-3 in high elevation orchards)
than growers generally at the time suspected, or even realized until some time
after the spots showed up. These scab spots were ideal sources for secondary
spread during the infection periods on May 19-21, 22-23, 2U-25 and 30-31.

In certain orchards the only scab now in evidence includes an occasional
primary fruit spot together with some active or burned-out spur-leaf spots.
Further primary infection as well as secondary spread was more or less

-6-

co'-.plc'-el/ prevented. In other orchards, additional infections of terminal leaves
c;nd apples occurred during one or more of the four wet periods in May indicated
above, A good many growers applied phenyl mercury sprays to eradicate leaf spots.
In generalj the acetate materials (Puratized Apple Spray and Tag Fungicide 331)
were more effective than the lactate form (Puratized Agricultural Spray).

The apple scab situation in most orchards this year calls for a protective
fungicide in all of the late season cover applications to protect foliage and
fruit against secondary spread. Considering the amount of active scab in some
orchards, additional dust or spray applications of sulfur may be needed during
August,, if vist periods sufficiently long to allow fruit infections are encountered,
It has been found that wet periods of UO-it? hours are necessary during the first
half of August to favor infection of Mcintosh apples, and about h days for late
August and early September.

— Cran C. Boyd
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ViTHERE DC t'»E GC FROM HERE ? - Evaluating the Newer Insecticides

Never in the last 25 years has the pest control program been in so great
a confusion. New pesticides have been developed and have passed the preliminary^
screening tests with flying colors. Preliminary experiments have sho^vn remarkably
good results. Mow they are being evaluated for local problems under local
conditions. They must be standardized for practical application. Some of this
confusion \-dll be cleared up this season but not all — science doesn't move that
quickly. I know that there will be some questions next year vihich we cannot
answer definitely.

Let us look at some of the problems. Superior oil seejjis best for control of
winter red mite eggs but it is not satisfactory against rosy aphis, Dinitro
sprays are excellent to combat aphids but even the butyl forms, such as DN 289 and
Elgetol 318, were disappointing against red mite in some cases. V/ith the increase
of the two-spotted mite which spends the winter under bark and trash on the
ground so that none of the dormant sprays are effective, a new treatment must be
found. In experiments, Methoxychlor, Chlordane, and Parathion have given better
control of the plum curculio than the currently used materials and no douot the
recommendations v/ill be changed to m.alce use of these advantages. I.'.ethoxychlor is
favored.

A new insecticide called DDD or TDE has shovm great efficiency for combatting
the red-banded leafroller. It is available as a wettable powder and an emulsion
and v/e have yet to learn which is more practical under New England conditions.
Will the emulsion cause excessive residue at harvest or interfere with proper
coloring of Mcintosh? Does it give adequate control of codling moth and apple
maggot when all three of these pasts are present in July?

The most outstanding new insecticides are TEPP and Parathion. They kill
practically all insects which come in contact v.-ith them. Both have given out-
standing control of summer red mite. TEPP is an excellent aphicide and Parathion
controls all apple insect pests irell. Unfortunately, however, these materials
contain organic phosphates which are violent poisons in the concentrated form.
vJhen diluted ready to use there is little danger when the precautions given by th.
manufacturer are followed. 7/e v^ould like to avoid such materials but their
efficiency is so great that they cannot be ignored.

-7-

Unfortunately these new pesticides have been introduced for orchard use more
rapidly than they can be completely evaluated for local conditions. Some con-
fusion is unavoidable, but such is progress.

— ¥. D. iMlhitcomb

Waltham Field Station

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ORCHARD INSECT CCNTRGL - Summer 19U9

At this writing, early in July, Massachusetts apple growers must continue spray
and dust programs designated to control Apple Maggot, second brood Codling !,ioth,
Red-banded Leaf roller and European Red Mite. Two-spotted Mite, Bud i.ioth, Leaf-
hopper and Aphids also may require treatment in some orchards. These pests, even
the more common ones, are not present to the same extent in all orchards and there-
fore, it becomes very important for each grower to know v;hat insects or mites he
must control. Judging by experiences in 19U8 and by observations made in V)h9 »
Apple Maggot, Red-banded Leaf roller. Mites and Codling Moth head the list. The
importance of Apple Maggot in your orchard must be based largely upon past history
and the possibility of migrants from surrounding areas. If dropped, '.vormy apples
can be foimd in your orchard during mid- and late July, then a second brood of
C -Iling Moth is an August threat. Mites must be watched almost daily to detect
tneir presence in serious numbers before yellowing or bronzing of the foliage occurs.
Examine both sides of the leaves since damage by Tvro-spotted Mite shows first on
lower surfaces. The Red-banded Leaf roller is a serious threat wherever any sign
of first brood activity on fruit can be found. Every apple grower should examine
each block novir to determine the extent of the first brood damage to fruit and
leaves. Any first brood damage at all means even more serious damage from second
brood (and even third brood this season). In general this pest is more prevalent
in Massachusetts this year than in 19U8.

Coverage and Sprays vs. Dusts - For Mites, Red-banded Leafroller and Bud Moth
both surfaces of foliage must be treated regardless of the insecticide being used.
For the latter two pests, especially the amount of insecticide applied to the under
surface of the leaves makes the difference between success and failure. Don't
griess — know how well you are covering as the sprays are applied. For Codling
Moth the fruit must be covered on all sides. Maggot control depends upon the
presence of the insecticide on upper surfaces of foliage, all sides of fruit and
on hedgerov/s and adjoining woods as well. Dusts may be depended upon for
controlling Maggot, light infestations of Codling Moth and probably mites if very
thorough. Dusts have a distinct advantage from the standpoint of residues at
harvest. Dusts usod to supplement a spray program are excellent for late Maggot
and Codling Moth and. help keep residues at a Iojzv level. Sprays must be used to
control Red-banded Leafroller successfully and are less expensive for materials
where mites must be controlled in addition to other posts.

Timing - Apple Maggot flies will remain a threat until mid-August or even later if
raigr?.xits into the orchard are a problem. Peak abundance normally should occur
betvjeen July 10 and August 1. Second-brood Codling Moth larval entries should
occur in greatest abundance during the first two weeks in August. Mites may appear

-8-

at any time but favorable conditions this year are causing the Two-spotted Mite
to appear in serious numbers earlier than usual. There is still time this season
for several generations of both European Red Mite and the Two-spotted Mite. To
control the former now requires two successive sprays not more than 10-days apart
regardless of v;hat material is used. Since the Two-spotted Mite may complete a
generation in even less time the interval should be reduced to 6 or 7 days (or h to
5 when temperatures are really high) where this pest is the major problem. Red-
banded Leafroller moths of the first generation are now active and are laying eg^;.-3
for the second and most destructive brood. First hatching of second brood larvae
may be expected about July 12 or 15 this year and will continue on into early
August. Tvro spray applications will be needed to control this pest — the first,
shortly after the first hatching occurs and a second when hatching is nearly com-
plete or about 10 to 12 days after the first.

Materials - Of the standard recommended materials, lead arsenate has a longer-
lasting effect upon Maggot and Red-banded Leafroller (second brood) than does DDT.
Against Codling Moth the DDT is much more effective than arsenate. 'Miere no
special problem exists the 2-2-100 formula for the combination, or the 3-100 if ;
lead arsenate is used alone, should provide adequate control of these pests if one
assumes a thorough coverage of fruit and undersides of the foliage.

Parathion caused spotting of fruit on Mcintosh and Cortland in both New York and
Michigan in 19ii8 when used in July or early August treatments above l/2 po-und of
15^' wettable powder to 100 gallons. At this concentration Parathion should
control Mites, Bud Moth, and nevily hatch ed Red-banded Leafroller. It will reduce
Apple Maggot flies and Godling'lJoth but protection against them will not extend
beyond a week. So far as ±o knovm Parathion may be used on other varieties at
concentrations of 1 or 1^ pounds of the l^f> wettable powder with correspondingly
greater effectiveness,

Dichl ^ro d ipheny l dichloroe th ane or DDD or TDE is particularly effective against
Red-'oanded Leafroller and is recommended as a substitute for DDT wherever this
pest is a problem. DDD is about like lead arsenate for Codling Moth and similar
to DDT against Ma.c^got. DDD will control older Red-banded Leafroller larvae and
thus may be used to clean up an infestation that seems to be getting out of hand.
DDD is not effective against Mites.

DDD should be used at 1 pound of actual toxicant as a powder and at 1/2 lb.
in liquids and is available in both wettable powder and liquid formulations. There
is some evidence that the liquid formulation penetrates the v/ebs better and there-
fore is more effective. It has the disadvantage of giving greater residues at
harvest. Also there is a greater possibility of encountering injury to foliage or
fruit owing to incompatibilities between liquids in the formulations and materials
such as sulfur. The $0% wettable powders used at 2 lbs, to 100 gallons will control
the Leafroller and lessen the danger of excessive residues at harvest time. If
mites or aphids or both are problems at the time the Red-banded Leafroller starts
to hatch, then Parathion used as indicated above, may be the logical material to
include in a mid-July spray. This could be either the first or second application
of the two needed for mite control. Omit the DDT if Parathion is employed, but
include the lead arsenate for longer-lasting effectiveness. Vihere neither the Red-
banded Leafroller nor Bud Moth are problems, TEPP or the simmer DN's might well be
used to control mites. DDD should prove far more effective than Parathion when
used in a late July or early August spray against Red-banded Leafroller.

— Ellsworth H. Vjheeler
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-9-

BETTER YIELDS FROM FALL-SET STPJ^vVBERRY PLANTS

Fall planting of strawberries has been compared for yields at the New York
Agricultural Experiment Station with spring plantings of the same varieties.
George L. Slate of the Geneva Station states "The fall-set beds have generally
substantially outyielded the spring set beds, chiefly because of the better stand
of earlier formed, and consequently larger runner plants." He finds that the
silty clay loam at Geneva is in better physical condition in the fall. In the
spring this same soil U.coraes tillable rather late, and in a wet spring planting
is delayed too long for good growth.

The range of dates for fall planting wae October l8 to November 15 and the
dates for spring planting from April 21 to May 27.

table !

The yields from fall and spring planting may be compared in the folloiving

Table 1

Quarts per 2$ foot plot of fall and spring planted strawberries.

19U7 yields

Date set

Geneva Farm

Howard (Premier)
Catskill
Dresden
• Culver
Mean of 13 selections

19h6 yields

10/18A5

8.6 qts

6.1
12.1
11.1

9.0

5/2/i;6
. 5.9

3.8

1.9

10.9

7.0

Geneva Farm

Howard (Premier)

Sparkle

Temple

Dorsett

Culver

Mean of 8 selections

Table 2

10/17M

9
12
16
12
lit
12

5/2l/ii5
1;
7
8

Number of runners per plant

July 17, 19h6

Variety

Howard (Premier)
Culver
Dorsett
Fairfax
_Catskill

Date set

10/18/14^ .V2/I16

11.0 runners 3.0 runners

11.3 i;.i4

9.8 .5

8.6 l.h

5.1 2.1

-10-

Table 2 shows a striking increase in the number of runners per plant resulting
from fall set plants. Several experiment stations have reported that the early
formed runners are much more productive than those produced in late summer
accoi-ding to Dr. Slate. The fall set plants have more early rooted large crowned
plants.

Fall Setting Pointers - One objection to fall planted strawberries is that they
must be mulched two winters for one crop. Also, nurseries do not sell strawberry
plants in the fall, so healthy vigorous home grown plants must be used. Soils
should be selected vdiich are not heavy, or inclined to be wet during the winter
or which retard spring growth. Such soils may cause some heaving of plants even
when mulch is applied. i

— C. G. Anderson

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FRESH FROZEN APPLE JUICE

E. F. Fitzgerald of Leominster treated the vi-riter to some excellent apple
juice a few weeks ago. He offers these suggestions: "In most communities there are
quick freeze frozen food locker plants where fresh sweet apple juice can be frozen
and preserved indefinitely. The juice is usually frozen in gallon jugs and placed
in cartons for convenience in storing. Allow juice to settle and clear by
leaving in kegs over night. Drav.' off in gallon jugs leaving one to one and a half
inches at the top for expansion. Freeze as soon as possible.

'"A'hen thav:ing juice, thaw completely and shake well. Keep cold and serve
cold.

"In order to have a good product, cleanliness is very important. Keep press
clean, Pcald knives and grinder before pressing and keep cloths sv/eet and clean.
A good flavor and texture is obtained by using half Baldwins and half Mcintosh.
Use only sound, ripe fruit."

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Red Apple Club - Applications for Red Apple Club membership should
be made through the County Extension Office. Any grower who thinks
he has a chance to qualify this season should drop a line to his
County Agricultural Agent indicating the approximate date of har-
vest. The County Agent will supervise the picking of an official
5-bushel sample to be inspected according to a carefully arranged
plan. Applications must be in not later than September 1.
Requirements for Red Apple Club membership were outlined in the
April issue of FRUIT NOTES.

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Viiliat ' s On Your Iviind ?- Vfe need suggestions concerning
topics to be covered in FRUIT NOTES. A post card
will do the trick.

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AUGUST 30,I9U9

Prepared by the i3epart,;iicnt.s of Porriology Entomolopy anc' tetany and

Other Staff Merrters
Ccn.piler' Ly W hi. Thies Extension Hcrticul tur is t

CONTENTS

Control of Pre-Harvest Drop of Apples

Apple Marketing

1. Grower Survey of Selling Methods

2. Starting Prices of Mcintosh Apples

3. Selling t>lans for 1949

Conservation Practices on a Fruit Farm
Some Effects of the Dry Summer

Issued by the Extension Service ^n tjrcht:anc= of A. is ot May 8 ar.d j'unt 30. 1-914. Willa:d A. Mun-^on.
Director, University of Massa* ha^e t ts , United States Depaxtment of Apr i .,ul ture and County Extension

Se: .ices Coopeiacing-

ccjTrll g^' P;{1::-!?ah-/est drop cf apples

As you all know, I^clntosh is a variety which is outstanding in its suscepti-
bility to pre-harvest drop. This drop is usually more severe on trees which are
hi^h in nitrogen due to heavy applications of commercial nitrogen fertilizers or
mulch. Also trees v^hich have poor foliage due to the activities of mites and other
insects or as a result of frost, are subject to much heavier fruit dropping than
trees with healthy foliage.

Materials for delaying pre-harvest drop in the Northeast consist of naphthalene-
acetic acid type materials and have been in general use for 8 or 9 years. It is
possible that we may have other materials shortly v;hich may be superior to any
material now available, but they are still in the experimental stage. These
naphthaleneacetic acid type materials should be applied as soon as the first sound
fruits commence to drop. Apples which have insect damage, scab, or are lopsided
from lack of seeds should be disregarded; they will drop anyway. It may be
desirable for a grov/er to clean up drops under a fevi typical trees in advance so
that he can follow the drop daily and determine accurately v/hen the first sound
fruit has commenced to drop. Timing is extremely important . An application put on
too early or too late is apt to give very disappointing results.

Most materials are put up so that h ounces of the material per 100 gallons^
will result in a 10 parts per million concentration (single strength). An appli-
cation of this concentration may be expected to delay drop about 7 days . In order
to delay drop 10 to 12 days , a second single strength application^may be necessary
£ days after the first one . The use of 2 or 3 times this dosage (double and triple
Strength) may be effective up to 10 to 1^ days' , with only one application . A 0.1^
dust is equivalent to a single strength spray. Applications put on in warm weather
^\dll become effective somewhat sooner than applications put on in cool weather.
Under severe drought conditions, such as we are now experiencing, the hormone may
be ineffective. A heavy rain will be necessary in many orchards before harvest _in
order to supply rieeded water, or the material may be of very little value in ^:
delaying drop this year. , .

Thoroughness of application is, of course, important. It is necessary that the
foliage be well soaked with spray since it is through the leaves that the material
is absorbed, ^^etting of the stems of the fruit is not of primary importance, as
once supposed, since it has been found experimentally that injections or applica-
tions of this material to the foliage alone are effective in delaying the drop. .

— F. W. Southwick '■

JC J J. j<. J J.

Pre-Harvest Suggestions for the Apple Grower .

(1) Observe Mcintosh drop daily on a few trees to determine time for
hormone application.

(2) Check supply and condition of picking equipment, - ladders, picking,
containers, boxes, etc.

(3) Smooth and otherwise level orchard roads to prevent bruising of fruit.
(U) Recruit and train supervisors of picking crews.

(5) Observe where your best and poorest fruit is produced . as a guide to
your pruning, mulching, spraying and thinning program in 1550.

-2-

APPLE MARKETING (An interesting analysis of the apple marketing situation is heire
presented by Fred E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist. His conclusions
covering a 25-year period deserve careful study.)

A GROVffiR SURVEY OF SELLING METHODS

Fifty-two questionnaires were sent to the directors of the Massachusetts Fruit
Grovrers Association and Red Apple Club members. Forty-six replies were received
and tabulated. The following two tables show the different sales methods used and
the extent of use of each method as reported by these growers for their 19ii8 crop.
These crops varied in size from 3 20 bushels to 75,000 bushels and averaged to be
12,Li96 bushels.

Method of Sale (Arranged in order of Amount)

3lt.O % delivered to commission merchajit for sale growers' account.
ti,7 t' delivered country storage for sale by storage operator,
6.7 % sold to large chain stores — delivered their warehouse.
6.0 % sold to consumer over roadside stand.

5.5 % sold - other.

^.3 % sold to consumers from storage or packing shed.

^.3 % sold to peddlers from packing shed or storage,

^.1 % delivered to city storage for sale by commission merchant.

U.2 % sold to manufacturer of apple juice, apple cider or vinegar,

2.7 % sold to baking concerns.

2.6 % sold to consumers, "gift" packages, parcel post or express,
2.5 % sold to retail stores at the store.

2"«l' % sold to country point buyers - delivered to buyer at orchard,

1,5 1^ sold outright to storage operators.

1.5 % sold to retail store, from packing house or storage.

l.U % sold to roadside stands operated by others.

1.3 % sold to consumers at their homes in town or city.

1.0 ^ sold to consumers as apple juice or cider.
.6 % sold to consumers who picked them up - drops,
,6 % sold to slice rs, canners, freezers or other processors,
.5 f' sold to large chains — delivered their retail store.
.5 /*' sold as juice or cider to retail stores or other wholesale.

Method of Sale (Arranged in order of Number of Users)

29 $ sold to consumers from storage or packing shed.

27 r sold to manufacturer of apple juice, apple cider or vinegar.

2^ % sold to peddlers from packing shed or storage,

19 % delivered to commission merchant for sale growers' account,

TH f, sold to consumer over roadside stand,

17 % sold to consumers, "gift" packages, parcel post or express,

10 % sold to retail stores at the store,

Ip ^ sold to roadside stands operated by others.

Ix % sold to large chain stores — delivered their warehouse,

11 % sold to consumers as apple juice or cider.

•15 % sold to retail store, from packing house or storage.

-3-
llethod of Sale (Arranged in order of Number of Users) (continued)

9 i, delivered to city storage for sale by commission merchant.
7? % sold to consumers at their homes in tovm or city.
~F % delivered country storage for sale by storage operator,
""H % sold to country point buyers-delivered to buyer at orchard.
"Z % sold to baking concerns,

~T % sold to large chains — delivered their retail store.
"3" % sold outright to storage operators.

"T % sold as juice or cider to retail stores or other wholesale.
~f % sold - other.-

"TI % sold to slicers, canners, freezers or other processors,
"TI % sold to consumers who picked them up — drops.
T % sold to consumers at factories or other places of employment.

PTARTIHG PRICES OF MCINTOSH APPLES

The £5l£^i?S. P£ice for the season is established in large part by the size of
the crop and th& buying power of consumers.

Mr. Edvdn" C. Stillwell gave the following factors as important in est ablishing
price for p erishable commodities in a talk at the Cranberry Llarketing Conference
on r.arch iT af Wareham: (1) Supply, (2) Quality, (3) Nature of the product, vfhether
basic or luxury, (U) Extent of consumer acceptance, (5) Supply and price of comple-
mentary products, (6) Supply and price of competing products, (7) Degree of sales
orgmization within the industry, (8) 'Ahether or not the trade made money in the
previous season, (9) Current, old crop prices, (10) General buying power.

Mr. Stillwell explained the item of "supply" covered place and availability
of supply as v;fell as quantity. He also stated that "quality" had particular
reference to the quality available to consumers. He made no attempt to list his
factors in order of importance. In fact, he stated that different factors would
have different values in different years.

The October 15 price is used as a "starting price" of the storage season in
these studies of apple marketing. This is the price arrived at after 3 or U weeks
of trading in the harvest period.

The following table shows: (l) October 1? Mcintosh price for U.S. Fancy 2 l/2"
and up in dollarsj (2) Total L^assachiisetts apple productian;..in. term's of. the 1938
crop. 1938 equals 100. ;

-It-
starting ?<holesale Price of Mcintosh in Boston on October 15,
over 25-year period, — I92I4 to 19U8

Oct. 15 Mass. Apple

Mcintosh Price Production
Year U. S. Fancy Index

2 1/2 up 1938 = 100

192U 2.87 95.0

1925 2.62 92.2

1926 3.00 123.8

1927 2.50 7U.6

1928 3.75 81.3

1929 2.87 73.0

1930 1.87 131.7

1931 2.12 51.5

1932 1.25 117. U

1933 1.25 116.8

193U 1.87 50.9

1935 1.37 85.8

1936 2.00 61.5

1937 1.17 12U.U

1938 2.00 100.0

1939 .92 132.7
I9U0 1.50 115.2
19U1 1.80 116.7
19U2 1.37 159.5
19U3 3.12 IOI4.5
19UU 2.87 lli5.U
19ii5 n.35 21.8
19U6 3.75 93.8
19U7 3.00 13U.ii
19ii8 2.87 102.9

SELLING PLANS FOR VxClNTOSH APPLES FOR 19U 9

Six hundred sixty-nine thousand bushels (669,000) of stored Mcintosh sold for
less money in 19U7-U8 than five hundred eighty thousand (580,000) bushels of stored
Mcintosh brought in 19U8-U9.

A study of the marketing season for tvrenty-five years beginning with 192U and
ending with 19U8 shows several important things for Mcintosh prices.
(1) All twenty-five years were different. (2) 19U7 had the greatest loss in
selling price between October 15 and March 15 ($3.00 ~ |>2.37). (3) 19U8 had the
greatest gain in selling price between October 15 and March 15 (-!i>2.87 — *U.50).

It may be safe to assume that every year is different. That it would be rare
indeed if all of the factors entering into price would be the same in any tv;o years.
A careful study of the factors in play in September, 19ii9, would seem to be in
order. A very careful watch of what happens in the retail stores and over the
roadside stands during the price-testing harvest period ought to be of help.

-?-

At least this year the growers have apples to sell and, in general, of
excellent quality in so far as can be determined at the time this is written.

Many growers will consider it good judgment to follow a safe and sane program
of orderly marketing . The hardest part of an orderly marketing program comes when
it is hard to move the quantity which should be moved in a given marketing period.

The following table showing three things: (1) Average price of Mcintosh
apples, U. S. Fancy 2 l/2" and up for twenty-five years by two week intervals from
September 15 to April 15. (2) Price for similar periods in 19U8. (3) Price for
similar periods in 19ii7. Percentages are included to facilitate comparison.
The table tells its own story.

25 year

'.■Average

19i;8

19U7

Price %

of Get. 15

Price $ of

Oct. 15

Price

% of Oct. 15

Sept. 15

%2.2\x

96^

$2.75

9652

$1^.25

lU2f.

Oct. 1

2.22

96$g

2.62

9\%

2.87

965

Get. 15

2.32

100^

2.87

100?^

3.00

100^

Nov. 1

2.36

103?^

3.12

109f.

3.37

112:t

2.U5

106.'^

3.00

lOU^

3.25

108?;

Dec. 1

2.51

108?^

3.12

109fo

3.00

100?^

2.53

109^

3.12

109?

3.00

100^

Jan. 1

2.5U

109^

3.25

113^

3.00

100^

2.53

109^

3.50

122^

3.00

100^

Feb. 1

2.60

112^

3.62

126^

3.00

1005:

2.6ii

lll^

3.62

1265?

2.75

92^

Mar. .1

2.70

116^

U.50

157^

2.62

87^

2.69

116^

1^.50

157?'-

2.37

79^

April 1

2.^0

108^

5.00

17l4^

2.25

75^

2.51

108^

5.00

17U^

1.75

58^

— Fred E. Cole

-"- --<- -;.'■

CONSERVATION PRACTICES OM A FRUIT FARAl

(The follovfing story prepared by Wilbur F. Buck, Hampshire County Assistant in
Conservation, is a good example of soil-building and reorganization on an old
Nevi England farm.)

The last house on Old Bay Road in Amherst is the home of Ernest Markert,
progressive fruit grower and five-time chairman of the Amherst AAA Committee.
Ernie's modern cold storage plant and up-to-date farming methods contrast sharply
with his dwelling — a historic landmark of stage coach days.

-6-

Dogged determination and plain hard work have been the formula for the success
of this orchard. Ernie is a very modest individual and is reluctant to talk about
the many handicaps he has had to overcome. The story of the farm in its present
high state of productivity is largely the story of Ernie himself.

Mr. Liarkert, a native of Holyoke, graduated from Stockbridge School of
Agriculture, a part of the University of Massachusetts, in 1926. He still has •
strong ties v/-ith both his fraternity and the University. His early employment
found him first on the Conyers Farm in Greenvfich, Connecticut, and then as manager
of the Curtis Orchards in Marlboro, a large commercial operation. In 19iil, Ernie
purchased his present farm which comprised 100 acres, nearly all of which was in
orchard, plus a cold storage plant.

He lost no time in his efforts to rebuild the productivity of this orchard.
His first season's soil-building practices reveal that he applied 160 hundred-
weight of AAA superphosphate and used t^velve tons of nitrate of potash on orchard
sod, mowed and left sixty-five acres of fertilized hay in the orchard, and brought
in eight tons of mulching materials which he applied to four acres of young
orchard.

Late frosts did much to make the ensuing years unprofitable, but by adding a
poultry enterprise and cutting all possible corners, Ernie vras able in 19i4i4 to
purchase an additional 160 acres, twenty of v/hich were in orchard. The year 19U7
found the Markert orchard with its first big crop of fruit. Yvbrries seemed at an
end when the crop was finally in the storage and ready for the routine processing
to follow. Fate again intervened in the form of a disastrous fire the last vreek
of October, resulting in a total loss of the storage plant and the crop itself.

Many orchard men v/ould have been willing to quit after this last blow, but
not Ernie. Patiently with the aid of his brothers and neighbors, he set about
rebuilding the cold storage, this time on an even larger scale and with fireproof
materials. His new cinder block storage with 355OOO bushels capacity, a model of
modern construction, ytas ready in time for the 19U8 bumper crop. This plant has
already served as an ideal location for fruit meetings conducted by the County
Agent and personnel from the nearby State University,

Soil-building Program - Ernie's soil-building practices for the past three
seasons read something like this: 1916 — 30 tons of AAA spread limestone, 300 cvrt.
of 7-7-7 and 60 cwt. of 5-8-7 applied to hayland and orchard sod, 10 acres of rye
and oats cover crops and 30 tons of mulch. 19li7 — 30 tons of AAA spread limestone,
ii20 cvrt. of <-8-7 and 100 cvrt. of 7-7-7 on hay and orchard sod, 16 acres of wheat
cover crops and 32 tons of mulching materials applied. 1916 — 20 tons of AAA
limestone and 10 cwt. of AAA superphosphate, UOO c'.rt. of 7-7-7 on orchard sod,
another 16 acres of wheat cover crops and $0 tons of mulch,

Mr. Markert's farm plans for the 19li9 season go well beyond any he has pre-
viously attempted. From the AAA office, he has already obtained UO cwt. of 0-lIi-li;
and twenty tons of limestone. He plans to top-dress his hayland and orchard sod
with iiCO hundredvreight of 1-1-1 , plant sixteen acres of wheat cover crop, and bring
in fifty tons of mulching materials. He will further qualify for four acres of the
land clearing practice. With the aid of technicians from the Soil Conservation
Service, he has built terraces and planted about four acres of young orchard on
the contour.

_7-

Conclusion - The Markert orchard is being slowly culled to produce mainly
standard varieties of apples, such as l/iclntosh, Baldwin, Greening and V.ealthy.
Ernie has in recent years undertaken the production of his ovm replacement stock.
Kis accomplishments have come the hard way, but he can point with pride to the
excellent physical condition of his land and buildings — tangible evidence that real
thought along conservation lines pays for the effort.

■j;- -li- Or "k -^- ■!;- ■!!• ■«• ^i- ■«• -^- -li- -Ji- ^<- ^<- -ii- -X- •«• ^i-

Tale of T\T0 Raspberry Plantings . In recent v/eeks v/e have seen (l)
a planting which yielded heavily and which there is scarcely a
broiTO or yellow leaf and (2) a planting with disappointingly low
yield where the leaves on all of the fruiting canes have turned
brown and the nevf canes show many lesions due to spur blight or
anthracnose. Planting No. 1 received two thorough applications
of Fermate in late spring of 19U8 when the new canes were
developing.

-X- ^ -•'- -M -ir •>;- -X- -"- -i!- -> -li- -;<• -S- <- •}(- •>{• •><■ -K- -K-

To Prop or Not to Prop . Propping in some heavily loaded
orchards is practically unnecessary. In others it is
quite essential. The difference is largely one of
tree framework. A leader type tree v;ith no weak
crotches will hold a very heavy crop v/ithout
appreciable breakage. A iiOO bu. per acre crop
may be borne on well spaced trees of medivim size in
which only an occasional small limb gives way. Old,
tall vdnter injured trees of poor framework present
a different problem. But props in sufficient numbers
mean quite an investment. They last only a few years.
They provide a hiding place for codling moth during
the winter. They interfere with hormone spraying.
In our young orchards perhaps v;e should pay more
attention to the development of a framevrork i.hich
will hold up a bumper crop -^thout propping.

Apple Pie Contest . Sponsored by the Massachusetts Fruit Growers'
Association and the 5;Iassachusetts Department of Agriculture, a Contest
open to residents of Massachusetts except professional pie bakers and
state, county or federal employees will be held on V.'ednesday, January I4,
1950, at the Worcester Auditorium. A conventional, tvfc-crust round pie
■.vith filling of Massachusetts apples is specified. No criss-cross,
frosting or other decorations permitted — just a plain apple pie.
Substantial prizes are offered. Further details may be obtained from
your County Extension Office.

-X- •«• -;'(■ -;;- * -x- v- -;;- -x- ■«• -x- -x- -x- •«• -Xc •>:- -s:- *

-8-

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY - "Keep an open mind and someone may drop an
idea into it."

■j;- -j;- -;;- -;'<• «■ -;;- -;;- ^a- -si- « -;i- -s;- * -;;- -;.'• -;f- i<r <- -si-

Nursery Observations . On a recent 3-weeks nursery inspection trip through
Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York, the writer had a
good opportuiiity to observe nursery practices and compare the type of tree
grovm under different conditions. Here are a few observations:

(1) V/here a soil improvement program, including barnyard manure,
fertilized cover crops and crop rotation is carried out, a large, sturdy
tree is developed. In contrast, one nurseryman with a large acreage on
poor soil has a scattered stand of impoverished trees, many of which are
no larger at two years than they should be at one year of age. If he were
to concentrate on half or less of his present area, he should be able to
grow more good trees at lower cost, to the benefit of his customers.

(2) The successful nurseryman pays strict attention to each step in
the propagation of nursery stock. He selects a good soil, fits it care-
fully, grows good seedlings, watches every step in budding to avoid
mistakes, controls weeds, and keeps a careful v^atch for insects and
diseases. Japanese beetle is not allowed to defoliate his trees. His spray
or dust program would do credit to any commercial orchard. In short he
plans his operations in such a way that he gets a good stand and grows a
high percentage of Number 1 trees. He limits his nursery stock in accord-
ance w; oh his labor and management facilities. His margin of pro-f'it is satis-
f actor-/ prid he relies on satisfied customers. In fact his sit'jjtion is much
like trat of the fruit grower,.-. Acres or number of trees are o .' "'.ess impor-
tance than busnels of good fruit and the margin of return over investment.

-«•

SOME EFFECTS OF T! ' E DR Y SUI-S-'ER

The 'inprecpdented shortage of rainfall during the past few months has been
reflected in dr^^' wells and stream beds, curling corn leaves, brown lav;rs and
pastures and a reduced strawberry crop. The high temperatures have favored insect
and mite develop!v,int resultiiir; in very heavy ir)';;estations here and there as vrell
as heavier late broods. Hot^ dry weather is "made to order" for insects while fungi
are favored by lone continued -vet periods. And any grower who finds more scabby
apples at this season than bs expect'^d was probably a little too complacent about
those seemingly light infections of last Liay.

With week after week of dry weather during June and July, one wonders how
fruit trees have been able to retain their leaves, much less develop a good crop
of fruit. The situation might be summarized in this way: A mature apple tree
requires several gallons of water each day (as many as 30 in the case of a very-
largo tree), A deep, widely ranging system is essential if an unfailing reservoir
is to be available.

Thus a tree with a few of its roots in a permanently moist layer of soil
continues to function more or less normally regai'-iless of rainfall. Shallov^r rooted
vegetation may show unmistakable drought s;ymptoms but the deeply rooted tree goes

-9-

merrily on its way manufacturing in its leaves the starch essential for fruit
development.

And at this point a bit of theory: Light rainfall in Llay, and consequently
an absence of water logged soils in most orchards, permitted fruit trees to develop
and maintain roots at a somewhat lower level than in a wet season. These roots
have functioned during the dry summer in supplying the urgently needed water.
Hence we find in trees on favorable soils, large green leaves, many 3-inch apples,
virhile on coarse excessively drained soils there has been some defoliation, the
remaining leaves are off color and many of the apples are undersized. These
symptoms may indicate various mineral deficiencies and not merely a shortage of
water.

Heavy mulching continues to pay good dividends, particularly on lighter soils.
This season a heavy mulch has had an unusual opportunity to exert its influence
in preventing evaporation from the soil, stabilizing soil moisture, preventing
run-off, etc. The increase in yield as a result of mulching will in some cases
amount to 50 bu. per acre or more. Vveather conditions this summer have apparently
been favorable for fruit bud formation. In some varieties the buds are larger
and more nearly round than normally at this time of year. A good bloom in 19^0
is therefore in prospect. But the set of fruit is another matter and is dependent
on tree vigor, weather at blossoming time, availability of suitable pollen and
on the number of pollen carriers.

■!;- ii- -;;- ■«■ -;;- ■}«• ^- if- -;;- -;;- ■«■ -ss- * -»- * -A- -;;- * -;s-

Orchard Irrigation . Several Massachusetts apple growers have
provided additional water during the extended dry spell. Some ha ire
hauled ^Tater in the spray tank and others have used pipe or hose,
A few additional inches of water supplied through irrigation will
greatly increase the chances of a profitable crop this season.
It is safe to say that the average diameter of apples will, in
some orchards, be increased by l/li inch. The results of applying
200 or 300 gallons of water per tree in several orchards will be
vratched with much interest.

-;;- -i;- •}:- ■«• -x- -a- -s;- -x- -ii- * -;.- ■«• -;;- -i;- ■=> -;;- -;;- -ii- -;s-

UST CALL FOR RED APPLE CLUB INSPECTIONS Have you asked
your County Agricultural Agent to check your orchard to
determine your eligibility for membership in the RED APPLE
CLUB? That is your privilege, if you think your orchard
may qualify. But the sample to be representative, is
best taken v^rhile the fruit is still on the trees. The
requirements are: (1) 90^ clean, (2) 6$% U. S. Fancy,
(3) 200-]400 bu. per acre depending on age of tree, and
(ii) a sample record of the pest control program.

-,<■ -W •*!■

-i}- -;(• -;s- ■«■ -;<■ -;;- •;;- ■>(• -;f-

f/uMtNoie^

OCTOBER i:C,l9M9

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Ccm.piled by W. H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

Table ot Contents

"Think Retail"

Individual Grower' s Effort

Our ApFle Competition

A Major Problem of Distribution
Orderly marketing -- Rate of itlovement
Apple Purchase Program

Boston Surrly of IWcIntosh "Apples At Any Meal"

Issued by the Extension Service m furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

- 1 -

APPLE MARKETING (The folloTdn^ analysis of the apple marketing situation is

presented by Fred E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist. With a large crop
of good 'quality Mcintosh to be marketed, a careful study of the factors
involved is highly important.)

1. THIIIK RETAIL (August 6, 19^9)

"Think Retail " is the counsel given by manufacturers in appraising
market trends and market possibilities. The advice may be v/ise for us in
agriculture, too.

In recent years, retail prices have followed a pattern based upon sales
experience and the resulting apparent "attractiveness" to consumers in the minds
of store operators and sales managers.

Retail prices were selected, in the accompanying table, on the basis of their
frequency of use in retail store advertisements. "A" includes prices used S% or
more of the time, "B" three or four per cent, "C" two to three per cent, "D" one
to two per cent of the time in the advertisements studied. The accompanying
table may be of assistance in making a comparison of prices. In this table, 20^
of the sales was used as a retail nark-up and 20(i to cover handling from whole-
sale market to the store. These two marketing costs will, of course, vary in
practice. We 'believe the estimate is of some value as is shovm by the following
example in October, 19U8.

At that time apples were commonly selling for 3 lbs. for 290 or 9.66{* a lb.
Store cost on a basis of 20:?! (sales) would therefore be 7.68^ (9.6 x ,80),
Allowing I4O lbs, to the bushel, the bushel cost to the store would then be 4?3.07.
Deducting 200 'for handling from the wholesale market to retail store, results in
a price of $2.67 v/hich was the prevailing wholesale price at the time. It is a
simple rule of thumb but it may have its value.

Caution . The consideration given to prices commonly used in retail
stores does not mean that these prices should be used by growers in direct sales
to consumers. In fact, our counsel would be against it. If growers compete on
a quality basis they may keep out of destructive price competition. "Even nickel"
pricing on package lots seems to fit the farm-to-consumer sale to better advantage.

"To think retail" in considering the price possibilities for 19U9
may be a very practical approach to the problem.

The table on the other side of this sheet may be of assistance in translating
retail prices commonly used to wholesale in the six price groups.

Prices Conunonly Found
in Retail Stores

A 2 lbs. for 2S<ti, h for \x9t, S for 59(i

B 3 lbs. for 35#, 2 for 230, U for h^t-

C 3 lbs. for 330, U for I430

D 3 lbs. for 370, 3 for 3U0

Price Per lb. ftliolesale
Price Per
Box

10.660—130 3.25-3.75

A 5 lbs. for ii90, U for 390, 3 for 290, 2 for 190

B 2 lbs. for 210

D 3 lbs. for 310, 1 for 100

9.210—10.650 2.75-3.25

A 3 lbs. for 250, 5 for 390

B 3 lbs. for 270, 5 for U50, h for 350

C 2 lbs. for 170, h for 330

D h lbs. for 3J40, h for 310

A I4 lbs. for 290, h for 250

B 3 lbs. for 210, 3 for 350, h for 270

C 2 lbs. for 150

D 5 lbs. for 370, h for 280, 5 for 310

7.6Ii0— 9.20 2.25-2.75

6.090—7.630 1.75-2.25

A 5 lbs. for 290, 5 for 250, h for 190

B ii lbs. for 230, 5 for 270, h for 210

C 3 lbs. for 150

D 2 lbs. for 100

I4.510— 6.080 1.25-1.75

A
B
C
D

5 lbs. for 190
5 lbs. for 210
h lbs. for 170, h for 150, 5 for 170

3.000— U. 50 .75-1.25

2. IMDIVIDUAL GROyJER'S EFFORT KPORTANT (September 9, 19i49)

Grovier organi- ' ons and trade groups are aware of the large crop cf
apples expected for 19i49. a ^reat deal is being done by sincere and interested
people for the good of the industry as a whole. As a result, much has and is
being said about what organizations, trade associations and others can do for the
fruit grovrer and the advertising, publicity and promotion which can be done for
the gro;ver at the grovrer' s expense. Most of this is as it should be. But it is

- ^ -

only part of the story . V«liat the fruit grcvrer does for himself is the main effort .
The effort~of grovrer organizations, trade associations and public agencies is
supplemental and aimed at doing those things that grov/ers as individuals cg nnct do
for themselves .

No probable amount of promotion can be expected to overcome consuiner resis-
tance to apples that are out of condition, damaged by bruising, priced out of
competition, deceptively packed, or not readily accessible to the consumer.
Quality, pack and distribution remain in the hands of the individual grower. These
ordinary, run-of-the-mill activities are of prime importance in the movement of a
crop. They are the unspectacular matters cf good marketing practice that require
constant attention to detail and personal supervision of the orchardist. A good
job of g etting the apples to the consumer is as necessary as getting the consiomer
to the appl es. Grov/ers can nullify the efforts of those working in their interest
or take advantage of their activities to improve the results of their marketing
program. It would seem ijnnecessary to make these statements, but observation in
the years immediately past suggests the necessity and importance of emphasising
the individual grower's part in the marketing program, in the face of a larger
than usual crop,

■«■ ■;;- -;;- •«■ -k- -;;■ -x- ■«■ ■js> Vr -;s- ■?(■

The following area distribution of average U. S. apple storage holdings
(Dec. 1) may be of help ncvj- in interpreting the U. S. Apple Crop estimates and
later in comparing U. S. apple storage holdings.

Average 19Uii-ii8 Cold Storage Holdings, by Producing Areas, December 1

NEY ENGLAND - six states

MIDDLE ATLANTIC - N.Y., N.J., Penn.

SOUTH ATUNTIC - Del., Md., Va. W. Va., N,C.

EAST NORTH CENTRAL - Ohio, Ind., 111., Mich., Wis,

PACIFIC - Vv'ash., Ore., Gal.

CTHER 13 apple producing states

Total

Apple crop estimates for the U. S. will be available this week end. The
size of the U. S. crop and its distribution by producing areas are very iiTiportant
in the grower's kit of facts, used by him, to shape his marketing program. The
following table gives size of U. S. crops in recent years.

Thousands

Percent of

of Bushels

U.S. Total

7,728
29,129

S.3%

20.0!^

17,013

12, 61?

72,861;

6,163

U5,^12

11. 75?.

8.7^

50.1^

lOO'.O^

- u -

Commercial Apple Crop
United States (3,^ states) 192li-19l;8

Thousands of Bushels -

192h

68,776

1925

101,080

1926

123,550

1927

79,25U

1928

109,938

1929

89,270

1930

105, U3 2

1931

113,207

1932

90,023

1933

81,925

193U

106,005

193?

li;0,398

1936

98,025

Sources

1937

153,169

1938

105,718

1939

139, 2U7

19hO

lll,U36

19U1

122,217

19U2

126,707

19ii3

87,310

19hk

121,266

19U5

66,796

19ii6

119, UO

19U7

113,0iil

19U8

88,U07

19l;9(Aug.- 1 Est.) 127, 823
Average 1938-17 lll,lll4

I92U-I933 - "Commercial Production" - Agricultural Statistics, 19U0, p. 175, table

224

193ii-1937 - "Total Production, Commercial" - Agri. Statistics, 19ii6, p. I68, table

211

1938-19ii7 - "Total Production, Commercial" - Agri. Statistics, 19ii8, p. 179, table

219

19U8-19li9 - "Apples, Commercial Crop" - Crop Production, Aug. 19U9, page h9

3. OUR APPLE COMPETITION (September l5, 19^9)

19U7-8 — Sixty-nine per cent of the apple receipts for Boston in
the marketing year of I9I47-U8 were from "nearby sources." All New England supplied
72.6^ of the receipts. The liiddle Atlantic producing area added h%, South
Atlantic 3.1^, and the Pacific states 17.2^ of the total receipts. "Other" areas
including British Columbia sent 2.9/^ of the total shipments to Boston.

19U8-9 — Last year, nearby Massachusetts shipments made up $1.1%
of the total vrLth all New England 61.5^, iiiddle Atlantic h.d%, South Atlantic 5.0^,
the Pacific states 25.5^, and "other" 2.8^ of the total receipts.

The Pacific state shipments were largely from California in the very early
part of the season and from Y/ashington and Oregon in March, April, May and June.
Only two carlots were sent in the two years to Boston from the North Central
producing area ivhich includes the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Chic.

A Few Observat ions

A study of these receipts reveals: (see other side)

_ < _

1. Most of the Boston supply came from nearby areas,

2. The Pacific states were the source of largest competitive volume.

3. The South Atlantic states (Applachia) sent comparatively few apples
to Boston.

It. Fewer Northvrest apples were sent to Boston in the troublesome late
market of 19h7 than were sent in 19a8 in the same period.

5. A difference of I486 carlots from nearby areas in the supply for the
two years is a substantial difference. Also the monthly distributions
of nearby apples followed a very different pattern,

Boston Receipts of Nearby Apples by Months 19U7-ii8
19iiCi-9 in Per cent of Total 10 Month Receipts

Aug.
I9I17-8 5T3W
19li8-9 8.9^

Sept .
22. U^

Oct.
21.2?^

Nov.
13.1^

Dec.
10. If.
13.0^

Jan.
3.0^

Feb.
972I

March
11.0%
3. If.

April
l.lf

17.7fo
6. These ^vould seem to be little to recommend the 19U7-U8 pattern.

Hay
3.3f

Apple Receipts - Bo ston - Ten Months
19U7-8 by Producing Areas
CARLOT EQUIVALENT (K^IL & TRUCK)

PRODUCING AREAS
MASSACHUSETTS

Aug.
81

Sept.
190

Oct..

285

Nov.
198

Dec.
153

Jan.
I3I4

Feb. Mar.

ilo 167

Apr. May ":
119 50

rctal
1^17

ALL NEV; ENGLAND
MIDDLE ATLANTIC
SOUTH ATLANTIC
NORTH CENTR.1L
PACIFIC
OTHER

81
6

192
7
h

11
15

301
1

19
13

210
1

18
9

163

30
7

139

31
1

11;8 180

10 18

6 h

35 63

3 12

12ii 53
10 15

3 h

he U8
1 2

1591

332

TOTAL

12,^

229

337

238

200

171

202 278

18ii 122

■21H0

19i;8-U9

Carlot Equivalent

(Rail

& Truck)

MASSACHUSETTS

Aug.
92

Sept.
231

Oct,
219

Nov.
183

, Dec.
" 131.

Jan.
• B3

, Feb. Mar.
' 16 32

, Apr . May
Ml

Total
1031

ALL NET-V SNGLAro
MIDDLE ATLANTIC
SOUTH ATLANTIC
NORTH CENTRAL
PACIFIC
OTHER

92
11
22

IJ4C

236
19
11

1
267

230
1

2ii5

197
3

lue
11

95
3

60 I4I
h 5

h 1

17 83
11 lU

12
2 1
2

107 127
8 5

1111
ii9
52

UOii
58

TOTAL

230

170

118

96 liii4

131 133

1671.

Source - Daily Fruit & Vegetable Report U.S.D.A. Boston
New England includes Me., N.H., Vt., Mass., Conn., R. I.
Middle Atlantic includes N.Y., N.J., and Penn.
South Atlantic incl-odes Del., Md., Va., W. Va., and N.C,
North Central includes ".Vis., Mich., 111., Ind., Ohio
Pacific includes '.Vash., Oregon, California

- 6 -

h. THE BOSTON SUPPLY OF MCINTOSH (September 22, 19149)

Mcintosh apple prices in Boston were on the low 19U2 level dui-ing
the last Tfeek. It is notevrorthy that Providence and New York had comparable
prices. The situation leading to the low price vras not confined to the Boston
area.

Supply . A comparison of the receipts of apples on the Faneuil Hall Market,
Boston, for five weeks before and five weeks after the Labor Day week for the
last seven years is given in a table on the other side^ of this sheet.

The apple receipts for 19i48, ISUh, 19it3, and 19h2 approach a normal weekly
supply. The abnormality of 19U7, 19h6 and 19hS is apparent.

The 19i49 apple receipts for Labor Day week and the week following were
"normal" on the basis of:

(a) the September 1 apple crop estimate for Massachusetts

(b) average proportion of Mass. crop on Faneuil Hall Market - 26% -

(c) average receipts for the two respective weeks — 3»S^-% and 11.03^.
Low prices on the Faneuil Hall Market are not the result of excessive
supplies .

Demand. Market reports indicate a "fair supply - slow movement." It is
evident that there is insufficient demand for Mcintosh apples on the Faneuil Hall
Market , to clear available supplies at prevailing prices.

There are numerous theories to explain the lack of demand. Predominant
among the theories are (1) consumers do not have as much "ready" money as indexes
of wages and income imply; (2) consumers are out of the habit of buying apples;
(3) some retail prices do not reflect correctly the low wholesale price; (ij.) many
apples are not in good condition and not attractive to consumers; (5) housewives
are not cooking any more than they have to. Take your choice. It may be a
combination of all of them. The point is what can be done about it .

More Grow er Sales Effort. !5ore direct selling to consumers is possible.
Good apples then are plac;i in the consumer's hands at a good return to the grower
(5 to 8^ a lb.). Fresh, juicy apples constitute the best possible advertising
available to the industry. Newspaper ads, radio and attractive roadside displays
can play an important part in increasing the consumption of apples. Advertising
and increased sales effort, along this line, increases apple sales in retail
stores and the movement in all trade channels .

Improve the quality of apples in retail stores by sorting out poorer fruit,
more careful handling all along the line, store deliverj"" and store service when
feasible, visiting retail stores to look over displays from a buyer's point of
view and taking steps to improve apple appeal.

Price apples in direct sales at a reasonable margin over wholesale.

- 7 -

EVERY EFFORT MDE TO INCREASE APPLE SALES HELPS EVERYCTE SELLING APPLES

With normal supply and a low price, MORE SALES EFFORT is clearly in
order to get this apple deal off dead-center and headed in the right direction.

Eleven

Weeks

previous to
Labor Day

V.rk.

(August)

Vfeeks 19U9
"5 67H02
13,918

Apple Receipts - Bushels
Faneuil Hall Market - Poston
Weeks between Aug. 1 - Oct. 20, 19l9-19U2

(September) 1

17,6U9
19,831
19,023

7,309
5,886

11,608
19,010
lit, 868

IWT
6,210

9,320

10,915
16,702

1911^ 1911^ i9ira

k7^22 i47H^ lUTT^^

h,9hh 8,707 16,9U8

5,617
,269
7,909

8,ii05

11,U13

9,17li

7n<:e. follow-1
ing Labor .2
Day '.Veek 3
(September) h
(October) 5

38,792

21,938
39,716
31,566
27,253
27,951

2h,2li2
26,193
27,137
21;, 821
39,896

16,739
16,253
16,751
23,6lU
21,190

13,150
15,515

9,67U
10,92U

7, 1^80

22,703
20,191
32,117

Labor Day wk. 26,172 21,306 15,581; 12,559 10,987 21;, 932

26,1;67
23,7U2
16,935
19,651
11;, 510

19l;3
ll3I^
10,038

21,971
21,119
15,050

21,l;i;9

22,095
33,352
29,716

23,1;59
22,661

19l;2
2l;89l4

27280

31906

1;1;732

"32117^

1;25U1
1;5760

29031
32961
22977

5. A IviAJOR PROBLHI CF DISTRIBUTION (September 29, 19l;9)

I visited the excellent display of the apple industry in the
Massachusetts Building at the Eastern States Exposition last week. Thousands of
people visited this exhibition, sometimes 3,000 people an hour. An orchard, a
packing house, a cider press, a roadside stand and a kitchen featured the produc-
tion, handling, processing and utilization of commercial apples. Those who saw
the exhibit were increasingly aware of apples. The large quantity of apples and
cider sold, testifies to the latent desire of many people for apples.

The most frequent question heard airiong the visitors was a despairing inquiry
"'vVHERE CAN I GET APPLES LIKE THESE?"

Having in mind the good crop of fine quality apples being harvested v/ith the
picking exceeding earlier estimates, the apparently overstocked markets, and the
current low price, such a query seemed the last straw. And yet, there it is.
Apples, apples everyivhere and not a one to eatl

Most growers with large orchards have been in the habit of placing all of their
apples in vfholesale channels - the same channels used by growers in surplus produc-
ing states. They have used their time and energy in taking care of the harvesting
and preparation for shipment. Shipments have been made to large wholesale markets
to the west and south in direct competition i\dth fruit from other areas in order to
better local returns. Mcintosh can meet much of the competition but costs of trans-
portation are high - even higher now than several years ago. The low price is
general.

- 8 -

Massachusetts producers are located in a consuming area - a state with
22,163 food stores doing h92 million dollars annual business even in pre-war
(1939). Sales in 19U8 were estimated at three times this pre-war figure v/ith 90!^
of the stores.

The 6I4 dollar question is on the table face up I Hovj can local growers take
advantage of the fact that they are producing apples VJITHIN a consuming area.

To what extent and how can the usual channels of distribution be used to
advantage? Hovr can growers work with men in these channels in order to get a
satisfactory distribution? How must these channels be supplemented so that
thousands of people vfho would buy apples will buy them?

How can a situation where people and apples are in the same area be used to
increase the return to apple growers?.

This IviAJOR PROBLE?: of DISTRIBUTION must be faced by the local apple industry
with all the resources at its conmiand . Lots of people, good apples and a return
lower than cost, just does not make sense i

The echo of that question " I'lTiere can I get apples like these " keeps returning.
The major problem of getting the apples to these people lies on top of a high
stack of apples. It must be solved to get a satisfactory return.

As if to punctuate the statement that the low price of apples on Faneuil Hall
Market was not caused by excessive supplies, the supply of apples on the Faneuil
Hall Market last vreek dropped to 3/h of the week before at no increase in price.

iHHHHKHHHHHKHKKHKHf

The supply of "deciduous fruit" on the Boston Market for the week ending
September 17: ( carlot equivalent basis ) 76 carlot of apples, 98 carlot of melons,
31 1/2 carlot of pears, 30 carlot of peaches, 10 carlot of fresh prunes, 8 carlot
of bananas, U l/2 carlot of plums, 3 l/2 carlot of blueberries, 3 carlot of mixed
berries (strawberries mostly), 1 carlot of figs. And arrival carlots on track at
the start of the week amounted to 389 carlots. Only 76 carlots of apples!

-;H,S;-JHHHHKKi-;(-iKvSHHHHf

For the last month arrivals of shipped-in deciduous fruits at Boston have
decreased substantially. The prices of seasonal items have been in a dov.Tiward
trend i Apples are not alone in the present price situation.

The time for INCREASED SALES EFFORT for apples is nowj

6. ORDERLY MRKETING - RATE OF MOVHvIEKT - VWAT DO THEY MEAN? (August 22, 19149)

The object of orderly marketing is the greatest possible return, not
only for the present but also for a period of years. It might also be added not
only for a week but for the season. It is the return for the season that must pay
the bills of growing the crop, maintaining the farm and a year's living.

Orderly marketing covers handling, method of sale, distribution and promotion,
and suggests care in laying out a program as well as courage in carrying it out.

- 9 -

Rate of movement of a crop has a particular reference to the physical
disappearance of that crop. Any rate may be judged against a previous rate , an
average rate , or a desired rate . It has to do with balancing the supply over the
season — adjusting the physical movement of the crop to the number and kind of
sales outlets, and periods of maximum and restricted consumer acceptance. The
rate of movement is testimony to the correctness of price and the adequacy of the
sales effort .

The rate of movement of the crop during the last year or tvro and over the last
five years might well be used as a guide.

At the bottom . of this sheet are four such guides.

1. Average out of storage movement for Jiclntosh for the last five years.

2. Gut of storage movement for 19ii7.

3. Out of storage movement for 19h8.

U. The Mcintosh storage line which might represent a desired out of storage
movement as a base. It is something like a home to-vm which is
described as a place you are away from. The Mcintosh storage line
offers such a base to be "at" or away from as good judgaent dicta t es. .

The Mcintosh storage line has several points.

1. It starts on October 15 — the storage reporting date of maximum
storage .

2. It progresses at two vreek intervals corresponding to the storage report,

3. It terminates on March 1 when most agree that Kclntosh should be sold,
vath a S% provision for the choice lots to be sold in March.

The Mcintosh storage line is an attempt to provide a base to judge rate of
movement and in turn correctness of price and the adequacy of the sales effort .
Percentages are all computed on the October 1$ amount as a base.

Out of Storage Movement - Mcintosh - "Boston Area"
19U7-19Uti - Average of the Last 5 Years
And a Suggested j.lcIntQsh Storage Line
Expressed as Percentage of the Oct. 15 Stored Supply
Remaining in Storage at Specified Dates

The suggested
19h7 19h8 Average Mcintosh

last 5 years Storage Line

Oct. 15

100^

lOOJJ

Nov. 1

95.8^

9h.^%

91.3^

92^

63.9^

Qi.^%

75.5^

80$

Dec. 1

71.6^

66.1%

66.2$S

es%

61. If,

l49.0^

53.8^

50^

Jan. 1

51i.O^

32.8^

U2.3^

1^0$

1^7.1^

2ii.5f» •

35.8^

30$

Feb. 1

36.2^

17.6^

27.6^

20$

30.6^

10.2^

21.1?^

10$

Mar. 1

2U.U?:

6.1%

16.5^

17.5^

3.h%

11.9^

2 1/2$

Apr. 1

9.9%

—

7.0?^

—

10 -

The marketing season of 19h9 has many of the earmarks of 19U7 and 19l|Ii„
The memories of 19h7 are still vivid. The rate of out-of-storage movement r for
this year may be of particular significance in planning marketing operation.

-- Fred E. Cole

I9U9 Apple Purchase Program Announced for Massachusetts . Authorization has been
received by the State FliA Office to purchase apples for the school lunch program
and for export. The I9I49 apple crop in the New England area is about 60^ above
that of last year and ij.0^ above the ten-year average. The offer to purchase has
been made in response to a request of apple growers from the New England area and
the whole country. The total amount of apples to be purchased in i^iassachusetts is
28 cars during the month of October, but the rate of purchase will be limited by
the capacity of the school lunch program to take the fruit. Authorization is
expected to purchase additional supplies in later months at approximately 9 cars
per week. The price will be ^1.70 per bushel for U.S. No. I's of the following
varieties: Baldwin, Cortland, Delicious, Golden Delicious, Liclntosh, Northern
Spy? Rome Beauty and R. I. Greening. Apples may be packed in either bushel baskets
or Eastern apple crates protected in the usual way by liners and covers. Shipment
will be made in car lots of 560 bushels per car or the equivalent in truck lots.

An office of purchase has been established in the Middlesex County PI/iA Office
on Stow Street, Concord, in the Old High School Building. The Purchase Representa-
tive is ■;:. T. Pearse of Bclton. His telephone number at the office is Concord 1299.
The State PM Committee will be assisted in the administration of the program by
an advisory committee of representatives of the Extension Service and the State
Department of Agriculture together with the following apple growers: Roger E. Peck,
George S. Gay, Ben Drew, Archer L. Pierce, Harold Priest, Stephen M . Sabine,
■George S. Davis, H. Sidney Vaughan, and Leander B. Nichols. . This Advisory
Committee is established to assist the PM in carrying out the terms and conditions
0^ the Apple Purchase Program. This program has two features. The first one is
designed to increase the export of apples to foreign countries and carries a propo-
sal of an export subsidy not to exceed vl.25 a bushel, in addition to the amount
paid by foreign countries. The second feature of the program contem.plates the
purchase of apples for use in the school lunch program and distribution to eligible
\velfare institutions. The program is what is known as a surplus removal program
and is not to be confused with the programs which are designed to support and
maintain a certain market price for farm commodities.

■«■ -;;- -)!■ -;;- -;;- -;!- -x- -:;- ■«• * -x- -;;- -!;- -;;- -ii- -5t-

New Leaflet , " Apples At Any Meal ". An attractive and highly useful
leaflet on the use of apples has been prepared by iiay E. Foley, Extension
Nutritionist. It includes recipes for fruit cup, salads, relishes, main
dishes and desserts, using the common ingredients v;hich all homemakers
have. It gives suggestions for canning juice and apple sauce, and
for using these products in the winter. A copy may be obtained from
your county extension agent or from the L'ailing Room at the University.
Just ask for Special Circular No. I56.

-A- -X' -js- i~;- -;;- -js- -;;- ■»• * -;;■ -;;- -;;■ -;(- -k- is- ■«•

No September Fruit Notes . No issue of FRUIT NOTES vras
distributed during the nonth of September.

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON "MCINTOSH STORAGE LINE"

An appraisal of a market price oan be made by comparing actual crop movement
to a desired crop movement, A suitable standard of crop movement is therefore
desirable as a tool for measuring current crop movement.

The chart on the other side illustrates a "MCINTOSH STORAGE LINE" which may be
used as a base to measure current out-of-storage movement of Mcintosh apples.

The chart also carries four dotted lines indicating the out-of-storage raove-
jnent of Mcintosh from the BOSTON AREA cold storages in the years of 1948, 1947,
1946 and 1944. The record of the short crop of 1945 is valueless for this i^rpose
and is therefore not included.

The tables below give the figures used in making the chart.

You may plot the out-of-storage movement of Molntosh for 1949-50 on this chart
from figures released by the MDA Special Apple Market Report, All percentages are
based on the October 15th storage holdings.

You may also plot your own out-of-storage movement of Mcintosh by basing your
percentages on Mcintosh in storage on October 15, 1949,

The "MCINTOSH STORAGE LIKE" is not presented as an ideal out-of-storage
movenent although there is considerable support for such a statement. Also this
indicated out-of-storage movement stands up profitably when applied to the last 14
years where comparable storage figures are available.

The "MCINTOSH STORAGE LINE" furnishes a means of measuring the out-of-storage
movernent of Mcintosh, It starts and is based upon the maximam amount in storage.
It stops when most agree that the Mcintosh should be all sold. It ftimishes a guide
to an orderly movement of the crop with the most rapid movements in periods when the
most sales outlets are available and when people seem to want apples the most.

Mcintosh Storage Holdings

Boston

Area

Date

1948^

I9479S

1946??

1944??

Suggested %

Oct. 15

100.0

100,0

100.0

100,0

100.0

Nov, 1

94.5

95.8

86.5

92,0

92.0

Nov. 15

81,5

83.9

59.0

79.9

80.0

Dec, 1

66,7

71.6

55.3

72,7

65,0

Dec. 15

49,0

61,1

44.4

61.3

50.0

Jan, 1

S2.8

54,1

33.1

49.3

40.0

Jan. 15

24.5

47.1

26,2

44.3

30.0

Feb. 1

17.6

36.2

19.0

35,8

20.0

Feb. 15

10.2

30.6

11,1

29.6

10.0

Mar. 1

6.7

24.4

8.3

23,8

5.0

Mar. 15

3.4

17.5

5.2

18,6

2.5

April 1

1.7

9,9

3.1

12,7

4[4i4iiK*««:»*««««*

Issued by the Extension Service, Willard A. Munson, director, in furtherance of
Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. University of Massachusetts, United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture and County Extension Services Cooperating.

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"^mikNdtu.

NOVEMBER 30,1949

Prepared by the Departments of Pomology, Entomology, and Botany, and

Other Staff Members
Compiled by W, H. Thies, Extension Horticulturist

CONTENTS

Blueberry Sites and Soils
Inspection of Nursery Stock
Cold Storage Management
Mcintosh Strains
Mulching the Strawberry Bed

Growth Relationships in Peach Trees
County Agents' Corner
Observations in Marketing Procedures
Movement of Mcintosh Out of Storage
High Quality Cider

Issued by the Extension Service in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, Willard A. Munson,
Director, University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension

Services Cooperating.

BLUEBERRY SITES AND SOILS

The selection of a good site and a good soil for cultivated blueberries is an
exceedingly important step in establishing a successful planting. Both must
receive proper considerations-,. To overemphasize one at the expense of the other
can be a costly mistake. For example, one grovrer looked over considerable terri-
tory to find an ideal blueberry soil. He fihally located a peat bog and set his
plants. The site was entirely surrounded by hills and proved to be a bad frost
pocket. Now he has a serious problem protecting his bushes from frost during the
blooming season. It would be equally bad to choose a site on a hillside -for good
air drainage and then find later that the soil is too dry. The ideal site is
located so that excessive amounts of cold air do not drain down through it from
bare areas above, and has sufficient air drainage so that cold air does not accumu-
late around the bushes. That is, the ideal site has natural protection against
both winter injury and spring frosts. It must also include a good soil.

The ideal, blueberry soil has an adequate and continuous supply of moisture,
plenty of organic matter, and is acid. The importance of good moisture conditions
cannot be overemphasized. The highbush blueberry requires a good supply of
moisture throughout the growing season. Even short periods of soil moisture
shortage can affect the plants adversely. On the other hand, excessive soil water
is undesirable. The bushes v;ill tolerate flooding during the dormant season but
during the growing season the roots must be out of water so that they can get air.
Another disadvantage of a waterlogged soil is that the freezing and thawing of the
soil in fall and spring may heave the plants out of the ground, thus breaking off
many of their roots.

It has been stated that the water, table (that depth in the soil ^vhere free
water will be fcjnd) should be 18 to 2U inches from the surface. 'iVhile such a
high water table is necessary to provide adequate moisture in the root zone in some
of the light sandy soils on which blueberries are often planted, it is not
necessarily so for heavier soils where water in sufficient quantity will rise from
lower levels. The important thing is that the soil be kept moist. The height of
water table required to do this will depend on soil type and amount and distribu-
tion of rainfall.

IVhere the soil tends to be a bit dry during the summer, mulches can be used
to conserve moisture and will go a long way tovrard overcoming this difficulty.
A number of mulches may be used such as sawdust, shavings, pine needles, r/aste
hay, dried leaves,- and peat. A dry situation can be impr<>ved, particularly for
small plants, by digging a large planting hole and putting in the bottom a geneiruc.
quantity, up to a half bushel or more, of peat, rotten sav/dust, rotten, crumbly
wood or same similar material. Dry peat will need to be well wetted before use,
otherviise it may take water away from the roots of the plants and cause them to
suffer from lack of moisture,

^.Vhile it is true that blueberries will grow in pure sand if plenty of moisturt
and mineral nutrients are supplied, experience has shown that under natural condi-
tions they grow much better in a soil well supplied vri.th organic matter, parti-
cularly if this is of a peaty nature. The minimum needs v/-ill depend on the type
of soil and have not been adequately determined. Certainly very sandy soils
require more than heavier soils. There appears to be no upper limit, at least
as far as acid peats are concerned, since the bushes will thrive on pure peat.

-2-

The cultivated blueberry has a reputation for being rather fussy about the
acidity of the soil in which it grows. Although it does require an acid soil, it
will grow over a rather v/ide range of soil reactions within the acid range. It
has been reported as growing at a pH as low as 3.U, which is extremely acid, tc as
high as 6.5, which is nearly neutral. Under natural conditions best growth
usually results in a pH range of i+.5 to 5.0. At a soil reaction much above 5. 6
a green and yellow mottling of the leaves, or chlorosis, is apt to develop unless
special precautions are taken to prevent it. At a soil reaction below pH h, a ligK.t
application of lime, which should probably be a high magnesium lime, may be bene-
ficial.

To insure success with cultivated blueberries, select a site vfith ,:ood air and
soil drainage arid a soil with plenty of moisture, plenty of organic matter, and an
acid reaction,

— J. S. Bailey

■ii- -Jr -Si- ■>!■ -vi- ^;- is- •>(■ -ir -,'c -A- -/:■ ^'<, <■ -ii- -/c -/c ^/c

INSPECTION OF NURSERY STlCK FOR TRliEIIESS-TO-MAi'!E

The nursery inspection program for 19h9 took our inspectors into eleven states
from Massachusetts south to Virginia and west as far as Iowa and Kansas. Nc
requests were received from Tennessee or Alabama nurserymen this year. A total of
27 concerns were served.

The inspection crew now totals eight, two of whom vrere new this season. Not
all eight men are available for the entire season so vre are attempting to train
sufficient men tc handle the job without its being a burden on anyone.

Again this year the inspection program covered apples, pears, plums, and
cherries but not peaches. The volume of stock inspected is impossible to determine
accurately, but our estimate is around three million trees. Mixtures of serious
proportions still persist, especially in blocks of grafted trees or where the
nursery has purchased propagation wood from uninspected sources,

A complete list of nurseries served by the ilassachusotts Trueness-to-Name
Inspection Service may be obtained from the Pomology Department at the University.

— A. P. French

•Ji■■^^i• -5^ -,i- -i^ -Ji- -/r -/<■ -JJ- ii- -iS- i'- -Ji- ii- -i!- -it ^i- -iS-

30ME FACTCRS TO CONSIDER IN GCLD STORAGE MANAGEIviENT

This year with a large crop of apples in storage, good storage managoiiient is
going to be necessary to maintain the fruit in the best possible condition. Vse
may expect an extended storage season and Idclntosh, especially, requires attention
to details if it is to be held in good condition beyond January.

Some factors which influence the storage life of apples are: (1) firmness of
fruit at harvest, (2) amount of bruising on the fruit vrhen placed in storage,
(3) storage temperature, (i|) humidity of the storage atmosphere, and (5) presence
of ripening gases in the atmosphere.

-3-

1. Firmness of fruit at harvest . Obviously, apples which are rather mature
and relatively soft at harvest time are not going to keep as long as those v/hich
are firmer. Such fruit should be disposed of first and, il possible, stored
separately since they produce large quantities of ripening and scald gases which
will tend to shorten the storage life of less mature lots. There is still
considerable controversy as to whether pre-harvest hormone sprays hasten ripening.
Data on Mcintosh indicate that in some seasons the application of hormone may
hasten ripening and its effect has been detected in respiration and firmness
studies within a few days following its application. Failure of hormone sprayed
trees to keep as well as non-sprayed fruit may be related also to the fact that
hormoned fruit has been allowed to hang until overripe.

2. Degree of bruising . It should be kept in mind that prevention of bruising
at harvest time is impoi'tant not only for appearance's sake but also from the
standpoint of firmness. Apples soften faster when bruised than similar apples
bruise-free ,

3. Storage temperature . In the fall, rapid cooling cannot be overemphasized.
Apples held at UQO f. ripen about tv/ice as fast as they do at 32° F., and at

60° F. about three times as fast as at kO° F. Be sure when building a storage that
ample cooling capacity is provided and remember that a forced-air circulation
system will cool the fruit faster than a coil system of similar cooling capacity
which develops relatively weak air currents.

It. Humidity . At temperatures of 32^F. attempt to maintain a relative h'omidity
around 90%. Under these conditions shriveling will be held to a minimum. Biggest
losses of moisture from apples is to ;vooden boxes and cold coils. Moisten the
boxes if they have not been heavily rained upon. If possible, v;hen the room is
loaded and down to proper storage temperature, raise the refrigerant temperature
so that the differential between it and storage room air is small. Coils at 10° F.
will take much more out of the air moisture than coils at 25° F.

5. Ripening gases . As apples ripen they produce several ripening gases.
Ethylene is apparently most active in this regard although recent investigations
at Cornell University indicate that other gases may have a similar influence.
Batches of ripe apples produce s-ufficient quantities of these ripening gases to
hasten the rate of softening of less mature lots. The problem of removing these
gases cannot be accomplished by simple ventilation procedures. Gold storage
ventilation is usually not feasible except when outdoor temperatures are near 32*^ F.
and such periods in the first month or six weeks of storage are short. Also, as
soon as ventilation ceases the ripening gases will build up rapidly to their
former level. After an apple has been in storage a month to six weeks it has
probably reached the point v/here ripening gases no longer influence its rate of
softening. Although the air-purification method utilizing activated, coconut
shell carbon is not entirely satisfactory for complete removal of all ripening
gases, it is probably superior to any other known method. Also, air-purification
will aid in scald control and in eliminating many types of storage odors.

— F. V». Southwick
■ir -ii- -it -ir -K- -x- ■;!■ ■!}■ -it -ii- -/c -.i- -it •>!■ r<r -i!- ^ ■;;■

From the November 22 Special Apple Llarket Report, - "Only
highest colored, firm fruit bringing top quotes."

-h-

MCINTCSH STRAINS

Rogers Mcintosh continues to be the outstanding strain in respect to amuunt
and type of red color of all the strains which are being studied at Amherst.

The analysis of this year's crop from the Mcintosh strain orchard revealed
that the percent cf apples with 90^ or more red color ranged from a lov7 of 28 to a
high of 90. As was the case last year, Rogers had the highest rating while strain
39 (a striped type) had the poorest. This year there was more difference between
Rogers and the next best strain. Strain 1 having only 76% of its crop with 90%
red color. Percent of color for the other strains was Greening, 7S%; Strain 8,
69%i Strain h^, b2$\ and strain 12, $9%.

All of the blush strains except Rogers produced some striped apples. Strains
1, 8, U5 and 12 had more striping than Greening. VJ"hether or not this striped
condition is due to an unstable condition of the strains or to the possibility that
the strains are not true "bud sports" remains to be determined. There is evidence
that some strains are not stable and that careful selection must be practiced to
maintain their desirable characters. It is encouraging that so far Rogers appears
to be a stable strain and continues to produce high colored fruit of the blush
type.

— W. D, Vfeeks

-"- _x. J'-

MULCHING THE STRATOERRY BED

Occasionally reports are received indicating that some grower v/ho did not
mulch his strawberry bed experienced less injury than anticipated. To omit the
mulch another season would be hazardous and a gamble. Our winter climate calls for
the protection of our strawberry beds.

Mulching has been practiced to an increasing extent ever since 186^ when
John Knox of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, demonstrated the value of applying a mulch
to this crop. Thus the use of stravf has a direct connection with the name of this
berry. Southwest Texas is one of a very few regions where mulching with straw or
other material is not practiced commercially.

As soon as cool November v/eather has checked growth and hardened off straw-
berry plants, a mulch about three inches thick should be applied for winter protec-
tion. It prevents heaving of plants caused by freezing and thawing, prevents
crown injury, delays spring growth until more favorable weather, and avoids winter
drying of plants. During the fruiting season, the mulch conserves soil moisture,
discourages weeds, keeps fruit clean, and pickers prefer it to bare soil.

Experience suggests a mulch ^vhich does not mat down so closely that plants
are smothered, remains where placed; is free from troublesome weed seeds, is
easily applied, and is also cheap.

Where obtainable, marsh hay or swale grass is as good as straw, and cheaper.
Seaweed has proved practical for local use. On Cape Cod pine needles have been
used, but the supply is limited and the mulch rather too compact. Baled straw

-5-

may cost more but i? a .;cnci nulch aiia frequently used, provided any smothering
chaff is discarded. Growing rye, oats or millet especially for mulching is
practical, if these crops are cut before their seeds mature,

— 0. G. Anderson

-;;- ■;;- -;;- -;;- -"- -;«■ -> •«• * <*• •«■ ^^ * -is- •;;- -;;- -;;- ■>!- -x-

GRCV;TH REUTIGi;3HIPS I;I PEACH TP-EES

(Review of a paper on "The Relationship of Leaf Color, Nitrogen ana Rainlall
to the Growth cf Young Peach Trees," by V;. P, Judkins, Ohio Agr, Exp. Station)

liany peach orchards are located on sites and soils that are subject to
erosion under the usual practice of cultivation. There is now a trend towara tne
use of sod systems of soil management to reduce erosion and soil depletion.

Soil moisture and nitrogen are the factors which are most frequently limiting-
in orchards -u'here peach trees are grown in sod. Host investigators have reported
reduced growth of young peach trees when grown in sod as compared to trees gro-ivn
under cultivation. Some investigators report satisfactory grov^th and yield of
bearing age peach trees when groi/vn in sod.

The experiment conducted by Dr. Judkins was designed to secure additional
infcririation on the growth response of the young trees under a sod system and to
study the influence of various amounts of nitrogen on such trees.

Halehaven trees were planted in the spring of 19hh and 19hS on a deep, well
drained silt loam. Some of the trees were planted in an oven/intered crop of rye
and the land was then disked and seeded to a mixture of blue grass, timothy, red
top, alsike clover and red clover. The land vras not plowed or cultivated at any
time. Several different nitrogen fertilizer treatments vrere established when the
trees were set.

The trees under cultivation rrere -;;- CGMTY AGENTS' CORNER

set at the same time as those set in -^

sod. They have been maintained under -;:- The Values of I.Iulch - (Some inter-
a system of trashy cultivation from the -»- esting observations are here presented
middle of Hay until late June v;hen a -;;- by Bertram Tomlinson, County Agent-
summer cover crop of soybeans vas ■>"- Manager, Cape Cod Extension Service)
planted. In September the land was -;;-

disked and seeded to rye. Nitrogen -"- The value of mulch in regard to th-

v;as applied at the rate of l/U pound -;:- culture of blueberries has been empha-

of a 20f. nitrogen fertilizer for each •>!■ sized and re-emphasized so that it has

year of tree age.. -;:- become a pretty vrell knovm factor. T/Ve

-;!- have been told that mulching v/ith straw.

Rainfall in the summer of 19hh -"- leaves, cheap hay or any organic

Y;as below average. This lack of •"> material saves labor by keeping down the

rainfall had a retarding effect on the -;;- vreeda and conserves moisture. I have

trees grcvm in sod plots. This suppres- -x- always felt that there was another very

sicn of grovrth y:as sufficiently severe -x- important function for mulch material

to exert a retarding influence on tree -x- that has never been sufficiently empha-

growth for several succeeding seasons. -;;- sized, and that is, that mulch acts as

-6-

The trees set in 19US received an -;!• an insulator and ke:-ps Lhe soil ai a ;.v i-
adequate amount of rainfall during the ^> unifonn temperature throughout the day
growing season and the trees set in the * and night,
sod plots made more satisfactory growth ■«•

than those in the cultivated plots. The ^^ A few years ago I had occasion to
rate of tree growth for the trees in -x- propagate a privot hedge by making
the tvra systems was similar for succeed- "- cuttings and these were placed in ?. very
ing seasons. There has been no -5^ light, sandy soil. While the bed was
apparent difference in the rate of tree ■«• kept vrell watered, it seemed apparent
grovrth, as indicated by trunk circum- ■»■ to me that the cuttings were not growing
ference, between the various fertilizer "■'<■ as they should, so about the luiddle of
treatments up to the present time. This -x- June I tried a very interesting exptri-
vrould indicate that nitrogen was not a * ment. The cutting bed v;a3 thoroughly
limiting factor in this soil type. --- wet dcim and a light application of

-«■ fertilizer (5-10-10) vras applied as a t^.p
This investigator found a corre- ^:- dressing. Cne half of the bed was ther.
lation between the leaf color and leaf --'<■ mulched with about tvro inches of sawdust,
nitrogen. Leaf color was determined by ^'- and the other half v/as left for clean
a photo-electric reflection meter. ■'■■- cultivation. Both part? of the bed

-;;- received the same treatment in regard to
Results from this experiment would * irrigation, but I vias amazed to notice
indicate that on this soil tjT'^j • "■■ '"' that within tvra weeks- the part of the
soil ..-oir.turo ;7.'.s.a .r.oro iT;iortant ' ^'' bed mulched with sawdust took on a darker
factor th.:in nitrogen. The reaults also -"• green color and started a luxuriant
indicate that in seasons with adequate -«'- growth. In fact, the bed mulched vidth
rainfall, peach trees made as good -"- savirdust grew so much faster than the
growth under sod 'as under a cultivation- -x- unmulched that 1 became more interested
cover crop system of management during --- in speeding up the growth of the small
their first three years in the orchard. -:;- plants, so terminated the experLaent at

-:;- the end of six weeks,- and applied a saw-
..-- J. F. Anderson -)s- dust mulch to that portion of the bed
-;- -;'r -.;- -;;- -;;- -;;- -;;- -;;- -;;- ■;;- -is- -;;- ■>'<■ ^;- -;;- -;;- ic- -;;- -;!- -;;--;><•■);- that had none. It vras of interest tc
note that here again the response was remarkable and v/hile the color and gro^vth
became uniform that portion of the bed v^hioh was unmulched during the six weeks
period never did attain the height of the other section.

It seems__ to me that this experiment has a lesson of great value tc all horti-
culturists, and as I pondered the reasons for the difference in growth, I uas
satisfied that it must have been due entirely to the insulating effect of the saw-
dust and that the ' temperature under the sawdust must have been many degrees cooler
than the unmulched area. Unfortunately, this bright idea did not occur to me in
time ao. that I could actually measure the temperature differences with a thermometer,
30 I was particularly interested this year in observing a similar case in relation
to blueberries.

Bill Richards had set out about ten acres of blueberries this past spring, ana
at the time of planting mulched them with three or four inches of sawdust and
shavings. One section of the field had only one application of water during the
jxtreme prolonged drought experienced when we had practically no rain from the 25tl'
of May to' the first of September. Despite this abnormal situation, the plants
laade a fair to moderate growth.- On the area that was irrigated twice, the grovrth
, '.vas excellent. Another planting on a nearby farm without mulch resulted in stuntea
■^rovrth and the loss of 20 to ?.S% of the plants.

-7-

Since making these and other similar observations, I was greatly interested
in reading an article entitled, "The Effect of Soil Management on Yield of
Cultivated Blueberries" by Vladimir Shutak, E. P. Christopher and Leona McElroy of
Rhode Island State College. These people reported on the use of various mulch
materials and their observations included the differences in yield secured with
different kinds of mulch, differences in soil moisture and also differences in soil
temperature. A lack of space will not permit me to comment on this paper in
detail. Suffice it to say that the experiment did prove v/ithout question, that one
of the great values of mulch material was the fact that it helped to maintain a
more uniform soil temperature in addition to the conservation of soil moisture.

It seems to me that this maintaining of a uniform soil temperature is another
big reason v/hy farmers and gardeners should give more attention to mulch in the
growing of fruits and vegetables.

SOI.I: G3SERVATIGNS IN MARKETING PROCEDURES

As a feature of the course in fruit marketing by the Pomology Department, it
is customary to take the students on a two-day trip to Boston. The first day is
spent visiting storages and packing houses in order that these young men may
observe how apples are stored and prepared for market. A stop is also made at the
New England Vinegar Works so that they can see how culls are disposed of. The
second day is spent in Boston visiting the several markets so that the class may
obtain first hand information on methods of sale.

A few general impressions gained from the trip this year are as f ollov/s :

1. The large volume of high grade Iviclntosh apples that are now in storage.
One grower whom we had hoped to visit advised that we had better not come this
year because his storage house is so full that we couldn't get into it.

2. ihe care which was evident in the packing houses visited to prevent
bruising by careful handling of the fruit.

3. The relatively high grade culls which vrere going into cider and vinegar.
The elimination of rotten apples in the fruit used is a credit to any cider
manufacturer. Certainly, the more discriminating purchasers of cider will highly
commend this practice.

U. The extent to which labor-saving equipment is being employed to increase
efficiency in the handling of apples in the storages and packing houses.

5. The flagrant disregard for the Massachusetts Apple Grading Law, particularly
with respect to the absence of required markings on closed packages.

6. The traffic congestion and confusion around Faneuil Hall Market v/hich for
many years has added enormously to the cost of doing business. Relief from this
condition ca.nnot come too soon.

-8-

8, A window display of Baldwins in a prominent restaurant on Treinont Street
where apples were used that would net have graded iDetter than U. S. Utility. The
fruit was not only poorly colored but blemishes due to leaf roller, curculio, and
bud moth were plainly evident. Certainly, such as exhibit v;as no credit to the
restaurant, the Baldwin variety, the fruit gro7/ing industry, nor the fruit grower
yiko supplied the fruit.

Such a trip affords a splendid opportunity to observe both good and bad
practices in the marketing process. T/Yhile a fev/ objectionable practices still
persist, it is consoling to note that considerable progress has been made toward
better marketing procedures compared with those of :^ ";rnorflticn '\'^c.

— 0. C. Roberts

MCVEI.IENT OF MCINTOSH OUT OF STORAGE

STEPS TO A CLEAR STORAGE BY APRIL 1st
(1,2148,0119 bushels of Mcintosh were in
storage, in the Boston Area, Mass., Oct. 15, 19h9)

^ 100,000 bu. out of storage in this period if the indicated rate
is to be achieved; volume for succeeding periods is shovm.

-M50,000 bu.

187,000 bu.

125,000 bu.

-> 125,000 bu.

125,000 bu.

-^ 125,000 bu.

62,000 bu.

» 31,000 bu.

" 31.000

Oct. 15 1 Nov. 15 1. Dec. 15 1. Jan. 15 1 Feb. 15 1 ■:jlar.l5 1 April

bu.

— Frederick E. Cole

-y- jf. -■(. -;j.

v!- ■;<• >i- ii- ii- -it -- -iS-

-9-

POINTS -TC BE CBSSRVED Ih THE rRGDUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY CIDER

On a basis of the reaction of many consumers it would appear that greater
care in the production and handling of fresh cider should make for a greater
demand for this popular product. The following points are recommended as a guide
for the production of g^od quality cider;

1 Cider i3 IJo Better than the Rav; Material from which it is Made . Apples
for cider should be ripe, but not over-ripe, sound, and clean. Viihile
cider is frequently made from second grade and cull apples, decayed or
off flavored fruit will not make a quality product. Even a very fev;
soft rots will impart a musty taste to a large volume of cider. The
apples should be inspected and all fruit that shows evidence of decay
should be discarded,

2. Apples should be Vfashed . Apples should be washed with clean vrater
before they are ground. Washing removes dust and dirt which may
impair the quality of the cider.

3. Several Varieties of Apples are Better than One . It is well kncvm
that a blend of two or mere varieties of apples makes a better cider
than a single variety. Blending is particularly desirable when a
large proportion of liclntosh must be used. The addition of other
varieties to provide added acidity and astringency is to be
recommended. If available a small proportion of crab apples (up

to 5 per cent) is effective in providing an added zest and charac-
ter to cider.

h. Equipment Must be Kept Clean . The equipment should be thoroughly
cleaned at the end of the day's operation. Dry press cloths
should be soaked overnight in clean^cold water before using.
Press cloths must be clean to permit a free flow of juice. At
frequent intervals they should be boiled and then rinsed in cold
water, or they may be washed and then soaked for several hours
in a weak chlorine solution to kill microorganisms. Musty press
cloths v/ill impart a musty flavor to the cider.

Press racks should be cleaned thoroughly and steamed daily. They
should be at least partially dried before stacking. There is
danger of "Souring" if i:hey are stacked while wet.

Clean equipment and premises inspire the confidence of consumers
who visit the plant.

5. Clean Containers are Essential . The barrels or vats in which
cider is held must be clean, other^ifise off-flavors may be imparted
to an otherwise high quality cider.

6. Cider may be Frozen . Cider lends itself to preservation by freezing.
Freezing provides a means whereby fresh cider can be made available
as a year-round beverage.

— IV. B, Esselen, Jr,

-10-

Reminder on Mouse Control V/here grass is heaviest there is greatest danger
of mouse injury to trees. Placing properly treated baits in the active "runs"
is recognized as a veiy effective way of dealing with the mouse problem. For
full details consult your county agricultural agent. If you can prevent the
girdling of even a single permanent tree, a few hours in surveying the
situation and taking the necessary steps v/ill be tiine well spent.

We Need Your Opinion YiHiat is your present estimate of these

apple varieties? Macoun , Golden

Milton. If you have any notion concerning

comparatively new
Delicious , Gallia ,
the possibilities
conditions, please
compiler of FRUIT
Production, Market
tages have come to
ciscussed at one o
dozen opinions on

of any of these varieties under your
jot them on a post card and mail it to the

NOTES. , Items of interest are: Quality,
Demand and v/hatever advantages or disadvan-
your attention. Newer varieties will be

f the M.F.G.A. sessions in ".Vorcester. A

post cards, in advance, vail be very valuable.

A Note on Pov.'er Pruners A type of power prune r
used quite extensively in the Far West, seems to
have possibilities for Massachusetts growers.
Some demonstrations are planned during the next few
weeks. IVith adequate air pressure, branches 3/1^"
in diameter can be removed. For a dropping type of
tree, such as Cortland, v;here many relatively small
cuts on downward growing laterals should be made,
this device is a real time saver. And although it
is more expensive that others previously on the
market it may have definite advantages. Operated
from a home-made pruning tower, ladders are quite
unnecessary.

Apple Pie Contest A stateiuide Apple Pie Contest will be held in January in
connection with the Union Agricultural Meeting. Substantial prizes are being
offered. For full details consult your coiinty home demonstration agent. It is
suggested that fruit growers encourage their wives to take part in the Contest.
To allow a larger number of pies to be entered, a county contest is first being
held in each county. The names of the county committee members responsible for
development of these local contests may be obtained from your County Extension
Office. The five -v.'inning contestants in each county will enter the statev/ide
contest in Viiorcester next January. Among the judges is Mrs. Kay Mitchell of
Wrentham, first prize winner last year. The other tvro are Miss Deraetria Taylor
and Mrs. Lucy Shelve, Home Economists for the N. Y. and N. E. Apple Institute
and the N. E. Marketing Program, respectively.