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FRUIT NOTES
Prapored by Pomology Sfoff
Deportment of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
JANUARY - 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SMALL FRUIT MEETING
Your 1958 Federal Income Tax (Farmers)
Thoughts on Pruning
Notes on New Varieties
The Aphids on Apple II
Prices - Last Five Years
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and J
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agrlcultire and County Extension Services cooperatfr
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
une 30, 1914;
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POMOLOGY SECTION = DEPARrfoEN-r OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James F. - Instructor
Teaches courses in peat control, smnill furlt culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties*
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breading, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J, - Extension Fruit Specialist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses „ Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing.
Southwick, Franklin W. •- Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
Contributors to This Issue From Supporting Fields
Lawrence D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
Ellsworth H. Wheeler - Extension Entomologist
Frederick E. Cole- Extension Marketing Specialist
SMALL FRUIT MEETING
A Small Fruit Meeting will be held in the Middlesex Room of the Student Union
Building at the University of Massachusetts on Wednesday, Janxiary 21, 1959. The
meeting will be an all day session beginning at 10:00 A.M. and ending at 4:00 P.M.
The topics discussed at this meeting will be as follows:
Chemical Weed Control
Newer Small Fruit Varieties Worthy of Trial
Soil Fumigation
Blueberry Maggot Control
Fruit Rot Control
Cyclamen Mite Control on Strawberries
General Recommendations for Insect Control
William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
YOUR 1958 FEDERAL INCOME TAX (FARRIERS)
If you had gross income of $600 or more during your tax year and you are a
citizen or resident of the United States, you must file a Federal Income Tax return
even though no tax is due. This also applies to minor children. There is only
one exception to this rule. If you are 65 years of age or over at the end of your
tax year you are not required to fil«-* a return unless your gross Income is $1200 or
more.
When to file your income tax return
If at least two-thirds of your gross income is from farming and your tax year
starts January 1, you have two choices.
1. File your return and pay the tax on or before February 15, 1959; or
2. File an estimate of your tax and pay this amount by January 15, 1959.
Then file your return and pay any balance due by April 15, 1959.
Where to file
Mail your return to the District Director of Internal Revenue for the district
in which you live. For Massachusetts, this is Boston, Massachusetts.
The forms you use
As a farmer you use these forms for filing your tax return.
Form 1040 - this is your return on which you compute your tax.
Schedule F. This form gives you a place to list all your farm income and
deductions and determine your net farm profit or loss. Attached to this form is
the form on which you figure your social security tax.
Schedule D. This form is used to show your gains and losses from sales of
capital assets and certain property used in your farming business such as dairy,
or breeding animals and farming equipment.
-2-
Form 1096 and 1099 - information returns are used to report payments to
individuals of $600 or more in the course of your trade or business in any calendar
year for wages, interest or rent. Separate copies of Form 1099 are to be given to
each individual to whom you made payments which total $600 or more.
If you are a member of a partnership then the partnership uses Form 1065
together with Schedule F and Form 1040.
Tax
One major change which affects farmers is an optional first year depreciation
allowance on new or used tangible personal property purchased after December 31, 1957,
with a useful life of _6 years or more . The additional allowance is 20 percent of
the cost (not reduced by salvage) and may be obtained only in the first tax year ,
that a depreciation allowance is allowable on such property. The aggregate cost
upon which the additional allowance may be based may not exceed $10,000 on a separate
return and $20,000 on a joint return. The additional allowance may be taken even
though the property was not owned the full year . After taking this additional
allowance you may also take the regular depreciation to which you are entitled for
the year, computed after adjusting the basis of the property for the additional
depreciation allowance. The property must have been purchased. If part of the
basis of the property is determined by reference to the basis of other property
such as a non-taxable exchange, that part cannot be considered for the additional
allowance. If, for example, you are allowed $600 on an old tractor which you
trade in on a new $3,000 tractor only $2400 will qualify.
Example
On November 1, 1958 you bought a truck for $4,000. You estimate the useful
life at 10 years and a salvage value of $500. Your depreciation deduction on a
separate return, using the straight-line method, may be computed as follows, if
you so elect :
20% of $4,000 $800.00
107o of $2,700 ($4,000 less 800 less 500)
Depreciation for 2 months (2/12 x 270) 45.00
Depreciation for 1958 on separate return $845.00
For 1959 and later years if there are no other adjustments to the basis of
this property, your depreciation deduction would be $270. After figuring your
special depreciation allowance you can use the sum-of-the-years-digits or declining
balance method of depreciation, if you wish.
Social Security Taxes
You must file a return and pay a social security tax on your earnings as a
self-employed farmer even though you would not other^jise be required to file an
income tax return. The rate of tax is 3 3/8 percent of earning up to the maximum
of $4,200. (The rate increases after January 1, 1959 to 3 3/4 percent and the
maximum earnings are increased to $4,800).
-3-
If you employ someone to work for you, you must deduct 2 1/2 percent of his
wages if they total $150 for the year or if he worked on 20 different days during
the year on a time basis. You also pay 2 1/2 percent of his wages as a social
security tauc. You do not withhold social security tax on your father's or mother's
or your wife's or your husband's wages if they work for you nor on wages of your
children if they are under 21 years of age and work for you,
—Lawrence D. Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
THOUGHTS ON PRUNING
Pneumatic pruning equipment is used in a number of fruit orchards. Growers
who have used such equipment report labor savings ranging from 25% to 50%, How-
ever, the time spent in the decision phase of pruning cannot be shortened by
modern equipment. This phase depends upon the man doing the pruning. The ability
to "size-up" each tree and to arrive at a quick but sound pruning decision is
reflected in the number of trees pruned in a day.
Growers should be on the alert to avoid becoming "trigger happy" with power
pruners. Due to the ease of cutting with power tools there is a tendency to
make excessive cuts. This results in branches with the fruiting area located
mainly as a fringe near the terminals. This is brought about by the removal of
too many lateral branches from the scaffold limbs. The process begins near the
trunk and often continues nearly to the end of the scaffold branches.
Many Massachusetts fruit growers report favorably on the use of rotary
mower-shredders for shredding prunings and mowing in the orchards. The prunings
are collected in the aisles between the trees and the limbs over 2 1/2 inches in
diameter are hauled away. However, when piling the prunings in the aisles high
windrows should be avoided because of the difficulty encountered when passing
over them.
This is the logical year for growers anticipating a snow-ball bloom to do
heavy pruning where the need exists. The objective of the apple grower is to
obtain a high percentage of fruits of the size, color and quality demanded by
the market. The grower cannot afford to grow small, poorly colored fruits. There-
fore, pruning to eliminate weak wood and thereby many potential culls is in order.
The most common pruning suggestions made by the writer during visits to
orchards involve the pruning of young trees, filler trees and tall trees.
Too many instances apple trees of bearing age receive first attention and
the grower does not get time to prune the young trees. The longer the young
trees are neglected the more difficult it is to shape them. If a tree is allowed
to go unpruned for four or five years, it is frequently impossible, without drastic
pruning, to develop a well balanced framework with scaffold limbs properly spaced,
and a modified leader.
In the case of filler trees it is generally suggested that they be pruned as
lightly as possible in order to hasten fruitfulness and to obtain maximum production
before removal. However, when filler trees begin to crowd the permanent trees or
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Interfere with orchard operations they should be pruned heavily on the sides
adjacent to the permanent trees. By adopting this system of pruning the filler
trees may be left two or three years longer before removal. However, in many
orchards the suggestion is to prune the filler trees close to the ground.
The main problems of caring for tall trees is how to lower their height
and how they should be pruned once the height is lowered. Some growers are still
attempting to lower tree height by cutting off all branches above a certain level.
This will not accomplish the desired results 1 Instead, a large number of water
sprouts will develop near the pruning cuts and many of these will grow to a height
greater than before lowering was attempted. To reduce tree height growers should
remove entirely tall branches or cut back to well placed strong lateral branches,
depending on the tree under consideration.
In some cases growers are attempting to lower the tree height in one year and
are not leaving enough branches or water sprouts to shade exposed limbs. Such a
procedure results in considerable sunscald. If a tree has a number of tall branches,
all of these should not be removed in one year. Remove over a 2 or 3 year period.
One of the objectives of lowering tall trees is to replace old wood on the
remaining limbs with young, vigorous fruiting wood. Some growers have left too
many water sprouts which are poorly placed. These water sprouts are in a key
position to receive the water and nutrients that othen^ise would go to the parent
scaffold branch. If too many of these water sprouts are left they may dwarf the
parent branch beyond their point of origin. Growers should remove all but the
most desireably located x^ater sprouts. It is the hope of the growers that as the
water sprouts develop side branches they will settle toward the outside of the
tree. Sometimes the water sprouts can be trained toward the outside of the tree
by heading back to an outward growing lateral branch.
---W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
NOTES ON NEW VARIETIES
APPLE
Beacon - A seedling of Malinda introduced by the University of Minnesota. Beacon
is a fairly attractive early apple of Early Mcintosh season or later. It may
warrant limited trial as an early apple. The Fenton and Miller's Red varieties
are indistinguishable from Beacon and in all probability are Beacon renamed.
Crandall - A Rome Beauty x Jonathan cross introduced by the Illinois Agricultural
Experiment Station. Crandall is a late winter apple. It has not done well for us.
The fruit runs small and is poorly colored. Fruit quality is poor. Crandall does
not appear to be worthy of trial.
Monroe - A Jonathan x Rome Beauty cross introduced by the New York Agricultural
Experiment Station. Monroe is a late winter cooking apple of only fair quality.
It is a fairly attractive apple with good color. The tree is very susceptible to
powdery mildew. Monroe does not look like a promising variety for Massachusetts.
-5-
Ruby - A Gallia Beauty x Starking cross from the Ohio Agricultural Experiment
Station. Ruby is a winter apple. The fruit has good size but it has a dull un-
attractive red color. Fruit quality is poor. Ruby does not appear to be an
outstanding variety under our conditions.
W. D. Weeks
PEACH
Richhaven - An attractive, well colored, yellow fleshed peach of Halehaven season.
The fruit has good size and quality. Worthy of extensive trial.
M. A. Blake - An attractive yellow fleshed peach which ripens a few days ahead of
Elberta. Fruit has good size, quality, and very little pubescence. This peach
looks very promising as a late-season variety to replace Elberta. Worthy of
extensive trial.
---W. D. Weeks
PEARS
Alexander Lucas - An attractive French winter pear which is large, yellow with
a blush and good quality. It's season is late fall and early winter.
Chap in - A seedling of Seckel which resembles Seckel in general characteristics
but ripens nearly a month before Seckel. It is very sweet and excellent in
quality.
Ewart - A large greenish yellow pear netted v;iLh russet and has a fine, melting,
tender, juicy flesh. The season is a month later tlian Bartlett.
Gorham - Fruit resembles Bartlett in size, color, and shape. Ripens two weeks
later than Bartlett and keeps a month longer. The quality is good to excellent.
This variety is particularly recommended for dessert and canning.
Red Bartlett - A sport of Bartlett which resembles Bartlett in every respect
except color which is red rather than yellow.
0. C. Roberts
RED RASPBERRIES
Early Red - An early, medium sized fruit of medium red color, moderately firm
and fairly good quality. Growth and production are satisfactory. Winter hardiness
is fairly good. No virus disease has been observed on it as yet, but it is moderate-
ly susceptible to spur blight. Worthy of limited trial.
Muskoka - A midseason variety, with medium sized attractive red fruit which is
moderately firm and good quality. Canes are moderately winter hardy and show
little spur blight. No virus found on it to date,
Fuyallup - From the fruit standpoint this variety is outstanding in size, firmness,
distinctive flavor and very good quality. It ripens about with Latham, but
preli.uinary cvi-cncc sugsesis thrX it D::ay aoc be sufficiently winter hardy for
commercial use.
-6-
Other new varieties under test but still not ready for evaluation include
Canby, New Hampshire and Sumner, Crimson Cone has been quite inferior in size,
firmness and quality. It is not recommended even for trial.
A. P. French
STRAWBERRIES
Armore - This University of Missouri introduction looks very promising. The
plant is very vigorous, and forms many runners. The fruit is large, firm and of
fine flavor. Armore has been one of the top producers in our trials but falls
short in fruit appearance and is not resistant to red stele.
Blaze - An introduction of the New Hampshire Experiment Station. The plants are
vigorous, productive and produce a moderate number of runners. The fruits are
large, light in color with white centers, fair in firmness and good quality. Blaze
is not resistant to red stele, but is worthy of trial where this disorder is not
present.
Ear li dawn - This U.S.D.A. introduction has been the earliest ripening variety in
our trials. The plants are moderately productive, of fair vigor and form a satis-
factory number of runner plants. The fruit is of medium size, firm, tart and of
fair to good quality. Earlidawn is susceptible to the common strain of red stele
but may be of value where red stele is not a factor, because of its earliness.
Redglow ~ A U.S.D.A. introduction for the midseason. The plants are tall, vigorous
and produce numerous runners. The fruits are attractive, of medium to large size
and of good quality. Redglow is resistant to the common strain of red stele but
is susceptible to mildew.
Surecrop - An introduction of the U.S.D.A. and the Maryland Experiment Station.
The plants are tall, vigorous and produce numerous runners. The fruit is of medium
size, attractive and of good quality though tart. Surecrop show promise where red
stele is a problem.
Pocahontas - An introduction from the U.S.D.A. The plants are of moderate vigor
and runner production, the berries were of medium size, attractive, firm, sub-acid,
but of very good quality. Pocahontas was one of the top producers in this season's
trials at Amherst.
Vine land - An introduction of the Ontario Experiment Station. The plants are of
moderate vigor, yield and runner production. The fruit was of medium size, with
prominent raised seeds, tender and of good quality.
Merrimack - This New Hampshire introduction may have a place as a very late ripen-
ing variety. The plants are tall, vigorous and form a moderate number of runner
plants. The fruit is of medium size, attractive and of good quality.
---J. F. Anderson
BLUEBERRIES
Earllblue is the earliest of the new varieties as its name suggests. The
bush is upright, vigorous, well shaped, easy to prune, and propagate, but not
quite so productive as some of the older early varieties. The fruit is light
blue and very firm, hangs to the bush well, and has good flavor. The clusters
are medium size and medium open. The birds as well as humans appreciate its
earliness. Earliblue is recommended for trial until more is known about its
adaptability in various parts of the State.
Blueray is a second early following Bluecrop in the Rancocas-Stanley season.
The bush is erect, somewhat spreading, vigorous, and productive. The berries are
very large, firm, light blue, hang to the bush well, have very good flavor, but
have a poor scar, and are subject to mummy berry. The clusters are small and
compact. It has considerable cold resistance. Recommended for trial till more
is known of its adaptability over the State.
Bluecrop is an early mid-season variety following Blueray. Ripens about
Stanley season. The bush is upright, vigorous, productive, and easy to prune
and propagate, but a bit slow in getting started. The fruit is very light blue,
very firm, has a small scar and very good flavor. The clusters are large and
medium loone which makes for easy picking. Ripening is quite uniform. Bluecrop
is outstandingly resistant to spring frosts. It is considered a promising com-
mercial variety by those who have tried it. Recommended for trial till further
tests prove its adaptability to all parts of the State.
Berkeley is a mid-season variety to follow Bluecrop, a few days ahead of
Jersey. The bush is upright, vigorous, productive, and easy to prune and prop-
agate. The fruit is very large, round, light blue, and firm with a mild, sweet
flavor. The berries are about the most attractive of any cultivated variety.
So far, it has not suffered unduly from winter cold. It is recommended for both
commercial and home planting.
Herbert is a late variety ripening with Rubel. The bush is spreading and a
bit slow growing, but productive and easy to propagate. The fruit has a good
scar, is slightly flattened, a bit dark in color, large and fine flavored, but
too tender skinned for distant shipment. It is almost as frost resistant as
Bluecrop. Because of its frost resistance, productivity, and excellent flavor,
it is recommended for trial.
Coville is a very late variety ripening about ^ TT^^k after the peak of the
Rubel season. The bush is upright, spreading, vigorous, productive, easy to
prune, and relatively easy to propagate. The fruit is large, round, a bit dark,
firm, a good shipper, ripens rather slov/ly, and is tart until fully ripe. It
has a highly aromatic flavor which is very pleasing. When picked on the tart
side, it is outstanding for pie making. Recommended for commercial and home
planting.
Ivanhoe is an early variety of about Stanley season. Not many have been
planted in the State which is probably fortunate. It is better adapted farther
south. Here it is subject to frost damage, tends to drop when ripe, and cracks
badly after rains. Not recommended.
John S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
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THE APHIDS ON APPLE II
Apple Grain Aphid
The apple grain aphid causes very little damage to foliage and no damage
to fruit. And yet, usually, it is the most abundant aphid on apple buds, spur
leaves and blossom clusters until shortly after bloom.
Many times, growers spend money for materials and labor to control this
harmless aphid. And often such applications are too late to prevent losses from
any rosy apple aphids which may be present.
The effective, preventive programs for rosy aphid, outlined. in the November -
December issue of Fruit Notes, will eliminate grain aphid infestations completely.
Worry and unnecessary expenditures also should be eliminated by carrying out these
"insurance" programs.
More About the Aphid Itself
Last fall, during September and October, v/inged females produced on grains
and g^rcaea left those plants and migrated to apple. Here they produced living
progeny which were wingless females. After having been mated with winged males
from grain and grass host plants these females laid overwintering eggs.
The eggs resemble those of the rosy apple aphid. The tiny, black ovals are
found now (December) tucked into crevices around buds on slow growing terminals,
on fruit spurs, and wherever there is rough bark along the branches.
Hatching starts early, even before any green tissue is showing. Literally
hundreds of young apple grain aphids may be found clustering on swollen buds in
the Silver Tip and Green Tip stages of bud development. Normally hatching is
completed within 7 to 10 days.
The nymphs feed on the sap of leaves, flower buds and bud stems but do not
cause distortion of these parts.
The growth of these first generation nymphs into stem mothers is completed
in about 2 weeks, sometime early in the Up~to-Pink stage. Stem mothers are
yellowish green with a distinct row or band of diamond- shaped, darker green
areas extending lengthwise along the mid-line of the back.
Sometime before Pink the stem mothers, without mating, start to produce
living young, 2 to 3 per day for up to a month. Under favorable conditions
enormous populations may be present during bloom and shortly after.
Most of the second generation nymphs, and all of those in the third genera-
tion on apple, develop into winged females which migrate to grains or grasses and
there produce living young, which represent the first of a series of summer broods
on these host plants.
Here again is a complicated life cycle involving two host plant types, one
egg laying generation, three winged forms, and many broods in which are found only
the non-mating females capable of producing living young.
-9-
There is the one big difference as compared to the rosy apple aphid. There
is no damage .
Oh, a few of the big basal leaves on new terminals may be curled or distorted
a little along about first cover time. And aphids may be found underneath them.
But they are apple grain aphids, with developing wings. In a week or so they will
be gone.
It is not necessary to control the apple grain aphid'.
Carry out one of the "insurance" programs suggested for rcjsy apple aphid
and get the fringe benefits of apple grain aphid kill and freedom from worry'.
---E„ H. Wheeler
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
120s 140s 160s ^^^ '^'2 inch and up
Prices - U. S. Fancy - Faneuil Hall and Country Point
1953 - '54 - '55 - '56 ~ '57
A comparison of the crate and the cell pack on recent markets provides some
interesting information on price relationships. The Special Apple Market Report
as published by the Mass. Department of Agriculture provides the data.
The cell-pack has increased in popularity during the last five years and
the crate is not used as much now as formerly. Not every market report had prices
on all four packs so that prices were tabulated on days in 1955, 1956 and 1957
when all four packs were reported. In the two previous years, 1954 and 1953, the
120s and I40s were not quoted frequently enough to be tabulated.
Number of Reports Tabulated
Years Faneuil Hall Country Point
1953-54 ^\* 20*
155-55 21* 13**
1955-56 26 26
1956-57 39 22
1957-58 38 20
*cell-pack 160s and eastern crates 1\ inch and up only
**cell-pack 140s and 160s and eastern crates 2^ inch and up only
The make-up and representativeness of the quotations and the quality of the
contents of the packages will, of necessity, have to be assumed to be constant
throughout the period although neither assumption may be valid through no fault
or oversight of the market reporters.
The chances are good that a count of the 2\ inch and up in the crate would
average close to 140, so that a comparison of the 140 cell-pack price would be
the more appropriate if qualities were the same. The prices of the 1\ inch and
up in the crate are closer to the 160 count in the cell pack and will be used in
comparisons. No evidence is available as to why a "2);. inch and up pack sells for
less than a straight 1\ inch pack although some persons mav have olausible reasons.
-10-
Average Prices, Mcintosh, U. S. Fancy grade
Cell-pack 120s lAOg leOg and Eastern crate V^ inch and up
Faneuil Hall and Country Point - Five years.
FANEUIL HALL COUNTRY POINT
Ysars 120s 140c 160^ 2^" up 120.^ 140.; 160« 2k" up
1953-54 - - $3.27 $2.82
1954-55 - - 3.03 2.59
1955-56 $2.63 $2.44 2.09 1.92
1956-57 4.14 3.96 3.70 3.56
1957-58 2.54 2.41 2.17 1.89
-
-
$3.33
$3.22
-
$3.90
3.56
3.28
$2.91
2.61
2.23
2.11
4.32
4.15
3.76
3.70
2.99
2.88
2.41
2.09
3.41
3.21
2.80
2.63
-
3.38
-
.
-
-
3.06
2.88
3 yr. /v,3.10 2.94 2.65 2.46
4 yr. Av. -
5 yr. Av. - - 2.85 2.56
Several observations are possible:
Ik" and up and 160s
The Ik" and up in the crate averaged 29c less than the 160s in the cell-pack
at Faneuil Hall for the five years and 18c less at Country point. This dif-
ference is 19c and 17c in an average of the last three years at city and
Country point.
The difference between the 2V' up crate and the 160 cell-pack in each of the
five years at Faneuil Hall was 45c, 44c, 17c, 14c and 28c respectively and at
Country point lie, 28c, 12c, 6c and 32c respectively.
Faneuil Hall and Country Point
The difference between Faneuil Hall and Country point prices for the 120s 140s
160s and 2V up respectively was 31c, 27c, 15c and 17c in the recent three years,
120s and 140s
Three year differences between 120s and 140s, city and country, were 19c, 18c
and 13c - average 16.6c in the city and 30c, 17c and lie - average 19.3c in the
country - 1955, 1956, 1957.
140s and 160s
The three year differences between 140s and 160s, city and country, were 35c,
26c and 24c - average 28.3c in the city and 38c, 39c and 47c - average 41.3c
in the country - 1955, 1956, 1957.
Price of 100 apples
Per 100 apple price differences might bring out another angle of the differences
in price due to size. On the basis of quotations for the last three years
100 apples of the 120 count size, average, both city and country, may be calr
culated to be $2.71; 100 apples of the 140 count size - $2.20 and 100 apples of
the 160 count size $1.70. Calculating returns from a 3,000 apple tree on the
basis of price differences due to size, emphasizes the Importance of size.
These figures also considered in connection with an assumed average cost of
production and marketing, wholesale, of $2.60 ($1.25 plus $1,35) er-ohasize the
importance of the larger sizes and the pack used.
The above figures also illustrate that average returns for average packs are.
tor a portion of the industry, close to the break-even point. Better returns than
average - above the break-even point - through better than average selling of
better than average packs is the aim and result of good marketing.
Frederick E. Cole
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
FEBRUARY 15, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fruit Promotion in Hampden County
Fruit Outlook
Trees on East Mailing VII Maintain High Yields
Stacking Apples in Refrigerated Storages
Orchard Pest Control by Air Dusting
The Aphids on Apples — III
Control of Orchard Mice Sometimes Necessary
in Winter
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loued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acta of May 8 and June 30, 1914j
University of Maasachuaetts, United Statea Department of Agrlcultire and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTirSITr OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology, Active in the testing of new varieties,
Bailey, John S, - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P, - Head, Dspartincnt of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J, - Extension Fruit Specialist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing,
Southwick, Franklin W, - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D, - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
Contributors to This Issue From Supporting Fields
C, Lyman Calahan, Extension Horticulturist, University of Vermont
E, J. Rasmussen, Extension Horticulturist, University of New Hampshire
G, Everett Wilder, County Extension Agent in Agriculture, Hampden County
E. H. Wheeler, Extension Entomologist
Frederick E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist
John W. Peterson, Mammal Conservation Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
-2-
The Hampden County Fruit GroTrers Association had a display and booth in the
Massachusetts Building at the 1958 Eastern States Exposition. Apples and Certified
Cider were sold and Johnny Appleseed (John O'Shauahnessy, Loomis Street, Southwick,
Massachusetts) demonstrated the art of grafting, A 10 or 12 year old apple tree
with fruit of different varieties attached was displayed.
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Coxjr.erce Breakfast f^^ October first h«ld at
the Highland Hotel saluced the Hampden County Fruit Industry. This was the high-
light of our advertising campaign and was a spectacular affair. Some 250 business
men and women were present at the Chamber of Cc^iTnerce Breakfast, where cider was
served in the place of orange juice and apple pie v;as part of the menu.
Russell P, Dale, Jr, as chief greater, saluted the H-nmpden County Fruit
Growers and gave a brief history of the organiza" Ion, He also ccninented on the
fact that Hampden County Gro-ers could cc-npete v/ith growers anytJhere in the
country when it came to growing fine apples.
The dining hall was decorated with apple posters and a Hampden County Fruit
Growers sign.
A bag of fancy Macs was passed to each person present at the breakfast by
Johnny Appleseed, as he or she passed from the dining hall to the lobby.
—Everett Wilder
County Extension Agent in Agriculture
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT OUTLOOK
An improved employmsnt situation and relatively high consumer incomes will
be favorable factors in the marketing of apples stored from the 1958 crop. Apples,
generally, were put into storage in good storage condition.
Operators of controlled atmosphere storages face their most critical market-
ing season, so far, in the spring and early sunnter carkets. Ho;/ever, consumer
acceptance of crisp apples from controlled atmosphere storage has been the most
significant developT.ent in apple marketing since standard cold storage methods
became prevalent over twenty years ago.
There is a reported increase of 225,000 bushels in the quantity of apples in
"CA" storage in Massachv^t^etts which is more than double the quantity stored with
this improved method from the 1957 crop. This increased tonnage, together with
increased tonnage reported to other New England states and New York, places an
unusual responsibility on the marketers of apples during the winter, spring and
early summer months. Most of the apples in the new type of storage are of the
Mcintosh variety.
Condition of the apples, as placed on the market, will continue to have an
important bearing on prices received. The rate of consumer acceptance of apples
since harvest will also have a bearing on the rate of out-of-storage movement
of late apples.
-3-
Adjustments are being made in the handling of standard storage apples to have
them cleared from storage before the "CA" apples start to move. The extent and
success of these adjustments can only be knovm after the season has ended. Close
study of available market information is necessary as individual forecasts of
movement and price are made by packers and shippers.
Increases in population, the concentration of the producing industry in the
hands of skilled commercial growers and Increasing skills in marketing create a
favorable long-time outlook for the industry as a whole. Persistent reports of
new plantings of popular varieties in economical units indicate a growing strength
in the industry. Substantial accomplishment in keeping costs of production on a
practically level plane in recent years has kept the local industry competitive
and the outlook for apple production in Massachusetts is favorable on the basis
of expected regional competition and demonstrated consimier acceptance of good
apples .
-—Frederick E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
TREES ON EAST MAILING VII MAINTAIN HIGH YIELDS
Production records in 1958 from a block of 15 year Mcintosh on East Mailing
II and VII Indicate that these trees are capable of producing high acre yields
of fruit. The average yield for E.M. II was 11 boxes per tree while the average
yield for E.M. VII was 12 boxes per tree. The spread of those trees is somewhat
over 20 feet so that a planting distance of 20* by 30* is required. With this
planting distance there are 72 trees per acre which at the above rates would
produce 864 boxes per acre for E.M. VII and 792 boxes for E.M. II,
A closer planting plan might be adopted where the slope of the orchard site
permits sprayer travel in two directions. Under this condition it would be
possible to set the trees 15' by 20* so that when the trees commence to crowd
every other tree in the 15 foot row would be removed leaving a 20 by 30 planting
distance. With this planting plan the number of trees per acre would be doubled
and the yield could theoretically be increased to 1600 to 1700 boxes per acre
as long as the trees were not crowded. Whether or not a grower adopts this close
planting plan will depend on the orchard site available and his willingness to
double the cost of trees for planting.
— W. D. Weeks
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
STACKING APPLES IN REFRIGERATED STORAGES
A number of apple growers in New Hampshire are stacking apples in their
storages on pallets which certainly requires less labor and makes handling easier
than stacking by hand. However the cost of fork lifts is considerable and the
pallets require some space thereby reducing the amount of fruit that can be
placed in storage. Some growers feel that the extra boxes stored by hand stack-
ing more than off sets the extra cost of labor required.
-4-
William Lievens, Woodmont Orchards in Derry has worked out a good system
of hand stacking in his new 20,000 box storage. The storage is high enough to
stack 18 boxes high and this is done in 3 layers of 6 boxes each. 3 x 8 x 3/4
plywood is used to walk on while stacking the second and third layers. Suffi-
cient plywood was purchased for a walk way the length of the storage rooms
for both the second and third layer.
Stacking is Ptarted 4 boxes wide (the boxes set the long way with the wall)
along the wall opposite the door to the storage. The inner 3 stacks are covered
with plywood which leaves the stack next to the wall uncovered. Next this outer
row of boxes is stacked 12 high. Then another row is added to the lower layer
and the plywood moved out to cover this last row of boxes. This exposes another
row in the second layer which is stacked 12 high. This is continued until 4 rows
have been added to the second layer. The inner 3 rows of the second layer are
next covered with plywood which leaves the ron* next to the wall open for stacking
18 high. Then by adding a row of boxes first to the lower layer, and moving the
plywood out and next to the second layer, and moving the plywood out and then
stacking the third layer the storage can be progressively filled.
The plywood provides a good working area and because it keeps all of the
fruit in the top layers well covered there is less damage of bruising the fruit
than when narrow boards are used.
-— E. J. Rasmussen
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
ORCHARD PEST CONTROL BY AIR DUSTING
(Editor's note - This is the first of a series of articles in which
Professor C. Lyman Calahan discusses "Orchard Pest Control by Air Dusting".)
The use of the airplane for the application of apple pest control materials
has become an accepted and highly effective commercial practice by Vermont orchard-
ists since 1949. This does not mean that the method is new because an Indiana
orchard was airplane-dusted as long ago as 1925, and the use of airplanes for
the application of pest control sprays and dusts to field crops and to timber-
land has been on a commercial basis for a long time. The discovery of DDT, follow-
ed by the opening of the so-called "organic era" of, in many instances, highly
specific and effective insecticides and fungicides, made possible the effective
use of dusts especially when applied by air borne equipment.
The first air dust test blocks were in the Southern Vermont Orchards at
Bennington back in 1949 and were a cooperative field trial project between the
U. S. Rubber Company and Mr. Paul Bohne who managed the orchard at that time.
It included 120 acres and Dichlone (Phygon) was the material used for primary
scab control with spectacular results. The first air dust recommendations were
published for use by Vermont orchardists in 1952 and the first full season air
dust schedule was published in 1954. During the 1958 season two air operators
applied around 300 tons of dusts to 33 orchards on a full season schedule and
about 10 more orchards on a primary scab control season schedule. One orchard
has not had any spray or dust materials applied to it in any other form except
air dusts for seven consecutive seasons. Several other orchards have been run on
this program for six seasons and are producing fine fruit without losses to scab
or insects.
-5-
Some of the reasons why planes are being used In Vermont are as follows:
1. Scab control is equal to or better than by other methods. This is because
better timing is possible for many growers due to the fast rate of applica-
tion (1 acre per minute), use of highly effective materials, and better cov-
erage in the top centers of large trees. Growers are frequently able to save
an application in the event infection conditions do not develop because the
time required to make an application is so short, and in many instances they
do not order an application until they are certain that an infection period
is actually developing,
2. With only a few exceptions, air dusting produces a very excellent fruit
finish, especially on the more russet susceptible varieties. Many Vermont
growers are convinced that improved finish and lack of h&rvest-time residues
adequately offset higher material cost as compared with spraying.
3. Dust schedules reduce the harmful effect of phytotoxicity by materials to
foliage probably because the residual properties of a material in dust form
do not favor a heavy build-up, and over-concentration and over-application
are avoided.
4. Reduced labor requirements, especially of a seasonal nature, have an import-
ant effect especially in the smaller acreage orchards. Competition for
qualified seasonal labor by our dairy industry and manufacturing is becoming
quite keen. On the other hand, year-round hired labor may need to be put on
another job. This method has been most convenient to growers when illness
or other emergencies arose.
5. Air dusting has definitely reduce spray machinery requirements, especially
during the time of primary scab control when fast coverage is so essential.
A grower may convert to spraying during the cover treatments and continue to
get by with equipment which is otherwise too small. Lighter equipment to
handle sunmer schedules usually means that a grower can own lighter, smaller
and more versatile tractors. Air dusting should be a means to extend the
serviceable life span of tractors and sprayers.
6. The overcoming of orchard rutting, especially during the wet spring months,
was an important reason for some of our Champlain Valley growers converting
to air dusting. The re-establishment of a good, unmolested sod cover has
been possible for the first time in many instances. The problem of soil
compaction by heavy machinery during periods of wet soil conditions should
not be overlooked.
7. A dust schedule, whether applied by airplane or ground equipment, may solve
a water supply problem.
8. Airplane dusting has been a help as an emergency measure in the event of
ground equipment breakdown during critical times.
9. Air dusting has helped solve the problem of effective pest control with
absentee management.
-6-
10. The use of the airplane make possible the convenient extension of the prun-
ing season well Into the pre-bloom time because the brush removal problem
to make room for ground-operated spray and dust equipment does not exist.
— C. Lyman Calahan
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
THE APHIDS ON APPLE - III
Green Apple Aphid
This Is the most abundant aphid on apple. It Infests terminals, water
sprouts and young trees throughout the season. Winged, migratory forms appear
In every generation and relnfestatlon and build-up to damaging numbers can be
very rapid.
The apple aphid Infests pear, hawthorn, crabapple, quince, and other
members of the rose family. Migration between hosts occurs throughout the
season.
The "Insurance" programs described for rosy apple aphid In December "Fruit
Notes" will kill the green apple aphlds on treated trees. They do not "Insure"
against relnfestatlon from outside sources.
Baldwin, Red and Golden Delicious, Cortland, Gravensteln, and Greening
are most seriously Infested but Mcintosh often serves as an Important source
for migrating aphlds.
Relatively cool weather with an abundance of moisture favors succulence
and thus the apple aphid. The relative abundance of syrphld fly, lace wing
fly, and lady beetle predators is another very important factor governing the
extent of apple aphid build-up. Unfortunately, many present day insecticides
kill these predators and parasites.
Three types of Injury are caused by the green apple aphid, (1) leaves
of terminals are stunted and distorted, terminal gro\^h is shortened and even
crooked, (2) fruit and leaves become smutted frcsa a growth of sooty mold
in the honey dew secretion, (3) in severe infestations aphlds may feed on the
fruit causing gnarllng or dimpling.
Regardless of the program followed earlier you need to watch for green
apple aphid build-up in early and mid-summer when control can be a part of your
regular summer schedule.
More About the Aphid Itself
During late September and October wingless, egg laying females and wingless
males were produced and after mating, overwintering eggs were deposited.
The oval, shiny, black eggs cannot be dlstinqulshed from those of rosy and
grain aphlds. However, they are most abundant on water sprouts and the vigorous
terminals of both old and young trees.
-7-
Hatching scarts soon after fruit buds start to show green, later than the
grain aphid, but earlier than rosy aphid. In 7-10 days hatching is complete
and the nymphs are sucking sap from the new growth of leaves, stems and flower
parts. At this time, the green ap^ple aphid usually is outnumbered by the grain
aphid and no injury is seen.
The growth of these first generation nymphs into stem mothers is completed
in 2 to 3 weeks, sometime about Pink or a few days earlier. These stem mothers
are a uniform pale green easily distinguished from grain and rosy aphids.
Shortly before bloom the stem mothers, without mating start to produce
living young. This process may continue for a month or more at a rate of 1 to
3 (naximum 10) nymphs per day.
From 60 to 75 per cent of these second generation nymphs develop wings,
migrate to new leaves, terminals, or threes and there produce living young
the beginnings of new colonies. The wingless forms in each generation simply
produce living young, thus greatly increasing the numbers of aphids at their
original colony site.
From 10 to 17 generations have been recorded in a season, all of them on
apple or related plants.
Thus we see, in the green apple aphid, a much less complicated life cycle.
All the generations may occur on apple. Also, they contain only winged and wing-
less, non-mating females, capable of bearing living young, except for the fall
generation of sexual, wingless forms that mate and lay the overwintering eggs.
The green apple aphid will bear close-watching until maturing terminals
slow down their rate of increase.
Control
SPRING ; "Insurance" programs carried out over the x^hole farm w ill prevent
all worry about green apple aphid until July. The severity of reinfestation
will then depend upon the nearness and abundance of untreated host plants in
the vicinity, weather conditions, varieties, presence of succulent water
sprouts, abundance of natural enemies on nearby host plants and in the orchard,
and your spray program.
Early spring control of all aphids is strongly recommended for lead
schedule orchards. The dinitros would be the least destructive to beneficial
insects.
Any one of the "insurance" programs suggested for rosy aphid should be
adequate for early green apple aphid control in all orchards on the organic
insecticide schedule.
SUMMER ; The summer build-up of green apple aphid becomes noticeable in
June and may continue well into July in favorable seasons.
-a-
Water sprouts are very susceptible to early and continuous heavy infesta-
tions. Also, they are very difficult to spray vrall. These are two very good
reasons for getting water sprouts pulled out of trees by early July. You will
save money on pruning too.
In the lead arsenate schedule, dcmeton, nicotine sulfate and TEPP are
the preferred aphicides because they will cause the least harm to beneficial
insects. Spraying must be thorough and should be done before extensive curl-
ing has occurred.
For the organic schedule, demeton in either III or IV Cover should be
enough in most situations. It should be used before the foliage matures.
Other phosphates, such as Diazinon, Trithion, malathion and TEPP, should
be adequate if used in a series of 2 or 3 applications for codling moth starting
with III or IV Cover. With TEPP and malathion, it may be necessary to shorten
the interval between sprays because reinfestation can take place very rapidly.
The new carbamate insecticide, Sevin, is also an aphicide and may be used
against both codling moth and the green apple aphid in summer Cover Sprays.
Sevin does not kill mites.
You cannot depend upon natural enemies where materials such as methoxy-
chlor, DDT, TDE, dieldrin and the residual phospliates are used. Susceptible
varieties are very likely to become infested --- seriously so, if v;eather
conditions are favorable and choice breeding areas, water sprouts, remain
in the trees.
Know the situation in your orchards at all times. Start sunmer control
measures before extensive curling has been done. Repeat the application
soon enough to prevent build-up after reinfestation. Choose materials which
give you the advantage of added effectiveness against other pests.
E. H. Wheeler
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
COtmiOL OF ORCHARD MICE SOIIETIIiES NECESSARY IN WINTER
The control of meadc./ mice in orchards should be undertaken in the Fall and,
if necessary, in Winter and Spring. The greatest damage to fruit trees is sustain-
ed during late Fall and Winter. Damage is usually more severe during a hard
winter with continuous deep snot/, but severe injury may occur at any season.
One thorough application of poisoned bait in the Fall may give protection for
the Winter, but the orchardist should re-examine his orchard after Fall poison-
baiting, during the Winter, and in early Spring as reinfestation from adjoining
areas may occur--thus making additional poisoning necessary. Zinc Phosphide- treated
Oats should be used in Winter if there are many runways in the snoi'/. When pruning
in the orchard, carry a supply of Zinc Phosphide-treated Oats and place a teaspoon-
ful in active runs at each tree base where mouse activity is observed. In this way,
a two- fold purpose can be accomplished and the mouse breeding potential reduced.
The best time in Winter to inspect the orchard is usually after a thaw
when the trails are more evident. One teaspoonful of poisoned oats should be
placed every tx^enty feet directly in the active runuays under cover. It is not
advisable to place bait in exposed runways because they were made under snow
cover and are no longer in use. If trees have been girdled during the winter,
the orchard should be treated with poisoned apple in the Spring before bridge-
grafting; otherwise, the mice are apt to eat the grafts and continue to injure
the trees.
FRUIT PROMOTION IN HAMPDEN COUNTY
Hampden County Fruit Growers booth in the Massachusetts
Building at the 1958 Eastern States Exposition.
Chamber of Coomerce Breakfast held in Springfield Massachusetts
featuring Hampden County apples and cider. Shown in the picttira
(left to right) Johnny Appleseed (John O'Shaughnessy) , Ralph Roberts
President of Hampden County Fruit Growers Association, Mrs. Alma
Doaoghue • Official Greeter, Mr. Sullivan - President of Chamber of
Coomerce and Mr. Bisconti - Official Greeter.
FRUIT NOTES
Prsparad by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
MARCH 12, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cyclamen Mite - A Pest of Strawberries
1959 Fertilizer Recommendations
Weed Control in Small Fruits
Blueberry Maggot
Orchard Pest Control by Air Dusting
^\
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-.'j^
'i >c
Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Sieling, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculti»e and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of nei^ varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Fruit Specialist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
C ontributors to This Issue From Supporting Fields
E, H, Wheeler, Extension Entomologist
William E, Tomlinson, Jr„, Research Professor at the Cranberry Station
C. LyiTiau Calafian, Extension Kortic'.ilfciiri.<:;t, University of Vermont
CYCLAMEN MITE ■ A PEST OF STRAWBERRIES
What l3 This Pest ; It is a tiny mite, practically invisible to the naked eye,
much smaller than the common red spider or 2-spotted mite. It occurs on
many different plants both in the greenhouse and outside. It sucks juices
from the plant tissues.
Symptoms of Injury ; Heavy infestations result in severe dwarfing and stunting.
Early symptoms are a vnrinkled, deformed appearance of the new leaves. The
plants appear dense or crowded and the leaflets are held vertical rather
than horizontal because of the shorter stems. Finally some of the inner
leaves are killed outright. Crops are greatly reduced, worthless or lost
altogether.
Seasonal Development and Habits ; Adult females overwinter in crevices between
the bases of leaf stems. Become active in spring but all active stages avoid
light and require a high humidity. They remain in unopened leaves in plant
crowns or between parts of leaves or flCTjers . Eggs, nearly as large as the
females, are laid singly but as many as 3 each day for several days. Eggs
hatch into larvae which feed, enter a "pupal" stage and then become adults.
At 70O F an entire generation requires only about 14 days. Just a few females
on a plant when it is set can result in a heavy infestation before the season
ends or before fruiting.
How Introduced Into a Field ; Cycleimen mites get into a field most commonly on
infested planting stock . Some infestations can be traced to movement from
nearby infested plants or weeds.
How Are They Spread ; (1) By migration from mother to daughter plants or adjacent
ones, (2) carried by birds and insects, (3) wind-borne, (4) carried by workers
in the fields.
Some Important Points Related to Control of Cyclamen Mite
Mites are in Protected Spots ; A majority of the populatioix. remains within crown
in unfolded leaflets or other parts and inside sheaths at base of stems.
Hard to reach with a spray. Impossible to reach with dusts. Low-gallonage
sprays are not effective.
Many Common Miticides do not Kill Cyclamen Mite ; Allen and associates in Cal-
ifornia tested over 50 chemicals 1952-56. Found only 3 to be really effec-
tive; endrin (available but cannot be used during bearing year except after
harvest); isodrin (not on the market); Thiodan (available but caimot be used
during bearing year except before bloom or after harvest) . Kelthane is only
fair in single applications but can be used after bloom during fruit bearing
year.
None of the organic phosphates (parathion, malathion, etc.) or the systemics
(demeton, etc.) give effective control and in fact their use may result in
more trouble.
-2-
Control of Cyclamen Mite - Strawberries
A. For Plant Growers and on Non-bearing Beds or After Harvest .
Material: Thiodan - emulsifiable concentrate (2 lbs. active/gal.)
OR endrin - emulsifiable concentrate (1.6 lbs. active/gal.)
How Much: 1 quart per 100 gals, at 400 gals, per acre (or 1 gal. of
concentrate in from 300 to 500 gals, per acre).
PLUS an excess of some wetting agent.
Note: An excess of spray mixture used to drench the plants
is more important than high pressures. Spray directly down
into plant crowns.
When: On New Beds (especially for plant growers):
Apply 3-4 weeks after setting plants.
Repeat twice at 14 day intervals.
OR when Infestation is Found ; i^
Make 1st treatment at once. f
Repeat in 2 weeks in mid-summer, in 3 weeks if cooler.
Repeat again if needed,
B, Spring Treatment to Fruiting Bed ,
1, BEFORE Bloom only:
Material: Thiodan, used as directed above and on labels.
2, Before or AFTER Bloom:
Material: Kelthane - emulsifiable concentrate (EC) or wettable powder (WP)
How Much: 1 quart Kelthane EC OR 2 lbs. Kelthane WP per 100 gals.
at 400 gals, per acre (or 1 gal. of EC or 8 lbs. of WP in
from 300-500 gals, per acre.)
PLUS an excess of some wetting agent.
Note: An excess of spray mixture used to drench the plants
is more important than high pressures. Spray directly down
into plant crowns.
When: Make 1st treatment when infestation is found.
If before bloom, repeat in 2 weeks,
— E. H. Wheeler
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
1959 FERTILIZER RECQin-IENDATIONS
V7e are not suggesting any changes in fertilizer recommendations for 1959 over
1958 except in those blocks which appear to have prospects of a heavy bloom. In
blocks with a heavy bloom it may be desirable to reduce the nitrogen application
by one third. The following table gives suggested amounts of fertilizer to apply
to trees with an average bloom.
Suggested Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Apple Orchards
J^
proximate Amounts per Tree
Potential bushel
yield of tree
Less than 15
15 - 25
More than 25
Nitrogen
required
Potash
required
Pounds
0.66
0.66-1.00
1.33-2.00
Pounds
1.3
1.3-2.0
2.7-4.3
Ammonium
Nitrate
Pounds
?,.0
2.0-3.0
4.0-6.0
Muriate
of Potash or 0-15-30
Pounds
2.1
2.1-3.3
4.5-7,1
Pounds
4.3
4.3-6.6
9.0-14.3
8-16-16
Pounds
8
8-12
16 - 25
The suggested amounts of materials to apply in the table are for band applica-
tions under the spread of the branches. When the materials are broadcast over the
entire orchard floor it may be necessary to increase the rate of application in
order to obtain the same tree response as with the band applications. Fertilizer
materials other than those given in the tables may be used so long as they are
applied at rates which provide equivalent amounts of nitrogen and potassium.
The tree's magnesium and calcium requirements can best be met by maintaining
an adequate dolomitic liming program. The pH of orchard soils should be maintained
between 6 and 6.5. If a soil test shows that the pH of soil is 5.5 or below,
magnesium sulfate sprays should be applied to prevent possible occurrenec of m-ji-
nesium deficiency. It takes from 3 to 5 years before dolomitic limestone is
effective in correcting magnesium deficiency. When magnesium sulfate sprays are
used apply 2 to 3 sprays of epsom salts at the rate of 20 pounds per 100 gallons
of water. These sprays should be timed by calyx, first, and second cover sprays.
To avoid possible incompatibilities the epsom salt sprays should not be combined
V7ith the regular insecticidal and fungicic il sprays.
Boron should be applied to orchard soils every three years. Borax is the
most common material used. The rates of application per tree vary with age and
size. Apply one quarter pound of borax to young trees, one-half to three-
quarters pound to medium age and size trees, and three-quarters to one pound to
large or mature trees. In no case should the rate of one application of borax
exceed 50 pounds per acre. Boron may be applied as a foliar spray on a trial
basis. Polybor-2 or Boro Spray applied at 1/2 pound per 100 gallons of spray
one and three weeks after petal fall have given satisfactory results in Nev7
York State,
The amounts of fertilizer applied to trees which have received annual
applications of 200 pounds or more of hay mulch per tree may be materially re-
duced or entirely eliminated. Tree performance should serve as a guide in de-
terrainins the extent to v/hich the rates of fertilizer may be reduced.
In young non-bearing orchards it may be possible to produce sufficient high
quality mulching material for the young trees by broadcasting 500 to 800 pounds
of mixed fertilizer per acre. Place the mulch in a band under the spread of the
-4-
branches. The amount of fertilizer required for the trees with this system of
culture will vary with the quantity and quality of mulch replied around each tree.
If the trees are not making sufficient grov;th one-eighth pound of ammonium nitrate
per year of tree age may be applied to the mulch.
Recommendations for fertilizing peach orchards are given in the following
table. The amounts given may need to be increased if the trees are in a heavy
sod. A suggested increase would be to double the amount of nitrogen.
Suggested Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Peach Orchards
Tree Age
3-6
6-9
9-12
12 & over
Ammonium
Nitrate
Approximate amounts per tree
Pounds
1 -1%
l%-2
2 -4
Muriate
of Potash or
0-15-30
Pounds
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-8
Pounds
2-4
4-6
6-8
8-12
3-16-16
Pounds
2-4
4-6
6-8
8-16
Wo D. Weeks
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
WEED CONTROL IN SHALL FRUITS
In spite of considerable experimentation weeds continue to be a major
problem in most small fruit plantings. For a time the use of chemicals looked
so promising that we had visions of the hoe and the cultivator as collectors items.
Like most dreams this one was short lived. Many chemicals have been tried but
while a few have proved helpful, none are ideal. All have limitations. If these
limitations are recognized and the best use possible is made of the materials
available, chemicals can be useful tools in the fight against weeds.
Whenever chemicals are used, the directions on the container should be
read carefully and follov/ed. Thus, strav/berry plant injury from missuse of the
chemical can be avoided. If the intended use is not mentioned on the label, the
chemical has not been approved for that use under Public Law 518, a law which
protects the public from the promiscuous use of pesticides injurious to human health.
Strawberries
For the control of summer weeds scsone is the only chemical which can be
recommended at present. It will kill germinating seeds but after the seedlings
are one-fourth inch high they become too tou^h to be affected. Therefore, it is
necessary to cultivate and hoe the bed just before application and to have the
soil moist. In a dry soil weed seeds will not germinate and the sesone may break
do\im before it becomes effective. Use 2 lbs, per acre in very light soil, 2% lbs.
per acre in light soil, 3 lbs, per acre in heavy soil and 4 lbs. per acre in very
heavy or highly organic soils, Retreatment will usually be needed in 3-4 v/eeks.
It is safest to delay the first application till 14-21 days after the plants are
set. Injury to early rooting runner plants can be avoided by not applying sesone
while they are rooting.
-5-
The usefulness of 2,4-D in the strawberry field is strictly limited. It can
cause severe injury when runner or fruit buds are forming or when blossoms or
fruit are on the plants. Therefore, little time is left when 2,4-D can be used
safely. The best and safest use is In connection with bed renovation, right
after the crop is off and fruit buds have not yet started to form. At 1/2 - 1
pound per acre it can aid in controlling broad leaved weeds.
In Massachusetts for the past two falls no material has been recommended for
the control of winter weeds. The recommendation to use Chloro IPC was discontinued
because of severe injury following its use in several states including three cases
of injury in Massachusetts following applications made in the fall of 1957. It
is now pretty well agreed that the injury was caused by too heavy applications.
Chloro IPC is a powerful growth inhibitor which interferes with cell division.
To use it in excess of one pound per acre is courting trouble. One pound per
acre means one pound of actual Chloro IPC distributed evenly over 43,560 square
feet. Some growers have had trouble because they sprayed over the strawberry
rows and not between them, thus unwittingly doubling the rate of application.
Others have had trouble following spot spraying where there is no control over
rate. Chloro IPC is formulated so that there are 4 poundsactual per gallon. One
quart in 20-40 gallons of water evenly distributed over an actual acre will give
good chickweed control and there should be no injury to the strawberries. Another
important point in avoiding injury is to be sure the plants are dormant.
In New Jersey and further south growers are using a combination of one pound
of Chloro IPC and 2 pounds of Sesone applied in late fall or early winter to
control chickweed and other winter weeds. The Sesone controls some weeds which
are not sensitive to Chloro IPC.
Another possibility for winter weed control is one of the dinitros (such as
Premerge or Sinox P. E.) used at the rate of one pound in 20-40 gallons of water
per acre. These chemicals kill by contact. Their effectiveness depends on
thorough coverage. They are much more active at high temperatures on sunny days
but may injure the strawberries unless the plants are fully dormant.
Small chickweeds 2-4 inchiis tall are much more susceptible to DN's than larger
plants. If the chickweed is matted, only the top layer will be killed.
Some soil fumigants, such as methyl bromide and VPM or Vapam, are effective
weed control agents but because of high cost, difficulty of application or both
have been used very little in strawberry fields.
Blueberries
The dinitros at 2-4 pounds per acre can be used around cultivated blue-
berries but care must be used not to spray the young tender shoots starting from
the base. DN's should be used while weeds are small. They will kill only the
weeds present. There is no residual effect.
Diuron at 2 pounds per acre applied once in early spring will keep most weeds,
except deep rooted perennials and a few annuals such as plantain, out all season.
Use only on plants which have been two or more years in the field.
Raspberries
A dinitro at 2-4 pounds per acre in 20-40 gals, of water can be used as a
directed spray. Care should be exercised to keep the spray off young shoots.
-6-
Since raspberries are quite tolerant of 2,4-D, it can be used at 1/2 - 1
pound per acre in 20 - 40 gals, of water for the control of broad- leaved weeds.
To avoid injury to the raspberries; (1) delay spraying till the tend<?r tips of
shoots are high enough so they viill not be sprayed, (2) do not spray during bloom.
Chloro IPC at 4 - 8 pounds per acre in 20 gals, of water can be used in late
fall or early winter for control of winter annual grasses and broad- leaved weeds,
particularly chickweed.
Grapes
An oil-water emulsion of Chloro IPC and DN used as a directed spray at 30
gals, per acre has given good weed control. It is made up as follows:
Chloro IPC 6-8 lbs.
Oil soluble DN (Dow General or
Sinox General) 1 lb.
Oil (fuel or diesel) 10 gals.
Water 40 gals.
This emulsion can be sprayed in a band 18 - 24 inches wide on each side of the
trellis. Care should be exercised not to get the spray on young canes which have
not yet reached the shedded bark stage.
Diuron applied pre-emergence in early spring is also effective. Use only
on vines 3 years of age or older. Two to 3 pounds per acre is sufficient on
sandy soils. On clay soils use 3-6 pounds per acre.
WARNING: Grapes are extremely sensitive to phenoxy compounds such as 2,4-D,
2,4,5-T, silvex, MCPA and others. Do not use these on or near grapes nor use
spray equipment which has held these materials for spraying grapes.
—-John S, Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
BLUEBERRY MAGGOT
In the past few seasons there has been considerable trouble in some of the
older, larger blueberry plantings in Southeastern Massachusetts from blueberry
maggot infestations. The surprising thing about these infestations is that they
didn't happen sooner and oftener in the area. Possibly infestations did occur
and were overlooked or ignored.
This is a native insect that has been known as a pest of wild blueberries
for many years. It has also been troublesome in cultivated blueberries in New
Jersey and Michigan for many years. For that reason I am confident it has been
infesting Massachusetts cultivated blueberries for some time.
Blueberry maggot is indistinguishable from apple maggot in all stages. The
flies developing from the smaller wild blueberries are considerably smaller than
flies that develop in apples, but flies from the larger cultivated blueberries
are about as large as those developing in apples. The two strains apparently
prefer their own host for purposes of oviposition, but they have been intermated
-7-
In the laboratory and progeny from these crosses were reared successfully.
For some reason, recently there has been an attempt to prettify the name
of this insect by calling It the blueberry fruit fly. Members of the family to
which it belongs are collectively called fruit flies and that may sound more
delicate or even palatable to some, but it is the maggot that develops in the
fruit that causes the trouble.
Blueberry maggot has but one generation a year. The winter is passed in
the pupal case as a maggot buried near the surface of the soil. The maggots
transform to pupae in the spring and emerge as flies beginning about mid- June.
Emergence is mostly accomplished in a month, but stragglers keep coming out
until late summer.
The flies are black in color, with white bands on the abdomen, reddish
colored eyes, and the wings are marked with characteristic black bands. The
newly emerged flies do not lay eggs until about 10 days after they have emerged,
the first egg laying usually coinciding with the period when the first early
ripening fruit is turning blue.
Eggs are layed singly under the skin of the berry, and though several may
be placed in one berry, only one maggot has ever been known to mature from one
berry. The eggs hatch in about a week and the maggot develops in the berry, turning
the inside into a mixture of purple juice and seeds. After feeding about 3 weeks
the maggots leave the berries, enter the soil and form puparia in which they re-
main until the next or some following spring when they finish development and
emerge as flies. Some of the maggots remain in their puparia for two and even
more years before emerging.
During the summer of 1954, a 3-acre field in Wareham became so heavily in-
fested with maggots that picking had to be discontinued. Maggot counts in mid-
August were over 150 per pint of berries.
The following summer, sticky board traps baited with yeast hydrolysate were
maintained in this field during the main flight period of the fly. Dusts were
applied according to times indicated by capture of the flies. A 4% Malathion dust
was used at the rate of 40 pounds per acre and was applied by helicopter on July 7
and 17, No maggots were found in the fruit of this field in 1955.
During the 1957 season, another field with heavy fly populations and maggot
counts was brought to my attention by the grm^er who had been aware of the problem
for a year or two previously, but had been able to keep out of trouble by frequent
and careful picking and prompt movement of the fruit.
In 1958, ten traps were placed in this field v/ith flies being caught in
tremendous numbers (345 fly average) from the second week in July until the
end of the month,- and in diminishing numbers until early October in spite of 3
Malathion dust applications. Maggot counts in early August were 33 per pint in
this field. This was probably the result of late application of the first dust
and too long an interval between the first and second dust applications because
of poor flying weather.
Another field of this same grox^er was divided into 2 one-acre plots for
receiving spray, plus a check area of about 1/2 acre which received no spray.
The sprayed plots received 3 pounds of 257. Malathion wettable powder plus a
-8-
quart of Staley Insecticide Bait #2 per 100 gallons water per acre in one plot,
and Malathion plus a quart of Bait #7 in the other on July lA, July 24, and
August 4.
Flies trapped in the unsprayed area average 125 per trap during the period
of July 18 to August 28, compared to 29 per trap in the bait-sprayed area. Quart
samples examined for maggots in early August showed 48 maggots per quart in the
check area and per quart in the Bait #2, and one per quart in the Bait #7
sprayed areas respectively.
This is not meant to condemn the present spray chart recommendation which
has given good control when applied on time, as indicated by results in 1955
and results in New Jersey. Where adverse conditions make dusting on time from
the air impossible, this bait spray application will definitely do the job. We
will be trying further refinement of the bait spray as a concentrate applied by
airplane, helicopter, or ground concentrate spray rig.
Other pests frequently encountered and giving trouble in 1958 were the
cranberry and the cherry fruitworms in several fields, currant fruit weevil in
one field, and a small amount of trouble from plum curculio and cranberry weevil
in several fields. Japanese beetle was less troublesome than usual because of
cool, wet weather in 1958 following the dry season of 1957, but look out in 1959
because survival of what eggs were layed will be high.
- — William E. Toralinson, Jr.
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
ORCHARD PEST CONTROL BY AIR DUSTING
There are some distinct disadvantages to air dusting. Perhaps some of the
following are only precautions. At any rate, a grower who is considering the use
of the airplane for orchard pest control should go into the practice with a full
knowledge of the following:
1, Very capable pilots who also understand your pest control problems are a
necessity. They must have the courage and ability to fly at treetop level,
fly early and late, and fly during times of bad weather. A locally owned,
fully financed and reputable operation will greatly insure grower satisfactionT'
2, Dust schedules from a materials standpoint are more expensive because dusts
themselves are higher in cost and more applications may be needed, especially
for insect control. This factor is usually easily offset by some of the
advantages we have already covered,
3, The weather is a factor. Good weather forecasting is essential to help you
plan your scheduling and to help the operators plan their work. Except for
low ceilings caused by fog, I do not believe adverse weather conditions have
been a limiting factor in air dusting any more than with ground spray semi-
concentrate methods in our state.
4, A good air operator should have standby plane equipment in the event of plane
failure or accident. You as an orchardist might well keep a spray or dust rig
in standby status at least until your air operator has proved to be reliable.
-9-
5. The use of air dusting may not save labor; on the other hand, it might
actually discourage the hiring of year-round help and therefore other
desirable orchard operations, such as pruning, might not be accomplished for
lack of year-round workers,
6. The coverage of low branches in thick orchards may be poor and where these
conditions prevail increased application rates per acre should be considered.
7. Insect control may be difficult, especially where heavy populations of codling
moth, mites or red-banded leaf rollers are present. In some instances, the
use of more specific materials in spray form might well be considered.
8. A lot of grower cooperation is necessary to make possible efficient schedul-
ing and, above all, to avoid waste of airplane and pilot time especially if
the grower help does not keep the dust supply to the plane loading point on
a punctual basis.
9. Drift of dusts is a problem. It will be necessary to coordinate with neighbors
to prevent any possible chance of injury to humans or livestock. Remember
that all spray or dust residues are extremely poisonous to those who do not
know enough about them.
10. Noise, especially in thickly populated areas, may be a problem.
The kinds of aircraft most suitable for orcliArd vjork conntltute a controversy.
The three most cofomoniy used kinds or types have been used in our work, each with
success. The Cubs are less expensive than any, if purchased new, but they do not
seem to be suited to our conditions partly because they cannot carry a very heavy
load. The second type used is the helicopter. It is ideal in that it can land
almost in any clearing. It may be safer to operate and can cover smaller acreages
faster. On the other hand, it is very expensive to buy and to operate and apparent-
ly requires an extremely high degree of pilot proficiency to operate. Like the
Cubs they cannot carry very heavy loads. The third tyj 3 we have used is the bi-
plane which is almost always of the war surplus PT-17 or Stearman make. To begin
with, these are available to operators at only a fraction of their original cost.
The Stearman seems to be the "Model A" of planes being easy to operate, easily
serviced, reliable and inexpensive to operate. It can carry a load of 800-1,000
pounds using a 250 horsepovjer engine which is very important.
We have not found a significant difference in scab or insect control between
the various types of aircraft. The use of effective materials, carefully timed
application, flying ability of operating personnel and dependability of equipment
are believed to be far more important then the kind of plane used.
Space will not permit a detailed discussion of why air spraying has not been
a practice in our orchard program instead of dusting. In the first place a high
concentrate, low gallonage cuxture - down to less than 5 gallons per acre - would
be necessary in order to gain an advantage from a load weight standpoint. Wettable
powders cannot be used at such high concentrations, and the only available solvents
seem to be toxic to apples. Sprays would be more favorable from a drift and deposit
standpoint than dusts. Vermont growers have applied TEPP at 16X by plane, some urea
at 5 gallons per acre, and thousands of acres of orchards have been treated with
hormones in liquid form for fruit drop control at harvest time.
-10-
Our original dust formulations were made on the basis of applying 35-40
pounds of dust per acre prepared by the trial and error method based on per acre
dosage rates of the materials when applied in spray form at about 400 gallons per
acre dilute. Other dusts such as 5% DDT were simply taken from the shelf and, of
course, do not figure out to be more than the aniount of DDT applied in a 200 gallon
per acre treatment.
All dust mixture formulations are always given in terms of per cent actual
active ingredient content. For example, a 37o Phygon dust contains 6% of Phygon
XL which contains 50% active ingredient. The average per acre application rate
last season had dropped to 30 pounds and most of our formulations are now based
on 33 pounds per acre which very much simplifies the calculations involved,
Vermont talc has been the most commonly used inert dilutent.
Two basic fungicide dusts are used for primary scab control: 37. Phygon
and 57, captan. Other fungicide dusts would include 47. Niacide M, ferbam and
elemental sulfurs or combinations of almost any of the above. A 27. Phygon dust
will be used this year by some growers. Phygon is seldom used beyond petal fall
for scab control and ferbam may be combined with Phygon or captan for rust control.
The elemental sulfurs are not used for primary scab control. The elemental sulfurs
will be added to Phygon or captan dusts by some growers this year for mildew con-
trol. The application of sulfur-containing dusts this next season presents a ■
fire explosion threat which must be taken into account by the airplane operators.
The two basic insecticide dust formulations are 57. DDT and 1%7, Parathion.
4% Halation dusts are also used for aphid control. Mixtures of any of the
foregoing in addition to dusts containing 157o aresenate of lead, 5% Methoxychlor,
47o Kelthane, 27. Thylate, 2%7o Mercury and Aramite have been used. Due to recent
tolerance restrictions this material cannot be used under our conditions,
— C, Lyman Calahan
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT NOTES
Preporod by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
APRIL 15, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chemical Thinning of Apples
Effects of Pesticides on Honey Bees
Strawberry Variety Notes
Red Stele: Number One Menace of the Strawberry
Darrow — A New Blackberry
Growth Studies of the Cultivated Blueberries
Factors to Consider in the Control of Brown Rot
of Peach and Other Stone Fruits
^'
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I
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^V^'•Vs
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Issued by the Cooperative Eitenalon Service, Dale H. Siellng, Dean and Director, in furtherance o( the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperatuig.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
-2-
suppliers, almost all of the dust used is stockpiled at plane side in a shed at
several landing locations and is not handled by the individual grower. The air
operator has installed electrically operated mechanical dust loaders which makes
it possible for the pilot to easily load the plane even without stopping the
engine. Growers simply telephone in their order for an application and at that
time state what material is to be flown and from which supplier. A duplicate
copy of the issue slip is the basis for billing by the supplier.
This system has greatly increased the application rate, especially where
a number of small orchards are involved. Orchards located near Burlington are
30 and 50 miles from the Middlebury Airport and for the last few seasons have
never had a pound of dust material stored at the orchard. They happen to be
single load size blocks and the material is brought by plane from the central
stockpile for each application.
The number of acres which can be serviced by a single plane will depend on
many factors. Under our conditions, I believe a single Stearman can handle 700
acres even with many 30-50 acre blocks involved throughout the three northwestern
Vermont counties and two northeast New York counties, and our scab control
problem is difficult,
A few additional precautions or suggestions may be of help to newcomers to
this modern method to make y<"ur air dusting more effective and easier. First
and foremost, be sure to employ only skilled pilots who are backed up by a
good concern, always use good materials and do not attempt home mixing. Do your
part to prevent drift even if you have to wait another day for poison application
to be made. Take care to coordinate with state agencies and do a good job of
public relations work. Don't shave the application rate per acre to cheat the
operator out of money he needs to be in business or to save dust because you may
not get good control. Orchardists who are licensed pilots should never attempt
to do their own work. Good flying proficiency is absolutely necessary and can-
not be obtained on a part-time basis, especially from the standpoint of avoid-
ing accidents.
The effectiveness of air dust programs have been proven for a number of
years for many of Vermont's leading apple growers and 1 am sure it will V7ork
just as good for other growers.
---C. Lyman Calahan
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHEMICAL THINNING OF APPLES
Following a moderate 1958 crop we anticipate a heavier bloom generally
on Mcintosh and some other varieties this spring. It has now been rather
definitely proven by Dr. C. P. Harley at Beltsville, Md„ that NAA thinners
do have a direct influence on blossom bud formation of some varieties even
when no thinning is involved. Many of us in this area hav<^ suspected this
for a long time on varieties which are not inherently very biennial, such as
Mcintosh. It is certain, however, from many years' records and observations
that NAA or NA Amide is not capab;': of inducing annual production in some
strongly biennial varieties, such as Baldwin or Early Mcintosh, in some
seasons even when heavy thinning is accomplished.
-3-
For Mcintosh it seems quite certain that these thinners applied from 10
to 20 days after petal fall are very helpful In promoting flower bud formation
for the following year. This Influence may be more Important in some instances
than a reduction in fruit set since growers are not anxious to produce Mcintosh
in excess of 3 inches in diameter. The risk of overthinning Mcintosh with
NA Amide at suggested concentrations ie small.
At a recent meeting at Rutgers University where chemical thinning was
discussed by a large proportion of the research people in this field east of
the Mississippi River, there seemed to be considerable agreement that the
degree of thinning obtained could not be predicted on the basis of temperature
and humidity at the time of spraying. We believe it is still best to avoid
cool, cloudy weather and hot weather, however, when using chemical thinners.
Many feel that a frost a week or two before spraying, even if it has no
influence on fruit set, greatly increases the thinning potential of NAA or
NA Amide and a marked reduction in concentration is advisable. We have some
data contrary to this view but this may be the exception, so reduce the spray
concentration if temperatures of 28°F have been experienced prior to spraying.
In the Shenandoah-Cumberland area the use of Tween 20 at 1 pint per 100
gallons as an additive with low concentrations of NAA is being suggested for
some varieties. Our results with Tween 20 are not sufficiently outstanding
to justify the general use of this or other additives with chemical thinning
sprays. If you have not been able to thin Golden Delicious adequately with
NAA, for example, the addition of 4 ounces of Tween 20 per 100 gallons of
water to a 10 or 15 ppm NAA spray might be worth a try, but I don't believe
many growers have had trouble thinning Gold Delicious with 20 or 30 ppm of
NAA alone.
As you know thinning Red Delicious chemically is a risky business and
our results have been quite erratic. Dr. Art Thompson of Maryland is certain
that NA Amide is not a desirable material for this variety and suggests 10
to 15 ppm (4 to 6 ounces per 100) of NAA at about 15 to 21 days after full
bloom (about the same as 10-15 days after petal fall). NA Amide, he believes,
increases the tendency toward the development of "pygmy" fruit. On the other
hand, we have seen serious overthinning with NAA on Delicious particularly
under poor drying conditions. Unless you are having a serious biennial
problem with Red Delicious, we advise caution when using NAA on this variety.
It may be best to spray a different fraction of a variety like this at 3 or 4
day intervals since we have no way of being sure which day will give the most
desirable results. This same procedure may be followed for Mcintosh and other
fall and winter varieties to reduce the chances of under or overthinning all
the trees of a given variety.
— F. W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON HONEY BEES
A, HOW BEES MAY BE POISONED:
1. Contamination of water , nectar or pollen with pesticides which have
stomach poison action on bees. Contaminated water and pollen can kill
-4-
both the adults and the developing brood of bees. Probably contaminated
nectar kills mainly adult bees but this may depend on the speed of klll»
2» Direct contact with the pesticide during application. Primarily kills
the field bees but brood may die from neglect. Repeated applications may
seriously effect the colonies.
3. Exposure to residues of pesticides that have high toxicity to bees. Under
some conditions, high mortality to adult bees results. There is a lack
of sufficient information to determine how serious the effects of such
exposures may be on the brood.
4. Effects on brood . May be direct by poisoning , or indirect from starva -
tion or exposures to extremes of temperature .
B. SUGGESTIONS FOR AVOIDING BEE POISONING:
1. Proper timing . Do not spray plants that are attractive to bees during
bloom with materials known to be toxic to these insects.
2* Spraying in the early morning or in the evening will reduce bee losses
since fewer will be exposed to direct contact with the pesticide.
3. Do not use higher concentrations or more spray than is necessary,
4o Avoid contamination of area where spraying equipment is filled, particular-
ly if there is an accumulation of water being visited by bees.
5» Clipping or spraying with an herbicide to prevent bloom will reduce bee
losses if ground cover in area to be sprayed contains dandelions or other
weeds attractive to bees.
6. Notify local beekeepers if extensive spraying is to be done; they may be
able to take measures to reduce bee losses.
TOXICITY OF PESTICIDES TO HONEY BEES
From Anderson and Atkins, 1958 California Agriculture 12 (12): 3-4 with modification
Anderson and Atkins set up four groups of pesticides based on their varying
toxicities to bees. Much original information was presented, some of which was
obtained from laboratory experiments. Most of the more important materials were
also tested in the field. It must be emphasized that weather conditions in
California may influence the effects of most pesticides so as to give very
different results than we might obtain in the Northeast.
1. Materials that are toxic to bees which should not be used if there is a
possibility of bee poisoning at the time of treatment or within several
days thereafter:
•Idrin dleldrin lead arsenate
BHC ENOSBP (DN211) lindane
calcium arsenate Guthion parathion
chlordane heptachlor Sevln
Diazinon
1
-5-
2. Materials that are highly toxic to bees but which may be used if certain
precautions, Involving proper method and timing of application, recommended
dosages and avoidance of high temperatures, are followed:
Di - Syston
malathion
Phosdrln
Sabadilla
TEPP
phorate (Thimet)
3. Materials that are only moderately toxic to bees which may be used if
dosages and timing are correct. Should not be applied directly on bees
in the field or on the colonies:
chlorobenzllate
ethlon
TDE (DDD)
Perthane
DDT
Tedion
endrin
Thiodan
Toxaphene
Trithion
4. Materials that are relatively non-toxic but deliberate spraying of bees
even with these materials, should be avoided.
allethrln
Aramlte
Bordeaux mixture
captan
copper oxychloride
copper sulfate
cuprous oxide
Cyprex
Delnav
Dimite (EMC)
DNOCHP
ferbam
Genlte
IPC
Karathane
maneb
MCP
methoxychlor
chlorobenzlde (Mitox)
CMU
nicotine
OMPA
ovex
pyrethrin
rotenone
Ryania
sulfur
demeton (Systox)
thlram
zineb
ziram
2,4-D
2,4,5-T
WARNING
Most pesticides are poisonous. Read and Follow all Directions
on Labels. Handle carefully and store out of reach of children,
pets and livestock.
I
— F, R. Shaw
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
STRAWBERRY VARIETY NOTES
Varieties reconmended for camnercial planting include Midland, Howard 17,
Temple, Catskill, Vermilion, Robinson and Sparkle. Earlidawn, Redglow, Surecrop,
Armore, Blaze and Merrimack are reconsnended for trial planting. 20th Century is
suggested for trial as an everbearer.
Your attention is again called to the fact that several new varieties being
offered for sale are indistinguishable from older commercial varieties. A few
examples are listed on the next page with the original name given first.
Armore Indistinguishable from
Robinson " "
Midland " "
Sparkle " "
Gem " "
-6-
Red Cluster
Kardinal King and Scarlet Beauty
Crimson Flash and Adonis
Paymaster
Superfection and Brilliant
•—James F. Anderson
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RED STELE; NUMBER ONE MENACE OF THE STRAWBERRY
Red stele has became the nvmber one enemy of strawberries in the eastern
states. It appeared in Massachusetts about 20 years ago. For awhile it spread
very slowly but during the past few years it has appeared in many fields, particu-
larly in southeastern Massachusetts.
Red stele is a root disease which has never been found in any other part of
the plant. It is caused by a fungus which lives in the soil as well as in the
roots of strawberry plants. This fungus forms resting spores which can remain
alive in the soil for 18 - 20 years till temperature and moisture conditions
are just right and strawberry roots are present. Then these spores germinate
and infect the strawberry roots.
The disease gets its name from the appearance of the roots of infected plants <
In spring when the soil is cool and wet the central core or "stele" turns a brick
red. This can be observed by stripping off the outer "skin" of the root with
the thumbnail or making a slanting cut with a knife. The roots of infected plants
fail to branch so that they have a "rat-tail" appearance. The leaves of infected
plants wilt. If the infection is not too severe and warm dry weather occurs,
the plants may appear to recover but symptcHos are sure to reappear the follow-
ing spring when the soil is again cool and wet. If the infection is severe
and the soil remains cool and wet, many plants of susceptible varieties may die
leaving bare spots in the field.
Red stele can be spread by infested soil particles clinging to tools and
machinery, to the feet of workers, birds or animals, by water-movement through
drainage, washing or by irrigation with water contaminated by spores or by
setting of infected plants.
The red stele fungus has a sexual stage and, therefore, occasionally
produces mutants, or "sports". As a result there are now five known "races" of
red stele. Only four have been found under field conditions. When red stele
was first discovered and only one race was known, several strawberry varieties
showed considerable resistance. Among these were Aberdeen, Pathfinder, Fair-
land, Sparkle, Temple, and Vermilion. Then other races, to which these varieties
are not resistant, appeared and decimated these varieties.
Plant breeders are working to develop varieties resistant to red stele.
The first variety resistant to more than one race of red stele was Stelemaster
which is resistant to three races. Yield and fruit quality are such that this
mmM mm
variety is valuable only where other varieties cannot be grot-m because of red
stele. Later Surecrop, which is resistant to two races and partly resistant to
a third, was introduced. Both fruit and plant characters of this variety are
superior to Stelemaster. In fact, it looks promising as a commercial variety in
many sections and certainly will be where red stele is a problem.
How can a grower protect himself against red stele? If he has no red stele,
he should take every precaution against bringing it into his fields. The danger
of spread from nearby sources is slight unless there is actual drainage from an
infested field or contaminated cultivation implements are used in a disease free
field.
The real danger lies in the setting of infected plants either from nearby
or distant sources. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the desirability of
obtaining disease free planting stock. It should be easy to obtain clean stock
but because of the ignorance, indifference or carelessness of some nurserymen,
infected stock is shipped too frequently. Recently several cases have been
noted where red stele suddenly appeared in previously uninfested areas which
could not have occurred except from the setting of infected plants. It pays to
know about the source of planting stock.
If red stele has already been found on susceptible varieties, the grower
can either stop using the field for strawberries or he can try a resistant
variety. If any of the varieties resistant to one race of red stele became
infected, then it's grow Stelemaster or Surecrop or quit growing strawberries.
The question is frequently asked, isn't there some soil treatment which will
keep red stele under control. There are two soil fumigants, methyl bromide and
chloropicrin which will reduce the incidence of red stele to 5 per cent or less.
These materials are very expensive both to obtain and to apply. It is very doubt-
ful that their use would be profitable. Many other materials have been tried but
none has proved satisfactory under all conditions.
The best answer to the problem is don't get red stele. Know the nursery
that supplied your plants and let them know you want clean plants. Cheap plants
can be mighty expensive if they bring in red stele. If you get red stele, plant
resistant varieties or you'll probably be forced out of the strawberry business.
—John S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
DARROW - A NEW BLACKBERRY
On last September 18th the New York Agricultural Experiment Station intro-
duced a new blackberry variety. It is named Darrow in honor of Dr. George M.
Harrow who was for many years in charge of the research work with small fruits
at the Plant Industry Station of the United States Department of Agriculture
at Beltsville, Maryland.
Darrow (N.Y. #24338) originated from a cross between N.Y. 15826 (Eldorado x
Brewer) and Hedrick (Eldorado x Brewer) . As tested at Geneva N.Y. it is note-
worthy among blackberries for its vigor, reliably heavy production, firmness and
good quality. There it also appeared more cold resistant than other varieties
and selections. Ripening starts early about with Eldorado and continues over a
-8-
long season. Tests at the University of Massachusetts are too preliminary to
know how It will behave here.
Few blackberries are grown In Massachusetts. To frequently nursery plants
have turned out to be a worthless sterile seedling, a varietal mixture or a
combination of these. The softness of the ripe fruit has made It Impossible to
market It In good eating condition. The thornlness of the canes, which makes
picking difficult, has discouraged some. The rapid spread of the plants after
they get established can be a problem.
Oarrow appears to solve some of these problems. It should be worth a trial
for anyone Interested In blackberries. It Is unfortunate that a fruit which has
such fine flavor and makes such excellent jelly should be so long neglected.
-—John S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
GROWTH STUDIES OF THE CULTIVATED BLUEBERRIES
Studies concerned with some of the growth characteristics of the blueberry
plant and Its fruits were made by V. G. Shutak, R. Hlndle, Jr., and E. P.
Christopher and reported In the University of Rhode Island Agricultural Experi-
ment Station Bulletin 339 titled "Growth Studies of the Cultivated Blueberry".
The following material was taken from that bulletin and should be of Interest to
the cultivated blueberry growers of Massachusetts.
In the study to determine the relationship of blueberry wood thickness to
other characteristics, measurements of one-year-old wood were taken just above
the basal swelling. The wood was classified as follows: (a) thin - diameter
less than 0.1 inch; (b) medium - from 0.1 to 0.2 inches; and (c) thick - over 0.2
inches .
With the five varieties studied (Dixi, Atlantic, Pemberton, Rubel and Pioneer)
it was found that blueberry blosscnns on thin wood normally opened before those on
thick wood. Blossoms on mediimi wood usually opened scnnetime between the other two«
In other wood thickness relationships, flower bud development in the fall was
found to occur earliest on thin wood and latest on thick wood. There appeared to
be no significant relationship between wood thickness and days required for a
berry to mature. Fruit and leaf size appeared to be positively correlated with
wood thickness. Since thick wood contains more and larger conducting vessels, the
authors suggest that this greatly increased water conducting capacity results in
the Increased fruit and leaf size.
The authors report that berry growth as measured by calculated volume may be
divided into three stages - a period of rapid growth followed by a period of less
rapid expansion, and finally a period of very rapid increase. The last stage of
growth was found to occur mainly after the berries turned blue. Their data suggest
the Importance of delaying harvest as long as practical after blue coloration appean
However, as stated by the authors "Some varieties begin to drop berries a few days
after blue color is obtained and waiting for maximum size may result in harvesting
a small crop."
Ripening studies showed that the largest berries ripened in the shortest time
and the smallest berries took the longest. "No correlation between size and
-9-
posltlon In the cluster was noted. The ultimate size seems to be largely deter-
mined during the initial growth period,"
Bags of aluminum foil and white and black cloths were used to control
light conditions for berries on the bush and special chambers were used to study
temperature Influence on the harvested berries. They found that "alumintjm
and both black and white cloth bags delayed maturity but resulted in larger
fruits » Harvested berries ripen faster at high temperature and in the light.
However, color formation will proceed in the absence of light."
-~W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE CONTROL OF
BROWN ROT OF PEACH AND OTHER STONE FRUITS
The brown rot fungus organism attacks blossoms, twigs, and fruit to cause
blossom blight, twig blight, stem cankers, and fruit rot. The fruit and trees
can be protected by spraying at the right time.
The source of spores for spring infection are mummies on the tree from fruit
rotted and previous year, mummies on the ground, and twig and stem cankers from
infections of the previous year. The spores on these organs may be overwintered
spores or newly produced spores. They Infect blossoms and twigs which in turn
produce additional spores to infect fruit and twigs later in the season.
There are two critical periods when most of the infections take place and
which need careful grower attention if conditions are favorable for Infection.
They are (1) during bloom and (2) as the fruit approaches ripening.
Blossoms are especially vulnerable during the 7 to 14 days of the bloom period.
The fungus attacks the flower parts, especially when they start to wither, and causes
blossom blight. It then grows down into the twig to cause twig blight and stem
cankers .
Infection can occur dally if there is rain or moisture from fog or heavy dews.
Infection will take place in 6 to 7 hours when the temperature is 45°F, in 4 hours
at 60°F, and in 3 hours at 70°F. A tight protective schedule with sulfur or dichlone
Is necessary for control of blosscm blight If there are rains during bloom. When
rains are heavy and wash off spray deposits, it pays to spray or dust again without
delay.
The other critical time for control of brown rot is when fruit approaches
maturity and the closer to maturity the more easily it become infected and the
faster the fruit rots. Here again, Infection depends on moisture and also there
is more of it if insects are not controlled and there are feeding injuries.
Beginning one month before harvest, it will pay the grower to watch the weather and
spray to protect during rains and to renew spray if heavy rains wash off spray de-
posits. The last spray of the season can be with captan which will delay rot longer
than other fungicides after peaches are harvested.
— C. J. Gllgut
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
MAY 8, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Irrigation of Strawberries
Elements in Successful Marketing of Appalachian Apples
Insect Control on Young Apple Trees
Stand-by Generators for the Farm
Farm Employers' Social Security
Farmers' Social Security
Employers' Payroll Records for Social Security
Pomological Paragraphs
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
^^^ Xirx io
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses In pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active In the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S, - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
In small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Fruit Specialist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing.
Southwlck, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of stoiage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. • Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
Contributors to This Issue From Supporting Fields
E« H. Wheeler, Extension Entomologist
F. E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist
R. W. Klels, Head, Agricultural Engineering Department
L. D. Rhoades, Extension Specialist in Farm Management
IRRIGATION OF STRAWBERRIES
A Massachusetts strawberry grower states "experience has taught us that any
Massachusetts grower engaged In the production of any crop where the return In
dollars per acre Is high must have some method of providing extra water In time
of need. It Is true that in many years a grower might "get by" without it, but
under today's conditions "getting by" is not enough. To stay in business a
grower must get the utmost in both quantity and quality from his planted acreage.
During the decade of growing strawberries, there has not been a year that I have
not been able to use supplemental water to good advantage whether it be to Insure
a sufficient number of vigorous plants, for frost protection or to irrigate the
fruiting bed." This summarizes very nicely the need of irrigation facilities
when growing strawberries.
Strawberry plants have the bulk of their roots in the top foot of soil,
therefore, they are easily affected by drought. In general, strawberry plants
require about one inch of water every seven to 10 days during their growing and
fruiting seasons. The actual amount, however, depends upon climatic conditions and
plant population and vigor. The writer has seen plants In a fruiting bed almost
completely wilted after two days of a hot, dry wind. Soil type also has an
important bearing on how often the land needs irrigation. Soils vary from loamy
sands with low water holding capacity to silt loams with high holding capacity.
To Irrigate successfully the grower must know the soil and plant condition and
how to operate the Irrigation equipment effectively.
When planning an irrigation system consult the personnel of the Soil Conser-
vation Service and the Agricultural Extension Service, it may save dollars now
and headaches later. Massachusetts Extension Service Leaflet No. 246 titled
"Irrigation for Massachusetts Fainns - why, how, when" contains much valuable
infoxmation and may be obtained through your County Extension Service or the
Extension Service, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass.
Depth to Irrigate depends upon crop grown and in the case of strawberries
moisture penetration of 12 Inches should be satisfactory.
When to irrigate can be determined by making actual rainfall measurements
plus the examination of the soil in the field. Empty coffee cans make practical
and economical rain gauges « The height of rain in the can, as measured by a
ruler, will give inches of rainfall. These same cans are useful for the deter-
mination of distribution and amount of water applied with sprinkler irrigation
systems. Soil moisture meters can be purchased which aid growers to determine the
need and time for irrigation.
Growers have found it advantageous to irrigate the new strawberry beds as
soon as possible after setting in order to firm the soil around the roots. This
was particularly valuable during 1957. During the drought of chat year,
growers irrigated new strawberry beds as often as every 10 to 15 days.
A high moisture level is necessary at fruiting time. However, an over supply
of moisture may lead to large, soft, poor-keeping berries. One Massachusetts
strawberry grower states that "If the spring is dry, the fruiting beds are watered
heavily just before ripening of the first fruit. If the weather continues dry,
water is applied once more in the middle of the harvest season. I like to apply
apply water in the morning to give the plants and fruit time to dry before evening."
-2-
By the maintenance of high soil moisture level prior to the harvest season, Irriga-
tion during harvest can be kept to a tninimuin. This should help reduce the occur
rence of large, soft fruit and gray-mold rot,
"-W, J, Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
ELEMENTS IN SUCCESSFUL MARKETING OF APPALACHIAN APPLES
Taken from February issue — Virginia Farm Economics No. 157
Adopted from the thesis of Robert 0. Grisso, "An Economic Analysis of the Elements
that Affect the Success of Marketing Apples in the Appalachian Apple Belt" Decembt
1958, by J,M. Johnson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute,
Conclusions
This study indicates some practices that producers might incorporate into
their operations to improve their ability to compete for satisfactory sales
outlets:
(1) Rely more heavily on U.S.D.A. grading standards and discontinue use of
state grading standards. State grading standards that vary ixaax state to
state are confusing and misleading.
(2) Put more emphasis on grading of fruit and strive to keep well within
tolerance rather than barely complying with the grade.
(3) Reorganize the packing operations in order that the packs preferred by
the trade may be furnished,
(4) Emphasize more strongly the marketing phase of the apple enterprise by
seeking out the more desirable buyers early in the season, granting them
the opportunity of knowing what the expected crop will be so that they
can adjust their operations accordingly.
The size of the grower, his location in respect to markets, and time of
sale have effects on his ability to sell his apples to an advantage. However,
other factors, such as the reputation of the grower, the quality of fruit packed
and the flexibility of his operation in regard to complying with the buyers*
demands were also definitely factors related to success in marketing. Therefore,
it cannot be said that the small grower located in an area not considered to be
convenient to markets, or those not having storage facilities cannot stay in the
apple business and compete price-wise with his larger, more favorably located
competitor with storage facilities. These apparent handicaps may be overcome
by a reputation for a quality pack, advance arrangements for sales, and taking
full advantage of the local market for fruit.
In our present-day dynamic economy, new ideas and technological advancements
are occurring almost overnight. If the Appalachian Apple Belt is to continue in
the competitive race. It will have to anticipate the new advances in production
and marketing techniques and adjust operations at a faster rate.
— F. E. Cole
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INSECT CONTROL ON YOUNG APPLE TREES
Round-headed Apple Tree Borer, Green Apple Aphid and Buffalo Treehopper
are the insects most likely to damage young apple trees in Massachusetts,
Occasionally the white Apple leaf hopper, San Jose Scale, European Red Mite and
several leaf-chewing insects such as Bud Moth, Tent Caterpillar and Gypsy
Moth cause some injury.
In applying insect control measures to young trees, materials that favor
increases in some pest species, such as mites, should be avoided in so far as
possible.
Apple Tree Borer ; The adults of this insect are beetles about three-
quarters inch long and with prominent white stripes on a grayish-brown background.
Beetles emerge frcxn their tunnels in tree trunks during late May and June and do
some feeding on foliage. Eggs are laid in the bark near the ground from late
June until late August. After hatching, three seasons are required for full
development of the larva or borer. Trees are greatly weakened or killed out
right by the larval feeding.
The most practicable control is spraying the entire young tree and ground
cover close around it in late May and through June to kill the adults. Such
applications might correspond to the First and Third Cover sprays in the bearing
orchard. In severe infestations, additional applications corresponding to the
Second and Fourth Cover sprays would be advisable.
Lead arsenate is effective in such a program and would do little harm to
beneficial species while controlling some leaf chewers in addition to the borer.
Lead arsenate would have no effect upon leaf hoppers, treehopper s or aphids.
Green Apple Aphid ; This is the most abundant of the summer aphids or plant
lice on apple. Large numbers of wingless and migratory, winged forms are produced
in some 15 generations from early spring until frost. Leaves on terminals become
greatly distorted and in severe infestations the new twig growth may become twisted
and the tree misshapen.
Parasites and predators may be enough to check the green aphid on young,
unsprayed trees during some seasons. In years favorable to the aphid, natural
controls will not be adequate, damage will result and the young trees will act as
a serious source of reinfestation for the bearing orchard.
Systemic phosphates such as demeton and Phosdrin must be handled carefully
but will give excellent control of the green aphid (and mites) with minimum harm
to beneficial forms.
Malathion is the easiest to handle of the phosphates but often gives poor
control unless treatments are very thorough and repeated at frequent intervals.
TEPP, Diazinon and Trithion are other organic phosphates which might be used.
TEPP must be handled carefully and must be repeated, but is easy on beneficial
-4-
forms because of its very short residual effect. Both Trithion and Diazinon
are longer lasting.
BHC (benzene hexachloride) may be substituted for lead arsentate in one
or more of the sprays suggested for apple tree borer and should give control
of green aphid as well as borer.
Leafhoppers should be controlled by any of the materials mentioned except
lead arsenate.
Buffalo Treehopper ; This insect damages young apple trees by slitting
the bark of twigs and smaller branches to lay eggs. This occurs in August and
the eggs hatch the following April and early May. The nymphs fall to the ground
and feed on the cover crop until they become adults beginning about mid-July.
Alfalfa, sweet clover and bindweed are favorite food plants.
Keeping the young orchard free of suitable host plants and weeds is often
practicable and in some situations an effective control for this insect.
Where necessary, sprays or dusts of DDT or BHC may be applied to the ground
cover and trees sometime in late July or as the adults appear in the trees.
(If the cover crop is to be used as feed for cattle, substitute methoxychlor
for DDT or BHC) . About 4 pounds of a 50% wettable powder DDT (4 pounds of a
10-12% gamma BHC) should be applied per acre.
— E, H. Wheeler
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
STAND-BY GENERATORS FOR THE FARM
Electric power suppliers do an excellent job of providing dependable power
and satisfactory service. Power failures are very infrequent and usually for
very brief periods. But no electric power supplier can guarantee continuous
service. Should farms which are highly dependent upon electric power have stand-
by units? The answer depends upon the nature of the operation, the electrical
equipment involved, the loss a power failure might cause and the dependability
of the power supply.
For some operations a stand-by generator may be justified and provide needed
protection.
Type . Small electric generators can be driven either by a direct-connected
engine or by your tractor. Each type has both advantages and disadvantages. The
engine-driven unite are easier to locate: you can put them in a corner of the
basement, the garage, or any building near the main service entrance. Tractor-
driven units must be placed where they can be belted to the tractor. It is best
to operate the tractor inside. If it is to be operated outside, a rubber belt
is essential. Voltage and speed of the tractor- driven unit must be controlled by
the speed of the tractor.
One disadvantage of the engine-driven unit is the upkeep and servicing
that are required to keep it in operating condition. The farm tractor is ready
to operate at all times, and it can therefore be used with little added trouble
-5-
and expense. Relative costs also make the tractor-driven unit more practical.
For a given capacity It costs less than hialf as much as the engine-driven unit.
Some units are mounted on a trailer and driven by the power take-off shaft
of the tractor. This type can be stored out of the weather and moved quickly
to the power center when needed. For this reason it is useful for operating
welders, power tools, water pumps, etc., in remote sections of the farm where
electric power is not available. It also eliminates the need for the somewhat
troublesome belt drive.
Size . Generators come in sizes from 3,000 to 20,000 watts. On most farms
a 3,000 to 5,000 watt unit is large enough to operate the essential equipment.
It would not be practical to install a unit large enough to operate all of the
electrical equipment on a farmstead. The first thing, then, is to decide what
equipment must be operated and how much needs to operate at one time.
The wattage demand of motors is about as follows:
1/4 horsepower - 300 watts
1/2 horsepower - 575 watts
1 horsepower - 1,000 watts
One point to remember is that a motor requires more wattage for starting
than for running. When you are operating more than one motor, you should start
the larger one first and then the smaller one.
Locating and connecting. Put the generator as near the main service entrance
as you can. Size of wire to use will depend on size of the unit and distance it
must cover. No, 8 or larger will probably be needed.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO CONNECT THE GENERATOR TO THE WIRING SYSTEM
THROUGH A DOUBLE-POLE, DOUBLE-THROW SWITCH. This switch should usually be
between the meter and the main switch, A double- throw switch has two purposes:
First, it prevents the unit from energizing the power line and endangering the
lives of repairman. Second, it prevents damage to the generator when service is
restored
If you find that a stand-by power unit would be useful on your farm, there
is no reason why It shouldn't provide dependable power insurance for 25 years
or longer if you use and care for it In the right way. The cost could thus
be small compared with the convenience and protection,
— R. W, Kleis
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
-6-
FAFM EMPLOYERS' SOCIAL SECURITY
Farmers who employ hired labor are required to deduct Social Security tax
from their employees' wages if either of two tests apply. Payment records are
necessary as well. Taxes are to be deducted on employees' wages if pay is on a
piecework basis whenever the total wage paid to the employee during the year
amounts to $150 _or when the employee has worked on 20 different days during the
year, regardless of the amount of pay. The rate is 2% percent since January 1959,
The employer must pay 2^ percent in addition.
Whenever the total amount of tax, the employer's 2\ percent and the employee's
2% percent, amounts to at least $100 after any month or series of months, a deposit
of this amount must be made in a bank authorized to accept deposits for the
Federal Reserve Bank. You will need to write the District Director of Internal
Revenue, 174 Ipswich Street, Boston, Massachusetts, for a Federal Depository
Receipts form #450.
If you do not have an employer's identification number you will need to get
one by applying for it on Form SS-4 which you can get from the District Director
of Internal Revenue or from the nearest Social Security office.
Your son or daughter under 21, and your wife or husband, father or mother
are not employees under Social Security, although you may pay them wages for
work they do for you and dedvct these wages as a farm expense.
You will have $100 of tax liability whenever the total cash wages of employ-
ees amounts to $2000 during the year,
FARMERS' SOCIAL SECURITY
If you have been paying Social Security tax on your self -employment earnings
from farming in the years since 1955 and you are 65 years old or you will be 65
years old during 1959 or 1960, you should visit your nearest Social Security office.
Social Security representatives will be glad to discuss your situation with
you. Several Instances where farmers who were ready to request retirement in
the last few months have shown how important this is. In these cases farmers
have found that their retirement benefits have been less than they might have
been because of misunderstanding. Some benefits have been lost due to delay
in making this visit.
You will need copies of your income tax returns for the years since 1955,
as well as certain other information such as evidence of age and the like.
EMPLOYERS' PAYROLL RECORDS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
Payroll records for Social Security tax can be in any form provided they
contain the following information: name . address . Social Security ninnber of
the employee, days worked , pay rate , date wn^,ea paid and tax deducted .
-7-
You can use your ovm form or obtain a payroll record from a stationery
store or from most Woolworth, Kresge, Newberry or Grant stores or other chain
variety stores.
—Lawrence D, Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPHS
Cross-Pollination
Recently several growers have asked about the suitability of certain apple
varieties for cross-pollination of each other. The following material about
pollination is taken from Special Circular #247 written by Dr. Franklin W.
Southwick. A copy of the Special Circular may be obtained from your County
Agent or from the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst, Massachusetts.
"The following table lists some varieties grown in New England which are
generally suitable cross-pollinizers for each other, according to their average
blooming season (exceptions are noted). However, most of those varieties
listed in the early group may be suitable for many of the midseason sorts and
the midseason are suitable for the late blosscHning varieties since considerable
blossoming overlap will occur in most seasons. However, it would not be wise
to rely on an early blocxning variety to cross-pollinate a late blooming variety
or vice versa. Bud sports (red strains) of all varieties will not cross-
pollinate each other or the parent variety even though they have viable pollen
because of their close relationship. For example, sports of Delicious, such
as Starking and Richared, will not cross-pollinate Delicious or vice versa."
Early
Cravens teln
Mcintosh
Milton
Oldenburg (Duchess)
Puritan
Red Astrachan
Midseason
Baldwin
Cortland^
Davey
Delicious^
Early McIntosh2
Golden Delicious
Lodi
R. I. Greening^
Spartan
Wealthy
Winter Banana
Yellow Transparent
I dared
Melrose-^
Late
Gallia
Macoun
Northern Spy
Rome Beauty
-8-
Poor polllnlzers (trlploid varieties - produce much sterile pollen).
^Cortland and Early Mcintosh are cross-lmcompatlble but are suitable polllnlzers
for other varieties.
Melrose and Delicious are cross-Incompatible but are suitable polllnlzers for
other varieties.
"One should not rely entirely on strongly biennial varieties such as
Early Mcintosh, Duchess, Wealthy, and Yellow Transparent as cross-pollinlzers
for an annual variety like Mcintosh or Cortland. Such combinations may tend
to make generally annual varieties biennial. When a strongly biennial variety
fails to bloom there is no suitable pollen supply to cross-pollinate the
usually annual variety. Hence, the annual variety may fall to set a commercial
crop In alternate years and tends to become biennial also."
— W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Stoff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
JUNE 8, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dotes Worth Noting
Advantages of Soil Fumigation in Strawberry Culture
A Good Use For Old Tires
Clean Tree Bases
Prevention of Deer Damage With Fencing
Thinning Peaches
Fumigating The Soil For Strawberries
Insect Topics
Comments On The Immature Mcintosh Problem
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and J
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Aerioulture and County Extension Services cooperatfr
une 30, 1914;
ng.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Fruit Specialist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
DATES WORTH NOTING
June 22 - Annual Strawberry Twilight Meeting at the University of
Massachusetts - 7:00 P.M.
July 16 - Summer Meeting Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association,
Meadowbrook Orchards operated by John and Nathan Chandler,
Sterling Junction - All day.
ADVANTAGES OF SOIL FUMIGATION IN STRAWBERRY CULTURE
(Talk presented by Joe Teeling, Middleboro, Massachusetts at the Small
Fruit Meeting held on University of Massachusetts campus in January, 1959)
For some years growers have been frequently plagued with poor yields because
of one or more contributing factors. One of the major causes, which often may
have been unrecognized, is root rot or black root. Its severity varies with the
seasons. Black root destroys root tissues thus preventing the plant from securing
sufficient water to mature all its fruit. The causal factor or factors in black
root may attack the root at any point. The root tissue below this point then dies.
In severe cases almost the entire root system is destroyed. Black root should not
be confused with red stele, another, even more serious root disease, which also
destroys the plant root system. Red stele is caused by a member of the soil fungi
which apparently works its way up the root destroying it.
At first, black root was blamed on various types of soil fungi. However,
later investigations indicated that tiny microscopic worms called nematodes might
be a contributing agent. There are two of these nematodes that seem serious in
strawberry plantings. One is called the root knot nematode, which at present, is
more of a pr9blem in the Maryland area than in Massachusetts, although it can
exist here. The more harmful one in Massachusetts is the common meadow nematode.
With the "spotlight" turned on nematodes, it was natural to try some form of
soil fumigation which might destroy many of these pests in the land to be set with
strawberries. Two of the first materials tried, and still used, were ethylene
dibromide (E.D.B.) and D-D which were injected into the soil by special tractor-
drawn applicators- These materials become a gas when released and as they move
upward through the soil destroy many of the nematodes.
In 1954, I hired a commercial applicator to treat about 3 acres with E.D.B.
at a cost of about $50 per acre. Two of these acres did well. One did very
poorly. There seemed to be little difference between the treated area and a
check plot which had no treatment. In no field did E.D.B. eliminate black root.
However, I repeated the treatment on another piece of land in 1955. At the
same time, I fumigated approximately ^ acre with methyl bromide which was applied
under a plastic cover. This material was very expensive and laborious to apply.
However, it offered much more than the E.D.B. or D-D in that it had some fungi-
cidal action as well as serving as a nematocide. It, also, destroys all weed
seed in the soil. The superiority of the plants grown on the methyl bromide
treated soil was very evident in both appearance and yield. This plot was also,
nearly weed free.
In the fall of 1956 I decided to treat an acre with methyl bromide which
I did at a cost of over $500. It was a tedious task involving the moving of a
plastic cover about 25 times. On the same piece of land I treated a small area
with chloro picrin. Although results were the same, the higher cost of this
material precluded its further use. The field previous to fumigation was heavily
infested with weed seed and considerable "witch grass." Red stele had been
observed in spots in a previous strawberry planting on this land. As there was
little chance for erosion, the field was left bare over the winter. If erosion
is a problem, a light seeding of oats, which will winter-kill, will serve to hold
the soil in place. The following spring a rototiller was run over rows to be set
with plants. A few days after setting, the rototiller was run between the rows.
On June 7 another trip between the rows was made with the tiller. After this no
further cultivations were needed. The plants were not hoed the entire season.
Occasional weeds that appeared were easily pulled during plant spacing operations.
A few red stele susceptible plants were scattered throughout the planting. Only
one of these plants was infected with red stele and this was planted in a tiny
spot that had missed fumigation. There did not appear to be any black root in the
field. Plants grew more vigorously than any I had ever seen. They set a tremen-
dous crop of fruit the following spring. Unfortunately, heavy rains, lack of sun,
and vigorous plant growth resulted in heavy losses from fruit rot in spite of 6
applications of spray materials.
While in the process of treating the soil with methyl bromide, I placed bales
of hay under the plastic cover which resulted in a supply of weed free mulch for
winter cover.
Because of the weed free condition of the field, it has been carried over for
a second picking this spring. It looks very promising.
r
Because of labor involved and the high cost of the methyl bromide, I turned
to the use of Vapam in 1957. This material, at that time, cost about $300 per
acre and could be applied easily through an irrigation system. I treated 3 acres.
The results were satisfactory. During the 1958 growing year the Vapam treated
area required very little more labor than the field which had been treated with
methyl bromide except for some spot hoeing to eliminate a few clover plants whose
seed had not been killed by the treatment. However, we should note here, that the
usual treatment with methyl bromide does not do a good job on clover seeds, either.
There were more weeds on the Vapam treated field than on the one treated with
methyl bromide. However, no hoeing around the plants was needed. The planting
looks good.
In the fall of 1958, I again used Vapam on the fields to be set in 1959. The
results were not quite so good as the previous year in that more fall weeds ger-
minated. However, in fairness, we should note that ge-nninating conditions were
better in 1958 than in 1957 and conceivably, results in 1959 may be as good as
in 1958.
All of this is interesting to consider but the real question on your minds,
I am sure, is "Does it pay?" "Can we justify the spending of $300 or more per acre
in addition to our regular expenses which seem high enough already?" I, certainly,
cannot answer for everyone, because every grower's situation is different. Each
grower will have to balance the cost against the advantages which may accrue to
him in his own environment. As for myself, I feel that virtual elimination of
cultivation and hand hoeing, the more vigorous plant growth, better looking fruit
and higher yields will more than off-set the additional cost. In addition to
these advantages, I see no reason why a field cannot be cropped for 2 or 3 years
instead of one as most of us do now. In the past, many of us have felt that it
-3-
was easier to set a new bed each year than to contend with the weeds and grasses
which come into the planting in the spring of the picking year. However, if we
start with weed free ground as a result of fumigation will it not be profitable and
practical to harvest more than one year at a very low cost?
Finally, with fumigation it will be possible, with the same amount of labor,
to plant a much larger acreage.
II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
A GOOD USE FOR OLD TIRES
Some fruit growers encircle the trunks of young fruit trees with old tires.
The area inside the tires is filled with sand. This practice in addition to aiding
considerably in mouse control by suppressing grass growth, keeps the sand in place,
and helps prevent injury to trees during mowing.
CLEAN TREE BASES
Clean tree bases are of value in prevention of late summer and early fall
girdling by mice. Growers should make it a practice to clean the tree bases
prior to the harvest season particularly when there is considerable tall grass
around tree trunks. The writer has seen considerable late summer girdling in
peach orchards sown with a cover crop and in young apple orchards.
Once harvest commences mouse control is forgotten until the fruit is in
storage. By this time considerable mouse injury may have occurred.
PREVENTION OF DEER DAMAGE WITH FENCING
In 1957, a Massachusetts fruit grower established a new planting of apple
trees. By the end of the summer there was not a tree in the new planting that
had not been Injured by browsing of deer.
In the fall of 1957, this grower erected a 6 foot woven wire fence around the
area, since then no deer damage has occurred. However, tree growth was still far
from satisfactory in 1958 due to the previous damage. It is unfortunate but the
only sure prevention of deer damage in orchards located in areas having high deer
population is erection of a fence around the plantings.
---W. J. Lord
THINNING PEACHES
Fruit thinning on peach trees is a slow and expensive job and since chemical
thinning results have been far from satisfactory most Massachusetts growers must
resort to hand or club thinning.
The correct thinning distance depends on the leaf area per fruit and the
general vigor of the tree. Research has shown that it takes about 40 healthy
leaves of average size to produce a peach of good size and quality. When a
tree has a uniformly heavy set of fruit, it should be thinned so as to leave
only one peach to every six to seven inches of twig. However, if the set is
not uniform, it is best to thin according to leaf area rather than a fixed
spacing.
As a commercial practice it is suggested that the grower wait till after
the June drop is over before starting to thin. At this time, the extent of the
thinning job can be best determined. For the best benefits, thinning should be
completed as rapidly as possible; the early maturing varieties being thinned
first. Some benefits may be expected from thinning even if it is prolonged
until a few weeks before harvest.
With a number of Massachusetts growers, hand thinning is the usual practice.
The surplus fruit are rubbed off, picking out small and damaged fruit as the
thinning is done. However, this is a slow and expensive job and because of this
some growers resort to club thinning or removing excess fruit with a stick.
Club thinning consists simply of knocking the peaches off with a club. The
clubs are prepared by placing a rubber hose (approximately 12 inches in length)
over one end of a four or five foot section of bamboo, broom handle, or other
light wood. Some growers use a piece of 3/4 inch spray hose, about fifteen inches
long, which Is forced over the end of the pole leaving about eight to ten inches
of the hose extended beyond the end of the pole. The p aaches are knocked off by
striking the branch with the padded end of the club. The fruit that would nor-
mally fall during the June drop and those not firmly attached will be eliminated.
The remaining clusters and doubles of fruits can be further thinned by striking
the unwanted fruit. It is necessary in thinning to avoid hitting any specimens
that are to be left. Fruits can be scarred and badly damaged by clumsy and in-
accurate use of the club. With practice, the average workman can become quite
efficient with the club and damage to remaining fruit can be kept at a minimum.
Some growers find it advantageous to do a "rough job" with the club and complete
the job with hand thinning.
Other growers feel that thinning fruits by jarring the limbs with a heavy
club is a somewhat haphazard process since there is no selection of the position
and vigor of the fruits removed. They prefer to use small sticks to brush-off
unwanted fruits. The peaches upon the upper side of a twig are somewhat more
likely to develop good color than those upon the under side. With a sweeping
stroke of the stick the fruits on the lower sides of the limb can be removed.
The remaining clusters and doubles "thinned-out" by striking the unwanted fruits
with the stick.
---W. J. Lord
-5-
FUMIGATING THE SOIL FOR STRAWBERRIES
The primary purpose of soil fumigation is to keep healthy strawberry plants
healthy. It can't make healthy plants out of sick ones. If sick plants are set
in a fumigated field, the benefits of soil fumigation are lost. Buying cheap
plants just anywhere is poor economy, even in unfumigated fields; in fumigated
fields it may waste the cost of fumigation. High quality, disease free plants
will almost always grow faster and produce more than ordinary stocks of plaxits.
How far can soil fumigation go toward keeping strawberry plants healthy?
Obviously it is aimed at diseases which are soil borne and affect the roots of
the plants. Any effect it has on the tops is the result of changes in the gen-
eral health of the plant brought about by the soil fumigation.
There are several soil borne diseases but only two are presently of economic
importance in Massachusetts; red stele and black root rot. Soil fumigation for
the control of red stele is still very much in the experimental stage. Several
materials have looked promising under certain conditions but they are expensive
and not yet certain. Yields must be high to make them profitable.
Black root, on the other hand, can and has been controlled by several ma-
terials, some of which are cheap enough to make their use profitable without
excessively high yields. A number of growers have found D-D and ethylene
dibromide reasonable in cost and quite effective. In experiments last summer,
these materials gave yield increases of from 10 to 20 percent. These materials
are chiefly nematocides. If the plants in a field have previously suffered
from nematodes, these should help.
If, on the other hand, the trouble is caused by a fungus, then it will be
necessary to add a soil fungicide to one of these nematocides or use a soil
fumigant which is both a nematocide and fungicide such as methyl bromide,
chloropicrin or Vapam (VPM) . These materials are expensive to purchase and
apply with the exception of Vapam, which can be applied through an irrigation
system. In addition, however, these do have what might be called a bonus benefit
because they give considerable weed control. If chemical weed control is wanted
in addition to soil disease control, then the high price of these materials may
be justified. Obviously Mr. Teeling (refer to story by Mr. Teeling in this
publication) found the combination of weed control and disease control profitable
or he wouldn't have continued using one of these expensive materials.
Whatever material is used, thorough and timely soil preparation is necessary
for good results. Frequently, this is overlooked or forgotten. Plowing should
be done far enough in advance so that all plant remains, such as grass, weeds,
corn stubble, etc., which harbor nematodes are completely broken down. Without
time for this sort of material to decompose, soil fumigation cannot be thoroughly
effective. The soil should be well pulverized, loose, friable, moist and above
50 F, that is, in seed bed condition when the application is made. After
application, time must be allowed for all traces of the fumigant to disappear
from the soil before planting. This takes three to four weeks with most soil
fumigants, however, only seven days are required with methyl bromide.
-6-
After all traces of the fumigant have left the soil, it is desirable to
sow a cover crop for winter cover and green manure. It takes time for this
cover crop to get started.
Since soil fumigation can be done any time the soil is above 50°F and
the soil is usually warm enough till mid-October, it may seem a bit early
now to be talking about doing it. To do a good thorough job early enough
to be followed by a cover crop, requires starting much earlier in the season
than most growers have been in the habit of doing. It is not too early to be
ordering fumigants and cover crop seed. That plowing and fitting job will
need attention soon also.
J. S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
INSECT TOPICS
Blueberry Flea Beetle: This pest of wild, low bush blueberries is back
with us this season after an absence of nearly 10 years. It will bear close
watching in 1960.
Adult beetles appear in June and July when they feed upon the foliage and
deposit eggs singly in the soil litter. These eggs overwinter and begin hatching
as the blueberry leaves unfold from the buds. Feeding by the small, dark-colored
grubs or larvae continues throughout May with the peak damage occurring about the
middle of the month. The larvae cause more damage than the adults.
DDT dusts applied soon after eggs hatch, while the grubs are still small,
has given good control. This means an application to the growing leaves before
blossoms open thus preventing damage to bees and fruit set. Use 20 to 30 pounds
per acre of a 5Z DDT dust; ferbam may be included for disease control if desired.
Some cutworms, span worms and other miscellaneous plant feeders should be killed
by the same treatment .
Strawberry Weevil : This insect has been a pest in the Cape area nearly every
season but this year it has appeared in damaging numbers in Hampshire County and
perhaps elsewhere.
The weevil, or "nipper", is a small, black snout beetle which overwinters
in trash in or near the strawberry bed and becomes active just about as the
buds are separating in the cluster. Eggs are laid in the buds and then the
stems are nipped so that the buds fall over, dry up, and eventually drop. The
"nipper" is most active when temperatures are 75 F or higher so this 1959
season has been especially favorable for them.
-7-
The strawberry weevil is controlled with sprays or dusts applied as the
buds separate in the earliest clusters. In heavy infestations a second treat-
ment 7 to 10 days later or as earliest blossoms open would be desirable. DDT,
methoxychlor, chlordane and heptachlor are effective and will control spittle
bug and plant bugs also. Since DDT and methoxychlor may cause a build-up of
spotted mite, it is well to include a miticide such as Kelthane with these
materials.
Fruit Tree Leaf roller : There are a number of caterpillars that attack
the opening buds and new foliage of apple trees. Some may feed on the young
fruit and cause considerable damage. Some roll the leaves, others do not,
but in all cases the terminal leaves appear ragged.
The fruit tree leafroller (a species distinct from the red-banded leaf-
roller) is quite common this year in orchards where no insect control material
was applied before bloom. This insect overwinters in the egg stage, hatches in
Delayed Dormant and feeds all through pre-bloom, bloom and on into the 2nd
Cover period. The moths appear in July when the overwintering eggs are laid
on twigs .
The fruit tree leafroller was difficult to control with lead arsenate
and heavy oil applications were made against the eggs. Now, with materials
such as DDT, BHC and the phosphates, the insect is readily stopped before
bloom. Its control is one of the fringe benefits gained from using BHC in
Pre-pink to control aphids.
-— E. H. Wheeler
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
COMMENTS ON THE IMMATURE McINTOSH PROBL EM
Ten years ago fruit growers were faced with numerous production and marketing
problems. Concentration on production problems has solved maay of them. Now, more
and more effort is being concentrated on marketing problems.
One particular marketing problem that has not been solved and is receiving
serious attention from Massachusetts to the State of Washington is that of the
sale of itranature apples.
The reasons why the problem exists are much the same in the various apple
producing areas. In Michigan and Massachusetts the problem is particularly acute
with respect to the Mcintosh variety.
The situation appears to be that certain distributors eager to advertise
"The Season's First Macs" and thus make a "fast buck" entice growers to sell Mcintosh
while still immature and inedible. As happened in Michigan, consumers bought once,
but because of poor flavor, didn't go back for a repeat purchase. Within ten days
the price fell and this in turn set a low price pattern for apples.
Last fall one fruit grower rather sheepishly admitted to me that he was selling
Mcintosh apples which were much too immature but as he said, "What can I do? The stores
-8-
that I service regularly are demanding them, and they tell me that if I can't supply
them, they will get them somewhere else. Naturally, I don't want to lose them as
outlets for my apples later on so I am selling them immature Macs."
There are several approaches to this problem but the one used in Michigan, and
a similar one for Delicious in the State of Washington, is as follows:
The plan was presented to the Michigan State Horticultural Society, The Horticult
Societies of Southwestern Michigan Counties, the County Farm Bureaus and a group known
as The Michigan Fruit Sponsors. This resulted in a committee made up of •pple growers,
professional men and a storage specialist. The committee met about two weeks
before anyone would even think of picking Mcintosh, visited different orchards
and observed the fruit. Then a "tentative" harvest date was selected and announced
in order to head off early pickers and to get the trade thinking in terms of a
later date. Two weeks later the committee met again, visited the same orchards
and announced a "firm" date for the harvest of Mcintosh. This "firm" date was then
given publicity. After two years of this procedure the harvesting of immature Mclntost
has been reduced an estimated 85 to 90%. As one member of this committee wrote me,
"We have only public opinion and the scorn of his neighbors to keep growers from
cheating."
In New york State, the fruit industry is giving consideration to the immature
apple problem. In Illinois, standards based on color have been established for
four grades of Golden Delicious. These have been adopted as official standards by
the Illinois Department of Agriculture. In addition to markings as to grade,
packages of Golden Delicious ma^ be stamped: "Meets Illinois Maturity Standards".
At the Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Pomological Society held at Berlin,
Connecticut, December 3rd and 4th, 1958, the following resolution was adopted:
"Some states presently have what are called 'Maturity' laws for determining first
picking dates of certain varieties. The object of such laws is to keep premature
and green fruit off the market. To be of value in Connecticut, surrounding states
would need similar laws. It is therefore resolved that the Executive Committee of
the Connecticut Pomological Society determine the feasibility of studying the whole
question and make recommendations at our next^Annual Meeting."
Some New Hampshire growers have given serious thought to the prevention of the
harvesting and marketing of immature Mcintosh. Some have considered having
legislation passed while others have proposed making it a part of the apple grading lav
The Industry Committee of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association has the
problem of immature Mcintosh under consideration. Other New England States recognize
the problem but have taken no definite action as yet.
The opinion has been expressed by some that over maturity is even more
harmful to the popularity of Mcintosh than immaturity. These problems are not
peculiar to any one state but should be of concern to all New England Mcintosh
growers and appear to merit concerted action by growers and professional workers
throughout New England in order that only apples in prime condition will be
offered to the consuming public.
0. C. Roberts
Contributor to This Issue From Supporting Fields
E. H. Wheeler, Extension Entomologist
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massochusetts
Amherst
r//-
JULY-AUGUST, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prehorvest Drop Control
Storage of Peaches
Cold and CA Storoge Suggestioris
Pomological Paragraphs
Late Summer Fertilization of Strawberries
M.F.G.A. Grower Panel Recommendations
For 1959 Marketing
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914,
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
Contributor To This Issue From Supporting Fields
F. E, Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist
PREHARVEST DROP CONTROL
At this time (mid- June) it appears that we shall have a larger crop of
Mcintosh in most orchards than we had a year ago. It is generally thought,
and our results agree, that trees with a Ijeavy crop are generally more
susceptible to preharvest drop than similar trees bearing a light to moderate
crop. Therefore, one should be aware of the increased chances of serious drop
losses in heavy crop years.
The control material situation has stabilized and no new materials will
be available for drop control this fall. As you know, we've been recommending
two sprays of NAA (20 ppm each time) about 10 days apart for drop control of
Mcintosh for those who wish to minimize drop for 3 weeks. The major weakness
with this old recommendation is that 2 applications are required. Last year
we combined NAA (10 ppm) and 2,4,5-TA (20ppm) and obtained as good drop control
as occurred with 2 sprays of NAA. Consequently, we are suggesting this com-
bination or 2 sprays of NAA for Mcintosh only, in our 1959 recommendations
(Special Circular No. 254 - Preharvest Drop Control of Apples). Since 2,4,5-TA
occasionally fails to work, one should watch the extent of drop after the first
10 days (when using a NAA plus 2,4,5-TA combination) and if for some reason the
2,4,5-TA is not adequately controlling drop, a second NAA spray (20 ppm) may
have to be used. 2,4,5-TA is very slow in becoming effective which is why NAA
is needed in addition to it.
Another point that might be stressed more in controlling drop of Mcintosh
with NAA or a NAA plus 2,4,5-TA combination is that Mcintosh typically commence
to drop at a very slow rate (often less than 1% a day) for the first 5 to 10
days after sound apples start falling. Then the rate of drop often rises rather
abruptly to 2 or 3 per cent a day. Since NAA becomes effective for drop control
within 2 days after an application it seems most logical to delay the stop drop
application as long as possible so that its effective period is certain to pre-
vail during the period when fruit drop is generally most serious. Since hot
weather is a prime factor in increasing the rate of drop, exceptions to this
general situation are possible. One should keep in mind the weather that is
predicted for several days ahead so that stop drop sprays precede unseasonably
hot weather.
Another point of interest is the influence of spot picking on drop. Since
trees with a moderate crop drop less than those bearing heavily, one might expect
that spot picking might reduce the overall drop. Last year, however, this did
not seem to be the case in one block where we obtained drop records. Spot-picked
trees dropped very heavily during the warm period of September 24 to 26 even
where 1/3 to 1/2 of the crop had already been harvested. It appears that weather
conditions are much more important in determining the rate of drop than whether
or not spot picking has been done.
As usual, it is highly desirable to keep the leaves in a good healthy con-
dition, free of mite injury and nutritional deficiencies of potassium and
magnesium, in order to keep drop losses within reasonable bounds.
2,4,5-TP (20ppm) is still our recommended treatment for late varieties.
Delay its application as late as possible but be sure to apply it before the
foliage is injured by frost.
F. W. Southwick
-2-
STORAGE OF PEACHES
Frequently growers wish to hold peaches in storage in order to extend
the marketing period. At summer temperatures, picked fruit ripens very
rapidly and is subject to rapid decay. Respiration studies on peaches have
shown that the influence of temperature on the rate of respiration of peaches
is greater than with many other fruits.
Research workers have found that a storage temperature of 32° F is most
suitable for peaches. There is practically no softening of fruit at this-
temperature and frequently less mealiness and breakdown occurs than when
stored at higher temperatures.
Growers who have had poor results when storing peaches for two or three
weeks might try delayed storage. If the peaches are to be sold at the road-
side stand, hold them at 70°-80° F after harvest, until they are practically
eating ripe before placing them in storage. This procedure as research
results have shown may prevent the development of mealiness. Fruit to be
sold to stores should not be held as long at 70°-80° F because firmer fruit
are necessary for this method of sale.
A delay in storage is not necessary if peaches are to be held in storage
for only three or four days .
Only peaches free of bruises and brown rot infection should be stored.
Even under the most favorable conditions peaches cannot usually be stored
longer than two or three weeks.
W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
COLD AND CA STORAGE SUGGESTIONS
Basically, cold and CA storage represents a means of slowing down the rate
of fruit deterioration. If storage of apples were simply a question of slowing
the rate of ripening by utilizing low temperatures and controlling the oxygen
and carbon dioxide level, the problem of supplying the consumer with a good
product after storage would be relatively easy. However, our apple varieties
are subject to a variety of physiological disorders such as scald, internal
breakdown, brown core, bitter pit, and water core that can result in serious
losses to the grower. These troubles are influenced to a considerable degree
by the type of growing season experienced and the maturity of the fruit. Such
things as nutritional status of the tree and the size of individual fruits are
involved in some cases, also. It is not often possible at harvest time to pre-
dict with accuracy how serious many of these disorders will be after several
months of storage. Consequently, semimonthly checking of stored fruit from
December onward should be done much more regularly than ie now being practiced .
This is true not only for cold storage but also CA stored fruit . Many things
•3-
may be happening to apples as time passes. To find out whether some disorder is
becoming serious before it is too late requires a constant system of inspection.
To look at the fruit in the top of one or two boxes and go no farther is not
enough. Samples should be taken from various blocks and from various pickings.
The fruit should be placed at room temperature for 5 to 7 days to see if any
disorder develops at warm temperatures. Some lots of apples showing no scald
in storage may show 90 per cent or more in a week at room temperature. Brown
core is always a threat in late-held cold storage Mcintosh. Whenever Delicious,
Spy, or Rome show water core in the fall, internal breakdown may develop later.
Here is a list of a few storage troubles and some suggestions that may help
to minimize them which come to mind following the 1958-59 storage season.
Scald - 1, There is no possibility of clearance of DPA (diphenylamine) for
scald control before the fall of 1960 and it may not come then. Early
picked Mcintosh and Cortland are much more susceptible to scald when placed
in cold storage than later picked fruit. However, when these two varieties
are placed in CA storage the later pickings are more susceptible to scald
than the early ones. Whether this holds for Delicious is not certain,
2. If cold storage Mcintosh are held as long as CA Mcintosh, the
cold storage fruit invariably scalds more than those from CA rooms.
3. Move apples quickly from the orchard to storage at harvest time
so that the period from harvest to storage does not exceed 24 hours.
Scald may increase considerably if the period of delay between harvest
and storage is prolonged.
4. If for any reason a CA room is so leaky that the 3 per cent
oxygen level is not reached within 20 days, the development of scald
later in the storage period may increase markedly. It may be better to
drop the temperature to 32° F and run such rooms as a cold storage than
risk a marked increase in scald. Also, such apples will not
keep appreciably better than cold storage apples anyway.
5. Shredded oiled paper is the best control measure for scald that
can be recommended now even though it is far from perfect.
Water Core - The severity of this orchard and storage disorder is more
closely related to fruit maturity than to any other factor we know of.
Generally, late-picked fruit has more water core than apples picked
earlier. Water core and the development of internal breakdown are closely
associated, also. Water core often disappears to a large extent in storage
but some may persist and internal breakdown may develop along with it.
Delayed storage is no cure for the associated internal breakdown. (Dr.
Lord will go into this subject further next month.)
CO2 Injury on CA Mcintosh - This has not been a serious problem yet. To
reduce the chances of its becoming serious, maintain the carbon dioxide
level at about 3 per cent for the first 4 to 6 weeks before allowing
the level to rise to 5 per cent.
.4-
Overrlpeness and Fruit Splitting in Storage - This problem actually starts
in the orchard since it is most apt to occur on large apples. Large
Mcintosh apples (anything over 3 inches in diameter) should never be
considered suitable for long storage. Also, high nitrogen apples are
poor keepers. They are softer at harvest and after storage than fruit
of similar size from trees grown under lower nitrogen levels. High
nitrogen Mcintosh apples often break down when placed at room temper-
ature after coming from storage in February or later. It is inadvisable
to put such fruit in a CA storage.
F. W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPHS
A Way To Acquaint The Consumer With Apple Varieties -
Recently the writer had an opportunity to visit an orchard in Connecticut
where the owner sells a considerable amount of his fruit at the roadside stand.
In an orchard adjacent to the roadside stand the grower had planted trees of
the various fruit varieties grown on the farm. The roadside stand customers,
especially those who are undecided as to what variety to ourcbase, are invited
to step out to the orchard and sample the fruit. The owner tells the customer
to bring back to the salesroom a sample of the fruit that appeals to him the
most and that he would be glad to sell the desired amount of the variety.
The owner feels that by giving customers an opportunity to inspect the
orchard that they become more familiar with varieties and have a better appre-
ciation of apple production.
This orchard floor is kept mowed like a lawn so the customers can wander
around without getting their feet wet.
Watch Those Wire Guards-
In quite a number of orchards visited in May and June, the writer observed
tree girdling caused by the variety label which was attached to the young tree
or by wire hardware cloth guards. The number of instances where the wire hard-
ware cloth guards were beginning to girdle young trees were so frequent as to
prompt this reminder to growers that they would do well to check for this sit-
uation before serious damage is done.
" ^Care of Scions After Grafting -
During the first year after the scions or seedling trees are set for
bridging-over damaged areas on tree trunks by use of the bridge graft or the
•5-
Inarch method of graftage, the scions should be Inspected several times and
recoated when cracks appear In the grafting compound. After It is certain
that the grafts are successful, rub off any shoots which start from the scions
or seedling trees.
Efficient Use of Mulch -
Mulch is a commodity of limited supply for most fruit growers. The writer
has noted that some fruit growers, when applying mulch to bearing apple trees
place it within a foot or two of the trunk and out to a distance of two or three
feet beyond the spread of the branches. It is true that the mulch under the
tree will help suppress grass and protect drops but on the other hand more trees
could be mulched if it was not applied to such a large area. It is the opinion
of the writer that the most efficient use of mulch for nutritional purposes is
obtained when distributed uniformly in a band 3 or 4 feet wide under the drip
line of the tree.
W. J. Lord
^ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
LATE SUMMER FERTILIZATION OF STRAWBERRIES
In Massachusetts the June-bearing varieties of strawberries initiate their
flower buds in the fall. If conditions are favorable, many varieties produce
several flower buds in each strawberry crown and consequently produce several
inflorescences per plant. The extent of flower bud development seems to be in-
fluenced by the supply of available nutrients, particularly nitrogen.
A number of experiments have indicated an advantage of building up the nitrogen
supply in the fall from the standpoint of increase flower bud formation. However,
factors such as earliness of runner plant rooting, quality of plants, soil moisture,
pest and weed control may have more effect on plant productivity than the fer-
tilizer applications.
Many strawberry plantings would probably benefit from a moderate application
of a nitrogen-carrying fertilizer applied between the middle of August and the first
of September. Approximately 30 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre should be
adequate. This amount would be supplied by 100 pounds of ammonium i^itrate or
200 pounds of sodium nitrate. A broadcast application of fertilizer at that
time may damage the foliage unless precautions are taken. Apply on a clear day
of low humidity and with a switch made from brush, shake off any fertilizer
adhering to the leaves, or apply during a rain to avoid burning of the foliage.
W. J. Lord
-6-
HARVESTING METHODS
The harvest season is undoubtedly the most hectic season for fruit growers.
A moment's carelessness can ruin fruit that has taken months to grow. Studies
conducted by Professor 0. C. Roberts in which he examined Mcintosh apples at
harvest for bruises and skin punctures showed that some pickers damage an
unbelievable number of apples. He examined a fifty apple sample from two boxes
harvested by each of five pickers in twenty different orchards. In one orchard
where all pickers were considered experienced men, 46 per cent of the apples
examined from boxes picked by one individual had bruises 1/2 inch in diameter
or greater. On the other hand, in the same orchard 6 per cent of the fruit
harvested by another picker had bruises 1/2 inch or larger.
Carefully conducted studies have shown that much of the bruising which
occurs at harvest can be reduced by close supervision. Careful supervision is
the backbone of a good picking crew ! Take time to show pickers how to pick
properly and avoid bruising. If you do not have copies of Special Circulars 245,
"Harvesting Suggestions for Orchard Foremen" and 246, "Be a Better Apple Pickerl",
they may be obtained at your County Extension Service. Poor pickers cost growers
moneyl Have you ever figured out how many less severely bruised apples per box
it will take to more than pay for a bonus to good pickers?
Obviously, harvesting methods are not identical in orchards and the pro-
cedure must be adapted to the particular orchard. The harvest operation must
be well organized if time, cost and bruising is to be kept at a minimum.
Following is a summary of harvest procedures currently being used by Massachusetts
Growers. One or more of these practices or perhaps some modification of a
practice may be practical for your situation.
1. pickers are commonly instructed to pick the fruit from ground where
ladder will first be placed; Then to set the ladder and pick from the lower
to the upper part of tree, picking all apples within reach. The pickers are
instructed not to completely fill container but to come down and finish filling
by picking fruit from lower limbs where the ladder will be set next.
2. Inexperienced labor is frequently used for carrying filled boxes to
central locations for handier loading, leveling filled boxes and other time
consuming jobs.
3. Other growers prefer to level boxes at the packing shed. Growers have
been observed to set up two sets of roller conveyors so that the trailer loaded
with apples can be backed between them. The tractor driver unloads the apples
directly on to the conveyors. The boxes are leveled and placed on pallets.
4. Inspectors, usually women are hired by some growers to inspect random
boxes of the pickers' fruit. A score card is made for the pickers and posted
where they can compare their ratings with the rest of the pickers. A fourth
of the crew with the least number of bruises is paid 5c per bushel bonus.
Each day is a new deal.
5. Other growers do not pay a bonus to pickers who keep damage to the
fruit at a minimum but do hire someone to inspect random boxes of fruit. The
names of pickers causing excessive bruising is given to the foreman. The
foreman attempts to observe the reason for excessive bruising and then procedes
to show the pickers how to pick properly.
6. A bonus is frequently paid the pickers who stay through the entire season.
7. Some growers instruct pickers to harvest only those Mcintosh apples
having at least 25 per cent color. The apples having less than 25 per cent
color are picked at a later date when color has improved. The growers feel
that they are better off having the poor colored fruit on the ground than in
the storage, so they aren't too concerned if all the fruit left is never harvested.
8. Splint baskets are used by some as picking containers. These are carried
to a central location where a packing crew places the apples into field crates. Low
grade apples are removed in the process and placed in separate containers.
9. Some growers move their field-run fruit directly into the packing
house where it is segregated into grades and sizes before being placed in storage.
This method has the advantage in that the grower knows the grades and sizes
available for sale. Cull apples are removed which otherwise would take up valuable
storage space. The disadvantage with packing fruit at harvest is that a grading
and packing crew is required in addition to the picking crew.
10. In one orchard where pallets are used, a crew consisting of a foreman
and two men do the palletizing. They are preceded through the orchard by two girls
hired to level the boxes. The foreman and two men follow with a tractor and
trailer loaded with pallets. The foreman places the pallet near the filled boxes,
the correct placement of which is important in facilitating ease of loading it
onto the truck. The foreman and two men then place 36 boxes on the pallet .Excess
filled boxes are placed on the trailer and are used to complete the pallet load
at other locations.
11. Double decked trailers are useful in some operations. By use of these,
two layers of boxes can be hauled without the necessity of leveling the boxes
in the orchard.
12. Last year five apple growers used bulk bins to replace the conventional
apple crate. The bulk bins were placed in the orchard in convenient locations
and were filled by pickers. Studies conducted by Professor 0. C. Roberts showed
that bulk bins may be used for Mcintosh apples as a harvest container and storage
container without appreciable increase of bruising and skin punctures compared
with conventional crates. However, dumping the bins onto the receiving belt of
the grader is a problem.
13. The placement of hardwood skids across the trailer bed enables the
worker who is loading the trailer to push the stack of boxes toward the center of
the trailer after building a stack of the desired height on the edge of the
trailer platform. The whole load can be handled from the ground.
I
-8-
14. The common method of loading trailers uses one worker on the ground to
lift boxes onto the trailer bed. Another worker stands on the trailer bed and
picks up the boxes and places them into hauling position. Loading time can be
reduced by having the man on the trailer stack the center row first. He should
then get off the trailer and assist the other worker in completing the load.
-~W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
M.F.C.A. GROWER PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1959 MARKETING
(Summarized from notes made at the summer meeting, July 16, 1959 by Frederick
E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass.';
Roger Peck, Shelburne; Walker Cheney, Brimfield; William Doe, Harvard; Charles
Dowse, Sherborn; John Phelon, Granville; G. Stacy Gay, Three Rivers and William
Hermann, Harvard, constituted a panel at the summer meeting of the M.F.G.A. on the
subject, "What was wrong with 1958 and what can be done to make the most of 1959?"
These men presented considered points for the benefit of the industry in rapid
order. More attention was justifiably given to the coming marketing year than to the
one just past as every year is different.
Important in the list of deficiencies in 1958, as mentioned by panel members,
were the following points:
1. Season two weeks late.
2. Too long a period of time in getting many apples down to temperature.
3. Too many green, undersized apples in C.A. storage.
Not enough care in selecting apples for C.A. storage.
4. Poor C.A. storage operation.
5. Too many poorly graded apples.
6. Too many apples with flavor and juice gone. ,'
Too many apples that were too ripe.
Poor conditioned apples. j
Too many customers not getting good quality. '
7. Not enough use of "out-of-storage-movement" charts in guiding the movement
of apples.
Too many waited until spring to sell.
Standard storage apples held too long. *
Did not push the sales of standard storage apples enough. :
Mixed standard and C.A. apples on market. ^
1
8. Too much price cutting.
Non-ethical competition.
Unrealistic margins.
-9-
The seven panel members made the following recommendations for making the
most of the coming marketing year:
1. Grow the very best apples possible.
2. Shop around, but buy the best cartons.
3. If you are going to build a C.A. room, build a good one.
4. Be choosy about the apples that go into C.A. storage. Do not wait until the
last minute to fill room. Put in good, firm, red apples. Spread the season.
5.
Cool apples fast. Load C.A. room fast. Put the apples into storage the day
they are picked or the very next morning.
6. Make the packing job more efficient. Quality packs help to keep the business
going. If you put up quality grades, you can sell the apples. Pack and sell
to keep the unit price up and do not down-grade the pack to a price. Find
better packages for Fancy apples. Develop refrigerator containers.
7. Do a better job of grading. Sort out the blemishes and keep froro bruising.
8. Let's start selling as soon as we have apples to sell. Pack and then start
selling. Start to sell as soon as you start packing and then keep right on
selling.
9. Set a realistic price on your apples and then push sales. Keep selling. Do
not let the stores crowd you on the price. Sell to the stores on the basis
of quality and service. If you sell to stores on price, you are lousing up
the market. Sell with courage. Get your margin. Protect the middle man's
price. Sell to chains at firm prices. More vociferous selling. Stop price
cutting. Price cuts do not always lead to more volume.
10. Sell good, sound, firm apples while they are still good.
11. Go looking for outlets. Better service to retailers. More training for
retailers in handling apples. Take care of your good customers straight
through the season.
12. Give the consumer what she wants - what she will buy and take home in volume.
Keep customers satisfied in order to hold prices. Sell apples in better con-
dition. Take care of complaints. Keep good apples in front of consumers all
of the time. See our apples right through to the consumer.
13. Do everything we can to have improved market facilities in Boston. It is very
important to us price-wise. City wholesale prices are key prices.
14. Maintain the price on Certified Sweet Cider and sell more of it.
15. Do the whole job of harvesting, storing and selling better.
16. Do more advertising.
The above list of recommendations emphasizes that good marketing is a whole
series of things done well. There was a wholesome, constructive and optimistic
attitude on the part of panel members. "Selling security into the industry" was
stated to be a pracitcal goal and within the reach of a determined industry,
— F. E. Cole
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Mossochusetts
Amherst
September 8, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Consumers Don't Like Bruised
Mcintosh Apples
High Strawberry Yield in 1959
DcLTyed Picking and Storage and Its Effect '^'
on the Occurrence of Water Core and Internal
Breakdown in Starking Delicious Apples
Cider Notes
Winter Weed Control In Strav7berries
)\
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication app. oved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPAR'niENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit
marketing.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
p
CONSUMERS DON'T LIKE BRUISED McINTOSH APPLES
For the past four years studies have been made at the Massachusetts Experiment
Station relative to bruising of Mcintosh apples. Without resorting to a vast array
of figures and statistics the overall results of these studies can be summarized as
follows:
1. Fruit growers in general are losing an appreciable sum of money because
of bruises and skin punctures.
2. This bruising occurs not only in retail stores but on the farm.
3. Bruising that occurs on the farm may be due to careless pickers as well
as sorters and packers.
4. Excessive bruising of Mcintosh apples is unnecessary as several growers
consistently handle their crops with a minimum of bruising.
5. From the condition of numerous lots of apples obtained in retail stores
and then analyzed for bruising, there must certainly be a relationship
between the kind of apples that are offered to consumers and the decline
In the per capita consumption of apples.
The obvious answer to this problem of bruising is first of all for the grower
to be bruise conscious and then to everlastingly Impress upon all those handling
his apples the Importance of careful handling.
1
Under ripe and over ripe apples go hand in hand with bruising in discouraging
housewives from buying apples. They want to buy apples and feed them to their fami-
lies but they want good ones. It is up to the growers and handlers to see that
they get them.
This problem of bruising is of so great Importance not only in Massachusetts
but in other Mcintosh producing states that it seems fitting to include here an
article by Dr. A. B. Burrell which appeared in the August issue of "New York State
Horticultural Society News Letter".
This article which expresses our views so nicely is as follows:
C UTTIMG BRUISING IN McINTOS H
by A. B. Burrell, Peru, N. Y.
"This is our toughest problem. Mcintosh makes up 90 per cent of our production
and at the height of the season we must pick 4,000 to 6,000 bushels a day. Through
painful experience over 30 years we have learned a few lessons which lead to the
following suggestions.
1. Don't let the trees get above medium in nitrogen level. Big soft apples
bruise too easily. >
2. Don't grow more Mcintosh than you can harvest at the proper stage of maturity.
Picked too early, Macs come off hard and get too many finger marlcs. Too late,
they get bruising from softness.
-2-
3. Don't let the trees get too tall. Pickers squeeze apples and handle them
roughly when teetering precariously at great heights.
4. Put tlie emphasis on reward for good performance rather than on penalty for
damage: to fruit.
5. Provide instruction. Many will accept it. Show workers how to make high wages
while handling apples gently. Many can gain speed from learning how to set a
ladder properly and work systematically.
6. Show that a bruise often goes deeper than it appears and that a bruised apple
looks very bad after it has stood a while.
7. If necessary to move apples before boxes are leveled and stacked on pallets,
keep the boxes in a single layer whenever possible. Coach and supervise
loaders to set each box down gently. Show them that one high apple can cause
bruises on every apple below the high one.
8. Resist efforts of buyers to have you fill boxes too full.
"Building local storages relieved our bruising problem in the Champlain Valley.
However, we may now have too much capacity for a light crop year. Formerly, our
apples were damaged a lot during closing of boxes, loading and unloading trailer
trucks, and rough handling into distant storages. Now, open boxes usually are
placed on a pallet in the orchard where grown and not handled again except on
pallets by a fork- lift until they are packed for market. They travel well in cell
cartons to distant markets.
"The human problem of getting enough good supervisors is the most difficult
aspect of our harvest season. Workers usually respond well to competent, tactful
foremen.
"For 2 years, we have used the scheme of Bill Doe of Harvard, Massachusetts,
to reward careful pickers. A bonus of 5 cents a bushel is paid to the 25 per cent
of the pickers who do the least bruising each day. Four full-time inspectors score
the fruit. Each inspector scores the fruit of every full-time picker each day.
Half-day pickers may be scored only twice. A fruit sampler as evolved by the
Washington Apple Commission is used to take a 20-apple sample from top to bottom
of each random box that is chosen. Calculations are made by Mrs. Burrell each
night on a strictly statistical basis. The next morning the pickers find the
winners of the previous day's contest listed on the barn door. They usually look
to see if they made the bonus before starting work. The key to the success of
the system is having competent impartial inspectors, preferably people who do not
know the pickers. This year we hope to use mainly women who have packed apples
out of storage all winter and spring; they appreciate the seriousness of bruising.
The inspector gives the picking numbers of those with poor records to the foreman
who helps the picker correct his errors, but sometimes the inspector has time to
do a little work with pickers. Such troubles as stem punctures, fruit too green or
too small and pulled stems are noted but the bonus is based on bruising alone, for
the sake of simplicity.
\
-3-
"We found that our own inspection in the field was better than we could get
from a State-Federal man that we hired for five consecutive years during harvest.
He was valuable on packed fruit, but did not cover enough boxes or enough pickers
in the field inspection.
"We like many aspects of Bill Blackburn's plan of picking into the cartons that
fruit is stored in, but have not seen how We could adapt it to our opetation."
0. C. Roberts
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
HIGH STRATOERRY YIELD IN 1959
At least one grower, Harvey Turner of Andover, Massachusetts had a bumper
crop of strawberries this year. A total of 6,000 quarts on 18,000 sq. ft. (less
than 1/2 acre) of fruiting bed.
This high yield while other growers secured from no crop to not over 1/2 crop
following losses from winter injury and rot during harvest raised the question.
Why and how did Mr. Turner do it?
^ Harvey states that he planted strawberries the same as each year (May 25,
1958) 3 ft. apart in the row and rows 4 ft. apart.
The soil is medium gravelly loam (Hinckley) well drained with a west and
south west slope. This plot had been planted to vegetables for 4 years before
strawberries were planted in 1958. No commercial fertilizer was used but a
heavy application of hen manure was applied before planting sweet corn in 1957.
Harvey uses a unique method of culture keeping a wide alley 15-18" wide
and at least 4" lower than the narrow matted row. Throughout the first year
each time the bed is hoed or weeded, soil is pulled around the plants so that
the matted row is raised at least 3 to 4" above the alleys.
Only two varieties were planted, Catskill and Robinson. Salt marsh hay
mulch was applied in late November before the ground froze.
I To control rot on Robinson 8 dusts of 57o Captan were applied weekly
beginning May 1st. Four Captan dusts were applied every other week to Catskill.
Losses from rot were negligible.
Thus a coiTibination of factors were responsible for this high yield; well
drained soil; high bedded, well spaced, narrow rows; early mulch; high organic
content in well prepared soil and excellent rot control.
Calton 0. Cartwright
DELAYED PICKING AND STORAGE AND ITS EFFECT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF WATER CORE AMD
INTERNAL BREAKDOWN IN STARRING DELICIOUS APPLES
For the control of internal breakdown which may follow water core in apples,
it has been suggested that better keeping varieties should be held a week or two
at ordinary temperatures or until the water core has largely disappeared, before
placing fruit in storage. Last fall Dr. F. W. Southwick and the writer decided
to test the influence of delayed storage periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours on
Starking Delicious having considerable water core. The apples were held at pack-
ing room temperature (70-80° F) immediately after harvest for the time intervals
previously mentioned before placing the fruits in 32 F storage. It was felt that
longer periods of delayed storage would seriously affect the keeping period of the
Starking Delicious apples.
Fruit samples were obtained from the selected trees on three dates - October
10th, 20th and 30th and to prevent preharvest drop, 20 ppm of 2,4,5-TP was applied
on October 9, 1958.
Table I - Water Core In Starlcing Delicious At Harvest in 1958
University Orchard, Amherst, Mass.
Picking
No.
Fruits
Ave .
Size
Apples
with Water Core At
Harvest
Average Flesh
Date
Slight
Medium
Heavy
Total
Firmness (lbs.)
10/10/58
10/20/58
10/30/58
113
99
87
2.82
2.84
2.81
7o
33.6
30.3
43.7
%
7.1
10.1
IG.l
7o
0.9
8.1
19.5
7o
41.6
48.5
79.3
16.8
15.8
14.9
A random sample of fruit was immediately examined for water core. The amount
of water core present was classified as slight, medium and heavy. It can be noted
in Table I that the amount and severity of water core increased with each delay in
picking date. A delay of ten days in harvest resulted in a one pound decrease in
fruit flesh firmness, also.
On February 6, 1959, the fruits were removed from storage and were immediately
examined for the presence of water core. It can be noted in Table II that the de-
layed storage periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours had no consistent influence on the
disappearance of water core. The occurrence of internal breakdown was too limited
for any conclusions to be drawn.
Table H - The Per Cent of Starking Delicious Having Water Core When Removed from
Storage.
Delayed Storage (time
\ Water Coro-2/6/59
7c, Internal Breakdo;,m-2/6/59l
lapse between harvest and
Picking Date
Picking Date 1
placing in cold storage)
10/10/58
10/20/58 10/30/58
10/10/58 10/20/58 10/30/581
Less than 4 hourc
2.75
7.96
19.19
0.00
0.00
0.00
24 hours
1.71
13.98
0.00
0.00
0.00
48 "
1.30
13.33
14.94
0.00
0.00
3.45
72 "
1.74
14.71
10.99
0.00
0.00
3.30
96 "
0.83
16.04
19.54
0.00
1.89
4 . 60
•5-
It appears that time of picl.ing has a greater influence on the presence of
water core at the end of the storage period than delayed storage.
Table II shows that during the period of storage, water core practically
disappeared from the fruit harvested on October 10, 1959. Only 10 fruits out of
the 56G apple samples had visible evidence of water core and none had internal
breakdo^JTi. However, considerable water core was present in the fruits harvested
at the later dates (Table II). Only the fruits picked October 30, 1958 had any
appreciable amount of internal breakdox^n.
Because it is thought that the fruit may appear in good condition when removed
from storage but later develop internal breakdown when held at warm temperature,
approximately half of the fruit in each sample removed from storage on February
6, 1959 was held at room temperature for 7 days prior to examination for presence
of water core and internal breakdo\m. Table III shoves that no appreciable increase
of internal breakdown occurred during the seven days after removal of fruits from
storage.
Table III - The Per Cent of Starlcing Delicious Having Water Core and Internal
Breakdown Immediately After Removal from Storage on February 6, 1959
After 7 Days at Room Temperature.
Picking Date
Per Cent Apples Having
Uatcr Core
Per Cent Apples Having
Internal Brea;:dovm
Upon Removal From
Cold Storage
After 7 days at
Room Temperature
Upon Removal From
Cold Storage
After 7 days at
Room Temperature
10/10/58
10/20/58
10/30/58
1.78
13.01
15.73
1.06
5.60
14.31
0.00
0.47
2.27
0.34
0.49
6.41
In summary, most of the water core disappeared from the Delicious apples
harvested on October 10th during the 1958-59 storage period. Further research is
needed to determine if this is generally the situation. The incidence of internal
breakdoxTn in the Delicious apples was not increased during the 7-day period at
room temperature after removal from storage. However, internal brealcdown was not
severe in any of the lots and whether this would be true other years is not known.
On the basis of one year's results, it appears that delayed storage periods of
24 to 92 hours is no cure for water core and internal breakdox«i. Water core severity
appears to be closely related to fruit maturity and growers should pick apples
susceptible to this disorder before they become too mature.
-W. J. Lord
-6-
CIDER NOTES
Sanit£it:ion
The keeping quality of cider is directly related to the sanitation practices
observed during the operating season. Unsanitary practices foster the growth of
micro-organisms, which cause fermentation or produce undesirable flavors in the
final product.
After a day's run, observe tlie following procedures in cleaning the cider plant;
Dismantle the press for cleaning. Rinse it thoroughly with a hose to remove
surface dirt. Scrub all parts of the press thoroughly, using a sanitizing or
detergent-sanitizing solution. Where possible, Ujse hot water for both the rins-
ing and the scrubbing operations.
Sanitizing compounds may be of the chlorine or quaternary ammonium types.
Dairy-cleaning compounds are usually of these types, and they are easily obtained.
Directions given by the manufacturer of the solution for cleaning dairy equip-
ment will be satisfactory for cider plants.
Refrigeration
Many cider mill operators including all Certified operators use refrigera-
tion to preserve cider. Cider should be cooled immediately after pressing and
stored at a temperature between 32° and 36° F. At these temperatures, cider
retains its original flavor for one to two weeks without danger of fermentation.
Settling can take place under refrigeration.
Refrigeration is especially adaptable where cold storage facilities for
fresh fruit are available. If a refrigerated room is not available, the operator
can install an insulated metal or wooden tanlc and cool the cider with a small
refrigeration unit.
For display purposes at roadside, used upright display cabinets with glass
doors are excellent. These self-contained refrigerated units can be often
purchased from companies supplying equipment to retail stores. Household re-
frigerators can also be used. The important feature when making and selling
cider is to keep it under refrigeration at all times to maintain the quality.
— -K. M. Hayes
WTOTER MEED CONTROL IN STRAWBERRIES
The control of weeds, especially chickweed in strnv/berry fields during the
fall and winter, continues to be a vexing problem. Numerous materials have been
tried but very few recommended. All are far from ideal. Therefore the serious-
ness of the problem demands that growers be informed of the best solution available.
IPC was one of the first materials to give some promise for fall and winter
weed control in strawberries. If used according to directions, it was pretty
safe on the strawberries, but not very effective against chickweed. At present
it is offered for sale on the West Coast only and is not readily available.
Some of the dinitros have been recommended for this purpose. Under the right
conditions a dinitro can be effective. Unfortunately, the right conditions are
hard to fulfill in our climate. The dinitros owe their effectiveness to their
ability to kill by contact the cells in the tops of plants, their so-called "burning"
action. They will "burn" the leaves of strawberry plants as well as those of weeds.
After strawberry plants are dormant, this "burning" of the leaves causes no permanent
injury to the strawberry plants provided the spraying is properly done so that the
plant crowns are not soaked with spray.
The dinitros are much more effective at high temperatures than at low. Early
applications would be desirable but severe injury to the strawberries would probably
result from an application made before dormancy is complete. One can not be sure
of strawberry plants being dormant before mid or late November. At that time of
year, warm sunny days which are necessary for best results with DH seldom occur.
Since a DN kills by contact, the weeds to be killed must be thoroughly wetted
with the spray. With small chickweed this is no problem but by the time a DN can
be used safely, chickweed has often grovm into a thick dense mat. Only the surface
of this mat is reached by the spray and results are unsatisfactory.
Use no more than one pound of actual DN in 40-100 gallons of water per acre.
Read the directions on the container for the amount to give one pound.
The most effective material for chickweed control has been chloro IPC, often
called simply CIPC. It is much more effective and certain for this purpose than
either IPC or DNs. It has been quite damaging to strawberry plants where improper-
ly handled.
About 1954 we started recommending the use of CIPC. In the summer of 1956
reports were received that severe injury to strawberries had occurred in New Jersey
and Michigan, in some cases so severe that 100 per cent of the plants were killed.
Consequently, we sent out a warning in FRUIT NOTES to refrain from the use of CIPC
until the cause of the trouble was learned. It has since become apparent that the
trouble was caused by careless application. The chemical was applied before the
plants v^fere fully dormant or too much of the chemical was applied. This is very
definitely a case where a little is good; more is NOT better.
Chloro IPC should not be used in excess of one pound per acre in enough water
(40-100 gallons is usually enough) to spread it evenly over a full acre, 43,560
square feet. If the area sprayed is less than this, reduce the amount of CIPC
accordingly. For example: An acre of strawberries is to be sprayed. The rows
sec 6 feet on centers, are 4 feet wide and only the rows are to be sprayed. Then
only 2/3 of iin acre is to be sprayed and, therefore, only 2/3 of a pound should
be used.
When using either a DN or CIPC there are two hard and fast rules which must
be followed if injury is to be avoided: (1) do not apply till the plants are fully
dormant, (2) never exceed the i-ecommended rates. A razor or a very sharp Icnifo is
a very useful tool if properlj' used but cither can be very dan;^crous if improperly
used. Chemical weed killers are likewise useful tools if properly used.
A word of caution : Spot treating with either of these materials is risky.
It is too easy to apply an excess.
J. S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue Fi,om Supporting Fields
Kirby H Hayes, Food Technologist
Calton 0. Cartv/right, Associate County Agricultural Agent, Essex County
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
OCTOBER 10, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Apple Packing Methods In New York State
P.A.C.A. Compliance
Excerpts from the 1956 Peach Tree Survey
Getting Strawberries Ready for Winter
^'
Wilier.
%^
1
i
Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and Time 30, 1914,
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
APPLE PACKING METHODS IN NEl-J YORK STATE
The Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the New York State Hor-
ticultural Society contained an article by Max E. Brunk, Cornell University,
titled, "Apple Packing Methods in New York State". This article contained
many interesting comments about the various oper'ations performed in the apple
packing operation. The following excerpts are taken from this article:
"Packing - First, I'd like to talk about stance ... .the position of the
packer with respect to the packing belt. Standing at a 45--degree angle as
compared with facing the belt requires 14 per cent less time for the average
worker to complete his work cycle. Facing the box (standing at a 90-degree
angle to the belt) requires 13 per cent less time than facing the belt. Thus,
there is only a slight advantage in standing at a 45-degree rather than a
90-degree angle. Most packers in the State do it the hard way. They face the belt,
Is there any difference when the flov^ of apples on the belt is toward
or away from the packer? Movement of apples tov;ard the packer requires 20
per cent less time per cycle. Moving apples away from the packer increases
reach, distance traveled, and fumbling. About one-fourth of the packers in
the State face the \^ong direction with a tremendous loss in efficiency.
The space and equipment saved by having two people working a common stand is
very costly in terms of output.
"Few operators in the State other than the largest use central sorting.
Controlled tests of separating and of combining the sorting and packing func-
tion proves out by far in favor of separating the operations. Superficial
inspection alone by packers added 14 percent to their packing time. If the
packing operation is of any appreciable size it will pay to separate sorting
and packing.
The combining of sorting and packing leads to some other highly in-
efficient movements, the most common being that which we call a transfer grasp.
One or two apples are picked up in one hand and transferred to the other for
release with inspection performed in the process. This motion looks a little
ridiculous when you see it in slow motion film, yet it is extensively used by
packers. Most packers are not aware of the way they pick up apples and still
fewer growers are aware of its impact on output. Here are a few comparisons.
Picking up two apples simultaneously in each hand requires 39 per cent less
time to pack a unit than picking up one apple in each hand. Frequently work-
ers pick up random numbers of apples. It takes more time to pick up random
numbers than two at every grasp. There is a definite advantage in establish-
ing a routine procedure. VJith random grasping, a worker must pick up more
than one apple in a hand 30 per cent of the time to merely equal the output
of consistent simultaneous grasps of one apple. Transfer grasps, picking up
apples with one hand and transferring to the other, essentially doubles the
time for jumble packing.
This may impress you as being overly concerned with minor detail but I
assure you that these minute motions mean many dollars of cost to every grower.
-2-
When you walk into a shed and see a worker pick up apples with her right hand
and deposit them on her left arm until she has eight or ten and then turn to
the box and place them one by one in the box, you begin to wonder just where
is the management'. Automatic filling is being perfected for tray packing.
Certainly automatic jumble filling would be much easier to perfect and thus
eliminate much of the labor in apple packing.
So far I have said nothing about machine bagging. This is a highly ex-
plosive area with one packer advocating one make and another some other brand.
We have conducted extensive tests on each of the common types of machines.
The differences in output when operated under optimum conditions is minor
compared with variations due to the method of operation. Therefore rather
than discuss machine differences I will concentrate on operational differences.
"One of the common mistakes made in using bagging machines is that the
operator is required to stand. In all our comparisons there was a substantial
gain in efficiency when the operator was sitting rather than standing. In-
creased output ranged from 14 to 16 per cent depending on the type of machine.
It should also be pointed out that the added fatigue of standing was not
included in the comparison which makes the advantage of sitting greater. Sit-
ting helps force a routine and serves to avoid waste motion. Of course sitting
is not practicable with one operator running a double-head machine.
"This brings up the question of using one or two operators on double
headed machines. The loss in output having one operator use one head instead
of two amounts to only 6 per cent. Considering machine investment and crew
organization the advantages are in favor of single head operation.
"The work station must of course be designed for either sitting or standing.
The location of bag supplies and take away belts will differ to some degree
for the two positions. Packers pay far too little attention to the location of
bag supplies, stuff ers and take-away devices and these make for many ineffi-
ciencies in fruit packing.
"In general it can be said that finger type bag heads are slower to
operate than dump type heads. There is also the advantage of less bag, loss
from tearing. The advantages of the dump type head over finger type is far
less than many growers report. It runs somewhere around 10 per cent.
"Automatic feeding has advantages in output over manual feeding but in
many instances the methods employed by packers do not take full advantage
of this feature. When the machine waits on the packer automatic feeding
loses some of its advantage.
"I should point out that it is not essential to use bagging machines to
operate at reasonably low cost. Some hand bagging operations with experienced
operators can give the best of the machines a run for their money, but I
emphasize that far more skills are required. High output hand bagging opera-
tions are usually characterized by either family labor or piece work pay scales.
"There are many other things which will contribute to packing efficiency.
Time does not permit elaboration. Keeping the number of sizes and types of
packages to a minimum increases efficiency. There is less problem with main-
taining supplies and equipment, training packers and change-over bottle-necks.
Conveyors should be arranged so as to permit packing directly on roller con-
veyors to avoid unnecessary lifting and handling of containers. And probably
as important as anything, operators would do well to give more attention to
the correct height of work areas. Most of my attention has been given to
packing. I will nov/ try to hit a few high spots in the other operations.
"Dumping - Automatic dumping is becoming quite common. It does not elim-
inate labor unless manual dumping operations require more than one person.
"Perhaps the biggest problem of dumping is maintaining an even dump rate
to prevent overloading and subsequent shut downs. Keeping adequate supplies
close to the dump station aid in maintaining an even dump rate.
"Sorting and Handling Culls - For larger sheds it is very important to
take all the sorting load off the packers to improve efficiency. Sorting
should be done at a central station prior to sizing. In most houses improved
roller sorters and lane dividers are needed to give sorters definite areas of
responsibility. Much progress has been made in doing away with overhead cull
belts. More cull removal units need to be moved to lower levels with the
cull fruit deposited in the area of box supply.
"Securing Packing Materials - Packers at all times should have packing
materials readily available. In many plants much time is wasted by packers
having to move out of the work area to get frequently needed supplies.
Storage above the work station is excellent. And of course standardization
of container size would relieve much lost time in searching for proper inserts,
"Weighing Bags - Scales are generally placed too high and require ex-
cessive lifting by the packer. Scales should have upright supports for bags
and be of a type which permits rapid determination of weight.
" Closing Bags - Like scales, bag closing units are often placed too
high and require extra motions. There are many kinds of closers on the market
and while there are minor differences in them the main consideration in choice
of type should be the desire of your buyer. In general, we believe, the pull-
through taper is best for small operations and the automatic spool fed stitcher
for large scale operations.
" Filling Master Containers - Once again there is an almost universal
tendency to place master containers on too high a platform. Indeed a packer's
best friend would be a guy with a saw in his hand and a passion in his head
for sawing off table legs,
"My only other comment on master containers is that bulk supplies are
often out of reach and inadequate provision is made for a hold area. It is
rather foolish for a log jam of filled cartons to hold up the packing line,
yet this frequently happens.
-4-
"Closing Boxes - Reducing the number of staples used per box by shifting
to wider and longer types would speed up work and reduce costs of material.
A few pennies saved here and there add up to dollars. In box make-up, wire
stitchers are more economical than tape or glue. The difference is in labor
requirement.
"Summary - In conclusion I will make some general observations. There
is an unfortunate tendency for packing sheds to be an after thought to storage
construction. Sheds in general seem to be appendages that take all sorts of
shape with little regard to product flow or labor efficiency. In planning
layout remember that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
Proper lighting is probably the easiest and least expensive major improvement you
can make. Inadequate lighting exists in 95 per cent of our sheds. It results
in poor grading and contributes tremendously to worker fatigue. Light walls
and bright lights can serve to change the whole attitude of your work crews.
In general insufficient attention is given to worker comfort and position.
Management places too much emphasis on gimmicks and mechanical aids and grossly
neglects instruction in method. Management has a tendency to constantly change
equipment and crew organization in the hit-and-miss search for lower cost methods,
This summer we found two houses across the road from each other and each was
changing his layout and equipment to emulate the fellow across the road.
Such changes add to the cost of packing apples."
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
P.A.C.A. COMPLIANCE
Any person buying and selling fruits and vegetables in lots of one ton or
more, which move or "might move" in interstate commerce, except buying in small
lots at infrequent intervals for re-sale at retail, needs to become familiar
with the provisions of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Any person selling through or to merchants, dealers or brokers covered by
the act also needs to be familiar with the provisions of the P.A.C.A.
The following excerpt from an article by R. L. Childress of the Federal
Extension Service, printed in the Extension Service Review contains suggestions
for the elimination of unnecessary expense.
CUTTING AN AVOIDABLE COST
R. L. Childress, Federal Extension Service
"When U. S. Department of Agriculture inspectors find produce in packages
marked in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), the
dealer is required to remove or black out the markings, repackage or regrade the
products, and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Act. This is costly.
"In addition, the dealer risks the cost of legal action and can lose his
PACA license if he offers or sells misbranded or misrepresented produce in inter-
state or foreign commerce. And he may pass back to the shipper the costs incurred
in obliterating incorrect marks, repacking, or regrading to designated grade marks.
-5-
Intent of the Act
"The purpose of the PACA is to suppress unfair and fraudulent practices in
buying and selling fruit and vegetables in interstate or foreign commerce. The
Act makes it unlawful to 'misrepresent by word, act, mark, stencil, label, state-
ment, or deed, the character, kind, grade, quality, size, pack, weight, condition,
degree of maturity, or state or country of origin of any perishable agricultural
commodity received, shipped, sold, or offered to be sold in interstate or foreign
;rce' .
"These provisions were roade a part of the Act at the request of growers,
shippers, and receivers. They recognized that USDA needed authority to elimi-
nate unfair competition resulting from misbranding and misrepresentation of
produce .
Violations Occurring
"The Agricultural Marketing Service, responsible for enforcing the PACA,
continually spot checks fruits and vegetables on the terminal markets. Latest
figures indicate 160 misbranding violations found in about 1,000 inspections
and investigations in 147 cities. Of these, 55 per cent were misrepresentation
as to the State or area of origin and 25 per cent were failure to meet the de-
signated grade.
"Many violations were due to containers being re-used with original mark-
ings still present. Commodities most commonly involved were cabbages, potatoes,
onions, apples, and sweet potatoes.
"Regulatory workers report that most of this misbranding is on produce
packed by growers who are not aware of the law and its possible consequences.
"For example, a potato grower may be using sacks marked U.S. No. 1 but
may not have his potatoes certified No. 1 by federal inspectors.
"The PACA does not require any markings on containers. However, U. S.
grade marks and other information shown must be correct.
"Regulatory personnel recommend that used sacks be turned inside out and
incorrect markings on other containers be obliterated before packing. If
names and addresses are required by State laws, stencils, reprinted sacks, or
cards attached may satisfy their requirements. But, cards are easily removed
or obscured from view. And, attachment of tags or cards to used containers
without obliterating incorrect markings does not correct a misbranding under
the PACA."
-F. E. Cole
Extension Marketing Specialist
EXCERPTS FROM THE 1956 PEACH TREE SURVEY
In ^1956 a survey of the apple trees in Massachusetts was made by the
Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association with the cooperation of the
Massachusetts Extension Service. This survey recorded the number of trees
by variety and age as of 1955.
At the same time, a record was made of the number of peach trees being
grown by commercial apple growers. As this survey did not include those, if
any, who might be growing peaches but no apples, the figures obtained from th«
survey cannot be considered as absolute. However, it may reasonably be assumed
that the survey included a sufficiently high proportion of peach trees grown to
provide a basis for the analysis of trends in the peach industry in Massachusetts
as of 1955.
The total number of peach trees reported was 51,947 distributed among the
counties as shown in table I.
Table I . Distribution of Peach
Trees by Counties
Table II . Peach Trees by Age Groups
County
No. of
7, of All
Trees
Trees
Middlesex
16,992
32.7
Worcester
12,756
24.6
Hampden
7,215
13.9
Essex
4,457
8.6
Hampshire
3,451
6.6
Bristol
3,152
6.1
Franklin
2,098
4.0
Norfolk
855
1.6
Barnstable
668
1.3
Pljnmouth
303
0.6
Age of
Trees
No. of
Trees
7, of All
Trees
4 yrs . & under
5 - 9 yrs.
10 - 14 yrs.
15 - 19 yrs.
20 yrs. & over
17,266
17,769
12,214
4,120
578
33.2
34.2
23.5
7.9
1.1
Table I indicates that approximately three fourths of the peach trees are
located in Middlesex, Worcester and Hampden Counties.
The segregation of the trees into age groups is shown in table II. An
analysis of table II shows that approximately 90 per cent of the peach trees
in 1955 were less than 15 years of age.
The varieties being grown were arbitrarily segregated into groups as
shown in table III.
Table III. Classi
.fication
of Var
ieties
Classification
No. of
7, of All
Trees
Trees
Major Varieties
38,492
74.1
Minor Varieties
5,146
9.9
Old Varieties
297
0.6
All Other
8,012
15.4
Table IV . Major Varieties
Variety
No. of
Trees
Elberta 13,440
Golden Jubilee 10,671
Halehaven 6,260
Redhaven 2,999
Early Elberta 2,995
J. H. Hale 1,672
7. of All
Trees
25.9
20.5
12,1
5.8
5.8
3.2
-7-
Varieties included as "Major Varieties" are those for which information
was specifically requested in the questionnaire. Varieties included as "Minor
Varieties" are those other than major varieties which were specifically named
by growers and which could hardly be classified as "Old Varieties". The classifi-
cation, "All Other Varieties" includes those which were in orchards at the time of
the survey but were not specifically identified by the growers. This group may
include trees which should have been included as "Minor Varieties" or "Old Varieties'
or varieties which are not mentioned in any of the groups and thus accounts for the
relatively high percentage of all trees.
In table IV, it is quite obvious that when this survey was made, Elberta,
Golden Jubilee and Halehaven were the three varieties most commonly planted with
Golden Jubilee approaching Elberta in popularity. In fact, there were more Golden
Jubilee trees 4 years and younger, than Elberta. Golden Jubilee has since lost
much of its popularity in favor of some of the newer varieties.
Table V. Minor Varieties
Variety
No. of
7, of All
Trees
Trees
Erly-Red-Fre
1,042
2.0
Jerseyland
913
1.8
Sunhigh
867
1.7
Rio-Oso-Gem
607
1.2
Valiant
564
1.1
Summercrest
455
0.9
Hale Harrison Brilliant
427
0.8
Triogem
407
0.8
Vedette
307
0.6
Veteran
279
0.5
Golden East
207
0.4
Afterglow
206
0.4
Oriole
160
0.3
From table V, Erly-Red-Fre, Jerseyland and Sunhigh appear to be most popular.
It is interesting to note that Oriole which at one time gained considerable
popularity because of its hardiness has since become of minor importance principally
because of its lack of size.
Varieties classified as "Old Varieties" included Belle of Georgia, Shippers,
Carman, Mikado, Greensboro, Crav7ford and Champion. All of these varieties together
accounted for only 297 trees or 0.6 per cent of all trees.
Specific information obtained from this survey is being furnished each
county agent for his particular county.
A list of peach varieties recommended for planting in Massachusetts,
(Special Circular 212-B) may be obtained from County Agents, the Department of
Horticulture or the Extension Service Mailing Room, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst, Mass.
-0. C. Roberts
Associate Professor of Pomology
GETTING STRAWBERRIES READY FOR WINTER
Getting the strawberry field properly prepared for winter is an important
operation as I believe most growers will agree after the troubles of last winter.
We can't control the weather but we can do some things to reduce its bad effects.
One thing we learned from last winter's experience is the importance of
good drainage. Sections of a field where water collected were severely injured.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not because the water froze and the ice smoth-
ered the plants. Since water and ice are good conductors of heat, the crown
freezes rather than stoothers. The injury is more severe if there is a partial
thaw and water collects under the ice soaking the plant crowns. The remedy is
good drainage. Naturally, the best time to provide good drainage is before the
field is planted. A little grading to fill in small depressions may be all that
is needed. If the plants have already been set, then consideration might be
given to temporary ditching to drain low spots.
The practice of mulching is becoming increasingly troublesome with the
increased cost of material and labor. Some growers appear to get by without a
mulch of any sort. I believe thsy are not doing as well as they think they are.
For years the strawberry growers of Cape Cod have used pine needles as a
mulch. As pine needles became harder to obtain, the thickness of the mulch was
gradually reduced until it became little more than a thin layer to keep the
berries clean. In the spring one could go thru the field, cut the plant crox^ns
and find many badly browned by cold injury. Yields were still good but not as
good as they were formerly. They certainly v/ould have been higher with less cold
injury.
In addition to pine needles there are several other materials that can
be used for mulch, such as, straw, hay, sawdust, shavings, chipped wood, and
certain types of leaves. Straw is probably the most commonly urad K"ulch. It
is one of the best if it doesn't have too much chaff, crop seed and weed seeds
in it. Hay, except certain types of mar'^'. hay, is seldom used because it
contains too many weed seeds. This fault can be corrected by v/etting the hay
thoroughly and fumigating it with methyl bromide which kills all v/eed seed except
hard seeds such as the clovers. Sawdust and shavings make good mulch provided the
field is protected from the v/ind and they are not too costly. Chipped wood, where
it is available, has been used successfully by some growers. A material so woody
and slow to decompose when plowed under, might cause nitrogen starvation in a
succeeding crop unless extra nitrogen is applied. In general, dead leaves are not
good strawberry mulch. They mat down too much. Leaves which curl considerably
as they dry, such as elm leaves have been used with good results.
The time to apply the mulch is important. If applied too early, it may
retard or prevent the plants from "hardening" properly so that they will be more
susceptible to cold injury. On the other hand, if mulching is delayed too long.
injury to the plants may occur before the mulch is applied. The plants should
be allowed to become dormant and the mulch applied at once. Unfortunately there
is no quick, easy, reliable test for dormancy. The best indicators are leaf
color and temperature. After a couple of good frosts and the leaves have started
to turn red, it can be assumed that dormancy has set in. This usually occurs about
mid to late November.
Before putting the plants to bed for the winter, it might be well to con-
sider chemical treatment for weeds. If weeds are not a serious problem, chemi-
cals had better not be used. If weeds particularly chickweed, are a problem,
look in the September issue of FRUIT NOTES, page 7, for directions covering the
use of chemicals.
J. S. Bailey
Associate Research Professor
of Pomology
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Winter Fruit Meetings
Analysis of Preharvest Drop Control
Methods for 1959
Performance of Hardy Rootstocks in Quebec
Revised Apple Grading Law -
A Help to the Industry
Fertilizer Recommendations Should be Made
in Terms of Actual Nutrients
Excerpts From the Pear Survey
Grade Terms For Consumers
A Red "Twist" For Tuesday!
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914,
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES,
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other departmental
courses. Currently also doing research on fruit marketing.
Southwlck, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
WINTER FRUIT MEETINGS
The 66th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers'
Association, Inc. in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts
Extension Service will be held in the Gardner Armory, Gardner,
Massachusetts on January 6 and 7, 1960.
ANALYSIS OF PREHARVEST DROP CONTROL METHODS FOR 1959
In 1959 It was suggested in our drop control reconmendations for Mcintosh
that a S].ngle spray of 10 ppm of NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) plus 20 ppm of
2,4,5-TA (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid) might control preharvest drop about
as effectively as two separate sprays of 20 ppm of NAA applied about 10 days apart.
Did our 1959 results continue to support this contention? In Table 1 are our
1959 results.
Table l.--The influence of chemicals on the preharvest drop and firmness of
Mcintosh apples. 1959.
Ave. yield
Ave. flesh
Date
applied
(boxes per
tree)
Cumulative percentage <
Df drop
firmness (lbs.)
Treatment^
9/8
9/14
9/18
9/21
9/25
9/25
1. Check
39.1
1.5
4.3
5.6
7.1
20.7
15.3
2. NAA-20ppm
9/4
39.1
0.8
2.3
NAA-20ppm
9/14
3.1
4.2
8.4
14.6
3. 2,4,5-TA-20ppm
9/4
42.4
1.5
4.2
5.6
7.1
15.1
14.8
4. NAA-lOppm p'ius
2,4,5-TA-20ppn
9/4
33.5
1.2
3.1
4.1
5.4
11.9
15.1
L. S.
D. - 5% level
5.2
0.5
7 trees per treatment.
From the data shown in Table 1 it is apparent that treatment 2 (NAA applied
twice) resulted in less total drop by September 25 than any other treatment even
though the difference in control between it and treatment 4 (NAA plus 2,4,5-TA
combination) is not great enough to be statistically significant. These data and
those collected in 1958 show that the second application of NAA is slightly more
effective than 2,4,5-TA during the latter part of the drop period. For example,
from September 18 through 25, Treatment 2 had losses of 5.3 per cent; whereas,
trees in Treatments 3 and 4 had a 9.5 and 7.8 per cent loss of crop, respectively.
In other words, two NAA sprays (Treatment 2) gave 2.5 per cent better control than
Treatment 4 from September 18 through 25 and also 3.5 per cent from September 4
through 25. One may ask "Why worry about such small percentage differences in favor
of two sprays of NAA since a single combination spray of NAA plus 2,4,5-TA saves
the cost of one application?" In order to answer this question we need to know
how many boxes are involved per acre in a 2 to 5 per cent difference in control
and the cost of a hormone application.
If preharvest drop hormones are applied by plane. Table 2 compares the cost
of two NAA sprays with a single NAA plus 2,4,5-TA spray.
Table 2. --The approximate cost per acre of applying drop
control hormones by airplane (from information supplied
by D.H. Marsden, Eastern States Farmers' Exchange).
Material
Type
2 sprays
NAA-20ppm
1 spray
NAA-lOppm plu
2,4,5-TA-20ppnl
Cost/,
acre
$4.50
$4.13
Airplane
cost/acre
$5.00
$2.50
Total
cost/acre
$9.50
$6.63
From Table 2 it is apparent that one saves only $2.87 per acre by making
an application of the NAA-2,4,5-TA combination as compared to two NAA applications.
If the NAA-2,4,5-TA combination is 2 or 3 per cent less effective than two NAA
sprays in drop control, the use of the combination represents a loss of 10 to 15
boxes of fruit on a block producing 500 boxes per acre or a 20 to 30 box loss in
a block yielding 1000 boxes per acre. When apples are worth $2 a box only 1.5
boxes of apples need to be saved by the double NAA spray to pay the extra cost of
a second spray. Consequently, if two NAA sprays are consistently a per cent or
more superior to the single spray (NAA-2,4,5-TA combination), two sprays of NAA
represent a more economical proposition. We are assuming that airplane service
is available on a 24 to 48-hour notice.
It should be remembered that every now and then delaying the second NAA
spray for a full 10 days may coincide with a very warm period and a sharp increase
in fruit loss may occur for a couple of days before the second application becomes
effective. In such a situation the one spray combination may be as effective as
the two NAA sprays over the full three week period for Mcintosh.
F. W. Southwick
II I I I I I I I I I I I I
PERFORMANCE OF HARDY ROOTSTOCKS IN QUEBEC
This past August I had the opportunity to observe hardy rootstocks in the
Frelighsburg area of Quebec which is about 45 miles north of Burlington, Vermont.
That area has had in the past few years three test winters with temperatures of
35 to 40 degrees below zero. Mcintosh trees on standard roots have suffered severe
winter injury to the trunk and scaffold branches. Many trees are practically dead.
Trees topworked on hardy rootstocks such as Hibernal, Robusta #5, Garnet Crab and
Antonovka showed no evidence of winter injury and were making excellent growth.
The preferred stock is Robusta #5. It is easily propagated in stool beds,
vigorous, and trees topworked on it come into production at an early age. Trees
on Robusta #5 are also very tolerant of wet soil conditions.
Practically all new plantings in that area of Quebec are being topworked to
Robusta #5. The only disadvantage I can see in this stock is that it is so vigor-
ous that it may be difficult to keep the tree from getting too large.
W. D. Weeks
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
REVISED APPLE GRADING LAW — A HELP TO THE INDUSTRY
The revised Massachusetts Apple Grading Law is a help to apple growers in
reaching three major objectives: (1) the building of an active demand through
advertising and sales promotion, (2) the development of adequate outlets, and (3)
the elimination of sub-market prices.
Individuals can make considerable progress in reaching these objectives,
particularly in local areas, but are restricted by situations which exist within
the industry. Even the most progressive individuals are handicapped 25(; or 50c
or more, year in and year out, by the situation prevailing at present in the
market. Success in reaching all three of these objectives requires the concerted
effort of a major part of the industry. A state grading law provides an oppor-
tunity to do something about them.
1. Advertising and many other forms of sales promotion are essential to a
profitable business today. It is not enough to grow a good apple. The public
needs to know that they are available and where, and that apples provide some
very good eating. The public needs to know that apples are a good food as well.
The base of all successful advertising in the long run, and mostly in the
short run, is a product with strong consumer appeal. Success is achieved when the
product supports the advertising and creates a buying response to the neptt adver-
tisement. A food product which is not completely dependable in either appearance,
internal quality or condition tends to kill its own advertising. Few advertisers
can succeed on a basis of the first purchase only and no industry can develop on
this basis. The packing of apples, according to known standards, can help to in-
crease the yield from the money spent in advertising and sales promotion.
A grade standard and a packer's good name are twin identifications to make
advertising pay off.
2. Any industry which has an insufficient number of outlets for its product,
has to take the price of the insufficient number of buyers where the supply is
greater than their needs and the game is merely one of not being under-bought by
anyone. An apple industry with an inadequate number of outlets cannot retain
price initiative.
Outlets are developed on the basis of a dependable, money-making pack.
Apples packed according to a minimum standard of appearance and identified with
a packer's name, indicating condition and eating quality, are a better buy than
a pack without either or both of these identifications.
The number of outlets may be increased by extending the selling area and
making the pack available to a greater number of buyers within the existing selling
area. Appearance and condition standards are essential in making this sale to
new buyers a profitable one. The buyer who tried and gave up because of appear-
ance or condition or lack of dependability, has to be convinced that something new
has been added. He then may be induced to try again. His repeated buying is
determined by the profit making qualities of the pack and how easy it is to buy.
An area reputation for good apples in a good pack is of tremendous help in
getting new customers and reconvincing old ones that the product offers a chance
to make money. An area reputation can be built when a major proportion of the in-
dustry is together, in putting out a pack with high consumer appeal.
Established standards, used by the entire industry, can be of substantial
help in developing outlets both inside and outside of the present selling area.
I
•4-
3. The market reporter is not responsible for poor prices that he has to
quote. Neither can we argue with a price which correctly represents, in money,
the ratio between supply and consumer demand, which we will call the market price.
It is the sub-market prices which hurts every grower. These sub-market prices
exist because there is no commonly used base of quality or appearance on which to
quote a price and the associated poor selling practices. Packs containing a wide
range of quality and size and condition are lumped together under the heading of
"apples" or in a very rough use of the terms "Firsts" or Seconds". The result is
a wide range of price, heavy on the low side, which is used in competitive buying
and selling. Prices may be used between buyer and seller without either one know-
ing the quality that is being discussed. Low prices on some mixed-quality packs
are used to lower the price on better packs. The result is a downward spiral of
quality chasing price which results in a low price to the producer and a poor
quality pack being placed on display in retail stores with resulting lack of con-
sumer appeal, slow movement and a situation set up for lower price next week.
An inadequate selling practice is one. which does not secure market price for
the product. Pressure on the seller due to insufficient number of outlets, and
misleading information as to price, can and does result in some selling practices
which add speed to the downward spiral of prices. Selling at a cut price on a
delivered basis to avoid the sales agents' fee is but one example. Cutting the
quality in order to under-bid on price or accept a lower price are others. The
use of an established standard in combination with a packer's name can do much to ■
eliminate sub-marl;et prices and poor selling practices. '
A revised apple grading law cannot and will not make these changes by itself,
particularly if growers regard the provisions of the law as further legal inter-
ference to an independently managed business. The revised grading law is an im-
portant tool with which the apple growers of the state can improve their industry
and increase their returns.
The apple industry of Massachusetts, now as a compact unit in the hands of 371
commercial growers, is in a position to take a grading law and make money with it.
F. E. Cole
Extension Marketing Specialist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FERTILIZER RECOMM END ATIONS SHOULD BE MADE IN TERMS OF ACTUAL NUTRIENTS
When writing fertilizer recommendations based on leaf analysis it is very
apparent that they should be in terms of actual nitrogen, potash (K2O) and
phosphoric acid (P2O5) . For example, if this is done we can merely state in our
recommendations the suggested amount of actual nitrogen, potash and phosphoric
acid needed per tree. Then the grower can purchase and apply an amount of any fer-
tilizer which gives the equivalent of the recommended nitrogen, potash, and phospho-
ric acid. It has been noted, however, that this has been confusing to some growers
when they try to figure how much of a nitrogenous fertilizer or a "complete" fertilize
should be applied to equal a certain amount of actual nitrogen, potash or phosphoric
acid. Therefore, it is hoped that the following discussion will eliminate some of
the misunderstanding.
In our fertilizer recommendations we state that a tree capable of producing
25 bushels of apples should receive approximately one pound of actual nitrogen.
If we are going to use some common nitrogenous fertilizer how many pounds must be
applied to equal a pound of actual nitrogen? To determine this, divide the actual
amount of nitrogen needed by the per cent nitrogen in the nitrogenous fertilizer.
For example if you are using a nitrogenous fertilizer containing 33 per cent N,
divide 1.0 pound by .33 which will give an answer of approximately 3 pounds of the
nitrogenous fertilizer that must be applied to be equivalent to 1.0 pound of actual
nitrogen.
Similarly, suppose you want to apply 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen and you are
using a nitrogenous fertilizer containing 45 per cent N, divide 1.5 pounds by .45
which will give an answer of approximately 3.3 pounds of the nitrogenous fertilizer
to be equivalent to 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen.
Suppose you are using a 5-10-10 fertilizer, how many pounds must be applied to
equal one pound of actual nitrogen? How many pounds of potash and phosphoric acid
will be added when enough 5-10-10 is added to equal one pound of actual nitrogen?
A 5-10-10 fertilizer contains an amount of total nitrogen as would be equivalent
to five per cent of nitrogen, an amount of available phosphorous equivalent to ten
per cent of r>^iosphoric acid and available potash equivalent to ten per cent of potash
(K2O) . Since the mixed fertilizer contains an equivalent to five per cent N, divide
one pound of actual nitrogen v/anted by .05 which will give an answer of 20 pounds
of 5-10-10 to add in order to apply one pound of actual nitrogen. If you apply 20
pounds of 5-10-10, two pounds of potash (K-0) and two pounds of phosphoric acid are
added. These answers are obtained by multiplying the 20 pounds of 5-10-10 by the
per cent potash and phosphoric acid respectively in the fertilizer.
W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
EXCERPTS FROM THE PEAR SURVEY
In the apple tree survey which V7as made in 1956 growers were requested to
record information relative to the number, variety and age of pear trees which
they had in their orchards. This information pertained to the situation which
existed in 1955. In reporting the results of this pear tree survey it should
be noted that only pear trees being grown in connection with commercial apple
orchards are included in this summary. Thus the total number of pear trees grown
in Massachusetts may be somewhat larger than is reported here. However, it is
reasonable to assume that a sufficiently high percentage of the pear trees are
included to indicate trends in the pear industry.
Eighty-six apple growers or approximately twenty-five per cent of all apple
growers also grow pears.
Table I shows that 677„ of the pear trees grown in the state are located in
Middlesex and Worcester Counties. In Norfolk, Barnstable, and Plymouth Counties
the extent of the pear industry is exceedingly limited.
Table I . Distribution of Pear
Trees by Counties
Table II . Pear Trees by Age Groups
County
No. of
7, of All
Trees
Trees
Middlesex
8,290
47.2
Worcester
3,492
19.9
Essex
1,641
9.3
Bristol
1,240
7.1
Hampshire
1,168
6.6
Hampden
740
4.2
Franklin
587
3.3
Berkshire
251
1.4
Norfolk
114
.7
Barnstable
43
.2
Plymouth
16
.1
Total
17,582
Age of
Trees
No. of
Trees
7, of All
Trees
4 yrs. & under 2,009 11.4
5-9 yrs. 2,974 16.9
10 - 14 yrs. 1,434 8.2
15 - 19 yrs. 1,730 9.8
20 - 29 yrs. 6,034 34.3
30 yrs. & over 3.401 19.3
Total 17,582
Table II shows that a little over 507, of the pear trees are twenty years
old or older. As might be expected there was a slump in the planting of pear
trees during the Second World War period. About 257, of all pear trees in com-
mercial orchards have been planted within the last ten years.
Table III indicates that 96% of all pear trees are the major varieties which
include Bartlett, Bosc, Clapp Favorite and Seckel. There has been no significant
planting of new varieties.
Table III. Classification
Table IV.
Maj
or Varieties
of
Varieties
Classification
No. of
7o
of All
Variety
No. of
7„ of All
Trees
Trees
Trees
Trees
Major Varieties
16,796
96.0
Bosc
8,961
51.0
Minor Varieties
737
3.7
Bartlett
5,534
31.5
New Varieties
49
.3
Seckel
1,203
6.8
Total
17,582
Clapp
Total
1,098
16.796
6.2
In table IV the proportion of trees of the four major varieties is indicated.
It is interesting to note that the number of Bosc trees exceeds the number of
Bartlett trees by such a wide margin. Clapp Favorite and Seckel are of minor im-
portance as might be expected.
The proportion of trees of the minor varieties is shown in table V. All of
them are of exceedingly minor importance. Unfortunately, in some instances, the
variety of pear trees being grown was not specified by some growers. However, the
percentage of these trees is so small that the trends as indicated in the several
tables would not be materially affected even if the varieties were known.
-7-
Table V. Minor Varieties
Variety No. of
Trees
Sheldon 85
Anjou 76
Dana Hovey 60
Lincoln 40
Conference 35
Duchess 15
Flemish Beauty 13
Kieffer 8
New Varieties 49
Not specified 405
Total 786
% oi
f All
Trees
.5
.4
.3
.2
.2
.1
.1
.05
.3
2
.3
Summary
1. The pear industry in Massachusetts is chiefly in Middlesex and Worcester
Counties .
2. Approximately 25?„ of growers who have apple orchards also grow pears.
3. Over half of the pear trees in the state are 20 years of age or older.
4. The principal pear varieties are Bosc, Bartlett, Clapp Favorite and Seckel
with Bosc the pronounced favorite.
0. C. Roberts
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
GRADE TERMS FOR CONSUMERS
Growers have asked for the Apple Grade Specifications in terms which can
be readily understood by the consumer. The following grade descriptions found
in the "Know Your Grades" published by F. E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist
are given below. These terms can be used by growers in advertisements and other
promotional material to familiarize consumers with Massachusetts Apple Grades.
U. S. EXTRA FANCY APPLES -
SELECTED WELL COLORED APPLES, ESSENTIALLY FREE OF BLEMISHES - CHOICE EATING
APPLES - EXCELLENT FOR GIFTS, FRUIT BASKETS FOR SHUT-INS, FRUIT BOWLS FOR HALL,
DINING OR LIVING ROOM TABLES OR WHEREVER BEAUTIFUL APPLES I-L^Y BE USED - THE
BEST APPLE FOR kWi USE.
U. S. FANCY APPLES -
THE STANDARD FOR APPLE QUALITY - GOOD COLOR - NO SERIOUS DEFECTS AND PRACTICALLY
FREE OF BLEl-lISHES - THE APPLE OF IMsM. USES, BOTH FRESH AND COOKED - AN EATING
APPLE FOR ANYTIME, ON A DRIVE OR IN THE OFFICE - FOR SALADS \JHERE THE RED SKIN
ADDS A BIT OF COLOR - GOOD FOR APPLESAUCE, PIES AND OTHER APPLE DESSERTS -
GOOD IN THE LUNCH BOX OR FOR AN AFTERSCHOOL SNACK.
-8-
U. S. MO. 1 APPLES -
FAIR COLOR - NO SERIOUS DEFECTS AND PRACTICALLY FREE OF BLEMISHES - GOOD FOR
EATING OUT OF HAND, IN SALADS AED IN PREPARED DESSERTS - APPRECIATED IN THE
LUNCH BOX FOR DESSERT OR AN AFTERNOON SNACK - THE SAME QUALITY AS THE NEXT
HIGHER GRADE EXCEPT FOR SOME LESS COLOR AND A LITTLE MORE RUSSETING - AN
ECONOMICAL APPLE FOR PLAYTIME TREATS.
U. S. UTILITY APPLES -
THE "PEELING" APPLE FOR SALADS AND ALL COOKING USES IN THE MOST ECONOMICAL FORM -
SOUND APPLES WITH ONLY SLIGHT WASTE IN PREPARATION - THE APPLE GRADE FOR ECONO-
MICAL TASTE-TEMPTING APPLE DESSERTS - AN EATING APPLE FOR MANY OCCASIONS.
The term, "Unclassified" means that no grade classification has been applied.
Descriptions of particular lots marked "Unclassified" may be used as long as they
are not misleading.
Growers servicing retail stores, selling to roadside stands and other estab-
lishments may find hand-out material on the subject of "Grade Terms For Consumers"
an excellent promotional activity.
W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I
A RED "TWIST" FOR TUESDAY '.
When bagging apples in polyethylene bags for servicing stores it would be
worthwhile to use different colored "twists" or tapes for denoting packing dates.
This would be useful to both the grower and Produce Manager in the store for
keeping unsold apples of the previous delivery separated from the most recent
delivered lot.
VJhen the grower examines the fruit carrying his name in the various stores
serviced, the colored twists or tapes on the bags will enable him to know the date
the fruit was packed and delivered and the amount of carry-over of fruit from one
delivery to another. Some stores have the tendency to buy too many apples at one
time which results in fruit remaining on display long after the time it should be
sold. This can be substantiated by facts obtained by F. E. Cole and the writer as
a part of the study currently being conducted on the "Operational Procedures of
Apple Growers Servicing Retail Stores and Merchandizing Practices of the Stores
Retailing their Apples."
Produce Managers in stores have indicated that the use of different colored
twists or tapes would be useful. It would enable them to keep different lots of
apples separate in the store coolers. Also, it would be easier to be sure that the
fruit displayed longest is sold first.
W. J. Lord
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Stoff
Deportment of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
JANUARY 8, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Small Fruit Meeting
Public Liability Insurance For Farmers
Pomological Paragraph
Fruit Quality At Roadside Stands
Newer Fruit Varieties Worthy of Trial
Red-banded Leaf Roller is Threatening Again
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding, active
in small fruit variety testing.
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than
control, and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Roberts, Oliver C. - Associate Professor
Teacher of pest control, fruit marketing and other depart-
mental courses. Currently also doing research on fruit marketing.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses .
SMALL FRUIT MEETING
li
A Small Fruit Meeting will be held in the Commonwealth Room of the Student
Union Building at the University of Massachusetts on Wednesday, January 27, 1960.
The meeting will be an all day session beginning at 10:00 A.M. and ending at 3:45 P.M
The topics discussed at this meeting will be as follows:
Newer Small Fruit Varieties Worthy of Trial
Caneral Recommendations for Pest Control
Strawberry Research Findings in New Jersey
Growing Strawberry Plants for Sale and for Fruit
Bird Control in Fruit Plantings
Producing High Quality Disease Free Strawberry Plants
W. J. Lord
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR FARMERS
A farm operator may be held legally liable for injuries and illnesses in-
cluding death arising from the operation of the farm business which are suffered
by (1) members of the general public or (2) farm employees.
Farmers Comprehensive Personal Liability or Comprehensive General Liability
policies are used to provide protection to farmers against injuries to the general
public. Employer's liability and Workmen's Compensation are both designed to give
protection against injuries to employees.
The decision as to the desirability of carrying these forms of insurance de-
serves very careful consideration by the farmer.
Public Liability Insurance
Public or General Liability Insurance is used to cover liability resulting
from injuries to, or death of members of the general public, or from damage to
their property that arises out of the activities of the farmer.
Any property owner is responsible for the safety of those on his property.
On farms the presence of livestock, power machinery, and farm ponds add to the
dangers involved and the need for insurance of this type. Policies may be "general"
in that they cover the legal liability of the family of the insured on the home
farm only or Comprehensive in that they cover legal liability of the family of the
insured any where for their negligent acts.
Basic coverage usually is written for $10,000 and the common medical payment
coverage is $250. The Comprehensive policy has a $1,000 property damage feature.
Additional coverage may be obtained by either increasing the amount of basic
coverage or by adding endorsements to the original policy to cover other possible
hazards. For example, liability due to accidents occurring while the farmer is
engaged in custom work , coverage for liability that might arise from the sale of
farm products , at locations off the farm, or delivery, moving or transportation
of farm livestock or other similar operations may create hazards.
As examples of what can occur consider these recent accidents. Johnny was a
bright two-year old youngster and had gone with his mother to a roadside stand for
produce. While Farmer Jones was waiting on Johnny's mother, Johnny ran across the
parking area, tripped and fell face down in a rubbish pile which Farmer Jones had
intended to burn that morning. Something sharp pierced Johnny's right eye. Johnny's
trip to the country ended in the local hospital where the eye was removed.
Johnny's parents brought suit against Farmer Jones. Their lawyer said Farmer
Jones was negligent. The jury agreed and awarded $30,000 to Johnny.
F0rwer Smith advertised "Good Apples, Pick Your Own, Bring Your Own Container."
Harry Brown saw the ad and appeared at the farm the next afternoon. Smith showed
him the trees and apples snd Harry began to pick them. After picking a few from
the ground he climbed a ladder placed in the tree. He fell to the ground just as
he finished filling his basket, injuring his hip and breaking his collarbone. After
a stay in the hospital he sued Smith. In court he said, "The ladder was defective
and Smith was negligent in not warning me." "Not so," said Smith's lawyer,
"ordinary prudence should have indicated caution. Brown was at fault. He was
careless and he should know that climbing ladders is dangerous." The award was
$13,000 to Brown.
-2-
Public Liability policies offer no protection to the farmer for claims brought
by his regular employees for injuries, accidents and the like.
Accident vs. Occurrence
Commonly policies protect against claims due to accidents , but some claims
result from occurrences which are not "accidents" in the legal sense. An endorse-
ment to change accident to occurrence throughout the policy would be wise in most
cases .
Every day farmers have contacts with members of the public. Experience has
shown that the courts may hold the farm owner responsible for the safety of members
of the public who have access to the farm. Where negligence is proven, awards can
be large and their effect disastrous to the farmer.
Public Liability offers protection to the farmer against a wide variety of
risks which can result in severe losses. The cost is relatively low .
For these reasons it is recommended that all farm owners carry this type of
insurance probably for increased limits above the basic policy.
Tell your insurance agent the kind of farm business you have, the sort of
products you sell and ask him to write the proper policy form for you.
Public Liability insurance is more than desirable for a farmer, it is essential .
Lawrence D. Rhoades
Extension Specialist in
Farm Management
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH
Black Root Rot - Tough as the 1959 strawberry season was it now appears that
all was not bad; at least one good seems to have resulted. Black root was at a
minimum this fall. Strawberry fields in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties
were visited to look for black root and practically none was found,
J. S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT QUALITY AT ROADSIDE STANDS
Approximately 21 per cent of the apples grown in Massachusetts are sold at
grower owned farm stands and salesrooms. Since direct sales to the consumer are
most profitable to the grower from the standpoint of income and to the buyer in
regards to quality, this method of sale warranted study in hope that the inforraatior
obtained would assist growers to increase sales through product improvement. There-
fore, an Extension study to "Determine Condition of Apples Offered for Sale to the
Public at Roadside Stands and Salesrooms" was conducted in the fall and winter of
1958-59 by Prof. F. E. Cole, Extension Marketing Specialist and the writer.
-3-
Fruit of 25 different growers were analyzed for mechanical injury, grade and
condition. The fruit examined were those the growers considered to be U. S. Fancy
or better. Many growers had marked their fruit U. S. No. 1 although they felt it
to be of U. S. Fancy quality, ^he average of 29 different fruit samples revealed
that only 6.67, of the fruit was U. S. No. 1 quality. This percentage was so Jow I
that the practice of marking apples U. S. No. 1 as a precaution against faulty i
sorting would seem to be an unnecessary down-grading of the fruit in many instances.
For the Mcintosh variety, the grade requirements for U. S. Fancy and U. S. No. 1
differ in only two respects - amount of typical color required and a minor differ- \
ence as to the amount of russetting allowed. The color requirement of U. S. Fancy
Mcintosh is 33 per cent and for U. S. No. 1 it is 25 per cent.
The study revealed no apparent relationship between the use of grading machines I
and hand sorting and sizing, with regard to the amount of damage found in the samples. '
It is evident that apples can be sorted and sized with the aid of machinery without
significant bruising.
Apples in polyethylene bags at the packing plants and in nearby roadside stands
had considerably less damage due to bruising and broken skin than apples found in
peach baskets. This may have been due to extra care in handling of the apples placed
in polyethylene bags or to lower standards for the baskets. Quality standards for
apples in peach baskets needs to be stressed if this package is to retain public favor.
The noticeable development of marginal softening or decay at the edges of cracks
and stem punctures indicated the necessity of close watch of packed fruit stored or
held at room temperature. It also re-emphasized the necessity of a realistic appraisal
of the risk of decay from any type of broken skin. Fresh stem punctures continue to
be a common cause of damage .
There exists a noticeable variance of practice in regard to color standards for
striped apples. Color requirements for grades permit a wide variation in appearance
between an apple with striped color and one with solid color. A striped apple should
have twice the area with striped coloration in order to have nearly as good an appear-
ance as the blush type. It is assumed that the striped coloration or the blush color
on the apples is a good shade of red characteristic of the variety. The grading
practices of the growers in regards to color varied in relation to the color of the
apples being packed. Close adherence to color standards does not provide packs of
similar attractiveness.
---W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
NEWER FRUIT VARIETIES WORTHY OF TRIAL
The following report briefly describes the newer fruit varieties under test
in the University plantings that are worthy of trial by commercial growers and
home gardeners .
-4-
These notes should be considered as supplementary information on varieties
recommended for planting in Massachusetts as given in Extension Service Special
Circulars #212-A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H which are available from your County
Agent or the Mailing Room, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
APPLE
Red Melba - A red sport of Melba which is superior in color. Good quality for an
early apple. Season early August. Recommended for commercial planting where an
early variety is desired.
Beacon - A seedling of Malinda introduced by the University of Minnesota. Beacon
is a fairly attractive early apple of Early Mcintosh season or later. It may
warrant limited trial as an early apple. The Fenton and Miller's Red varieties
appear to be indistinguishable from Beacon.
Spartan - A Mcintosh x Newton seedling from British Columbia. It is an attractive
dark red apple with Mcintosh shape and quality. Spartan retains quality in storage
much better and longer than Mcintosh. The fruit may have a tendency to be small.
The tree is a vigorous Mcintosh type. Harvest season is late September. It will
pollinate Mcintosh. Spartan shows great promise as a variety to extend the Mcintosh
season and should be given serious consideration for future plantings.
Idared -k promising Wagener x Jonathan cross from Idaho. The fruit has an attrac-
tive bright red finish. Fruit quality good but somewhat on the mild side. It has
a long storage season. Harvest season is early October. Idared is one of the more
promising late keeping dessert and general purpose apples.
Melrose - A high quality winter apple introduced by the Ohio Experiment Station.
Melrose is a Jonathan x Delicious cross. The fruit is well colored, has good
size and shape. It may develop some russeting unless given a mild spray program.
The fruit has excellent dessert and cooking qualities and a long storage season.
The tree is productive, has good structure, and is annual. Harvest season mid-
October. Melrose is cross incompatible with Delicious but will pollenize other
varieties. Melrose shows much promise as a replacement for Baldwin. It should
be given extensive trial.
Spencer - A Mcintosh x Golden Delicious cross introduced by the Dominion Experiment
Station, British Columbia. Spencer is a promising late keeping winter apple. It
is harvested about three weeks after Mcintosh. The tree has desirable growth charac-
teristics and produces annual crops. Fruit of Spencer is large and fairly well
colored. Spencer is worthy of extensive trial.
W. D. Weeks
Peach
Sunrise - An early, attractive, medium size yellow peach which ripens a few days
ahead of Early East. Fruit quality varies with season, but fairly good for an
early peach. A clingstone unless fully ripe. Suggested for limited trial where
an early peach is desired.
■5-
Early East - A rather attractive good sized yellow peach. Fair quality, semi-
cling, somewhat irregular in shape. Early East ripens about 10 days ahead of
Golden Jubilee. Suggested for limited trial.
Sunhaven - An attractive early yellow fleshed peach which ripens 10 days earlier
than Redhaven. The fruit is semi-cling unless fully ripe. Suggested for trial
where an early variety is desired.
Richhaven - An attractive, well colored, yellow fleshed peach of Halehaven season.
The fruit has good size and quality. Worthy of extensive trial.
M. A. Blake - An attractive yellow fleshed peach which ripens a few days ahead of
Elberta. Fruit has good size, quality, and very little pubescence. This peach
looks very promising as a late-season variety to replace Elberta. Worthy of
extensive trial.
W. D. Weeks
BLUEBERRY
Collins - A new blueberry variety was named and introduced by the U.S.D.A. October 1,
1959. It was tested as 18-116, a cross of Stanley x Weymouth made by the late
F. V. Coville in 1936. It ripens between Earliblue and Bluecrop. The plants are
said to be erect, vigorous and moderately productive with about the same winter
hardiness as Berkeley and Pemberton. The fruit is borne in medium-sized, rather
tight, attractive cluster. The berries are as large as Earliblue, firm, light
blue in color and are highly flavored with sweet to mild subacid taste. Fruit
does not drop or crack. It is recommended by the U.S.D.A. for trial as a second
early large fruited variety for the northeast. Bushes of this variety at the
University of Massachusetts are still too young for fruit evaluation.
John S. Bailey
RED RASPBERRY
Early Red - This variety looked very good in spite of very unfavorable weather this
past year. During the very severe winter of 1958-59, injury to the canes was slight.
This past summer the fruit softened slightly but did not crumble (good cdherence)
during the very wet, humid harvest season. Its yield in 1959, was highest among 37
varieties and selections under test. It ripened in early mid-season about the same
time as the spring crop of Indian Summer. The fruit has fair flavor, and is medium
in size and red color. Vigor is satisfactory. No virus infection has been observed.
It is worthy of trial.
Musk oka - It suffered considerable winter injury during the past year and yield was
cut as a result. Firmness and coherence of the berries was excellent in spite of the
wet season. Flavor was passable. Fruit size was good. A small amount of leaf curl
was found.
Puyallup - Severe winter injury cut the yield in 1959 almost to zero. Puyallup is
not cold resistant enough for this climate.
-6-
Canby - This new variety from Oregon looks promising. Cold resistance in 1958-59
was almost as good as Latham. Yield was heavy. Fruit ripened just ahead of Latham,
had fairly good size and good flavor, firmness and coherence. Its one weakness
appeared to be a susceptibility to leaf curl. Recommended for limited trial.
Sumner - Another Oregon variety. It appeared fully as cold resistant in 1958-59
as Latham but produced a very light crop. Unless production picks up it will be
of no value in Massachusetts.
New Hampshire - A late variety, ripened in 1959 just before Milton. It suffered
considerable winter injury and crop was light. Flavor was fair, fruit size about
the same as Milton. Fruit was attractive, firm and did not crumble. No virus or
spur blight was found. Plant vigor was medium. Its most serious weakness was
lack of cold resistance.
•-J. S. Bailey
STRAWBERRY
Earlidawn - Our earliest ripening variety. The plants are vigorous, productive
and form a satisfactory number of runner plants. The fruit is of medium size, firm
attractive, tart and of good quality. Earlidawn shows much promise as a very early
variety where red stele is not a factor.
Cavalier - This Canadian introduction did not look promising in our trials last
summer. The fruit was firm, of good flavor but only medium to small in size and
variable in shape. The plants were lacking in productiveness, vigor and runner
production and were quite susceptible to leaf spot.
Pocahontas - The plants were vigorous, productive and good runner producers. The
berries were firm, large and maintained their size well during the season. The
fruit was rather unattractive, having a dull, light red color. Pocahontas is a
mid-season variety.
Vine land - The plants of this variety are of good vigor, moderate yield and moderati
runner production. The plants showed susceptibility to both leaf scorch and mildew
this past season. The fruit was of medium size, fair firmness and of fair to good
quality.
Redglow - This early-midseason variety is resistant to the common strain of red
stele but shows susceptibility to mildew. The plants are vigorous, productive and
form runners freely. The berries are attractive, of good size and good quality.
Surecrop - A mid-season variety with fruits that are of medium size, firm, attract
and of good quality though tart. The plants are productive, vigorous and make nu-
merous runners. Surecrop is especially valuable because of its resistance to two
strains and partial resistance to a third strain of red stele.
Midway - This newly named variety is an introduction from the U.S.D.A. and the
Maryland Experiment Station. The plants are vigorous and productive. Midway is
-7-
resistant to the common race of red stele, but showed susceptibility to mildew In
our trials. The fruit Is of deep red color, glossy and firm. The strawberries
are above medium in size, of fair flavor and somewhat variable in shape. Midway
is being introduced as a possible replacement for Fair land and Temple. Plants
should be available from nurserymen in the fall of 1960.
Or land - The most productive variety in our trials last summer. The plants are
vigorous and good runner producers. The main weakness of this variety is Its very
poor flavor and only fair appearance. Many of the late berries were badly mis-
shapened and green tipped.
Jerseybelle - A late ripening variety that produces very large, glossy berries. The
berries are firm, of fair flavor and fair color. The plants are vigorous, make a
good bed and are productive. Jerseybelle appears to be most promising as a late
ripening variety where red stele is not a factor.
---J. F. Anderson
I I I I I I I I I I I I I
PEARS
Alexander Lucas - An attractive French winter pear which is large, yellow with
a blush and good quality. Its season Is late fall and early winter.
Chapln - A seedling of Seckel which resembles Seckel in general characteristics
but ripens nearly a month before Seckel. It is very sweet and excellent in quality.
Ewart - A large greenish yellow pear netted with russet and has a fine, melting,
tender, juicy flesh. The season is a month later than Bartlett.
Gorham - Fruit resembles Bartlett in size, color, and shape. Ripens two weeks
later than Bartlett and keeps a month longer. The quality is good to excellent.
This variety is particularly recommended for dessert and canning.
Red. Bartlett - A sport of Bartlett which resembles Bartlett in every respect
except color which is red rather than yellow.
— -0. C. Roberts
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RED-BANDED LEAF ROLLER IS THREATENING AGAIN
During the past couple of years, apple growers in Massachusetts have noted
an increase in the red-banded leaf roller population and also increased diffi-
culty In controlling this pest.
-8-
In attempting to understand the reasons for this situation, I think a brief
review of what we know about the red-banded leaf roller is in order at this time.
First of all, the red-banded leaf roller has a history of being cyclic, that is,
being abundant for a few years and then fading away for a few years only to pop
up again at some future date. Secondly, successful control of this pest is de-
pendent on thorough coverage, with particular emphasis on under-leaf coverage
in all parts of the trees. The switch to air-blast type machines has increased
our problem of getting thorough coverage. Pruning practices are also an important
factor in the spray coverage that we achieve. If pruning is haphazard or neglected
and the trees are allowed to become too thick, adequate coverage may be difficult.
Thirdly, there has also been some tendency for growers to reduce gallonage and
amount of toxicant per tree to minimum levels in recent years.
However, the factors I have just enumerated do not fully explain the serious
difficulties some growers have gotten into with respect to control of the red-
banded leaf roller during the last two seasons. TDE which has done such a good
job for us in the past appears to be falling down even where thoroughly applied
at the proper times with the correct dosage. In New York and some other states,
it has been shown that some leaf roller populations have developed a tolerance
to TDE, in other words, the red-banded leaf roller is resistant to TDE. This
appears to be the case in orchards where TDE has been used for several years.
In Massachusetts, we believe that leaf roller resistance to TDE is the factor
responsible for our recent troubles in controlling this pest in some orchards.
Life History
Before discussing control program, let's briefly review the life history
of the red-banded leaf roller. The insect overwinters as a pupa on the ground
in trash and debris under trees. Moths emerge in the spring soom after the first
green tissue shows in the buds. The greatest numbers are present from late delayed
dormant through bloom. Egg laying begins soon after emergence and usually continues
through bloom. Eggs are deposited chiefly on the bark of the trunks and main scaf-
fold limbs. Hatching usually starts about petal fall and the majority hatch over
a period of 10-14 days after bloom. First brood larvae feed on the under surface
of leaves especially along the mid-rib or along one of the larger veins. Some
migrate to and injure developing fruit. Fully grown larvae pupate in a protected
site such as a rolled leaf or between leaves on which they fed.
First brood moths begin to emerge about the second week in July and are most
numerous during the last two weeks of the month. They disappear rapidly in early
August but an occasional moth may be seen as late as early September. Egg deposi-
tion by the first brood moths begins shortly after emergence and continues until
late August, although most second brood eggs are laid in late July. These eggs
are chiefly deposited on the upper surfaces of leaves and are very difficult to
find. Second brood larvae feed on the undersides of leaves as with the first
brood. However, later nearly all of them move about the tree and feed on the fruit.
During some seasons, some second brood larvae pupate and the moths that emerge
may lay eggs for a partial third brood. |j^
Recommendations for control of the red-banded leaf roller in 1960 will be
discussed in the next issue of FRUIT NOTES.
W. D. Tunis
Extension Entomologist
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
FEBRUARY 10, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Standard and Controlled Atmosphere
Storage Holdings and Bi-Weekly Movement
of Mcintosh Apples in Massachusetts
Results of Leaf Analyses of Orchards in 1959
Control of Red-Banded Leaf Roller
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and J
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperatlr
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
une 30,
ng.
1914;
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding,
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control. Also, teaches and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
STANDARD AND CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE
Storage Holdings and Bi-Weekly Movement of Mcintosh Apples
in Massachusetts
The objective of growers is to sell all of their apples at the highest
possible net return. The lure of higher prices In spring markets is well re-
cognized and understandable. These higher prices do not occur, however, every
year, nor with any regularity. Also, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that
steadily rising prices are not realized when too many apples are held for the
spring market.
How many is too many? How can the crop be sold to realize the greatest
return?
These questions may be asked for the industry as a whole and they may be
asked by every individual seller. The industry figures are the total of indiv-
idual actions. Results for an individual seller are influenced, either up or
down, by how the industry as a whole sells the stored crop.
A look at the record may help individual sellers to make decisions as to
how they would like to sell. Current information as to price and movement of the
state crop is essential for profitable current decisions by Individuals. Strate-
gic actions, by enough sellers, changes the situation for the industry as a whole.
Individuals may adopt a selling strategy to minimize the effects of a poor in-
dustry trend and to maximize their own returns.
The fall price of apples seems to settle to a stable point about October 15th
of each year and is the result of an interplay of supply and demand, with the
level of expendable consumer income and the total apple supply as important fac-
tors. What happens to price from October 15th on, either up, level or down, is
largely dependent upon how (rate and time of selling) the crop is sold.
The changes in price which occurred in the average of the years from 1924
to 1949 and the changes in price which occurred from 1949 to 1958 are indicated
in the following table. Firm Mcintosh U.S. Fancy 2V' up were used as a base pack.
Price Changes October 15 to April 1st
Mcintosh U.S. Fancy 2%" up, Massachusetts
1924 - 1949 and 1949 - 1958
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
1924 - 1949 15
1
15
1
15
1
15
1
15
1
15
1
15
Price: $2.17
-
$2.33
-
$2.40
.
$2.39
-
$2.50
-
$2.62
-
$2.53
Gain over
Oct. 15
-
.16
-
.23
-
.22
-
.33
-
.45
-
.36
1949 - 1958
Price: $2.46 2.72 2.72 2.63 2.54 2.50 2.53 2.54 2.67 2.74 2.73 2.78
Gain over
Oct. 15 - .26 .26 .17 .08 .04 .07 .09 .21 .28 .27 .32
You will notice that the average October 15th price for the first period
(1924-1949) was $2.17 and that the average price for the second period, was
$2.46. You will also notice that the increase in price during the period from
October 15th to March 15th was 45 cents in the first period and 27 cents in the
later period.
You will also notice that in the period between 1949 and 1958, the price
jumped about 25 cents by November 1st and then sagged to only 4 cents over the
starting price by January 1st. It then rose gradually to the equal of the
November price in March. The average of those who sold in late October was
about the same as the average of those who sold in March. This price trend may
have been due to a desire to hold too many apples for the spring market which
created an artificial shortage in late October. Much of the spring rise, if any,
in this period was due to the rise in price of a relatively small percentage of
firm apples. The tendency to hold apples, together with the inescapable ripening
of apples, apparently resulted in a market considerably influenced by soft apples.
The price of apples on the ripe side, shows the reverse trend, from that indicated
for firm apples, from the middle of January on.
In order to visualize the variability of the markets, each of the years
from 1949 through 1958, the start of 1959 and the average of the ten-year period
is charted on an accompanying page. Only the change in price is used. All years
were started equal on October 15th and this point is used for the base line.
Any change in price, up or down, from October 15th is noted by a vertical bar,
above or below the base line.
The accompanying charts show two years of rising price, one year of falling
price and seven years of variable price. The period is characterized by the
holding of too many, too late and too soft for the desired increase in price as
the season advanced.
You will notice that there is little of a pattern of price behavior in this
most recent of ten years. The average shows a sag in the middle that should be
of concern. The average shows little difference in price between fall and spring.
October 15th Price
Mcintosh U.S. Fancy 2%" up, Massachusetts
1949
$1.75
1954
$3.37
1950
1.62
1955
1.62
1951
1.87
1956
3.37
1952
4.25
1957
1.80
1953
2.69
1958
1959
2.25
2.12
Standard Cold Storage Holdings November 1st
Mcintosh - Massachusetts
1949
1
,463
,000 Bushels 1954
584
000
Bushels
1950
1
,494
000 ■ " 1955
1,430
000
1951
1
,429
000 " 1956
730
000
1952
402
000 " 1957
1,362
000
1953
1
,258
000 " 1958
1959
1,012
1,023
000
000
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OUT OF STORAGE MOVEMENT
It is with this backpround of price that we can consider the question of
when to sell.
The accompanying chart shows:
1. Solid base line for measuring out-of -storage movement of standard storage
apples.
2. Solid base line for measuring the out-of-storage movement of C.A. apples.
3. Dotted line showing movement, in percent, of Mcintosh apples out of Mass.
storage in the 1959 season to January 1, 1960.
4. Bi-weekly movement of Mcintosh apples in thousands of bushels in the 1959
season to January 1, 1960.
5. Calculated possible movement of standard storage Mcintosh to April 1st
according to base line.
6. Calculated possible movement of C.A. Mcintosh in the spring of 1960
according to the base line for C.A. apples.
7. The blending of the two movements into one apple marketing season with
constantly decreasing supply of apples on the market from January 1st
which in the past, has been associated with favorable price changes.
The value of the base line for standard storage apples has been confirmed
over the years since it was developed in 1948. Storage movements noticeably
slower than indicated by the base line have been associated with unfavorable
price changes.
The figures seem to prove the intolerable weight of too many apples on the
desired increase in price on the spring market.
It would seem that a suitably proportionate movement of apples in the fall
and early winter for each size of crop was essential for favorable price changes
during the season.
The development of C.A. storages to a point where nearly 40% of the stored
apples in Massachusetts are stored in C.A. rooms has added considerable significance
to the rate of fall and early winter movement.
It is obviously not desirable to have a sagging apple market at the start
of the C.A. season. It would seem desirable not to have to regain an apple
movement partially lost by too few apples in front of consumers in February.
It is essential that C.A. apples be clearly identified as Controlled
Atmosphere apples when they are first marketed. All available methods of accom-
plishing this consumer knowledge of product change would seem to be necessary to
secure full price advantage.
The fall and early winter movement of standard storage Mcintosh in the 1959
season is indicated as very close to the base line which in the past, has been a
favorable factor.
The price of Mcintosh has increased by gradual steps since October 15th which
has not discouraged movement. The movement in the period between Dec. 15 and Jan. 1
of 170,000 bushels is the largest of any bi-weekly period this season.
It is suggested that you follow the price and movement of both standard and
C.A. Mcintosh closely and develop your selling strategy to your advantage. You
can plot the movement of your crop on the chart for comparison.
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-6-
RESULTS OF LEAF Ai'JALYSES OF ORCHARDS IN 1959
Leaf analysis is regarded as an effective guide to more economical and
efficient fertilizer practices and as an aid in diagnosing specific problems
in individual orchards. For the last several years, leaf samples have been
obtained from problem blocks of trees in a limited number of orchards in this
state as an aid in diagnosing nutritional problems.
In 1959, the Pomology Staff with the cooperation of the Control Service
at the University of Massachusetts was in the position to increase the Leaf
Analysis Service. County Agents and the ^/riter obtained leaf samples in the
orchards that warranted analysis. One hundred and eighty three leaf samples
were obtained from 49 orchards and analyzed for nitrogen, potassium, calcium
and magnesium.
The standard mineral contents desired in Mcintosh leaves expressed as
per cent dry weight are as follows: nitrogen - 1.80-2.00; calcium - ,90-1.40;
potassium - 1.25-1.60; and magnesium - .25-. 40. Analyses of Mcintosh leaf samples
from 43 orchards showed nitrogen was above the desired range in 24 orchards and
below in 18. Potassium was below the desired range in 14 and magnesium in 34 of
the orchards ,
The amount and severity of magnesium deficiency may increase in years which
have excessive amounts of rain during the growing season. Our acid soils are low
in magnesium and it is readily leached. Also magnesium deficiency is generally mort
prevalent and severe in heavy crop years. In 1959, most orchards had large crops
and rain in June and July was considerable above normal. In several orchards, visiu
symptoms of magnesium deficiency were apparent at time of sampling (July 15 -
August 15). By September, this deficiency was observed in many Massachusetts
orchards .
Although potassium was below the desirable range in 14 of the 43 orchards,
no deficiency symptoms were noted at time of sampling. The studies conducted by
Dr. W, D. Weeks have shown that fruit color of Ifclntosh is associated with the
relative amounts of nitrogen and potassium found in the foliage of the trees. The
poorest colored fruit was produced by trees which had a high leaf content of
nitrogen and low potassium. Trees with a low to medium leaf nitrogen and high
leaf potassium produced the highest colored fruit.
High rates of nitrogen fertilization increase fruit set, increase total
yield, decrease fruit color and firmness. Nitrogen can decrease fruit size if
it produces an excessive fruit set in a yec.r of heavy bloom. In a talk titled,
"Some Business Aspects of Apple Production' presented at the 65th Annual Meeting '
of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association in 1959, Dr. A. B. Burrell of f
Cornell stated that "With dessert apples, there is no way to go broke faster than \
by producing high yields of soft, green apples that bruise easily and keep poorly.
Discretion in the use of nitrogen is a prime essential for apples that will reach
the consumer in good condition".
The value of leaf analyses as an aid in diagnosing specific problems in
individual orchards is shown in the following example. In 1957, a grower requested
leaf analyses in a block of Mcintosh trees, 30 years of age. The trees were making
so little growth, collection of samples was difficult. The results of the leaf
analyses are sho\m below:
Mineral Content of Leaves Expressed as °L Dry Weight
Nitrogen
Potassium
Magnesium
Desired Range
1
.80-2.10
1.25-1.60
.25
-.40
Sample No. 1
1.77
1.34
.41
2
1.75
1.49
.32
3
1.68
1.20
.49
4
1.62
1.11
.36
5
1.95
.90
.39
6
1.87
.81
.43
It can be noted in the table above that the nitrogen and potassium levels
were low. The nitrogen levels may have been partially influenced by the light
crop. Nitrogen level is apt to be higher on trees having large crops.
The grower had been applying 6 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per tree.
However, in 1958, 10 to 12 pounds of 8-16-16 fertilizer was applied per tree and
during the summer the trees were heavily mulched. Only 4 or 5 pounds of 8-16-16
was applied per tree in the spring of 1959 because of the heavy mulch application
of 1958. Observations made by the \jriter in July of this past summer revealed
the trees sampled in 1957 had a large crop and were vigorous. Out of curiousity,
three of the six trees sampled in 1957 were re-sampled and the results shown below:
Mineral Content of Leaves Expressed as % Dry Weight
Nitrogen
Potassium
Magnesium
Desired Range
1.80-2.10
1.25-1.60
.25-. 40
Sample No. 1
2
3
2.08
2.12
2.18
1.3
1.2
1.5
.34
.31
.30
It can be noted above that the nitrogen level was considerably higher than
in 1957. The grower made a wise decision when he reduced the fertilizer application
rate in the spring of 1959 because of the heavy mulch program of 1958. If the
fertilizer rate had not been reduced the per cent leaf nitrogen might have been
higher and fruit color and firmness reduced.
-— W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Control of Red-Banded Leaf Roller
In the January issue of "Fruit Notes", we stated that leaf roller resistance
to TDE was the factor responsible for our troubles in controlling this pest in some
of our orchards. Research in another state has shown that newly hatched red-banded
leaf roller worms are still easy to kill with TDE, however, the older and larger
worms are resistant to TDE, while the young newly hatched worms are still susceptible
-8-
In the past, it didn't make any difference whether the worms were large or
small - TDE did a good job. In fact, we used to recommend that growers wait until
all the eggs had hatched and then apply TDE. However, under present conditions,
to make TDE do the best job against leaf roller, growers must get it on when the
first eggs start to hatch and then continue to maintain a deposit of TDE on the trees
during the egg hatching period.
At the present time, there are no really good alternatives for TDE for leaf
roller control. However, Guthion, when used in an all - season program from petal fall
on, has given satisfactory control.
The following is a summary for the control of red-banded leaf roller in 1960.
Include other materials as recommended in the Spray Chart for control of plum curculi
- other insects and mites.
First Brood Control;
Time
Materials and Amount
Petal Fall
First Cover
Emergency Use
(at second cover
on large worms)
TDE- 50%
TDE- 50%
Phosdrin
2 lbs.
2 lbs.
1 pt.
Second Brood Control:
Sixth Cover
(July 25-August 1)
Seventh Cover
(August 7-10)
lead arsenate 2 lbs.
plus TDE-50% 2 lbs.
On Mcintosh
TDE-50% 2 lbs.
plus
malathion-25% 2 lbs.
or phosdrin-257o 1/2 pt .
On Varieties Maturing After
Mcintosh
lead arsenate 2 lbs.
plus TDE-50% 2 lbs.
Emergency Use
(for late infestations)
phosdrin-507o
1 pt,
Another important consideration in red-banded leaf roller control is to
know the situation in your orchard. Examine all blocks thoroughly before you
make your dec is ion I
Thorough coverage, especially the undersides of leaves, is essential to
good control.
WARNINGl Phosdrin is dangerouB . Follow safety precautions when using
this material.
l.'.D. Tunis
Extension Entomologist
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
MARCH 15, I960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Research Findings From Other Areas
Is Mcintosh Being Challenged?
Research Findings on Bird Control in
Small Fruit Plantings
Apple Storage Seminar
Apple Varieties in Eastern New York
1960 Fertilizer Recommendations
Out-of-Storage Movement to March 1, 1960
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
RESEARCH FINDINGS FROM OTHER AREAS
Potassium Aids in Developing Better Apple Color
The September-October issue of Ohio Farm and Home Research contained an
article by Dr. J. M. Beattie, Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster,
Ohio, titled, "Potassium Aids in Developing Better Apple Color". The informa-
tion obtained in this article should be of interest to the apple growers of
Massachusetts because the results presented by J. M. Beattie are similar to
the findings of Dr. W. D. Weeks, University of Massachusetts in his work on
Mcintosh Apple Tree Nutrition.
"Better colored apples - the kind modern consumers want - are being grown
at the Ohio Experiment Station. Experiments are showing that naturally red apples
develop better color if ample amounts of potassium are supplied to the trees. By
raising the level of potassium in the leaves of Rome Beauty apple trees well above
one per cent, not only was fruit color but also total yields and shoot growth
improved.
"The eight-year-old trees used in the experiment grew on a site where another
orchard had been removed. These original trees were known to be abnormally low
in potassium. Foliage analysis showed this to be true. This situation afforded
an excellent opportunity to study methods and rates of potassivmi fertilizer appli-
cation under conditions of known deficiency of this element.
Three Treatments
"Trees received one of these three fertilizer treatments:
1. Nitrogen plus muriate of potash at the rate of one-fourth pound per
year of tree age.
2. Nitrogen plus four sprays of potassium sulfate applied to the foliage.
3. Nitrogen only.
"The foliar sprays were made by dissolving 16 pounds of potassium sulfate in
100 gallons of water. They were applied at 10-day intervals starting the last
week of May.
"Leaf samples taken each year since 1952 showed that the soil potassium
treatment was the most effective in raising the leaf content of potassium. Foliage
sprays of potassium sulfate also helped to raise leaf potassium levels over check
trees, but not as high as the soil applications. Average potassium content of the
leaves for six years was 1.78 per cent for the trees receiving soil applications of
potassium; 1.36 per cent for trees receiving foliar sprays; and 1.04 for check trees.
A leaf concentration of one per cent potassium has been generally considered as the
level at or below which response from applications of potassium fertilizers can be
expected. These results suggest the fruit color improvement can be obtained by
raising leaf potassium well above this one per cent level.
Yields in Order
"The yields of trees ran in a corresponding order. In fact, trees fertilized
with nitrogen and muriate of potash produced almost twice as many apples as the
check trees. Total production for the four-year period of bearing was 73.4
pounds for the soil potassium treated trees; 58.4 pounds for foliage-sprayed trees;
and 39.2 pounds for trees which received nitrogen but no potassium.
"The fruit was graded according to the amount and quality of red color at har-
vest. Trees treated with soil applications of muriate of potash consistently pro-
duced the highest percentage of well colored apples, again followed by sprayed
and check trees.
"The value of leaf analysis as a means of diagnosing nutritional troubles
before a deficiency reaches the stage of exhibiting usual symptoms is emphasized.
In this case greater growth, higher yields and improved fruit color have all been
made possible."
---W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
IS McINTOSH BEING CHALLENGED ?
Recent planting surveys in the United States indicate a 45 per cent increase
in production of Red Delicious by 1965. In this same period an increase of only
2 per cent is indicated for Mcintosh. By 196 5 the forecast indicates a 26 per
cent increase in total apple production.
In the past and currently, Delicious tops the market. Is this the reason
for increased plantings? Will this advantage continue? Plantings of Delicious
on marginal soil or marginal sLtes will produce poor quality fruit. Early pick-
ing of some new red sports of Delicious may also put poor quality fruit on the
market. Will the consuming public rebel resulting in lower overall prices for
Delicious. The Delicious is a "one-use" variety, namely, to eat out-of-hand.
It does have merit as a salad apple but rates poorly for other uses.
The Delicious variety is unique in that among all varieties it can be grown
in a wider range of climatic conditions than any other variety. It is similar
in this respect to the Elberta peach.
The Delicious can be and should be grown in the Northeast. However, great
care should be made in selection of a strain (the new red color sports may be
too "black" when grown in New England), and in selection of soil and site.
The Mcintosh, unlike the Delicious, is greatly influenced by climate. This
climate limits regions in which good Mcintosh can be grown. The greater Northeast
is a natural Mcintosh region. This could work to the advantage of Mcintosh region
growers. Growers in some competing areas cannot grow good Macs. Although they
can grow excellent Delicious.
Basic economic factors of production, storage, distribution and marketing
affect and influence any apple grower regardless of location.
-3-
All wide-awake growers are familiar with the follcwing factors:
Continuing cost price squeeze; integration; quantity buying; per capita
consumption of apples declining; fewer but larger growers; applied effi-
ciencies; increased capital investment; group selling; maturity laws;
marketing orders; improved quality, etc., etc.
Are you on the Mac Team? Can the Mac Team meet the challenge?
Climate designates and defines the area in which Mcintosh can be grown. This
can be an advantage - in that everybody cannot grow the Mac. Our geographic area
is relatively small offering opportunities of sticking together and working together
in meeting the challenges of today's changing fruit industry. To lick many of these
challenges, group and cooperative action is the only answer. Much is being done with
advertising, promotion, marketing orders, etc. A real challenge, however, is improv-
ing distribution and being geared to meet the new marketing requirements. Consumers
newly introduced to the Mcintosh like it. So the market challenge is available. The
Mcintosh, unlike the Delicious, can be used for more than eating fresh. A research
challenge, also, faces the Mcintosh area. Research in studying the Mcintosh as a
processing apple; conceivably for applesauce, pie, etc., is needed because the con-
sumer is demanding more and more processed (built-in maid service) goods.
The final and real challenge, however, is: Can Mcintosh growers as a group
supply the leadership in finding the right answers and finding them before it's too
late?
Personally, I'm glad I'm on the Mac TeamI
Arthur C. Bobb
Extension Pomologist
University of Connecticut
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RESEARCH FINDINGS ON BIRD CONTROL IN SMALL FRUIT PLANTINGS
(Talk presented by Dave B. Pike, Research Assistant in Wildlife Management, at the
Small Fruit Meeting held on University of Massachusetts campus in January, 1960)
Complaints of bird damage to various crops have been voiced for many years, to
agencies such as: The Audubon Society, the Division of Fisheries and Game, and the
Department of Wildlife Management at this University. By the spring of 1956, these
complaints had attained such volume as to instigate a meeting of University personnel
and some fruit and vegetable growers concerned with the bird problem. The outcome
of this meeting was the Bird Control Project which was initiated in July, 1956, and
will be continued as long as it is justified. The project has three main objectives:
(1) To determine the species of birds doing the damage, (2) to determine the extent
of the damage, and (3) to attempt to find means of reducing or eliminating said damage,
The period of time during which observations on bird damage can be made is relatively
short, one crop cultivated blueberries which suffer heavily from bird damage was
selected to receive attention.
-4-
The species of birds doing damage to cultivated blueberries and its extent
were determined by means of a questionnaire sent to all known growers. The question-
naire summary based on grower observations and tally revealed that songbirds, in-
cluding robins, bluejays, chewinks and sparrows; and blackbirds including starlings,
grackles and redwing blackbirds were the depredating species. Of all species noted,
the robin and the starling are by far the most harmful.
Through the same questionnaire and personal contact, it was determined that
thirty-eight per cent of the total cultivated blueberry crop was lost to birds in
1955. In 1956, twenty per cent; in 1957, nineteen per cent; and in 1958, twenty seven
per cent of the total cultivated blueberry crop was lost due to depredating birds.
Simultaneous with the success of accomplishing the first two project objectives
was the relative failure in the third - that of finding methods of eliminating or
reducing bird damage. To date no completely satisfactory method of bird damage
prevention, short of total enclosure, has been found.
A number of bird damage prevention devices were used by growers and/or myself
in the research projects. A carbide exploder is effective only against starlings
and grackles and will protect up to 3 acres. They must be cleaned regularly and
are objectionable in populous areas. Rope firecrackers are good against starlings
and grackles but start fires if used in sawdust or chip culture. Shotguns are per-
manent but costly. The following are all ineffective: Rags and papers on strings,
scarecrows, balloons, garden hose - to simulate snakes, reflectors and spinners.
After the elimination of the devices previously mentioned and others, a live
Cooper's hawk which is the natural enemy of the robin and starling was tried in the
cherry orchard and blueberry planting on University property. The hawk was tethered
to a seven foot perch pole and placed about twenty feet from a cherry tree, which
was of a different variety and ripening later than the trees surrounding it. The
hawk was tethered to the pole for alternating half hour periods. A tally was made
of the number and species of birds visiting the tree under both conditions. During
five afternoons of such observations, a total of 192 birds were observed feeding
while the hawk was absent and only two when it was present. The next step was to
substitute a stuffed hawk for the live one. During four afternoons, 154 birds
were observed feeding in the absence of the stuffed hawk and only 8 tried to feed
when the hawk was present. In the blueberry planting, results were similar with
229 birds being tallied while the stuffed hawk was absent and 14 while it was present.
These counts were made during 6 afternoons.
Due to the success with the stuffed hawk, the next step was to construct a
hawk decoy which would withstand weathering. Therefore, 12 plastic models were pre-
pared at the American Museum of Natural History and hand painted to resemble Cooper's
hawks. Used in the cherry orchard, the plastic decoys gave equally as good results
as those previously obtained with the live and stuffed hawk. An attempt was made
to measure the maximum length of time the decoy hawks would be effective. A decoy
on a 22 foot pole was placed in the middle of 5 cherry trees. These trees were in
a row and the decoy was placed up through the branches of the middle tree and le ft
in this position night and day. The cherries were ripe six days before the robins
dared to approach the nearside of the trees adjacent to the tree having the hawk in
it. No starlings or grackles entered any of the 5 trees during the 6-day period.
Plastic decoys distributed to 4 growers for trial were initially effective but lost
-5-
their effectiveness as time went on.
The initial success with the stationary hawks led me to believe that if one
could be simulated in flight, a satisfactory deterrent might be the outcome. A
full size motor driven hawk decoy was erected over and around a small blueberry
planting with a circumference of 300 feet. When completed however, its effective-
ness could not be determined due to a late season lack of birds and malfunction
of the apparatus.
Another apparatus which has shown promise is the "bird snapper", a device in
which an electric current jumps a gap between two parallel wires, causing a loud
snap. A serious drawback in its use is that it causes radio interference in nearby
homes. When this radio interference is a problem, the bird snapper is being used
without the snapping effect. Where formerly an electric current jumped a gap be-
tween the 2 parallel wires at predetermined points, now the wires have been sepa-
rated equally. And whereas in the snapper it was the noise which kept the birds
away, in the latter, it is an electric shock which occurs when a bird lights on
the wires. This apparatus is now being used by two growers with apparent satisfaction.
Earlier mention was made of complete enclosure of the planting. One material
used for this is chicken wire and though it is very durable, its cost is prohibitive.
Tobacco cloth is also effective but is not durable. Another material is "Protect-0-
Net", formerly called "Lenonet", which is a twisted paper netting of %" mesh. The
cost of erection of "Protect-0-Net" over one acre is approximately $1,000. While
the initial cost is high, projected tests have shown that the netting should last
about seven growing seasons with reasonable handling care. A fourth material that
might prove satisfactory for covering a crop is a new product called "Vexar" plastic
netting. However, this product is still in the experimental stage. It is a poly-
ethylene which is extended directly into a mesh or netting. It is flexible, chemi-
cally inert and has a high resistance to rot, moisture and mildew. No standard line
has been established. The company claims they are prepared to manufacture products
to their customer's specifications within limits of course.
In summary, the bird problem is a very complex one involving not only birds
and crops but also a public relations problem. Based on a wealth of negative know-
ledge accumulated during the past four years, solution of this problem points strongly
toward total enclosure of the crop involved.
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPLE STORAGE SEMINAR
A Controlled Atmosphere Seminar has been an annual event at the University
of Massachusetts for the last two years. The seminars have helped to increase
grower understanding of CA Storage Management and Construction. However, the
Controlled Atmosphere Storage Seminar Committee feels that the scope of program
should be enlarged to include construction and management problems of both, CA
and Regular Refrigerated Storages. It is our opinion that the program being
planned will be of interest to all operators of apple storages.
The Apple Storage Seminar will be held at the University of Massachusetts on
April 21st, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.
-6-
Tentatively, the morning program will consist of discussions on V/ater Scrubbers
and Storage Scald. Two speakers from out of state are being contacted to discuss
these topics.
In the afternoon, Prof. J. W. Zahradnik, University of Massachusetts, will give
Research Progress Reports on - Programing Blowers, Water Scrubbers and Fill Insulation,
In addition, the topics of Heat Leakage in Cold Storages and Methods of Increasing
Cooling Capacity will be on the agenda.
An official program will be announced at a later date.
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPLE VARIETIES IN EASTERN NEW YORK
The New York State Horticultural Society News Letter published in February,
1960 contained an article by M. B. Hoffman and B. A. Dominick, Cornell University
titled, "Apple Varieties for the Future." The following information was taken
from the article.
"APPLE TREES BY VARIETY, EASTERN N. Y. , 1959 *
Bearing trees Non-bearing Proportion
10 years & trees under of variety
older 10 years non-bearing
Per cent of total Per cent
Mcintosh 42 31 16
Delicious 16 27 32
Rome 10 14 28
Golden Delicious 4 10 43
Cortland 12 6 12
Others 16 12 ii
Total 100 100 21
No. of Trees (000) 906 242
* Source: New York Crop Reporting Service
"In the eastern counties non-bearing trees make up 21 per cent of the total.
Golden Delicious has figured prominently in the new plantings of this section.
However, the three varieties, Mcintosh, Delicious and Rome make up 72 per cent of
the non-bearing trees.
"Mcintosh has been and should continue as one of our more profitable varieties
when it is stored in good condition. Growers who have more Mcintosh than they can
harvest within 10 days, are likely to run into a condition problem in many years .
Condition is very important in our winter marketing program . In other fruit areas
of the United States, Delicious has been more widely planted than any other variety.
The national production of Rome is also expected to increase by significant amounts.
"This poses the question of what new variety might be considered for the
Hudson Valley area which caters largely to the fresh fruit trade. In this cate-
gory Idared continues to attract attention. Of course, the planting in quantity
of any relatively new variety will always be a calculated risk. In spite of this
fact the Hudson Valley variety situation, twenty years hence, could be better,
certainly no worse, if Idared occupied some of that percentage now held by the
leading three of the non-bearing group."
Editor's Note - There would be a definite advantage to harvesting the Mcintosh
crop X'/ithin a 10-day period. However, rate of cooling of harvested fruit may be
a limiting factor for some growers. In order to harvest the fruit within 10 days
means either less volume of Mcintosh or increasing cooling capacity of present
storages or additional storage space.
Idared is one of the newer fruit varieties worthy of trial in Massachusetts.
The fruit has an attractive bright red finish. Fruit quality good but somewhat
on the mild side. It has a long storage season. Harvest season is early October.
Idared is one of the more promising late keeping dessert and general purpose apples,
-— W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
1960 FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS
Results of leaf analyses from 43 Mcintosh orchards taken in Massachusetts
this past summer indicate that over half the trees were above the desired range
for nitrogen. With so many trees too high in nitrogen for the best development
of fruit color and firm apples of good storage quality, we are suggesting that
growers reduce nitrogen applications by 1/3 to 1/2. This reduction in nitrogen
should help improve fruit color in those blocks which have been producing poorly
colored fruit in the past. The suggested amounts of fertilizer shown in the
following table are given as a guide.
Suggested Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Apple Orchards
Ap
proximate Amounts per
Tree
Potential bushel
yield of tree
Nitrogen
required
Potash
required
Ammonium
Nitrate
Muriate
of Potash or 0-15-30
8-16-16
Less than 15
15 - 25
More than 25
Pounds
0.66
0.66-1.00
1.33-2.00
Pounds
1.3
1.3-2.0
2.7-4.3
Pounds
2.0
2.0-3.0
4.0-6.0
Pounds
2.1
2.1-3.3
4.5-7.9
Pounds
4.3
4.3-6.6
9.0-14.3
Pounds
8
8-12
16-25
Each grower will have to adjust the suggested amounts up or down to meet
the requirements of the trees in his blocks. If the trees are over vigorous and
fruit color and quality poor, reduce the amount of fertilizer by 1/3 to 1/2.
However, if the trees are weak in vigor and yields are low, apply the amounts
suggested or increase the rates slightly.
The suggested amounts of materials to apply in the table are for hand applica-
tions under the spread of the branches. When the materials are broadcast over the
entire orchard floor it may be necessary to increase the rate of application in
order to obtain the same tree response as with the band applications. Fertilizer
materials other than those given in the tables may be used so long as they are
applied at rates which provide equivalent amounts of nitrogen and potassium.
The tree's magnesium and calcium requirements can best be met by maintaining
an adequate dolomitic liming program. The pH of orchard soils should be maintained
between 6 and 6.5. If a soil test shows that the pH of soil is 5.5 or below,
magnesium sulfate sprays should be applied to prevent possible occurrence of mag-
nesium deficiency. It takes from 3 to 5 years before dolomitic limestone is
effective in correcting magnesium deficiency. When magnesium sulfate sprays are
used apply 2 to 3 sprays of epsom salts at the rate of 20 pounds per 100 gallons
of water. These sprays should be timed by calyx, first, and second cover sprays.
To avoid possible incompatibilities the epsom salt sprays should not be combined
with the regular insecticidal and fungicidal sprays.
Boron shoul
most common mate
size. Apply one
quarters pound t
large or mature
exceed 50 pounds
basis. Polybor-
one and three we
York State.
d be applied to orchard soils every three years. Borax is the
rial used. The rates of application per tree vary with age and
quarter pound of borax to young trees, one-half to three-
o medium age and size trees, and three-quarters to one pound to
trees. In no case should the rate of one application of borax
per acre. Boron may be applied as a foliar spray on a trial
2 or Boro Spray applied at 1/2 pound per 100 gallons of spray
eks after petal fall have given satisfactory results in New
The amounts of fertilizer applied to trees which have received annual
applications of 200 pounds or more of hay mulch per tree may be materially re-
duced or entirely eliminated. Tree performance should serve as a guide in de-
termining the extent to which the rates of fertilizer may be reduced.
In young non-bearing orchards, it may be possible to produce sufficient high
quality mulching material for the young trees by broadcasting 500 to 800 pounds
of mixed fertilizer per acre. Place the mulch in a band under the spread of the
branches. The amount of fertilizer required for the trees with this system of
culture will vary with the quantity and quality of mulch applied around each tree.
If the trees are not making sufficient growth, one-eighth pound of ammonium nitrate
per year of tree age may be applied to the mulch.
Recommendations for fertilizing peach orchards are given in the following
table. The amounts given may need to be increased if the trees are in a heavy
sod. A suggested increase would be to double the amount of nitrogen.
Suggested Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Peach Orchards
Approximate ainounts per tree
Tree Age
Ammonium
Nitrate
Muriate
of Potash or 0-15-30
8-16-16
3-6
6-9
9-12
12 6i over
Pounds
1 -Ik
2 -4
Pounds
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-8
Pounds
2-4
4-6
6-8
8-12
Pounds
2-4
4-6
6-8
8-16
-9-
OUT-OF-STOIIACE MQVEllENT TO MARCH 1, 1960
The out-of-storage movement of Mcintosh in Massachusetts as indica-
ted by the dash line on the out-of-storage movement chart (next page)
is closer to the base line than for any year since the chart was first
designed in 1948.
This movement has several very important influences on the current
market situation:
1. As a result of this movement, there is no large pile-up of apples
at the end of the season. There were only about 36,000 bushels
of standard storage Mcintosh to be sold on March 1 according to
market reports.
2. Because there was no pile-up at the end of the season, the price
was firm on firm Mcintosh.
3. The favorable situation in regard to standard storage Mcintosh
provided a firm base for the sale of C.A. Mcintosh.
It is noteworthy that the necessary movement of apples was accom-
plished on a gradually increasing or firm price from October 15. The
level of price has been lower than grov/ers would like. It is the changes,
however, that are important and that are influenced by the rate of move-
ment and the resulting quantity left in storage.
Competition from the Hudson Valley has made the season difficult
because of the somewhat less than firm condition of the apples from that
area. There would seem to be no reason to believe that the public will
not continue to pay a premium price for firm C.A. apples from Massachusetts.
It V70uld seem from figures to date that the growers have been
successful in moving this crop to the best advantage considering the level
of price which was established in the fall. Condition is an important
factor this year as well es every other year in influencing price and price
changes.
It would seem an orderly movement of C.A. apples out-of-storage is
possible for the rest of the season, with a constantly decreasing supply
on the market .
-F. E. Cole
Extension Marketing Specialist
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FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Deportment of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
APRIL 15, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What About Your Pollinators?
Watch Out For the Strawberry Weevil in 1960
Strawberry Plants and Berry Production
Apple Powdery Mildew Expected To Increase
in Massachusetts in 1960
Chemical Thinning
New England Apple Storage Seminar
Liability Insurance For Fruit Growers
Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
WIIAT ABOUT YOUR POLLINATORS ?
If you are to have a satisfactory fruit set, you must have sufficient insects
to distribute the pollen during the period of bloom. Bees are the only insects of
significance in distributing pollen to deciduous fruits. There are three principal
groups of bees, the bumble bees, the honey bees and the solitary bees. All are of
value but from a practical standpoint, the honey bee is the only insect that can be
increased in numbers and distributed where wanted and when needed in the orchard.
Much has been done to determine the type of colony best suited for pollination,
Farrar, 1931, demonstrated that on the basis of equal weights of adult bees, over-
wintered colonies are superior to package bees for pollination. He proved that a
single overwintered colony, having 3.5 pounds of bees, would send more bees to the
field than four 3 pound packages. Farrar's conclusions have been substantiated by
other investigators in New York, California and in other areas. For adequate pol-
lination, a grower should obtain strong, overwintered colonies. Such colonies will
require a minimum of two hive bodies, and some will need three for sufficient room
for expansion and storage of nectar and pollen during bloom .
In order to establish a suitable standard of strength and to provide a basic
rental price, Farrar in 1931 proposed that colonies for pollination should occupy
5-6 frames when the air temperature is 60 - 65° F. The basic price, in 1931,
was set at $5.00. Colonies having fewer than five frames would have $1.25 deducted
for each frame less than five.
If the colony occupies over six frames, Farrar suggested that a premium of
$1.00 be given for each additional frame. This was a good basis in 1931 but most
beekeepers at present feel that a base price of $5.00 is now too low.
I
Since most growers would not wish to open a colony, an alternative method for
determining colony strength can be used. Colonies of adequate strength, if exposed ■
to direct sunlight and protected from the wind, should be sending from 40 - 70 bees
per minute to the field at air temperatures of 70 - 90° F. during fair weather. If
fewer bees are flying under these conditions, the grower might question the strength
of the colonies being rented.
The distribution and number of colonies per acre has been discussed frequently.
Under ideal conditions it would probably be best to distribute colonies 1 per acre
throughout the orchard. However, since many orchards are windswept, it may be pre-
ferable to seek sheltered locations, or even to provide temporary windbreaks and
place the colonies in groups of 4 - 6. They should not be located in the shade and
should face south or southeast.
The recommendation of one colony per acre is quite general. It does not take
into account the presence of other pollinating insects, the number of colonies in
adjoining orchards or the weather. All these factors vary with individual orchards
so a grower must decide for himself his need for pollinators, f
In order to provide good relationships between fruit growers and beekeepers,
some suggestions have been offered as to what a fruit grower and a beekeeper might
do to make certain that both groups will be satisfied.
1. The grower and the beekeeper should have a formal contract, preferably
in writing, concerning the renting of the bees. Among the matters to
be considered might be the following:
a. Number of colonies, when wanted and how to be distributed in the
orchard.
b. Minimum strength of colonies to be provided.
c. Rental charge with terms of payment.
d. Number of days notice for delivery and removal of colonies.
e. Extra compensation, should heavy loss occur as a result of pesticide
application while bees are in the orchard.
2. The beekeeper can make certain that
a. Colonies are above minimum strength agreed upon and are distributed
in the orchard as the grower wishes.
b. Colonies are delivered and removed on time.
c. The grower is advised not to disturb colonies and to wear protective
clothing, at least a veil, if he has to work close to the hive location.
d. The grower has your correct name, address and telephone number so that
he can contact you easily if the need arises.
3. The grower should consider the following items to facilitate good working
relationships.
a. Insist on strong colonies and be willing to pay a satisfactory price
in order to get them.
b. Order the bees early and give the beekeeper an adequate amount of
time to deliver and remove the bees. It is particularly important
that the bees are removed prior to any insecticide application after
bloom.
c. Do not disturb or move the colonies without the consent of the beekeeper,
d. Carry out the terms of payment.
e. Provide someone familiar with the orchard layout to make certain that
the bees are distributed where desired and to aid the beekeeper in
locating the colonies when he removes them.
f. Avoid the possibility of poisoning the bees. Insecticides should not
be applied during bloom. Some insecticides, if applied during a late
pink spray, may leave residues highly toxic to bees. Most fungicides
can be used during bloom but if possible, avoid application while bees
are actively flying.
Many orchards contain weeds, such as dandelions mustard, etc. If the bees have
been collecting nectar and pollen from these, they will continue to do so. Since this
can reduce the number of bees visiting fruit blossoms, a grower might consider the
removal of such competing bloom by clipping or other means. He must make certain
that an adequate supply of suitable pollen is provided.
In conclusion, if a grower has had a problem of inadequate pollination which
seems to be caused by too few pollinators, he should consider securing colonies of
bees to overcome this problem. Many of the counties have active beekeeping associa-
tions. Your county agent can provide the name of the secretaries of such organiza-
tions. Through the secretary you can contact beekeepers who are willing to provide
-3-
colonics for pollination. In addition to the county associations, there is a
state Federation of Beekeepers Associations whose secretary is Wallace Parker of
West Boylston. The Chief Inspector of Apiaries, Milo Bacon, 41 Tremont Street,
Boston, may be able to provide names of beekeepers who will supply colonies. If
you need bees, act now.
F. R. Shaw
I I I I I I I I I I I I ( I
WATCH OUT FOR THE STRAWBERRY WEEVIL IN 1960
The strawberry weevil, which has been a pest on Cape Cod, caused some damage
to strawberries in western Massachusetts in 1959. In view of the mild winter we
have had, growers should be on the alert for the strawberry weevil this season.
The weevil is a small, reddish-brown or black beetle, about 1/10 of an inch
long, with the head prolonged into a slender curved snout. Just before bloom,
the weevils leave their overwintering quarters in hedgerows and woodlands and
move into strawberry plantings. They lay their eggs in the buds. The stems of
the buds are then cut so that they hang by a mere thread or fall to the ground.
The developing larvae feed on pollen in the unopened buds.
The strawberry weevil is controlled by making two pre-blossom applications
of an insecticide. The first when the buds in the clusters start to separate and
the second when the earliest blossoms open. The beetles are most active when
temperatures reach 70° or higher so it is most important to apply an insecticide
just before or at the beginning of a period of high temperature.
Effective materials, in dusts or sprays, are DDT or methoxychlor . Use a 5%
methoxychlor or DDT dust or a SOX wettable powder of either material at the rate
of 2 lbs. per 100 gallons of water. Since DDT and methoxychlor favor increases
in mite populations, a miticide such as Kelthane should also be included in these
sprays or dusts to prevent this mite build-up. Consult the 1960 Strawberry Pest
Control Chart for further details.
W.D. Tunis
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
STRAWBERRY PLANTS AND BERRY PRODUCTION
(Talk presented by Roger Lewis, Andover, Massachusetts at the Small
Fruit Meeting held on University of Massachusetts campus in January, 1960)
The experiences of many growers during the 1959 season convinced me that we
should place more emphasis on some simple practices in strawberry growing.
A grower near me picked a bumper crop of berries on 1/2 acre of land. He re-
ceived at wholesale fifty cents or more a quart- for all his crop. This crop was
-4-
grown on rather heavy soil without any commercial fertilizer. The land did have
manure and green crop residues ploughed under the previous year. The plants were
set on raised beds which prevented water from standing on the plants at any time
during the growing period. These raised beds also prevented ice formation over
the plants, a condition which proved fatal to so many plantings even on light soil
during the winter of 1958-59. Also, the plants were mulched early, before the
hard freezes that occurred iti December of 1958. These early mulched plants were
not injured. This checks with the experience of another grower who mulched early,
but failed to cover a fifty foot by fifty foot section of plants. A good crop was
produced on the mulched area. On the area not mulched the plants survived but
produced virtually no berries.
Another grower set plants on new land broken up two years before. A month
later half of these plants had died or were dying. Soil test and a check on his
fertilizer practice showed the plants were damaged by an excess of soluble salts
that had not leached away the previous winter. The presence of the salts was
due to very large quantities of commercial fertilizer applied to vegetable crops
the previous two years. This grower decided to salvage what plants he could by
moving all surviving plants from 20 rows into 10 rows. Heavy rains leached out
the salts, and the plants took hold and made up good fruiting rows which should
yield well in 1960.
I have set plants successfully in every month except January and February,
so that, I know with the right conditions, it can be done. However, I have seen
a number of cases in widely scattered locations where plants set in late April,
twenty four hours or less before a bad freeze, failed to survive, while other
plants set two weeks earlier survived as if there were no freezing weather.
To sum this all up, I believe it is desirable, especially on heavier soils
or areas where land is flat to:
1. Use raised beds for drainage.
2. Mulch thoroughly and earlier than we have been accustomed to doing before
heavy freezes.
3. Avoid excessive use of commercial fertilizer ahead of, or at time of setting
new plants.
4. When weather is liable to be severe, in either spring or fall, watch the
forecasts and do not set plants unless you are sure of 48 hours of tem-
perature above freezing.
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPLE POWDERY MILDEVJ EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN MSSACHUSETTS IN 1960
Indications are that there will be more apple powdery mildew in Massachusetts
orchards this year than in 1959. The winter has been relatively mild so that very
little mildew which wintered in the terminal buds has been killed.
-5-
Terrainals pruned from Red Delicious trees in a block that had a little pow-
dery mildew last summer showed no mildew on the bark or on the buds when the
terminals were brought into the laboratory. When placed in water and forced,
the new leaves showed an abundance of powdery mildew threads and spores. It is
obvious that the powdery mildew in overwintering buds is alive and ready to in-
fect new growth early in the season as soon as conditions are favorable.
To keep mildew from building up and becoming serious, it will be necessary"
to begin mildew control early, especially in orchards where there was even a
small amount of mildew last year. In orchards where there was no mildew last
year, prevention could be started in the early scab sprays, otherwise, control
should be started as soon as mildew is discovered. A small amount of sulfur,
one or two pounds, in the pre-cover scab sprays, with Karathane, 1/4 to 1/2
pound at 7 to 10 day intervals, in the cover sprays to about the 4th cover when
terminal growth slows down, keeps powdery mildew under satisfactory control.
On sulfur-sensitive varieties, such as Red Delicious, Baldwin and others, it is
advisable to change from sulfur to Karathane in Pink to reduce russetting.
Specific directions for various situations will be found on the inside cover of
the last page of the Apple Spray Charts for 1960.
The following information about mildew will be helpful in controlling it:
Unlike scab, mildew does not need free water for spore germination and in-
fection and, in fact, free water hinders and prevents spore germination. A
high relative humidity, over 90%, however, is necessary and such conditions do
exist on foggy, damp, and dewey nights.
Infections occur at temperatures between 55 and 80° F. with best mycelial
growth and spore germination at about 70°F. Infections become visible in two
or three days.
The best control is obtained with sprays applied regularly and thoroughly
so that the mildew is wet. For better wetting, some glyodin or wetting agent,
such as Triton B-1956 or Du Pont spreader-sticker, may be necessary.
C. J. Gilgut
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHEMICAL THINNING
By this time I'm sure you have received word that all the common chemical
thinning (and preharvest drop control) materials for both, apples and peaches
have been cleared for use through 1960. VJhether these materials will have
clearance beyond 1960 from the Food and Drug Administration will depend in some
measure on work that is to be carried out during the 1960 growing season at
several experiment stations.
Special Circular No. 189 on Chemical Thinning of Apples has been revised
and is now available. Our suggestions for the chemical thinning of apples with
Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) or Naphthalene acetamide (NA Amide) are essentially
the same as they have been for the past few years. The principal' precaution that
has been added is that these materials should not be used shortly after low
temperature injury has occurred to the foliage even though no apparent Injury to
flowers or young fruit has taken place. Low temperature injury to the foliage
may occur at temperatures of 28-30° F and below, resulting in some crinkling of
the young spur leaves. Eventually this tissue will heal but for at least four
or five days after this injury has occurred the usual application of NAA or
NA Amide (Amid-Thin) may greatly increase the amount of thinning and leaf injury
obtained. We observed this phenomenan in one block last year and now suspect that
this is probably the reason for occasional isolated cases of foliage injury from
NA Amide .
Last year we found (with Golden Delicious) that an application of NAA about
two weeks after petal fall results in a temporary slowing do\-m of the rate of
growth of persisting fruit. This influence lasts about 10 days. In other words,
these thinners appear to have a temporary growth inhibiting action on non-shedding
fruit and for a time the average size of persisting fruit on chemically thinned
trees may be smaller than similar fruit on unthinned trees. This temporary re-
pressive action of NAA may result in a loss of approximately 1/8 of an inch in
diameter growth. However, it may be expected, because of the ultimate increase
in the leaf to fruit ration following the use of thinners that the size of fruit
from thinned trees will eventually surpass that of fruits on comparable heavily
set, unthinned trees. Also, the benefits of these sprays in improving the degree
of flowering of many apple varieties the following year still makes the use of
these materials desirable in years when oversetting occurs.
There is another material, which appears to be a post-bloom apple thinner.
The material is the insecticide, Sevin. Reports in quite a few areas indicate
that Sevin may reduce the set and total yield when applied anytime from peta-
fall up to 25 to 30 days after bloom. It is our suggestion that you avoid the
use of Sevin during this period until more complete knowledge of its thinning in-
fluence is gained. We plan to conduct several experiments with Sevin to determine
what its thinning capacity is in comparison to the NAA type materials. Until there
is information of this sort with our varieties, Sevin should not be considered for
thinning purposes.
F. W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Dr. Lord on Sick Leave
During the extended absence of our able Extension Pomologist the rest of
the Pomology Staff will attempt to handle urgent Extension requests. Dr. Lord
is recovering satisfactorily from his operation at the Farren Memorial Hospital
in Montague City. However, several x^^eeks of recuperation at his home in
Sunderland will be necessary before he will be back on the job of serving you
fruit growers.
A. P. French
-7-
NEW ENGLAND APPLE STORAGE SEMINAR
The following is our 3rd successive program relating to apple storage.
This year both, cold and CA storage problems will be discussed and will be
Nev7 England-wide in scope.
Everyone interested in apple storage problems is welcome. Hope we'll
see you at the Student Union at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst on
Thursday, April 21.
MORNING PROGRAM
Chairman - Prof. Rudolph A. Poray, Extension Fruit Specialist
University of Maine,
10:00 - Construction. Operation and Role of Water Scrubbers in CA Rooms .
Dr. R. M. Smock, Pomology Department, Cornell University.
Discussion
10:50 - The Present Status of Storage Scald and Its Control .
Dr. R. M. Smock, Pomology Department, Cornell University
Dr. V. Shutak, Horticulture Department, University of Rhode Island
Dr. F. W. Southwick, Horticulture Department, University of Massachusetts
Discussion
12:00 - Lunch available at the Student Union Cafeteria.
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
Chairman - Prof. W. W. Irish, Extension Agricultural Engineer
University of Connecticut
1:00 - Maintaining. Servicing and Increasing the Capacity of the Refrigeration System .
Mr, Frank Adler, Harding and Gross, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
Discussion
2:00 - A Review - Heat Leakage in Apple Storage .
Prof. Curtis A. Johnson, Extension Agricultural Engineer
University of Massachusetts
Discussion
3:00 - Progress Report - Blower Programming, Outside Type Water Scrubbers and In
Place Study of Fill Type Insulation
Prof. J. VJ. Zahradnik, Agricultural Engineering Department
University of Massachusetts
— F. W, Southwick
LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR FRUIT GROWERS ,
As an owner or occupier of property a person must maintain his holdings with
due regard to the safety of others. If he is a farmer or businessman he has even
more responsibility because the risk of daniage of injury to others or their pro-
perty may be greater.
This duty applies particularly to the upkeep of buildings and the farm sur- |
roundingSjin the control of livestock including pets on the farm, in the whole- J
someness of the products he sells as well as to the work undertaken by him both, S
on and off the premises.
Among other things under personal liability, a farmer is responsible for
such things as these: i'
1. To safeguard visitors, members of the public, and their property on his ,1
premises. (His highest responsibility is to those persons he directly
or indirectly invites to his place; he is less responsible for licensees
such as salesmen; and he owes trespassers at least the duty of not
knowingly harming them.) j
I
2. To keep his livestock off highways where they may cause accidents result-
ing in injury to motorists or to property.
3. To provide safeguards in handling vicious animals.
4. To warn his tenant of any hazard on the premises that would not ordinarily
be detected.
5. To prevent fire from spreading from his property to the premises of another,
6. For his own negligence if an employee is injured while at work.
7. To his employees and under certain circumstances, those of a contractor
doing work on his farm, even though the contractor might carry insurance.
8. To the public for the v/holesomeness of his products. (Farmers who sell
farm prepared food products such as ready to cook poultry, frozen chicken
pies, pastries, candy, apple juice, farm made sausage and farm products
of any sort may assume this liability as a result.)
In general two policies are used:
1. In the case of smaller farms where the farmers do no processing and who
sell their own products, satisfactory coverage may be obtained by buying
a Farmers' Comprehensive Personal Liability policy and securing suitable
endorsements under the policy. This policy does not insure any automobile
liability away from the premises nor does it insure farm employees unless
an endorsement is secured as part of the policy to insure them.
2. In the case of larger farms, insurance for the various risks and others
can be secured by a Comprehensive General Liability Policy. Farmers who
process farm products for themselves and others, who retail milk, make
sausage, chicken pies, preserves, candy, freeze and dress poultry, and
the like, should be sure to discuss their operation with their insurance
agent so he can write the proper policy.
In several fairly recent cases rather substantial awards have been made by
the courts to injured parties who either visited the farmer's premises to buy farm
products, to pick apples, or were sold unwholesome products.
By all means consult your insurance agent as to possible coverage for risks
and be sure you tell him about your farm and orchard operations. Tell him who is
involved and the location and conditions under which they work or where the public
buys your products.
Liability insurance is necessary, often overlooked and not expensive.
— -L. D. Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue From Supportin,'^ Fields
C. J. Gilgut - Extension Plant Pathologist
L. D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
F. R. Shaw - Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology
W. D. Tunis - Extension Entomologist
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
MAY 13, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Storage Scald - Present Status of Control Measures
Apple Publicity
Color and Yield of Different Mcintosh Strains
Plastic Mulch for Strawberries
In Days of Yore
What Happened to the Raspberries?
Strawberry Twilight Meeting
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director. In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
STORAGE SCALD - PRESEOT STATUS OF CONTROL MEASURES
At the New England Apple Storage Seminar on April 21, a discussion of
storage scald led by Dr. R. M. Smock of Cornell, Dr. Vlad Shutak of Rhode Island
University and the author made it possible for those in attendance to get some
idea of where we now stand on this problem. Here are some of the important points
that were brought out;
1. The past season with its hot weather jusc prior to harvest was one which
apparently caused many varieties to be very susceptible to scald.
2. The material Santoquin when used at 1000 to 2000 ppm as a preharvest spray
failed to give commercial control on Cortland and Mcintosh. Even diphe-
nylamine (DPA) was not as effective as it has been in the past.
3. Attempts to control scald by manipulation of the nutritional status of
the tree have not been successful.
4. Scald on cold storage Mcintosh is invariably much more serious than it
is on CA Mcintosh if both lots are harvested at the same time from the
same trees, stored promptly after harvest and stored for the same length
of time.
5. The key to scald control on CA Mcintosh seems to be related to harvest
date (much more scald if picked late) and quick cooling after harvest .
The importance of picking Mcintosh for CA storage on the early side and cool-
ing them within 24 hours of harvest can hardly be over-emphasized. Recent data
indicate that if this is done, scald control on CA Mcintosh can be obtained with-
out having to rely on special wraps, chemical sprays or dips. However, scald
control on cold storage Mcintosh and other varieties, regardless of whether they
are cold or CA stored, is often impossible by such a simple procedure.
The data shown in the following tables illustrate these points.
Table 1. The influence of picking date on the percentage of total scald on
cold and CA stored Mcintosh and Cortland. 1959-60.
Firmness (lbs.) Per cent Scald
After 7 days at room temp .
Storage Picking at harvest
Conditions Date Mcintosh Cortland Mcintosh-*- Cortland
320F in air 9/9 16.4 18.6 81.4 21.3
9/16 16.1 17.4 33.1 77.1
9/23 15.4 16.8 29.5 95.1
9/29 14.2 15.8 45.3 97.5
32-360F in air 9/29 14.2 15.8 71.1 100.0
CA-38°F 9/9 16.4 18.6 2.0 40.9
3% 02/5% CO2 9/16 16.1 17.4 1.2 32.5
9/23 15.4 16,8 4.8 43.3
9/29 14^2 15,^8 44.1 33.2
^Removed from storage in April, 1960.
Tlemoved from storage in March, 1960.
Table 2. The influence of delayed storage on the percentage of total scald
on cold and CA stored Mcintosh and Cortland. 1959-60.
Hours elapsed Per cent scald
Storage between harvest Picking After 7 days at room temp .
Conditions and storage Date Mcintosh^ Cortland'^
32-360F in air 6 9/2A 46.5 100.0
24 9/24 52.1 100.0
36 9/24
48 9/24 43.5 100.0
72 9/24 53.8 100.0
46
.5
52
.1
55
.3
43
.5
53
.8
.0
2
.2
5
.0
15
.9
21
.3
CA-380F 6 9/24 0.0 19.7
3Z 02/5% CO2 24 9/24 2.2 27.0
36 9/24 ' "
48 9/24 15.9 43.8
72 9/24 21.3 54.1
^Removed frorn storage in April, 19&0.
iletnoved frorn storage in March, 1960.
It is our present suggestion that for those storing CA Mcintosh that fruit
be picked for such storages when its flesh firmness ranges from 15 to 17 pounds.
This new standard is a pound higher than the firmness standard suggested a few
years ago. This may mean that in order to have adequate color spot picking of
Mcintosh for CA storage will have to become more prevalent. Also, fruit should
move rapidly from the orchard to storage so that the time lapse between harvest
does not exceed 24 hours. This is a problem where fruit must be trucked to a
storage some miles away and undoubtedly accounts for more serious scald on some
of such lots of fruit in CA storage.
If it is difficult to cool fruit rapidly in storage it is probably better
to delay sealing the room, if the temperature is at 38 to 40°F, until the tem-
perature of the fruit has been brought down to 32 to 35'^F. This may mean a de-
lay in sealing of several days but we suspect that less scald is apt to occur
and fruit condition will not be impaired by such a procedure. A faster rate of
fruit cooling may be obtained for those who have more than one CA room and sepa-
rate compressors for each room, if all rooms are filled simultaneously rather than
to fully load each room in sequence.
F. W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPLK PUBl.ICITY
The best apple publicity event of the year (1959) v/as the featuring of apples
by the Rockingham Hotel in Portsmouth, Hew Hampshire at their Saturday evening
smorgasbord during National Apple V/eek. Apple display material decorated the
dining room, apple cut outs were used au place mats and Mcintosh apples were used
as part of the table decorations.
Apples were featured in many of the buffet dishes. A past Apple Queen
from Maine was present and the management announced that it was National Apple
Week and mentioned a few things about the apple industry in New Hampshire. I
am sure that everyone went away that evening with the feeling that apples have
a real place in many appetizing dishes. To me it was a real promotional stunt
for apples, and I would like to see the various Fruit Grower Organizations use
this idea nect year and get all hotels and restaurants that serve smorgasbords
to feature apples during National Apple Week and on other occasions whenever
possible. In fact, it could be made a real promotional event for a number of
agricultural crops. Some one could be present from the industry, the Department
of Agriculture or the University to talk briefly about the particular crop being
featured.
I
-E. J. Rasmussen
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
COLOR AND YIELD OF DIFFERENT McINTOSH STRAINS
Horticultural Farm, Durham, New Hampshire
A three-year survey of color of four strains of Mcintosh apples grown at
the Experiment Station Horticulture Farm at Durham, New Hampshire gave the fol-
lowing results which show the fraction of fruit (in per cent) from each strain
that graded into each of four color ranges.
STRAIN
Per cent range of Red Color
0-24
25-49
50-74
75-100
-1%
5/%
19/% .
74/%
57.
21%
41/%
33/%
0%
3/%
30/%
65/%
-1%
9/%
45/%
44/%
Farley Red Mcintosh
U.N.H. 231F Mcintosh
Rogers Mcintosh
Black Mcintosh
V/hile the total amount of fruit with over 50 per cent color does not differ
greatly in any of the strains it is evident that the Farley strain produced much
more fruit carrying from 7 5 to 100 per cent color than the other strains. This
difference was very promounced on visual observation of boxes of fruit from the
various strains.
Average total yield in bushels per tree of the different strains for a two-
year period was as follows:
Farley Mcintosh 23.7; U.N.H. No. 23 IF 34.7; Rogers Mcintosh 13.26 and Black
Mcintosh 15.5.
All trees of the Farley, Rogers and Black Mcintosh are the same age and are on
seedling roots. Trees of U.N.H. 231F have tops one year younger than the others,
and their roots are Malus robusta No. 5. Tops of the U.N.H. 231F trees are at
least fifty per cent larger than the others.
All strains are now growing on each of several root systems to determine
which will produce the best yield and color.
PLASTIC MULCH FOR STRAWBERRIES
The use of plastic mulch is so new as a mulch for strawberries, that there
is some confusion as to just what its place is and how it should be used. It is
being tried on a number of crops such as vegetables, nursery stock and small fruits.
In the case of strawberries it has been tried most extensively in California where
the hill system of culture is used.
Plastic mulch has been slow to come into use in the northeast because straw-
berries are usually grown in matted rows. Plastic mulch is not adapted to this
system of culture. The runner plants will not root through the plastic. If the
runner plants are spaced and set thru slits in the plastic, the system bec6mes a
spaced row rather than a matted row.
The hill system of culture where the mother plants are set and all runners
removed is the system best adapted to plastic mulch. After the plants are set
and the mulch put in place, there is no problem with setting runner plants thru
the mulch. Spaced rows can be mulched with plastic but the setting of runner
plants presents more of a problem.
The thin plastic used for mulching comes in two colors, clear and black. The
black is usually preferred for two reasons. First, the black does not deteriorate
quite so rapidly in the hot sun. And second, it holds weeds in check better.
Plastic can be purchased either perforated or unperforated. Which should be
obtained is a matter for the individual grower to decide based on cost and con-
venience. Holes of some sort thru the plastic are necessary to allow rain or
irrigation water to penetrate. If the price differential warrants it the grower
can buy the unperforated mulch and easily perforate it himself.
Plastic mulch ordinarily is sold in three or four foot widths. The desirable
width will depend on the planting system used. Two suggested arrangements for hill
system are;
■5-
Suggested arrangements for spaced rows;
6" 12" 12" 6"
0X0
12"
0.
12'
\
aught er
plants
4
3 ft.
4 ft.
In preparing to use a plastic mulch remanber that under Massachusetts con-
ditions, side dressing with fertilizer through the mulch is not practical if not I
actually impossible. Therefore, the soil fertility must be built up before the
plants are set.
Planting through the mulch is a very difficult procedure. Where the hill
system is used this problem is solved by setting the plants first, then immediate-
ly following the first cultivation and weeding, the plastic is laid over the row,
slits are cut over the plants and the plants pulled through. To keep the plastic
in place it will be necessary to weight down the edges with soil or stones. If a
spaced row system is used the same procedure is followed except that later the
daughter plants must be set. It is practically impossible to set runners through
slits in the plastic, if they are allowed to develop much of a root system. There-
fore, it is important that the runner plants be put in place and held in place in
slits in the plastic before roots have formed or at least when they are very short.
This necessitates going over the bed to set runner plants more frequently than
would be necessary if plastic mulch were not used.
Plastic mulch usually reduces greatly the weed problem but may not eliminate
it entirely. Clear plastic allows the weeds to get sunlight and may act like a
greenhouse. Black plastic cuts off sunlight and usually shades out many weeds.
Some very persistent weeds such as quack grass will find the holes in the plastic
and grow right thru them.
The reduction in number of decayed berries during a wet season is one of the
big advantages of plastic mulch. It keeps the berries out of contact with the soil
which is so full of rot organisms. It also dries off much faster than soil and
allows the berries to dry faster. Dry berries in contact with dry mulch are much
less subject to rot than wet berries in contact with soil.
Plastic mulch has several advantages if it is used with a hill or spaced row
system. Since not all the problems connected with its use have been solved, it
would be well to make some small scale tests before investing too much in what to
the grower will probably be an entirely new system of growing strawberries.
IN DAYS OF YORE
The pruning of fruit trees is by no means a recent orchard practice.
When cleaning out my files at the time of my retirement, I discovered this poem
which was \^rritten by a Franklin County wit after Professor Sears, former Head
of the Pomology Department, had given a pruning demonstration. It appealed to
the Editor of "Fruit Notes" as worthy of insertion in this issue.
The Lament of the Apple Tree
Oh I was once an apple tree
And I grew and grew as the Lord made me.
But the professors down at the M.A.C.
Know better how things ought to be.
So they cut off my limbs and branches too
And scraped my bark, and I tell you
I looked as much like an apple tree
As a monkey looks like a bumble beel
I'm ashamed to stand where folks can see
What the professors did - from the M.A.C.
What's good for trees ought to be good for man,
And I'd like to try the professor's plan.
I'd like to take Professor Shears
And trim him up in spite of his tears.
I'd cut off his ears and shorten his nose,
I'd shave his head and trim his toes
And I'd set him up for the boys to see
Just how a professor ought to be I
Rusticus
Deerfield -
January 21, 1914
-0. C. Roberts
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RASPBERRIES?
The winter of 1959-60 would generally be considered a mild winter. When
compared with that of 1958-59, the cold was not so prolonged nor was the mini-
mum temperature so low. It is, therefore, somewhat of a shock to find that, in
some places at least, raspberries suffered severely. In fact, injury has been
very severe on some varieties which ordinarily are injured very little. This
raises the question, why? What happened?
Experience has demonstrated that open winters are likely to be much harder
on raspberries than severe winters with steady cold. Since we had a very mild
open winter till the end of February it is probable the raspberries lost a lot
of cold resistance which they never regained. Thus, they were ill prepared for
the very cold weather of March.
Cold injury is not the only trouble which can cause canes or parts of canes
to die during the winter. Disease can also do this, particularly spur blight.
Our chief commercial variety, Latham, is very susceptible to this disease. Spur
blight frequently girdles the canes, often near the ground, and the cane dies
above this girdle. In the spring what appears to be cold injury is actually the
result of disease. Spur blight was certainly a major factor in cane killing in
several varieties in the University planting last winter and undoubtedly was in
others. Good control of spur blight during the summer would result in less cane
injury to susceptible varieties during the winter. Unfortunately present control
methods Sometimes fail to give satisfactory results. Nevertheless, they are the
best we have and should be used as diligently as possible.
J. S. Biiley
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
STRAWBERRY TWILIGHT MEETING
On Tuesday Evening, June 21 at 7:00 P.M., there will be a Strawberry
Twilight Meeting at Fisher laboratory (the cold storage) on the University
Campus at Amherst. Details will be made available later.
J. S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue from Supporting Fields
E. J. Rasmussen, Extension Horticulturist, University of New Hampshire
Russell Eggert, Professor of Horticulture, University of New Hampshire
0. C. Roberts, Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
JUNE - JULY, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Many Massachusetts Farmers Not Complying with
The Social Security Low
Research Findings From Other Areas
Consumer Preference and Demand for Different
Sizes of Red Delicious Apples
Fruit Development of the Red Raspberry and Its
Relation to Nitrogen Treatment
Earnings of Wage Earners are Credited From Reports
of Employers for Social Security
Organization and Management of 42 Maine Commercial
Apple Farms
Workmen's Compensation Insurance
Nematode Survey of Strawberry Plantings in
Connecticut Valley and Their Control
^\
Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Sleling, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication apfa-oved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding.
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control. Also, does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES.
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
Contributors to This Issue from Supporting Fields
Lawrence D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
Richard A. Rohde - Assistant Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology
MANY MASSACHUSETTS FARMERS NOT COMPLYING WITH THE
SOCIAL SECURITY LAW
John and Mary Farmer had worked hard to pay for the little farm they owned,
but it had been worth their many hours of toil. They both knew John couldn't
work forever. He was getting older and his health was likely to decline, but
there seemed to be plenty of time to think about retiring. Several of his older
neighbors had already retired and were drawing social security checks based on
only two years of farming. That seemed simple enough to John. He had never
bothered to file tax returns for social security purposes as he had never made
enough to pay income tax. But that shouldn't be a problem, he thought. John
continued to farm and kept putting off filing his tax returns.
Eventually the day came when John realized that age had caught up with him.
He didn't have the strength and energy to raise a crop next year. He would just
have to let his sons take over the farm. In 1960, he filed tax returns for his
last two years of farming. He then went to see his social security office to
find out what he would have to do to get his and Mary's checks started when he
became 65 in a few months.
John was shocked when the social security representative told him the two
returns he had filed were not enough to qualify him for benefits. It was true
that some farmers were able to qualify with two years, but they were older than
John, Many of the younger farmers would have to report as much as ten years to
qualify. Being 65 in 1960 meant John had to file for 5 years. Since he did not
file for 1955 and 1956 on time, John's carelessness prevented his qualifying for
benefits. Unless he can keep farming for two more years and files a delinquent
return for 1957, he will never collect.
Unfortunately, John is not alone in his carelessness. More than one-half
of Massachusetts farmers, especially the younger ones, are failing to file tax
returns and report their farm income for social security purposes. By not
filing these returns, they are depriving their loved ones of the financial pro-
tection afforded by the Social Security Act.
There are several reasons for this carelessness. Many young farmers are
like John in believing they can wait until they are near 65 or become disabled
and then "go back" and file returns for a couple of years and try to qualify.
They will learn the hard way, just like John did, that their tax returns must be
filed on time. Social security credits cannot be included for more than three
years in the past on the basis of late tax returns. This is especially distressing
where younger farmers file for disability benefits or their widows try to file for
survivors benefits. Younger farmers should carefully consider the advantage of
filing under the optional method every year for the sake of their families - in the
event of their untimely death or disablement.
This plan of filing Social Security tax returns only during the years from
age 55 to 65 is a very shortsighted one. Younger farmers are leaving their fam-
lies unprotected against two major risks, while the cost of the single premium
against all their hazards is nominal under the option.
Many younger farmers are not filing returns because they still do not real-
ize the valuable protection provided their families in case of their death or
disablement. For example, payments to a widow with two small children range from
$53 to as much as $254 per month. It's not uncommon for survivors benefits to
amount as much as $30,000 or $40,000. There are now over 111,900 survivors of
deceased workers in Massachusetts, many who were farmers, receiving over $73
million yearly.
For more information on social security benefits and how to report farm in-
come, farmers should contact their local social security office. Addresses of
social security district offices in Massachusetts can be obtained from the Exten-
sion Service office in your county.
Lavrrence D. Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RESEARCH FINDINGS FROM OTHER AREAS
Consumer Preference and Demand for Different Sizes of Red Delicious Apples to
Retail Stores. Salt Lake City. Utah. 1957
E. W. Lfunborn and W. L. Park found in their study of consumer preference and
demand for different sizes of Red Delicious apples in retail stores in Salt Lake
City, Utah, that differential pricing increased the sale of apples. In this study,
when 3-inch and 2%-inch Red Delicious apples were placed in separate bulk displays
and priced at 19c a pound, 40 lbs. of apples were sold per day. When the 2%-inch
Red Delicious apples were reduced to ISo a pound and the 3-inch apples kept at the
same price, the store sold 71 lbs. per day. This represented a 77?. increase in
quantity of apples sold.
When the two sizes of apples were priced the same, the 3-inch Red Delicious
sold 2 to 1 over the smaller apples. The reduction in price of the 2%-inch Red
Delicious apples to 15c a pound, leaving a 4-cent differential, resulted in the
sale of nearly double the amount of this size apple as compared to the 3-inch
size.
EDITOR'S REMARKS ; Although in the work reported above, the Red Delicious
apples were in bulk displays, differential sizing and pricing would be of an
advantage in New England where most of our apples are displayed in polyethylene
bags. In the retail store study conducted by Fred E. Cole and the writer last
fall and winter, one of the most common suggestions of the produce managers was
for less apple size variation in the individual packs. F. E. Cole and the writer
measured Mcintosh apples in many polyethylene bags last year and found size var-
iation of 2^" to 3%" in many bags. A number of produce managers felt that this
variation detracted from appearance and decreased sales. Also, there appears to
be a tendency of more "pawing over" of the displays which results in more bruised
fruit when considerable apple size variation exists in the polyethylene bags.
Produce managers stated that 1\" apples bagged separately would make an
excellent item on display. In addition, by apple sizing, the stores would be
selling more items of apples.
---William J. Lord
-3-
Frutt Development of the Red Raspberry and Its Relation to Nitrogen Treatment
Studies concerned with fruit development of the red raspberry were reported
by Robert G. Hill, Jr., in the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station research
bulletin 803, titled, "Fruit Development of the Red Raspberry and Its Relation
to Nitrogen Treatment". The following material is taken from this bulletin and
should be of interest to the raspberry growers in Massachusetts.
In this study, three definite stages of growth determining the development
of the fruit of the red raspberry were found: (1) a rapid period of growth be-
ginning at the time of full bloom, (2) a period of reduced growth rates during
which the seed hardens, and (3) a final stage of rapid growth which continued
to maturity.
Robert G. Hill, Jr. stated "of special interest to the red raspberry grow-
er is the time of initiation of the final growth phase, 'final swell' of the
individual berries. This knowledge should aid him in obtaining maximum berry
size and hence maximum yields. There are undoubtedly a number of environmental
factors that influence the development of these berries during this growth period.
One of the most important of these is that of available soil moisture. If a
grower expects to obtain riaximum berry size he must insure that ample soil moisture
will be available during this critical phase in the development of the crop. The
results of this study indicate if he is to obtain maximum benefits from any special
soil management practices designed to conserve soil moisture or from supplemental
irrigation these practices must be initiated at least twelve days before the first
picking or twenty days after first bloom. Further, as the raspberry bloom and
harvest seasons extend over a two or three week period, these practices should be
continued throughout the harvest season in order that they may have the greatest
possible effect."
---William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
EARNINGS OF WAGE EARNERS ARE CREDITED FROM REPORTS
OF EMPLOYERS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
Some farm workers in Massachusetts are not receiving social security credit
for their earnings and are depriving their families of valuable financial protection,
Many employers have been reporting their employee's social security regularly
since 1937. In many cases, this is not true with employers in occupations more
recently covered by social security - especially farmers.
Farm workers who receive cash wages of not less than $150 in a year, or
who worked on a time basis on 20 or more days during the year for one farm employer,
should receive social security credit. When the worker meets these requirements,
the fanner is required by law to report the total cash wages paid such workers to
the District Director of Internal Revenue, together with the social security tax
due on these wages. Farmers are required to report annually. The 1959 report
was due January 31, 1960.
All employees, but especially farm workers, should keep a record of their
own wages. At least oncc; every three years they should check their social se-
curity records to assure that all cash wagen have been correctly reported. They
can do this by contacting the local social security office and asking for the
postcard designed for this special purpose. Your local postmaster anywhere in
the State will be glad to furnish you with the location of the nearest Social
Security District Office. Or you may obtain the address by calling the office
of the County Agent of the State Extension Service. Delay may be costly, be-
cause after three years, it may not be possible legally for you to correct your
account. Act now, it is already too late to correct 1955 and 1956 records, un-
less the farm operator for whom you worked, failed entirely to file any Social
Security tax returns for those years.
Lawrence D. Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF MECHANICAL INJURIES TO McINTOSH APPLES
Bulletin 520 written by 0. C. Roberts titled, "Causes and Effects of
Mechanical Injuries to Mcintosh Apples" is now available to fruit growers
on request by writing the Mailing Room, Agricultural Experiment Station, Uni-
versity of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. This publication contains
the compilation of Prof. 0. C. Roberts' study of the handling of Mcintosh apples
in orchards, storages, packing houses and retail stores in Massachusetts from
1954 to 1959.
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 42 MAINE COMMERCIAL APPLE FARMS
Maine Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 589 titled, "Organization
and Management of 42 Maine Commercial Apple Farms", published in February,
1960 and written by Frederick A. Perkins contains considerable data of interest
to fruit growers. The following is Frederick Perkin's summary of the data
obtained from the study:
"Maine ranks twenty-first in importance as an apple producing state and
accounts for approximately 1 per cent of the United States commercial
apple crop. Farm receipts from the sale of Maine apples during the 5-
year period 1954-58 averaged $2,540,000 and represent about 1.4 per cent
of the average annual cash value of receipts for Maine farm commodities.
"This study deals with orchard farm management practices and the costs and
returns of producing apples on small, medium and large sized farms. The
basic information covers the period July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1957. Appro-
ximately one-third of the commercial apple growers in Maine are represented.
"The 1956 commercial apple crop for the state at 820,000 bushels was 18 per
cent under the 10-year average for 1948-57.
"A smaller crop both in the state and nationally, however, resulted in rela-
tively favorable prices for apples during the 1956-57 season. The average
price received by Maine growers for the 1956 crop was $2.60 per bushel and
ccmpares to $2.44 for the previous 10-year average.
"The average acreage of the farms in this study was 260 of which 71 acres
were in crops. Sixty per cent of the cropland was in apples, 37 per cent
in hay and 3 per cent was in miscellaneous crops.
'•The farms ranged from 6 to 250 acres of orchard per farm and averaged 43
acres. Farms with less than 20 acres of orchard were designated as small
while those with 21 to 40 acres were considered medium sized. A large
farm was one with over 40 acres of orchard.
"Twenty-eight per cent of the trees reported were under ten years of age and
were classified as non-bearing trees. The average number of trees per acre
was 43. The 1956 yield for all varieties averaged 284 bushels per bearing
acre and 6.6 bushels per bearing tree. Two-thirds of the apple crop was of
the Mcintosh variety.
"The average capital investment per farm was $41,432. Land and buildings
accounted for approximately three-fourths of the capital investment. Or-
chard land was valued at an average of $287 per acre. Machinery and equip-
ment represented nearly 16 per cent and supplies plus livestock approxi-
mately 9 per cent of the average investment per farm.
"Average annual receipts amounted to $23,043 per farm. Apple sales averaged
$17,798 and represented 77 per cent of the receipts. Wages from work off
the farm was an important source of income to growers with small orchards.
"Average annual expenses per farm were $18,213. Containers and supplies,
labor, and spray and dust materials were the most important items of ex-
pense. Labor alone accounted for 34 per cent of the total expense.
"The average labor income per operator was $2,805 and ranged from a loss of
$8,000 to a gain of over $12,000. Over one-third of the operators had la-
bor inccmes in excess of $4,000, and twelve operators experienced minus
labor incomes .
"The cost of producing and marketing apples during the 1956 season ranged
from $373 to $730 per acre of bearing trees and averaged $601 per acre or
$2.12 a bushel. Of the total costs in producing and selling apples 40 per
cent was accounted for by the growing operations, 17 per cent was spent in
harvesting the apples and 43 per cent was represented by marketing costs.
-6-
"The average cost of growing apples ranged from $187 per acre on the me-
dium sized farms to $261 on the large farms and averaged $239 per acre
or 84 cents per bushel for the 42 farms. The two most important cost items
were labor and spray or dust materials. Together they represented 52 per
cent of the total growing cost.
"Average harvesting costs ranged from $64 per acre on the medium sized
farms to $121 per acre on the large farms. The harvesting cost on the
small farms was $68 per acre and the average for the 42 farms was $101
per acre or 36 cents per bushel.
"Marketing costs were computed for the various size groups and averaged $88
per acre for the small farms, $122 for the medium group and $348 for the
large farms. The average for all farms was $261 per acre or 92 cents per
bushel. The three largest marketing expense items were labor, containers
and supplies, and commission sales and services. Other studies are planned
to provide a more detailed analysis of cost and market outlet information.
"The return from the sale of apples for the 42 farms ranged from $319 per
acre for the small farms to $874 on the large farms and averaged $691 per
acre or $2.44 per bushel for all farms. Returns per bushel averaged $1.34,
$1.94 and $2.69 on the small, medium and large farms respectively.
"The larger farm businesses had an average net gain of $144 per acre or 45
cents per bushel. This compares with a net gain of $22 per acre or 10 cents
per bushel for the medium sized farms and to an average loss of $7 6 per acre
or 33 cents per bushel for the small farms. The net gain for all farms
averaged $90 per acre or 32 cents per bushel.
"The average orchardist used 49 hours of labor per acre for growing apples
and caring for his orchard. The pruning and brush removal operation re-
quired 15.7 hours per acre. Spraying and dusting ranked second at 6.6
hours. Thinning was third and averaged 4 hours per acre. All other opera-
tions each required less than 3 hours per acre.
"Eighty-eight per cent of the labor required was hired and 12 per cent was
performed by the farm operator and his family. The hourly wage rate
ranged from 75 cents to $2.00 per hour. The most common value given for
labor was $1.00 per hour.
"Growers applied an average of 12 spray or dust applications during the
1956 season at a cost of $51 per bearing acre. The cost per application
ranged from $3.55 per acre for the small farms to $4.83 on the large farms
and averaged $4.25 per acre for the 42 farms. The cost per tree was appro-
ximately 10 cents per application and the average cost per bushel harvested
was 18 cents.
"Farmers whose orchards yielded less than 200 bushels per acre had a growing
cost of $1.39 per bushel. With yields of 300 bushels or more per acre the
growing cost averaged 73 cents per bushel. The average yield per acre for
all farms was 284 bushels and the average cost of growing apples was 84 cents
per bushel.
-7-
"Net returns ranged from a loss of 16 centsi per bushel for yields under
200 bushels per acre to a gain of 54 cents when the yields were 300 bu-
shels or over.
"A comparison of six selected high income farms (average labor income of
$10,196) with the average of all fairms (average labor income of $2,805)
shows the high Income farms to be well above the average of the 42 farms in
yields and in all measures of size. The per bushel growing, labor and har-
vesting costs on the six farms, however, were very similar to the average
for all farms. The high income farms received an average premium of 15
cents per bushel from selling their entire crop of apples and spent 11 cents
per bushel less than the average for marketing purposes.
"It would appear that most apple growers can substantially enhance their
incomes and increase their chances for success by (1) aiming for larger
sized businesses (2) increasing yields and (3) improving overall farm
management efficiency."
---William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE
Under a recent emergency Act signed by the Governor, All farmers and those
who carry on farming are required to secure Workmen's Compensation Insurance if
they employ one or more persons full time or if they have one or more persons
who work for them part time . In short, if any one is employed by you in farming
you must have Workmen's Compensation Insurance.
---Lawrence D. Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
NEMATODE SURVEY OF STRAWBERRY PLANTINGS IN CONNECTICUT VALLEY
AND THEIR CONTROL
A survey of strawberry plantings in the Connecticut Valley last fall and
this spring has shown that plant parasitic nematodes occur in almost every field.
Often they are there in large numbers, but distribution within a field may be
spotty with most of the nematodes concentrated in small areas. Two parasites
occur most commonly; lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and stunt nematodes
(Tylenchorhynchus spp.). Root-knot nematodes, the most serious nematode para-
sites in Maryland and further south, have not been found as yet on valley
strawberries.
Lesion nematodes burrow into strawberry roots and lay eggs in small
"nests" in the cortex. Since these nematodes are threadlike and only 1/50
of an inch long, they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Reddish lesions
develop where penetration occurs and the entire plant becomes stunted. The
plant is opened up to secondary invaion by fungi and several investigators
feel that nematodes may be involved in black root rot.
Stunt nematodes have been shown to cause injury to plants such as
tobacco and azaleas, but little Is known of their effect on strawberries.
These nematodes are found in the soil and feed on the surface of the root
without entering.
Control of nematode injury revolves around a good preventative program.
Use of clean planting stock and preplant soil fumigation prevent a build-up
of these animals. If numbers are held down, injury is usually slight. A fall
treatment with a soil fumigant such as EDB or D-D will not only kill most of
the nematodes present, but will give the added bonus of kill of many soil
fungi, bacteria and insects.
Much interest has been expressed recently in DBCP (sold as Nemagon by
Shell or Fvmiazone by Dow). This material is a fumigant which can be used
safely on strawberry plants, and a waiting period after soil treatment is
not necessary. An additional advantage of this material is that in granular
form it can be applied with ordinary side-dressing equipment, either mixed
with fertilizer or alone.
Demonstration plots have been applied at several locations in the valley
to determine how well DBCP will work under local conditions. These results
will be reported soon.
Richard A. Rohde
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Mossochusetts
Amherst
AUGUST 10, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Apple Scald Control with "Stop-Scald"
A Guide to Determine Optimum Harvest
Date of Apples
Preharvest Drop Control for 1960
Social Security
Fly Control In and Around Roadside Stands
Before Harvest is a Good Time to
Evaluate One's Cultural Practices
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service. Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology. Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research, working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding.
Lord, William J. - Extension Poraologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control. Also, teaches and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES,
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preharvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research in nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue from Supporting Fields
Lawrence D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
William D. Tunis - Extension Entomologist
APPLE SCALD CONTROL WITH "STOP-SCALD "
It is expected that this fall at least two distributors will have available
a chemical material called "Stop-Scald", which can either be sprayed on the fruit
just before harvest or applied after harvest as a spray (as the fruit passes over
a roller sorter or while it is in a field box prior to storage) or dip after har-
vest. The active material in "Stop-Scald" (formerly called Santoquin) is 1,2 di-
hydro-6-ethoxy-2,2,4 trimethylquinoline. The material was cleared for use in July,
1960 by the Pure and Drug Administration and a tolerance of 3 ppm has been set.
"Stop-Scald" appeared to be promising for scald control in several states
for some varieties since 1955 but during the 1959-60 season the results with it
were disappointing in both New York and New England. This was particularly true
when the material was applied as a preharvest spray. Also, Dr. Shutak of Rhode
Island University and I noted that preharvest sprays of this material left a very
noticeable dark, ring-type residue where droplets collected and dried on tree
sprayed fruit .
It is possible that the scald susceptibility of some of our apples was so
great last year that no material was capable of controlling this disorder.
Diphenylamine, (DPA) which has not been cleared , gave the poorest control it has
ever given. Prior to that time DPA had given excellent control if applied as a
dip or sprayed on the trees v/ithin 24 hours of harvest.
Dr. Smock in New York has applied "Stop-Scald" to apples in a variety of
ways and his data indicate that running the fruit through a dip tank will yield
the best control. Spraying the fruit in or out of an orchard container after
harvest is the next best method and tree spraying within 48 hours of harvest is
the least effective. Regardless of the method you choose, simply wet the fruit
completely and quickly. Fruit receiving the post-harvest dip or spray treat-
ment can be stored wet after allowing the surplus emulsion to drain off. Some-
times drainage is not complete and fruit in the bottom of a box may set in the
liquid for a long time and cause some skin injury at these points. Of course,
the amount of "Stop-Scald" used per 100 gallons should not exceed that indicated
on the label. If you are interested in trying this material in a limited way,
be sure to store comparable apples that are untreated so that the performance of
"Stop-Scald" can really be determined.
It is very apparent that, even if this or some other chemical ultimately
acquires general acceptance for scald control, such chemicals are not going to
be a substitute for good harvesting and storage practices. For example, scald
control chemicals should never be thought of as a way of avoiding the necessity
of proper picking maturity and quick cooling for CA Mcintosh. Perhaps scald mi^ht
be controlled on apples which are really too ripe for CA storage, were not moved
rapidly to storage after harvest or were not cooled quickly but the problem of
soft, mealy CA Mcintosh would then take its place.
Frankly, it is our present belief that scald on CA Mcintosh can be controlled
without having to rely on special wraps, chemical sprays or dips. In order to do
so, however, means picking Mcintosh at 15 to 17 lbs. flesh firmness (on the early
side), storing them within 24 hours of harvest and cooling them to 32-34° F within a
few days thereafter. However, scald control for cold storage Mcintosh and other
varieties, regardless of the tjrpe of storage cannot be obtained by merely follow-
ing these management practices.
Franklin W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
A GUIDE TO DETERMINE OPTIMUM HARVEST DATE OF APPLES
Various guides such as calendar date, ease of separation of fruit from the
spur, days from full bloom, flesh firmness, ground color, accumulated heat units,
seed color, etc. are used to determine apple maturity with varying degrees of
success. Dr. G. D. Blanpied, Cornell University, presented a talk at the New
York State Horticultural Society in January, 1960 in which he discussed the var-
ious maturity guides and the relative merits of each method. In addition, he
presented data in which he plotted the date of full bloom against the days from
full bloom to optimum harvest date. (Figure 1). The correlation between these
two factors was found to be highly significant. In years of early bloom it takes
longer to mature a crop than in years of a late bloom.
G. D. Blanpied considers this new method of predicting the optimum harvest
date for Mcintosh based on the date of full bloom as another tool in determining
proper harvest date in order to have Mcintosh hold in good condition in regular
refrigerated storages.
The maturity tool presented in Figure 1 might be used by Massachusetts
growers as a guide as to when to plan for harvest of Mcintosh for regular refri-
gerated storages. Harvest of Mcintosh apples for CA storage would probably be
earlier than the optimum for regular storage which many years means spot-picking
for color. In addition, Mcintosh apples for CA should pressure test between
15 to 17 pounds.
No matter what guides are used for predicting or determining apple maturity,
there is no replacement for common sense and experience. Some years like 1955
and in some areas in 1959, growers had to sacrifice condition for color. The
nutritional level can effect such guides as red color, ground color, flesh firm-
ness considerably. As G. D. Blanpied stated "I have shown you a new method of
predicting the optimum harvest date for Mcintosh based on the date of full bloom.
Don't wait too long for red color. If the pressure tester, ground color and all
the other guides you know tell you the fruit should be picked, start picking".
-W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Figure 1. Guide when to pick Mcintosh at Ithaca, New York. Relation of date
ot full bloom CO days from full bloom to best harvest date. For
example, if bloom date is May 15, pick 131 days after full bloom.
138 ■
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137 -
136
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135 .
-
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134 ■
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133 .
-
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131 .
-
130
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129 .
-
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128 •
\
127
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126
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125
124
1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 II
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1 1 1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1 1 1
\
10
15
20
25
30
May
Date of Full Bloom
PREHARVEST mOP CONTROL FOR 1960
Our printed suggestions for preharvest drop control of apples (Special
Circular No. 254) will be identical with those of 1959. In the November -
December, 1959 issue of FRUIT NOTES, the pros and cons of two separate sprays
of NAA (10 days apart) are compared to one combination spray of NAA and 2,4,5-TA.
As you may recall we are inclined to favor two sprays of double strength
(20 ppm) NAA in order to control Mcintosh drop for 3 weeks. Invariably two
such NAA treatments result in at least 2 or 3 per cent better drop control than
the NAA plus 2,4,5-TA single spray combination. As shown in Table 1, the dif-
ference in estimated per acre costs of these two methods of obtaining drop
control amounts to only $2.87 in favor of the single spray combination. How-
ever, if the NAA plus 2,4,5-TA combination is 2 or 3 per cent less effective
than two NAA sprays in drop control, the use of the combination represents a
loss of 10 to 15 boxes of fruit in a block producing 500 boxes per acre or a
20 to 30 box loss in a block yielding 1000 boxes per acre. When apples are
worth $2.00 a box, only 1.5 boxes of apples per acre need to be saved by the
double NAA spray to pay the extra cost of a second spray. Consequently, if
two NAA sprays are consistently a per cent or more superior to the single spray
(NAA plus 2,4,5-TA combination), two sprays of NAA represent a more economical
proposition. We are assuming that airplane service is available on a 24 to 48-
hour notice.
It should be remembered that every now and then delaying the second NAA
spray for a full 10 days may coincide with a very warm period and a sharp in-
crease in fruit loss may occur for a couple of days before the second appli-
cation becomes effective. In such a situation the one spray combination may
be as effective as the two NAA sprays over the full three week period for Mcintosh.
Table 1. The Approximate Cost per Acre of Applying Drop Control Hormones by
Airplane (from information supplied by D.H. Marsden, EgStern States
Farmers' Exchange)
MATERIAL
AIRPLANE
TOTAL
Type
Cost
./acre
Cost/acre
Cost/acre
2 sprays
$4.
50
$5.00
$9.50
NAA -
20
ppm
1 spray
4.
13
2.50
6.63
NAA -
10
ppm plus
2,4,5
-TA
- 20 ppm
•-F.W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
SOCIAL SECURITY
Here are questions and answers which explain disability coverage for farmers.
Questions and Answers on Disability .
Q. I farmed until I became paralyzed from an accident in June, 1959. I finished
the year by having my farm work done. Last October I filed a claim for disability
payments 1 When will I get my first check?
A. If you qualify for disability payments, your first check would be for the month
of April, 1960. You should receive it soon. You did not meet the requirement
of 5 years or work under social security until October, 1959. A 6-month waiting
period is necessary after the work requirement is met. The months of October,
1959 through March, 1960 represent your waiting period.
Q. I became totally disabled in January, 1960 following a stroke. I farmed for
myself in 1957, 1958 and 1959. I had no other social security coverage except
for two years of factory work in World War II. I will be 65 years old in October,
1960, but understand that I might qualify for disability payments before that
time, since I have 5 years of coverage. Is this correct?
A. No. The social security disability provisions state that you must have five years
of coverage out of the ten year period immediately preceding your total disability.
However, five years of coverage will be sufficient to qualify you for a retirement
benefit effective in October, 1960.
Q. I am 60 years old and have farmed for myself since I was 20. I paid social secu-
rity taxes ever since farmers were included in the program. For many years I have
operated on a fiscal year ending June 30. Following a severe heart attack in
August, 1959, I have been able to do nothing. When can I qualify for disability
benefits?
A. As of March, 1960. The fact that you were on a fiscal year permits you to qualify
somewhat sooner than the lifetime farmer whose taxable year is the calendar year,
Q. I have filed an application for disability payments. I had to quit farming at the
end of 1959. I understand there is a 6-raonth period before I can receive my first
check, but what I want to find out is whether the first check will include back
payments for the 6 months.
A. No, there will be no payments for the 6-month waiting period. The law says the
first month for which payment can be made is the month after the waiting period.
Q. My farmer neighbor has multiple sclerosis. Last fall several of his friends
finished up his field work for him because he couldn't do it himself. He is 53
years old. When can he start getting social security benefits?
A. Farmers who become disabled should call or write the social security office promptly.
Self-employed farm operators who have been farming all years, 1955 through 1959,
may be eligible for disability benefits if they are between 50 and 65 years of age.
Your neighbor may be eligible for payments starting with April, 1960.
Q. I am 62 years old. I operate my own farm. Much of the work has been done by
hired help because of my chronic asthma. Now my asthma has become so bad that
I can't do anything. Last fall I gave up and moved to town. Can social security
help me any?
A. You should call at your social security office right away and ask about disability
benefits. You may be eligible for benefits beginning with April. Because of the
time required to process a disability claim, you should act at once to get your
claim started.
Lawrence D. Rhoades
Extension Specialist in
Farm Management
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FLY CONTROL IN AND AROUND ROADSIDE STANDS
1. SANITATION - Clean U2 and Keep Clean .
Flies are attracted to moisture - especially juices from fruits, vegetables,
milk and meats. Decaying fruit, vegetable or meat scraps are also attractive
to flies.
Use galvanized cans with tight lids for wastes. Empty and clean out these con-
tainers every day. Bury or burn wastes immediately.
Clean out and remove empty boxes, baskets and cartons. Store them as far from
the stand as possible.
2. RESIDUAL SPRAYS ON SURFACES
Apply residual insecticides to surfaces in and around the stand on which
flies commonly rest. Do not contaminate edible food products . Follow direc -
tions on labels .
Diazinon is probably the most effective residual material. Malathion is safe
and effective but has a short residual life. Both, Diazinon and malathion
are more effective if sugar is added to them as directed on the labels. DDT
or methoxychlor are still effective against many flies including fruit flies.
3. BAITS
Baits containing malathion, Diazinon, or Dtpterex are available. Use them
lightly but frequently on surfaces where flies tend to gather. Baits are
useful where over-all residual spraying is not desirable. Read and follow
label directions.
A. SPACE SPRAYS
Stands that can be closed up completely or enough to prevent cross ventila-
tion may be space treated with a fine spray or aerosol. All flies then in
the building should be killed but there is no residual effect.
Pyrethrin or allethrln synergized by materials such as piperonyl butoxide,
sulfoxide, etc. are the killing agents. Some products contain methoxychlor,
DDT, or other materials - these should not be used unless edible foods are
covered.
Apply space treatments by using pyrethrin or allethrin fly sprays in hand
or electrically operated atomizers or by using aerosol bombs.
Read the list of active ingredients and follow label directions.
W. D. Tunis
Extension Entomologist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
BEFORE HARVEST IS A GOOD TIME TO EyALUATE ONE'S CULTURAL PRACTICES
Careful observations of the apple trees and fruits before harvest can tell
the grower considerably about his fertilizer and pruning practices. In addition,
the grower can determine what alterations, if any, should be made in these practices
for the coming year.
The amount of terminal growth, the fruit and foliage color are visual guides
by which the grower can make future adjustments in his fertilizer program. Only
vigorous trees can produce good crops regularly. An apple tree of bearing age
should make 8 to 18 inches of terminal growth per year, depending upon variety.
Eight to 15 inches is desired with the Mcintosh while 12 to 18 inches of terminal
growth is preferred on Delicious trees. An annual terminal growth of 20 to 30
inches should be made by young non-bearing apple trees. When twig growth is
meager on bearing trees (less than 6 inches) try to determine the cause. Droughty
soil, insufficient rainfall or pruning, low fertility, root injury, girdling or
other factors may be the cause of poor vigor.
r
Visible evidence of magnesium deficiency can be seen if the deficiency exists.
Necrotic brown blotches between the veins of older leaves on shoots or spurs and
gradual loss of these leaves in late summer are common symptoms of magnesium
deficiency.
Fruit color is an important consideration. The color of Mcintosh apples has
been found to be associated with both the nitrogen and potassium levels in the
foliage. The fruits from high nitrogen low potassium trees are apt to be poor in
color, softer than those from medium nitrogen high potassium trees and have shorter
storage life.
-8-
Our nutritional work with Mcintosh trees has shown that fruits of high
color are produced by trees with medium levels of nitrogen and high levels of
potassium.
Before fruit color is blamed on nutrition the grower should first determine
if insufficient pruning and tree crowding are affecting color. The size, color
and quality of fruit are affected considerably by pruning. The number and loca-
tion of small, poorly colored apples show which branches or parts of branches need
attention during the pruning season.
Tree crowding is very evident at harvest. Note if the filler trees a^e
beginning to interfere with fruit color and productiveness of permanent trees.
In addition, they may be interfering with harvest operations.
The time and effort spent trying to pick those apples on the high branches
of tall trees should be a forceful reminder that something should be done.
W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
DETERMINATION OF PICKING MATURITY OF PEARS
Pears should be harvested before softening occurs. If left on the tree
until yellow, such varieties as Clapp Favorite are frequently soft and decaying
on the inside. Pears ripened on the tree are likely to be of poorer quality than
those ripened off the tree.
It is difficult to state an index of maturity that is infallible, therefore,
growers must combine experience with several of the maturity indices stated be-
low in order to determine the proper date of harvest for pears. Fruit firmness,
the ease with which the stem can be separated from the spur, the change in ground
color from dark green to a lighter shade of green on some varieties, the number
of days between full bloom and maturity for the variety are indices of maturity
that can be used by growers.
Some growers and most County Extension Services have fruit pressure testers
which can be used as a guide for determining when pears should be picked. The
pressures suggested for several varieties (using a 5/16 inch diameter head) are
as follows:
Anjou 13 - 15 lbs.
Bartlett 17 - 20 lbs.
Bosc 14 - 16 lbs.
Seckel 16 - 18 lbs.
Winter Nelis 14 - 16 lbs.
W. J. Lord
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Departmerit of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
SEPTEMBER 8, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Blueberry Varieties - Where Are We Going?
Social Security For Farm Families
Fun With a Pencil
Water Core Studies on Red Delicious Apples
Rodent Control in Apple Storages
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Dale H. Slellng, Dean and Director, In furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 19.
BLUEBERRY VARIETIES - V7HERE ARE WE GOING?
Since variety selection in an important factor in the success of any fruit
planting, the variety question is always interesting. With a short-lived plant
such as the strawberry, mistakes can be corrected promptly and the loss may not
be serious. With a long-lived plant such as the apple, mistakes can be very costly
and difficult to correct. The life span of the cultivated blueberry lies somewhere
between these two, probably nearer that of the apple. Therefore, the choice of
blueberry varieties merits careful consideration.
New varieties of cultivated blueberries have been introduced at a relatively
rapid rate as the result of a very active breeding program. It is more than likely
that this rate will be maintained or perhaps increased. The question might be
asked, "Plant now or wait for better varieties?" At a growers' meeting several
years ago, a prominent horticulturist advised delaying of planting because better
varieties were coming. An equally prominent grower immediately took him to task,
reminded him that the grower must make his living today and that if the grower
kept waiting for the better variety, he would never get started. While certain
trends may influence the choice of varieties, the choice must still be based on
the best varieties available at the time of planting.
Recently, a blueberry conference was held at Rutgers University, New Brunswick,
New Jersey. Because of the importance of the variety question, a panel of experts
attending this conference discussed varieties at length. A summary of their con-
clusions which represent the combined thinking of specialists from several blueberry
growing areas, was distributed at the meeting and appears below.
*
*****************
From Panel Discussion on Blueberry Vari,eties at
Small-Fruit Workers' Conference, July 6, 1960
Blueberry Varieties to Discard In Northeastern United States
1. Pioneer - Bluecrop much better, larger, bluer, better scar, less disease
2. Cabot - Earliblue much better, larger, better flavor, more vigorous
3. Rancocas - Blueray far better, larger, better flavor, hardier
4. Stanley - Blueray much larger, more acceptable flavor
5. June - Collins more vigorous, larger berry
6. Scammell - Bluecrop larger, better cluster, hardier and more drought resistant
7 . Wareham - Herbert much larger and hardier
8. Weymouth - Earliblue lighter blue, better flower, more vigorous
9. Dixi - Coville holds size better and does not crack so much
10. Atlantic - Coville higher flavor, larger, more vigorous
11. Burlington - Coville much larger and better flavor
12. Rubel - Jersey better
13. Ivanhoe - Blueray better
Preferred Varieties in Order of Season
" BIG SEVEN "
Earliblue - large, sweet, hardy
Collins - large, sweet, hardy
Blueray - large, high- flavored, vigorous, hardy
Bluecrop - large, a good tart, hardy dependable cropper
I
-2-
Berkeley - large, lightest blue, sweet
Herbert - largest, highest flavor, hardy
Coville - large, very good tart flavor, latest
For Limited Use
Jersey - dependable in Michigan and northern New England, but Coville
larger and better in New Jersey
Pemberton - home garden and "pick-your-own", very vigorous, scar too
wet for general market
Concord - still liked in New Hampohire, hardy there
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It is not likely that Massachusetts growers will agree 100 per cent with these
conclusions, especially in regard to a "very good tart flavor". Variety recommenda-
tions for Massachusetts are contained in Special Circular 212-E, Varieties of Blue-
berries for Massachusetts which will be sent on request.
Sometimes changes in cultural practice can have a profound effect on variety
selection. For example, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station is develop-
ing a mechanical picker that shakes the berries from the bush. This picker is
being tried extensively by Michigan growers. The old variety Rubel seems to be
well adapted to the use of this machine. Therefore, Michigan is still planting
Rubel. Also, in Michigan, no varieties which ripen after Labor Day are being
planted. Since youngsters go back to school and itinerant labor moves on, it is
practically impossible to get pickers after Labor Day.
So much fiar the present, nov/ what about the future? The blueberry breeding
and improvement program which was started by Dr. F. V. Coville many years ago has
been continued and intensified by his successors together with researchers in
several State Experiment Stations. Although the immediate objectives are not the
same in all states, the final objective, better blueberries for everyone, is the
same.
Florida is attempting to develop a blueberry variety with a short chilling
requirement. The highbush blueberries with which we are familiar require about
750 hours of temperature below 45° F to break the rest so that they start growing
promptly in the spring and grow normally. Florida must have a variety which will
grow normally after far less chilling.
In Georgia the breeding is aimed at improving the native rabbiteye blueberry
which is a different species from our highbush blueberry. In its wild state, the
berry is small in size, dark colored, rather seedy and flat in taste. Already, its
size has been increased materially, a nice blue bloom added and the flavor improved
markedly. It is quite possible that rabbiteye blueberries will appear on our north-
ern markets in a few years.
In North Carolina the same species of cultivated blueberry is grown, that is
grown in New England but the varieties are better adapted to their conditions.
Their big problem is a disease called cane canker. This disease is so serious that
it can ruin a planting in a few years. Therefore, North Carolina's main objective
-3-
is to obtain varietieB resistant to cane. canker. Cane canker has never been found
in New England. Dr. J.B. Demaree, formerly Plant Pathologist with the U.S.D.A.,
once expressed the opinion that all conditions seemed favorable for the spread of
cane canker north, even into New England. If this should occur, we would certainly
benefit by the breeding work carried on in North Carolina.
In Maine, the breeding program is aimed at obtaining varieties which are more
resistant to cold. Any improvement in the cold resistance of blueberry varieties
certainly will be immediately useful to Massachusetts growers.
The most extensive breeding program is being carried on in the small fruit
section of the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S.D.A. This program is well
integrated with the breeding programs in the other areas and is being conducted
with the assistance of cooperators in several blueberry areas from coast to coast.
The objective is a series of varieties well adapted to each region and covering the
entire season. Such characteristics as yield, season, size of fruit, color of fruit,
firmness, flavor and scar (point v;here the berries separate from the stem) are given
special attention. In the North, special attention is paid to resistance to Iotj
winter temperatures and to late spring frosts.
As a result of this blueberry breeding program, thousands of seedlings are now
under field tests and thousands more are being produced each year. From among these
will come the better varieties of the future.
J.S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
SOCIAL SECURITY FOR J-'ARI-l FAMILIES
Social Security is not an old folks' program. While it is true that many people
covered under social security can receive benefits after they are 65 years old in
the case of men and age 62 in the case of women, family protection may start at
earlier ages. Younger farmers should not overlook the protection to their families
after death and protection to them and their families if they become too disabled
to farm. As an example, payments to a disabled worker and his family or to a
widow with two small children range from $53 to $254 per month.
Social Security is not something to take or to leave alone as you choose.
Social Security is compulsory for farmers in any year they have a profit of as
much as $400. A farmer with a profit of $400 or more who fails to file a tax return
is denying himself and his family valuable financial protection. A tax return is
required for social security purposes even if a farmer does not make enough income
to owe any income tax.
Some few farmers have the idea that when they are 65 or have become disabled
they can go back and file returns for a couple of years to qualify for benefits.
This is not true for farmers under 65 or who become disabled. Most will need
five to ten years to qualify and social security benefits cannot be included for
more than three back years on the basis of late tax returns.
The idea behind social security is a desire to keep families together and
to provide some financial protection for workers and their families when earnings
stop because of old age, death or disability.
Two points need to be kept in mind.
1. Families are denied substantial survivors and disability protection if
tax returns are not filed.
2. Filing back returns after you reach age 65 or become disabled in most
cases will not make retirement and disability benefits payable.
Ask your local Social Security office or your County Agent to send you
OASI-25d -- "How Does Social Security Affect Farm Families?"
L. D. Rhoades
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUN WITH A PENCIL
If ve can agree on using the following figures:
Population in Massachusetts 5,000,000. people
Apple production in Mass. 2,500,000. bushels
Apple consumption per capita .5 bushels - 20 lbs,
Apple season 40 weeks long
Average consumption .5 lb. per week - 1 or 2 apples.
And then use the following estimate for which there is some indication:
pounds
20% of the people use no apples at all 1,000,000 people use
207. of the people use 57, of the apples 1,000,000 people use 5
207. of the people use 107, of the apples 1,000,000 people use 10
207, of the people use 257, of the apples 1,000,000 people use 25
207. of the people use 607. of the apples 1,000,000 people use 60
We can develop the following table of approximate use:
3 pound bags pounds total
or equivalent percent apples bushels
1,000,000 people buy 0.0 207,
1,000,000 people buy 1.6 207. 5 125,000
1,000,000 people buy 3.3 207. 10 250,000
1,000,000 people buy 8.3 207, 25 625,000
1,000,000 people buy 20.0 207, 60 1,500,000
-5-
Sub-dlvlding this last group we could have:
3 pound bags
pounds
total
or equivalent
percent
apples
bushels
500,000 people buy
13.3
107.
40
500,000
250,000 people buy
20.0
57,
60
375,000
125,000 people buy
26.0
2.57.
80
250,000
75,000 people buy
33.0
1.5%
100
187,500
50,000 people buy
40.0
1.07.
120
150,000
On this basis,
the
main selling prob
lem is to get
people
who are now
using some apples to
USE MORE APPLES.
This might best be done by having the people who buy apples
WELL SATISFIED WITH EACH PURCHASE.
This may be particularly important in a year of higher prices.
Otherwise, a big crop could be made out of a little one.
— -F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
WATER CORE STUDIES ON RED DELICIOUS APPLES
During the fall and winter of 1958-59, Dr. F. W. Southwick and the writer
studied the Effect of Delayed Picking and Storage on the Occurrence of Water Core
and Internal Breakdown in Starking Delicious Apples. The results of the study
showed that delayed storage periods of 24 to 92 hours is no cure for water core
and internal breakdown and that water core severity appears to be closely related
to fruit maturity. Although, approximately 42 per cent of the Starking Delicious
apples examined had water core at harvest on October 10, 1958, it practically
disappeared by the end of the storage period. However, fruits harvested on
October 20 and 30 had a greater amount and severity of water core and considerable
amount of internal breakdown was present at the end of the storage period.
The effect of harvest date on the occurrence and severity of water core in
Starking Red Delicious was again studied in 1959-60. To prevent preharvest drop,
20 ppm of 2,4,5-TP was applied on September 30, 1959 and fruit samples were ob-
tained frcxn the selected trees on three dates - October 1, 15, and 29.
TABLE I - Water Core in Starking Delicious At Harvest, 1959
University Orchard, Amherst, Mass.
Picking Date
No. of
Fruit
Apples
With Water
Core At
Harvest
Average Flesh
Slight
Medium
Heavy
Total
Firmness (lbs.)
10/1/59
10/15/59
10/29/59
204
205
184
21.1
48.3
37.0
%
0.0
9.3
9.2
7.
0.0
1.5
25.0
7.
21.1
59.1
71.2
15.7
14.5
14.2
-6-
A random sample of fruit was immediately examined for water core. The amount
of water core present was classified as slight, medium or heavy. It can be noted
in Table I that the amount and severity of water core increased with each delay in
picking date. A delay of 15 days at harvest, from October 1 to 15, resulted in a
one pound decrease in fruit flesh firmness. The reason for the slight decrease in
fruit flesh firmness from October 15 to 29 is not known except that more mature
apples are inclined to drop first and the mean temperature for thip period was 11.2
degrees less than for the period of October 1 to 15.
On March 7, 1960, the fruits were removed from storage and immediately ex-
amined for the presence of water core.
TABLE II - The Effect of Picking Date on the Amount of Water Core and Internal
Breakdown in Starking Delicious After Storage, March 7, 1960.
Picking No. of Apples with Water Core A pples with Internal Breakdown Press. Test
Dates Apples No. Apples Per Cent No. Apples Per Cent 3/7/60
10/1/59 279 0.0 0.0 12.5
10/15/59 293 17 5.8 55 18.8 12.4
10/29/59 265 54 20.4 54 20.4 10.2
Table II shows that during the storage period, water core disappeared from
the fruit harvested October 1, 1959 and no internal breakdown developed. The
water core disappeared from most of the fruit harvested October 15, 1959 but
18.8 per cent of the fruit eventually had internal breakdown. On the other hand,
20.4 per cent of fruit harvested October 29, 1959 had water core and the same per
cent had internal breakdown.
There was no difference in the per cent of apples having either or both,
water core and internal breakdown for the two harvest dates, being 23 per cent
for fruit harvested October 29 and 18.8 per cent for those harvested October 15.
Ninety-seven per cent of the apples with internal breakdo\ra at the end of
the storage period of the lot harvested October 29, 1960 also had water core pre-
sent. Eighty-seven per cent of the apples with internal breakdown of the lot har-
vested October 15, 1960 had water core.
' f
In order to determine effect of 7 days of room temperature on the fruit
approximately half of the fruit in each sample removed from storage on March 7, 1960
were held 7 days prior to examination for water core and internal breakdown.
TABLE III - The Per Cent of Starking Delicious Having VJater Core and Internal
Breakdown Immediately After Removal from Storage oi March 7, 1960
and After 7 Days at Room Temperature.
y. Apples Having Water Core 7. Apples Having Internal Breakdown
Picking Upon Removal From After 7 Days at Upon Removal From After 7 Days at
Date Cold Storage _ Room Temp. Cold Storage Room Temp.
10/1/59 0.0 0.4 0.0 3.6
10/15/59 5.8 5.4 18.8 28.1
10/29/59 20.4 « 15.6 20.4 28.6
~7-
Table III shows a decrease in the amount of water core present after the 7
days at room temperature for the fruit picked October 29, 1959, and that internal
breakdown increased in the fruit picked on all three sampling dates.
In summary, most of the water core disappeared from the Delicious apples
harvested on October 1, 1959 during the 1959-60 period. Water core disappeared
from most of the fruit harvested October 15, 1959 but considerable internal break-
down developed. Twenty per cent of the fruit harvested on October 29, 1959 had
water core and the same per cent had internal breakdox^m at the end of the storage
period. In the 1958-59 storage tests the later picked fruit (October 20th and 30th)
had a greater incidence of water core than those harvested October 10, 1958,
However, internal breakdown was not severe in any of the lots. The storage tests
indicate that the occurrence and the severity of water core and internal breakdown
present in Starking Delicious after storage varies considerably from year to year.
In addition, water core severity appears to be closely related to fruit maturity.
With Starking Delicious apples, water core and internal breakdown appear to be
associated and apples seriously affected with water core may develop internal
breakdown some years.
On the basis of two years results, it is suggested that growers watch the
maturity of Red Delicious apples carefully. The amount and severity of water core
may be observed by sampling and cutting of the larger and more mature Delicious
on the trees. A suggested picking guide is - when some of the apples show slight
water core the fruit should be harvested. When the disorder is limited to a
series of small soaked spots around the core it can be classified as slight water
core. In the advanced stages of this disorder the water-soaked spots are united
to form a continuous band or the spots cover thirty per cent or more of the cross
sectional area of the fruit. Water core is apt to persist in storage and be fol-
lowed by internal breakdown when much water core is evident at harvest.
— W. J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RODENT CONTROL IN APPLE STORAGES
In protecting apple storages from rodents, usually it is necessary to rid the
premises of four kinds of rats and mice. For control purposes, these can be grouped
into two groups: (1) rats and house mice, which normally occupy buildings; and (2)
meadow mice and white- footed mice which are brought into the storage with the boxes
of apples. A general movement of white-footed mice into buildings is also a regular
fall occurrence here. The following steps are recommended:
BEFORE HARVEST
i. Poison Rats and Mice in Buildings . The first group (rats and house mice)
should be brought under control long before the harvest begins. At least a month
before picking, one of the anticoagulant rodent baits should be used in permanent
bait stations, in the storage building and in all buildings nearby, in this first
attack. It is especially important to kill rats (unless fumigation is planned),
since the mouse bait used later in the storage room is not a good rat bait. A
special rat bait station might be maintained in the storage as a precaution the
year around. Details concerning the use of anitcoagulant baits are available on
request.
-8-
2. Clean Up . About a week before harvest, clean up all debris near the
loading doors. Bags, lumber, and stacked boxes provide shelter from which
rodents may dash through open storage doors.
3. Rodent-proof the Storage . Before storage begins, the storage room
should be inspected to discover ways in which rodents might enter. If you go
inside and shut off the lights, light leaks from the outside may make it easier
to spot small holes. Remember that a hole the size of a dime will admit mice.
Check carefully around pipes, floor drains, ventilating ducts and breaks in the
insulation. Plug all such holes with metal flashing or 1/2-inch wire mesh
(hardware cloth). Pack insulating materials against these, if necessary, but
do not count on a wad of insulation to stop rodents.
DURING HARVEST
1. Move Filled Boxes Quickly . Mice are frequently brought in from the
orchard in boxes of apples. Meadow mice and white-footed mice may scramble
into boxes within a few minutes after they a re set on the ground. If filled
boxes are left in the orchard overnight, mice will almost always be carried into
the storage room. It may not be practical to rush each box into the storage,
but an effort to avoid leaving filled boxes on the ground overnight may pay off
in terms of reduced mouse damage.
2. Bait the Storage as It is Being Filled , At least a few mice usually
get inside the storage room despite all reasonable precautions. It is, there-
fore, necessary to dispose of them in one of two ways:
(A) Fumigation with poisonous gas. Since this must be done carefully
to prevent damage to fruit or injury to the operator, the services
of a ccmmercial exterminator should be considered, (Details of
effective fumigation methods are available upon request,)
OR
(B) Baiting the storage as it is being filled, STRYCHNINE-TREATED
STEAM CRUSHED OATS are' the recommended bait for mouse control
in storages. They maintain their poisonous quality under the
humid conditions inside. Teaspoonful quantities of this bait
should be placed in stations such as cigar boxes, short lengths
of pipe, or sections of rolled roofing paper. These stations
should be placed under the pallets, as well as along the walls.
Since mice may not travel more than a very few feet during the
entire winter, numerous bait stations should be used, A room
20' X 20' should have at least 15 bait stations. One applica-
tion of this bait ordinarily provides adequate protection for
the winter.
Strychnine-treated Steam Crushed Oats may be obtained from:
Rodent Control Fund
University of Massachusetts
Liberal Arts Annex
Amherst, Massachusetts
They are priced at 35 cents per pound and are available in 10, 25, and 50-
pound bags. As poisons are not mailable, all shipments are made via Railway
Express, with the shipping cliarges COLLECT.
Edward R. Ladd
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue from Supporting Fields
F. E. Cole - Extension Marketing Specialist
E. R, Ladd - Supervisory Animal Control Biologist, Western Massachusetts
L. D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massochusetts
Amherst
OCTOBER 10, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
D«er Control
Rabbit Repellent
A Spare Time Job for Fruit Growers
Improved Orchard Mouse Bait Now Available
Pomological Paragraph
Social Security Law Amendments 1960
Strawberry Leaf Spot and Fruit Rot
Cider Notes
^•
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Fred P. Jeffrey, Acting Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Apiculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 44.
POMOLOGY SECTION - DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Anderson, James - Instructor
Teaches courses in pest control, small fruit culture and
systematic Pomology, Active in the testing of new varieties.
Bailey, John S. - Associate Professor, Research
Leader of small fruit research working chiefly on strawberries
and blueberries.
French, Arthur P. - Head, Department of Horticulture
Does some teaching in Pomology and in Plant Breeding.
Lord, William J. - Extension Pomologist
Chiefly connected with fruit growers' problems, other than pest
control. Also, teaches and does research. Editor of FRUIT NOTES,
Southwick, Franklin W. - Professor, Research
Most of his time is spent in research on chemical thinning,
preh&rvest drop, several aspects of storage and nutrition.
Also, teaches certain advanced courses.
Weeks, Walter D. - Associate Professor, Research
Active on research In nutrition, root stocks, variety and
strain tests and winter hardiness. Also, teaches certain
advanced courses.
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue from Supporting Fields
F, E. Cole - Extension Marketing Specialist
C. J. Gilgut - Extension Plant Pathologist
William R. Goss - Worcester County Extension Agent
Kirby M. Hayes - Food Technologist
Edward R. Ladd - Supervisory Animal Control Biologist
Lawrence D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
DEER CONTROL
Most growers are not seriously bothered by deer. However, Chose orchards
where deer become prevalent can receive substantial losses.
There have been many attempts at controlling deer. Perhaps all the methods
tried are satisfactory to a degree but only one is 1007, effective. This exception
is too costly except under unique circumstances and consists of fencing the entire
orchard area that is being affected.
Chemical control remains among the most practical methods, and experience by
a small number of central Massachusetts growers indicates that Arasan 42S is one
of the most practical chemicals. It Is reasonably priced, fairly persistant and
non-toxic to the user.
Deer damage occurs more severely in winter and the Arasan 42S formula appears
to do its best job under dormant conditions.
Two orchards were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the material several
winters ago. Both orchards had experienced unusually high deer damage losses
every year before the test. The past three seasons have shown that commercial
control is possible even under unusual stress.
Arasan 42S appears to be a taste repellent as deer will come into the orchard
and nibble slightly before moving on to unsprayed trees or back into the woods.
Although the formula has not been worked out perfectly for all conditions,
our central Massachusetts growers have been successful with two gallons of Arasan
42S, one gallon of Rhoplex AC-33 (sticker Rohm & Haas) in 100 gallons of water.
Control has lasted for a full season in some cases but it appears two appll"
cations applied under non-freezing, good drying conditions are safer. Apply the
first application when damage begins; repeat if necessary when deer again start
to feed.
The application should be thorough and extend from the ground line up to
approximately 6 feet, making particularly certain that terminal growth is protected.
RABBIT REPELLENT
Nurseries have had considerable success with Arasan 42S as a rabbit repellent
and some indications are that it works in orchards.
Used on dormant trees only, you can mix one quart of Arasan 42S and one pint
of Rhoplex together. Apply it to the trunk and lower branches subject to rabbit
feeding.
William R. Goss
Worcester County Extension Agent
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I
-2-
A SPARE TIME JOB FOR FRUIT GROWERS
Currently, fruit growers are selling Mcintosh npples from 6<: to 12c
a pound. An increase of ^c a pound would seem to be a modest attain-
able Increase.
What does %c a pound mean?
Let's take a crop of 10,000 bushels.
That crop would weigh 400,000 pounds.
One-half cent a pound would be $2,000.
If a person spent 8 hours a day, five days a week (40 hours) for 10
weeks (400 hours) to get $2,000, he would be earning $5.00 an hour
for 8 hours a day for 10 weeks'.
This is being done. More can do it.
Probably the most profound and yet the most practical counsel a grower
could get, as a way of increasing his returns, would be "Get out and
sell 'em", and get the half cent or more. It is a winter time job that
pays good money, provided, of course, that he did not already have a
job that paid more. As a spare time job, it has its points.
•--F. F. Cole
Extension Marketing Specialist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
IMPROVED ORCHARD MOUSE BAIT NOW AVAILABLE
This year the Zinc Phosphide-treated Steamed-crushed Oats are being mixed at a
higher toxicity level (1.87. instead of 1%) to insure a greater kill. Zinc Phosphide
has a very pungent odor which is disagreeable to humans and most domestic animals.
This factor combined with its rapid loss in toxicity (less than one month when ex-
posed to weather) makes it a relatively safe bait to use.
Meadow mice are a continuing problem and control of these animals should be
considered an important part of standard orchard practices. Experience indicates
that the best method of mouse control is trail baiting. Placing poisoned bait,
either Zinc Phosphide-treated oats or apple cubes, in the natural or artificially-
made mouse trails will give the best control. Mouse control should be done early
in the Fall and, if necessary, in Winter. Zinc Phosphide-treated Oats should be
used in Winter if there are many runways in the snow.
As cost and availability of labor have become more of a problem, effective trail
baiting is difficult — especially in the larger orchards. For the trail baiting
method to be effective, a conscientious search for mouse trails is a must. In using
the Trail BuiMder, proper adjustment of the machine is of paramount importance in
attaining control.
A new method of Meadow mouse control now recommended is the mechanical broad -
cast syste'P . The use of a hand seeder, tractor-drawn seeder, or fertilizer spreader
will give good control if application is made evenly under perfect wind and weather
conditions. No matter which method of mouse control is used, it is best to apply
the bait under ideal conditions. A series of three warm sunny days with little wind
is considered best.
In the event that mechanical methods of broadcasting Zinc Phosphide-treated
Oats are not available, broadcasting may be done by hand . Simply walk down each tree
row and throw a handful of oats into all heavily-grassed areas under and around the
trees. There should be at least 4 treated spots per tree. Although this method
is slower than machine distribution, it produces effective control when proper place-
ment of bait is made.
HAND-BAITING INFORMATION ;
1 Can ZINC PHOSPHIDE RODENTICIDE (1-Ounce Can)
- 16-20 quarts of treated apple.
~ 1600-2000 apple baits (1/2-inch apple cubes).
- 400-500 trees baited with apple only.
■ 800-1000 trees baited with apple and oats.
10 Pounds of ZINC PHOSPHIDE-TREATED STEAMED-CRUSHED OATS (1.87.)
= 900 teaspoon-sized bait placements.
= 225 trees baited with oats only.
' 450 trees baited with apple and oats.
(Uso 2-3 pounds of oats per acre.)
-4-
TRAIL-BUILDER BAITING INFORMATION ;
(a) 1 Acre requires 5-1/2 quarts of apples only.
(b) 1 Acre requires 6 pounds of oats only.
(c) 1 Acre of combination baits requires 3 quarts of apples and 3 pounds of
Zinc Phosphide -treated Steamed-crushed oats.
BROADCASTING BAITING INFORMATION ;
ZINC PHOSPHIDE-TREATED STEAMED-CRUSHED OATS
Use 6-10 pounds per acre for tractor- drawn equipment.
Travel at a moderate speed, approximately 3 m.p.h. Dry grass conditions
will insure penetration of oats into mouse trails. IN ANY BROADCAST METHOD,
THE OATS SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON OPEN, BARE GROUND.
Use 6-10 pounds per acre for broadcast by hand.
Another product of the machine age that can be used to distribute bait for mouse
control Is the airplane. This method of distribution is the most expensive out-
lined here and produces the most varied results. Penetration to surface mouse run-
ways is generally good, and adequate coverage is easily obtained. However, caution
must be used in selecting the day of application — more so than for any other broad-
cast method. A calm, warm day with dry ground cover is very desirable. The Improved
Zinc Phosphide-treated Steamed-crushed Oats broadcast by airplane In a field test
last year gave favorable results. An average of 717. control was obtained.
Zinc Phosphide-treated Corn is another bait that has been broadcast by airplane.
Here again under ideal conditions Meadow Mouse control has been effective but the
results have not been consistent. Perhaps the strongest reason for its failure to
achieve good control is that corn is not a highly preferred mouse food compared to
oat and apple bait. This would have considerable bearing in orchards where drop
apples are numerous. Another reason for failure is that in treating corn, only the
hard, outer shell of the kernel is coated with poison; the inner portion, which is
eaten by the mice, has very little.
Pine Mice spend most of their lives underground; thereby, they are very difficult
to control. For the control of Pine Mice , it is recommended that both poisoned
apple and poisoned oats be used . They may be placed side by side in active trails,
or the apple bait may be placed in active trails on one side of the tree, and the
poisoned oats placed in active trails on the other side of the tree. Since Pine
Mice store food during the F^ill to supplement their winter food supply, it is
advisable to make additional bait placements and to use more bait at each placement.
The broadcast method of bait distribution for Pine Mouse control is not recommended .
Field tests will be conducted this Fall by the personnel of the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service using the improved Zinc Phosphide-treated Steamed-crushed Oats
as a broadcast bait for Pine Mouse control.
Edward R. Ladd
Supervisory Animal Control Biologist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH
Plastic Mulch
The July, 1960 Issue of Horticultural News published by the New Jersey State
Horticultural Society stated that polyethylene mulch is being tried In several
New Jersey orchards this year. The article stated that one grower is conducting
extensive tests with the material used mainly on newly planted apple trees.
"He has left some trees as checks and we have measured these and also some
one and two-year old peach trees on the same farm and two-year apple trees in
another orchard. The trees are grooving well as expected and it appears to be
an excellent labor saving practice. The question of moisture has been asked and
we can report only that in the original research, there was no moisture problem
and the plastic contained no holes. The question of fertilization is another
matter and this does present a problem if a heavy plastic is used to last several
years. The 1.5 mil plastic is supposed to disintegrate in one season."
—William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
SOCIAL SECURITY LAW AMENDMENTS 1960
Congress made a number of changes in the Social Security laws which affect
fanners. Some of the principal ones are described in the following paragraphs.
Benefits Can be Paid to Disabled Workers At Any Age
Before the amendment a disabled worker could apply to have his social security
record fror.en and then had to wait until he was age 50 before he and his family
were paid benefits.
Now, if you are disabled and under age 50 and have had your record frozen ,
you will get a letter telling you what to do.
If you are disabled and under age 50 and have not had your record frozen ,
find out from social security right away whether you are eligible for monthly
benefits.
If you have worked under social security for at least 5 out of the last 10
years (as a self-employed farmer you would be covered for 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958
and 1959 if your earnings were large enough) you should apply for benefits if
disabled.
Chanp.e In Earnings After Retirement
Beginning with 1961, if you are employed and are receiving benefits under Social
Security, you get all your social security checks if you earn less than $1200 per year.
If you earn more than $1200 per year you will have $1.00 of benefits withheld for
each $2.00 of wages above $1200 up to $1500. For each $1.00 above $1500, $1.00 of
benefit will be withheld. Under the new law, you will always receive more in com-
bined earnings and benefits if you have more than $1200 in wages, besides your so-
cial security. For example, with present maximum benefits monthly of $180 to husband
and wife some benefits will be paid if the husband earns less than $3510 per year.
The Amount of Work Required to Get Benefits Is Reduced
How long you must work depends on your date of birth (or if you die or become
disabled, upon the date of your death or disability).
If you reach retirement age (65 for men, 62 for women) or die, in 1956 or
earlier you will need 1% years of work; in 1960, 3 years of work; in 1963, 4 yearfl
of work and so on. For disability the 5 years out of last 10 years rule applies.
Parents Who Work For Sons or Daughters Are Covered Beginning in 1961 - Except for
Work Around the House
Beginning in January 1961, work that a parent does for a son or daughter
In the course of a trade or business will be covered by social security. Work in
the household of a son or daughter is still not to be covered. Parents will need
a social security card if they work for the son or daughter on a farm or roadside
stand, or in preparing farm products for sale. The son or daughter must withhold
S. S. tax from parents' wages and pay the employer's share of tax just as is re-
quired for other employees.
Remember :
1. Social Security taxes are compulsory, if the work is covered under the law.
2. You must apply to get benefits.
3. You must have earnings that meet the tests for benefits.
Your county agent can give you the name of the nearest social security office
and you should plan to see them to find out your position , if,
1. You become disabled and can't work.
2. If your husband dies and you have children under 18 or who are disabled.
3. If you are 65 or your wife is 62 years of age.
---Lawrence D. Rhoades
Extension Specialist in
Farm Management
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
►
STRAWBERRY LEAF SPOT AND FRUIT ROT
Growers can get a head start in the control of leaf spot and fruit rot for
the coining year by applying a dormant spray this fall. The objective is to re-
duce the amount of disease that winters over so that there will be less disease
to infect new growth. In repeated experiments, it has been found that dusts and
sprays applied in the bearing year have given considerably better control of leaf
spots and fruit rots when a dormant spray has been applied than when there was no
dormant spray.
The materials for dormant sprays are Liquid Lime Sulfur, 2% gallons to 100
gallons of water (7 tablespoonfuls to 1 gallon) or the organic mercuries used to
eradicate apple scab, at the strength recommended on the label for apple scab.
The fall application should be made when the plants are dormant and about 10
days or a week before the winter mulch is put on. For good eradication, all parts
of the strawberry plant need to be wet with spray. This cannot be done through
a mulch.
Where no winter mulch is used, the dormant spray may be put on in the spring.
It must be before soft tender growth starts if injury is to be avoided.
"-C. J. Gilgut
Extension Plant Pathologist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
CIDER NOTES
Another cider season is here. Are you ready for it? Many of you readers
have been making cider for a number of years, yet do things around the cider mill
the same way that you did in years past. Have you ever taken time to look close-
ly at your sanitation program, your method of operation, and your selling techniques?
Are there improvements that you could make in the mill itself? Are your drains
clean and working? Do the floors slope to the drains? Are your windows and doors
fly-proof? Is the mill as neat and bright as you can make it? Do you carefully
clean the mill after each days pressing? Or do you just hose it down? Look in
many of the nooks and crannies and other spots where pomace can get caught. These
are all breeding spots for fruit flies. Have you changed your method of selling?
Are you using glass or cartons? Do you ever run a cider special? Many items can
be changed for the betterment of your business. Occasionally, look at the adver-
tlsments by retail stores to see how they sell certain items. Have you ever thought
of running a 1 cent sale? One unit for your regular price plus 1 cent more for
-8-
another unit, or a special price for 2 cartons or jugs? Is the display of your
cider such that the customer Immediately sees it and wants to buy? Have you
thought of using spotlights to highlight your cider display? In other words,
are you doing everything possible to increase your business and make the customer
a satisfied one who will return again and again.
Wax and Cartons
For those cider operators using waxed cartons — handle carefully! 1 1
Do not bend or knock excessively since this causes wax on the inside of the car-
ton to break off. It is advisable to turn the carton upside down prior to filling
to make sure any loose wax will fall out. Another method is use a low pressure
air blast to blow out any wax or dust in the carton. The fact that a consumer
finds a piece of wax floating on top of the cider does not mean that it is harm-
ful, but it does make him wonder how carefully you are handling your product.
Container Caps
Some mill operators using glass jugs reuse the old caps that come with the
jugs. For a very small investment, you may buy new lacquered caps. This gives
a neat sanitary appearance to the container and at the same time assures the
customer that the product is being handled properly. Use of old caps may impact
an off-flavor to the product which you have made to the best of your ability.
Fly Contro l
During the early fall months when the days are warm and the nights are cool,
there is a tendency for flies to gather in the cider press room. To control the
flies in and around your press room, be sure to read the article in the August 10th
issue of FRUIT NOTES. This is an excellent article on the control of flies in and
around roadside stands. By following the methods described in the article you can
control both regular house flies and fruit flies that are so annoying to your
customers.
Salesmanship
On certain weekends throughout the fall offer cider samples to your customers.
Let them sample a small glass of your cider. You will find that it will pay off
in increased cider sales. Or if you do not want to give it away, charge a nickel
for a small glass, served in paper cups. This works extremely well and will also
add to your stand income. Be sure however, that the cider is well refrigerated
since cold cider on a warm fall day adds to the sales appeal of your product.
Kirby M. Hayes
Food Technologist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Departmerit of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1960
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Opportunities in the Food and Agricultural Sciences
Storage Capacity for Apples in Massachusetts
A Windfall
The Condition of Apples in Storage
Prevent Carry-Over of Fruit on Retail Counter
Federal Income Tax for Farmers
Apples were Damaged in Nineteen Different Ways
Between Grower Packing Sheds and Retail
Store Counters
The Go-By
A Hole in An Apple
An Encouraging Thought
Stored Supplies
Winter Fruit Meetings
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Fred P. Jeffrey, Acting Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 44.
STORAGE CAPACITY FOR APPLES IN MASSACHUSETTS
From the latest information obtainable, the storage capacity for apples
by counties is as shown in the following table:
FARM LOCATED STORAGES
Regular Cold Controlled Atmosphere
County Storages Storages Totals
(bu.) (bu.) (bu.)
Barnstable 3,600 3,600
Berkshire 20,000 20,000
Bristol 20,500 20,500
Essex 74,500 74,500
Franklin 99,000 45,500 144,500
Hampden 157,600 34,650 192,250
Hampshire 119,000 11,000 130,000
Middlesex 443,800 47,000 490,800
Norfolk 42,900 42,900
Plymouth 8,500 8,500
Worcester 400,500 119,600 520,100
Totals 1,389,900 257,750 1,647,650
COUNTRY POINT COMMERCIAL STORAGES
573,000 222,000 795,000
GRAND TOTALS 1,962,900 479,750 2,442,650
The C.A. storage capacity increased approximately 25,000 bushels from
the 1959 storage season by the construction of four new storages during
the summer.
—William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
THERE ARE UNEQUALED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN
THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
IT WILL BE WORTH YOUR WHILE TO INVESTIGATE THEM!
There was a time when the College of Agriculture was the place a student went to study only
farming. This just isn't so anymore! Those days are now long gone!
The College of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts could be called a College of
Food and Agricultural Sciences.
It offers a wide variety of programs of study which train young men and women for many varied
and well-paying positions in scientific fields and in many branches of the food industry, including
distribution, processing, management, and production. Starting salaries are averaging over $5000
a year.
Graduates are making excellent reputations for themselves in research, promotion, sales,
managing, engineering, teaching, product development, and many other rewarding areas of work.
The opportunities for you?
• If you like to work with people and have interest in management of an enterprise dealing with
food and agricultural products, there are career opportunities in FOOD DISTRIBUTION, FOOD
iVIANAGEMENT, and AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS. . .
In supermarket organizations, wholesale food distribution firms, and other
food marketing agencies, the food service industry, cooperatives, and a
variety of other agricultural business careers. There are additional oppor-
tunities in teaching, research, and public service positions inthest fields.
• If you find chemistry and botany interesting, investigate the career opportunities in the PLANT
SCIENCES - FLORICULTURE, POiVIOLOGY, OLERICULTURE, PLANT PATHOLOGY, FOOD TECH-
NOLOGY, FORESTRY, AGRONOMY, and AGROSTOLOGY . . .
In teaching, research, management of business, plant disease control,
sales, product development, production, government work in markets,
inspection, and market news reporting, administration and management
of forest lands, and utilization of wood products.
• If your interest in biology is considerable, check the career possibilities in VETERINARY SCIENCE,
ENTOMOLOGY, ANIMAL SCIENCE, POULTRY SCIENCE, and WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT . . .
In state or federal quarantine and regulatory work, teaching, research,
public health and pest control agencies, sales, agricultural chemicals
industry, food production, feed manufacturers, pharmaceutical firms, and
conservation agencies.
(over)
• If you consider physics and mathematics interesting subjects, look into the career opportunities
in AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING . . .
In research, design, development, testing, sales, consulting, service,
teaching or management work with large manufacturers, small businesses,
public agencies, and universities.
• If you like science, see what the career opportunities are in FOOD TECHNOLOGY, DAIRY TECH-
NOLOGY, and AGRONOMY . . .
In technical and production work in the food industries, control and ana-
lytical work related to food products, government food inspection work,
technological research work in government, industry and education, work
with equipment and supply firms, public agency sanitation and public
health work, and private testing businesses.
• If you want to be a producer of food, look for career opportunities in ANIMAL SCIENCES, PLANT
SCIENCES, and FARM MANAGEMENT ...
In dairy cattle, livestock, flower and flowering plants, vegetable crops,
poultry, and fruit farm operations as owners, managers, or key workers.
• If you have on interest in drawing, in ornamental plants, in architecture or construction, investi-
gate career opportunities in LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE . . .
In the landscape architecture profession, nurseries, park departments,
public and private institutions, city and town planning, landscape con-
tracting and construction.
• If you are interested in working for the government, there are opportunities in most of these areas
of study . . .
In research, regulatory and control work, market news reporting, and other
programs in state and federal agencies, and in international services.
Whatever your interest and whichever of these areas of work you investigate, you will find in
the College of Agriculture a program of study that can lead you to responsible, well-paying, and
rewarding positions in the many industries, educational institutions, and public agencies concern-
ed with food and agricultural services.
For more information —
If you want more information about these career opportunities, the course offerings, the
entrance requirements, or any other information, contact:
Dean, College of Agriculture
Stockbridge Hall
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
A Windfall -
Some growers have made an almost Impossible job for themselves,
This job takes time, costs money and prevents them from doing
things they like better.
Their business continues to have an uncertain outlook.
The business hardly ever makes as much money as it should and
appears capable of making.
It is a steady job, though, and allows them to meet new people.
The job?
Getting new customers as fast as they discourage the old onesl
It is theirs, to answer why.
F. E. Cole
Extension Marketing Specialist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
THE CONDITION OF APPLES IN STORAGE
Regular check of apple condition in storage is good storage manage-
ment procedure. The apples should be checked twice a month starting about
December 1st to determine firmness and the presence of scald, bitter pit,
brown core and internal breakdown.
Growers and County Ageats have pressure testers for determining the
comparative firmness of one lot of a variety with another. To get an
accurate picture of the firmness of a given lot of fruit, use at least
twenty apples. The apples should be selected from several boxes of apples in
the lot being tested. A common error on the part of some growers using
pressure testers is the failure to use a sufficient number of apples from
several boxes and consequently an inaccurate picture of the firmness of the
fruit is obtained.
Bitter pit on apples is a disorder that may be present at harvest but
makes further development after the fruit is placed in storage. Since the
amount increases during the storage period, a close watch should be kept on
•3-
bitter pit susceptible varieties.
In order to be sure scald is not developing on such varieties as Cortland,
R, I. Greening, Rome Beauty and Mcintosh, it is necessary to place apples at
room temperature for several days. The placement of the samples in unsealed
polyethylene bags is suggested. Apples may show no scald in storage but with-
in several days at room temperature have 100 per cent scald. In case of
regular storage Mcintosh, the immature fruits usually scald worse. The opposite
is true with Mcintosh in CA storage.
internal breakdown which in some years follows water core in Delicious
apples and strains of the variety may be a problem during the 1960-61 storage
season. The following table shows the amount of and severity of water core
present in Starking and Richared Delicious apples on September 29, October 10
and 20, 1960 in the University orchard.
TABLE I - WATER CORE IN STARKING AND RICHARED DELICIOUS APPLES AT HARVEST
PACKING
DATE
APPLES WITH WATER CORE AT HARVEST
AVERAGE FLESH
FIRMNESS (LBS.)
SLIGHT
MEDIUM
HEAVY
TOTAL
STARKING DELICIOUS
Sept. 29, 1960
22.27.
5.17o
1.37,
28.67,
18.4
Oct. 10, 1960
24.77,
8.07,
15.67,
48.37,
17.3
Oct. 20, 1960
40.77,
3.77,
6.37,
50.77,
15.3
RICHARED DELICIOUS
Sept. 29, 1960
29.67,
3.8%
3.67,
37.07,
17.6
Oct. 10, 1960
34.37,
19.77,
31.37,
85,47,
17.3
Oct. 20, 1960
23.27,
24.27,
42.17,
89.57,
16.9
Because of the limited number of trees, etc., the data in the table are
insufficient to draw any conclusion as to any difference in Delicious strains
and their susceptibility to water core.
However, the data presented in the table show the necessity of examining
various lots of apples from different trees In the orchard to get an accurate
picture of the water core situation.
A -
Lots of fruits suspected of having water core should be sold early in
the season. Even though water core may disappear in cold storage internal
breakdown may occur later. If it is necessary to store Delicious apples
suspected of water core for a considerable period, apple storage operators
should make inspection of the fruit throughout the storage season not only
for the presence of internal breakdown but for other storage disorders.
Regular inspections at regular 2 or 3 week intervals, starting about
Thanksgiving time, would help to eliminate serious losses late in the storage
period.
— -William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
PREVENT CARRY-0\nER OF FRUIT ON RETAIL COUNTER
Broken skin and bruises were the principle defects of apples found on
retail counters in a retail store study conducted by F. E. Cole and W. J. Lord
in 1959-60. Fruit condition, inadequate rotation of the packs by the produce
manager, and failure to remove packages of apples from the display counter
having de:teriorated fruit, account for a large percentage of bruised and
punctured fruit.
Frequently when discussing the apple displays with the produce managers
they would remove bags of apples and say, "Oh, these apples should not be on
display". However, it is the opinion of the writers that the apples would
have stayed on display if not brought to the attention of the produce manager.
The stores appeared reluctant to remove bags of fruit having deteriorated
apples. A close check on fruit quality is necessary by produce managers and
the growers servicing these stores.
Growers can continually stress "quality control" with the stores serviced.
Poor fruit on display depresses apple movement. All growers servicing retail
stores, except those who make tailgate delivery only, could well remove any
bags of fruit on display containing deteriorated apples. An adequate arrange-
ment can be made between the store and the grower in regard to replacement.
It would appear that the problem of deteriorated fruit on the retail
counter could be partially solved if no bag stayed on a non-refrigerated
counter more than twenty-four hours. Many produce managers say, "I replenish
my display two or three times a day". However, if this is true why are so
many bags on display that have been there for several days? The only apparent
reason is that there are some bags left each time the display is refilled and
they continue to be left on the display. Customers leave them there tool
Close cooperation between the produce manager and the grower helps to prevent
this carry-over.
-5-
An extra carton of apples may be taken along when making store deliveries.
These apples can be used as replacements for apples taken off the store display |
by the grower. The grower can take the displayed apples home in order to
inspect the fruit quality. This method will give growers a better idea as to
what is on sale. You cannot tell what is in the bag from the outside I Many
times the writers were amazed at what the bags contained, that was not
apparent from the outside, even though they were currently examining packages
carefully.
In the November-December 1959 issue of FRUIT NOTES it was suggested that
when bagging apples for servicing stores it would be worthwhile to use
different colored "twists" or tapes for denoting packing dates. This would
be useful to the produce manager in the store for keeping unsold apples from
the previous delivery separated from the most recently delivered lot. Colored
twists or tapes on the bags will enable the grower to know the date the fruit
was packed and delivered and the amount of carry-over of fruit from one
delivery to another.
Since the above article was written, several growers have tried the use
of a coding device and report the results to be very satisfactory.
W. J. Lord and
F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FEDERAL INCOME TAX FOR FARMERS
The Farmers Income Tax Guide, 1961 edition, will be available on request
from your county extension office. Since the Internal Revenue Iws were not
changed by Congress, changes are few for the year.
The important ones are:
A change in medical expense deduction for persons over 65 may mean that
you would have no income tax to pay.
All references to Bulletin F on depreciation are dropped.
The F.I.C.A. tax (or the social security tax paid on income from self-
employment) rate for 1960 year is A%% which is an increase over 1959.
You may capitalize (spread cost over more than one year) or you may treat
as current expense , the cost of fertilizer and lime used on your farm.
If you property was damaged by hurricane Donna, you should write to
District Director, Internal Revenue Service, 174 Ipswich Street, Boston,
6 -
Massachusetts for Internal Revenue Service Document No. 5174.
If you don't do your own return, you should get these two bulletins for
your income tax accountant.
Lawrence D. Rhoades
Extension Sepcialist in
Farm Management
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPLES WERE DAMAGED IN NINETEEN DIFFERENT WAYS BETWEEN GROWER PACKING
SHEDS AND RETAIL STORE COUNTERS
There were nearly six times as many bruises and twice as many broken skin
injuries on apples on the retail store counters than on apples as they left
the packing shed according to a study of retail store servicing made by
W. J. Lord and F. E. Cole in the late fall of last year. Only damage which
placed the apples below specified grade was counted.
Observations were recorded in regard to color, broken skin, bruises, pest
damage, russet, rot and miscellaneous reasons for lower quality. Records of
damage due to pest, russet and miscellaneous were low and remarkably close
considering that records were necessarily made on different lots. Some rot
was found in bagged apples. The increased damage was in broken skin and
bruises. The record is as follows:
Below Specified Grade Damage to Apples at Growers Packing Sheds
and in Retail Stores Based Upon Examination of 150 Lots oc" Apples
November and December 1959
Checks Made At:
Below
Grade Due To:
1
Lack of
Color
Broken
Skin
Bruises
Pests
Russet
Shape
Rot
Misc.
Growers Packing House
6.77,
14.1%
5.27,
.97.
2.47,
1.67,
1.17,
Retail Store
Poly bags
7.67o
29.67.
29.67,
1.17,
1.57,
3.67,
1.67,
1.97,
Retail Store
Apples sold in bulk
5.07o
31.47.
5.97,
2.27,
1.57.
3.87.
-»«
1.57.
Retail Store
Apples bagged in stores
8.17.
25.27,
7.87,
2.27,
1.37,
1.47,
1.47,
- 7 -
Below grade damage due to other than physical injury present no particular
problem.
The increase from 5% to 297. for bruises and 14% to 297, for broken skin in
the poly bags is a significant difference. Apples sold in bulk or bagged in
the store did not show significant increases in bruises in the lots checked in
this study. These apples did have more broken skin on the display counter.
A relatively small number of lots were in the "bulk" and "store bagged"
categories. Other studies have shown more damage in store bagged apples and
instances of this were recorded in this study.
The problem of broken skin and bruises was discussed with growers and
produce counter managers. Also observations were made of handling procedures.
The following list of places where damage to apples may occur, with suggestions
for reducing the damage, is made from these discussions and observations.
Places where injury takes place and suggestions (S) for reducing damage .
FROM PACKING SHED TO STORE COOLER:
1. Bags packed in vertical position in master cartons - bruises occurring
in loading, jouncing on truck, unloading, handling and stacking.
(S) Lay bags on side.
2. Master cartons or boxes not strong enough.
Weak from re-use.
Not made strong enough.
Interior partition too low.
Interior partition not strong enough.
Cartons weakened by standing in water or moistened.
(S) Use only strong master cartons with partitions capable of
carrying load of stacked cartons. Secure more careful
handling, try to avoid dropping and throwing, use conveyors,
stack on slatted platforms in wet coolers. Avoid having to
sell soft apples (less than 10 lbs. pressure test). (11 lbs.
is better because about a pound is lost in the retail
operation.)
3. Staples in master cartons.
(S) More care in placing of staples in closing master cartons.
Use of tapes to seal cartons.
4. Bottom bruising in wooden crates.
(S) Use pads in bottom of wood boxes.
5. Apples too loosely packed in bags - bruising, broken skin.
(S) Improve techniques of tightening bag in closing process.
6. Increased damage on apples damaged in packing.
(S) More careful sorting and handling in packing operation.
7. Freezing in transportation.
(S) Insulate truck or otherwise protect apples from cold.
8. Loss of condition due to high temperature in back of store resulting
in increased damage at all subsequent points.
(S) See that apples are placed in cooler immediately or avoid
deliveries of more than 3 days supply when stacking in warm
back room is unavoidable.
9. Loss of condition due to lack of rotation in cooler.
(S) Use a code on the outside of master cartons or boxes to
assist store personnel in maintaining rotation.
FROM COOLER TO DISPLAY COUNTER
10. Damage by wire sides and bottoms of grocery cart.
(S) Line cart with corrugated board or take bags to counter in
master cartons.
11. Burning due to heat labelling device.
(S) More care or different labels.
12. Rough handling in store bagging and traying operation,
(S) Better training of store help,
ON THE D].SPLAY COUNTER
13. Rough handling by customers due to variations in color, condition and
size of apples in bag,
(S) More uniform apples in bags to elirainate as much as possible
of "choice" between bags,
14. Loss of condition on non-refrigerated counters and increased injury
due to this loss of condition,
(S) Smaller displays, more careful rotation with aid of coded
bag closures. Use a pad on the counter. Raise bottom in
display rack to give the appearance of a large display.
Use refrigerated counters when possible.
15. Loss of condition due to piling too high on refrigerated counters.
(S) Limit piling to cooling capacity of counter, usually no more
than two high.
16. Loss of condition and continued rough handling due to faulty rotation
of bags on the counter.
(S) Code bags and train store personnel to use the code.
17. Rough handling in stacking retail counter.
(S) Train store help in careful handling (not like cord wood) .
- 9 -
18. Bruising against partitions and front of display counter.
(S) Train store help in handling apples.
19. Loss of condition and subsequent increased damage due to over-buying
and slow moving supplies.
(S) Discourage over-buying particularly at times of sales.
HIGH POINTS
Increased and serious damage was directly associated with loss of
condition. Hard apples maintained in hard condition are important in reducing
injury.
More uniformity of apples in the bags and between bags in the same lot
reduces customer injury to apples.
Code packages to improve rotation in cooler and in displays. Lack of
adequate rotation on retail counter is an important cause of damage.
Constant training of help is necessary to avoid rough handling.
W. J. Lord and
F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
THE GO-BY
To get something by a wholesale or even a retail buyer is relatively easy
in comparison to getting something by a consumer.
You can argue with a wholesale buyer and promise him more ntxt time.
SHE, the consumer, just gives your product the "go-by" and picks u? another
product if she did not like what she bought last time. No argument -- just,
no sale.
F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
A HOLE IN AN APPLE
There seems to be a difference of opinion in regard to the seriousness
of broken skin in apples.
Let's put these points on the sorting table and roll them around:
10
** People buy products that are not absolutely necessary
because they like them
because they produce satisfaction
food products, because they are good to eat
because they can buy them and use them at their
convenience and feel that they get their money's
worth.
** A broken skin on an apple provides easy entrance for molds and rots.
The flesh of an apple, behind a hole thru the skin, is an ideal place
for many molds and rots to develop.
Room temperature is well suited to develop molds and rots at a rapid
rate.
** An apple with a broken skin is an apple with a hole in it.
** At room temperature, even a fresh puncture is a rotten spot in a week or ten
days. Such an apple is not a sales-promoting product.
** Eaten when fresh, the stem puncture is hardly noticeable to those who handle
apples. To consumers it is damaged goods .
** No amount of pooh-poohing the damage by a grower has any effect on a consumer.
No excuse as to why is accepted by a consumer who has paid money for good
apples.
** An apple with the tag "Fancy" or "Number 1" is not an apple with a hole in
it. These labels do not mean "damaged goods" to a consumer. "Utility" is
a better classification!
** Selling an apple with a hole in it is tampering with the most valuable asset
an apple grower can have - consumer confidence in the product.
SO, apples with holes in them are of concern to growers,
those who are concerned about consumer acceptance and net returns, that is,
F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
AN ENCOURAGING THOUGHT
In all of the studies made of Massachusetts apples, in packing houses, on
the market, in retail stores and on roadside stands, there have been very few
instances of apples being out of grade for insect or disease damage, russet or
similar type of injury.
There have been differences of opinion in regard to color and some mis-
understandings in regard to shape.
- 11
PHYSICAL INJURY - broken skin and bruises - has been the chief reason
for low scores.
Apples, too green and too ripe, have hurt sales. Lack of adequate sizing
Is also a handicap.
LOSS OF GOOD MARKET ACCEPTANCE DUE TO PHYSICAL INJURY, LACK OF CONDITION
AND POOR SIZING IS PREVENTABLE .
More care in handling is all that stands between Massachusetts growers
and as fine a grade and pack as put out anjrwhere. Improvement in handling is
vital to improved consumer pcceptance and improved net returns. This improve-
ment is within the reach of a determined industry .. All that is necessary is the
will to do it.
F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
STORED SUPPLIES ^
The October 15th storage figures are known to the industry. By the time
this is read, the November 1st storage figures will be available. The selling
job is defined.
In order to avoid "too many, too ripe, too late" at least 85% of the
standard storage supply should be sold by the time CA apples hit the market in
volume. Those who have CA apples might say 100% of standard storage apples
should be sold at that time. Then CA apples need to move right into consumption
at a steady rate in order to be sold to full advantage.
With 15 weeks of selling between October 15 and February 15 and 14 weeks
of selling between February 15 and Memorial Day, the selling job is outlined by
weeks .
With 702,000 bushels (Massachusetts) in standard storage on October 15,
a simple division by 15 means an average movement of about 47,000 bushels a
week from standard storage. With 473,000 bushels in CA storage, a simple
division by 14 means an average movement of nearly 34,000 bushels a week. As
all weeks do not have the same selling potential, it would seem that sales of
standard storage apples should approach 60,000 bushels in some weeks and CA
apples should approach 50,000 bushels in some weeks.
A close watch of movement out of storage appears to be necessary if the
operation is to secure the greatest net returns.
Out of storage movement is the most valuable guide as to the happy
I
- 12 -
combination of price , selling effort and the apples for sale .
-—F. E. Cole
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
WINTER FRUIT MEETINGS
The 67th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association,
Inc. in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts Extension Service will
be held in the (;ardner Armory, Gardner, Massachusetts on January 4 and 5, 1961,
The following is the tentative program:
Wednesday, January 4, 1961
Forenoon
10:00 Call to Order
Greetings from President Dewey Frost
10:15 The Latest in Apple Nutrition
Dr. W. D. Weeks, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
10:45 Is Our Present-Day Fungicidal Program Doing More Than Just Controlling
Plant Diseases?
Dr. M. T. Hilborn, University of Maine, Orono
11:30 Disease Control Recommendations for Apples and Peaches
Dr. C. J. Gilgut, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Lunch 12:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Afternoon
2:00 Pesticide Legislation in Massachusetts - A Look at the 1961 Situation
Dr. Ellsworth Wheeler, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2:20 What's New in Chemical Thinning?
Dr. F. W. Southwick, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2:40 Apple Promotional and Advertising Activities
A. Ed O'Neill, J. P. Sullivan Co., Ayer, Massachusetts
B. John Lyman, Jr., Laurel State Fruit Growers' Packing
Association, Middlefield, Connecticut
C. Rockwood Berry, New York and New England Apple Institute
3:30 What's the CA Storage Deal Going to Be?
A. Analysis of Appl2 Movement and Price
Prof. F. E. Colo, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- 13 -
B. How Some CA Operators See It?
Evening
7:00 Annual Banquet - Chetwood Restaurant - Route 2, Templeton
Speaker: Dr. Mack Drake, University of Massachusetts, who
has recently returned from a two-year assignment
at Hokkaido University in Northern Japan.
Thursday, January 5, 1951
Forenoon
9:45 Recent Research Results
Prof. W. D. Whitcomb, University of Massachusetts Field Station,
Walt ham
10:05 Drift Residues - A Problem in Orchard Pest Control
Dr. G. B. MacCollum, University of Vermont, Burlington
10:45 Peach Nutrition and Cultural Methods
Dr. C. M. Ritter, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
11:30 Business Meeting
Lunch 12:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Afternoon
2:00 Consumers Are Smart
Dr. W. J. Lord and Prof. F. E. Cole, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
2:45 A Review of the Apple Business and Where It is Headed
Prof. E. J. Rasmussen, University of New Hampshire, Durham
3: 15 Insect Control Recommendations for Apples and Peaches
Dr. W. D. Tunis, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
F. W. Southwick
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Contributors to This Issue From Supporting Fields
Frederick E. Cole - Extension Marketing Specialist
Lawrence D. Rhoades - Extension Specialist in Farm Management
FRUIT NOTES
Preparad by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
JANUARY 3, 1961
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Varieties of Peaches for Massachusetts
Newer Fruit Varieties Worthy of Trial
Research From Other Areas
Varieties of Strawberries for Massachusetts
Getting Quick Bearing in Apple Orchards
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Fred P. Jeffrey, Acting Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculme and County Extension Services cooperating.
Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 44.
COUNTY EXTENSION AGENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE FRUIT PROGRAM
(Please contact the agent in your county for fruit information)
BARNSTABLE Oscar S, Johnson, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Cape Cod Extension Service, Barnstable (Tel. - FOrest 2-3255)
BERKSHIRE Richard L. Boyce, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Berkshire County Extension Service, Federal Building, Pittsfield
(Tel. Pittsfield 8285)
BRISTOL Harold 0, Woodward, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Bristol County Agricultural School, Segregansett
(Tel. Dighton - NOrmandy 9-3611 or 9-2361)
DUKES Ezra I. Shaw, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Dukes County Extension Service, Vineyard Haven
(Tel. Vineyard Haven 694)
ESSEX James F. Gallant, Director of Essex County Extension Service
Essex County Agricultural School, Hathorne
(Tel. Danvers - SPring 4-0050)
FRANKLIN Donald T. Thayer, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Franklin County Extension Service, Court House, Greenfield
(Tel. PRescott 3-9698 or 2-4066)
HAMPDEN ) G. Everett Wilder, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
HAMPSHIRE) Hampden County Improvement League, 1499 Memorial Aveniie,
West Springfield (Tel. REpublic 6-7204)
MIDDLESEX Max G. Fultz, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Middlesex County Extension Service, 19 Everett Street, Concord
(Tel. EMerson 9-4845)
NORFOIK Peter W. Larson, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Norfolk County Agricultural School, Walpole
(Tel. - MOntrose 8-0268 or 8-0269)
PLYMOUTH Dominic A. Marini, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton
(Tel. - juniper 6-4993)
WORCESTER William R. Goss, County Extension Agent in Agriculture
Worcester County Extension Service, 36 Harvard Street, Worcester
(Tel. - PLeasant 3-5477)
VARIETIES OF PEACHES FOR MASSACHUSETTS
Variety
Recommended for
Color
Harvesting Season
Sunrise T
Erly-Red-Fre C & H
Sunhaven T
Coronet T
Jerseyland C & H
Raritan Rose C & H
Redhaven C & H
Goldgem T
Triogem C & H
Sunhigh C
Halehaven C & H
Richhaven T
Garden State (Nectarine) C & H
Summercrest C
Blake T
Elberta C & H
Fowler T
Y
W
Y
Y
Y
W
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
-hi
-40
-39
-32
-31
-28
-24
-23
-18
-16
-16
-10
- 9
- 6
/ 3
T - Trial Y - Yellow Flesh - - Days before Elberta
H - Home Garden W - White Flesh / - Days after Elberta
C - Commercial Elberta about Sept. 15
Varieties so marked are not necessarily equally adapted to all sections of
the state.
Sunrise
Variety Notes
Attractive yellow peach of good quality for its season; clings
unless tree-ripe.
Erly-Red-Fre
Tree large and productive. Fruit medium to large, attractive,
fine textured, white flesh, freestone, flavor excellent. Bud
hardiness above average.
Sunhaven Tree hardy and productive. Fruit attractive, highly colored,
good quality, variable in size.
Coronet Very attractive, highly colored peach. Fifuit quality excellent.
Jerseyland Tree large, upright, very productive. Bud hardiness above average,
Fruit firm, juicy, excellent flavor, freestone.
Raritan Rose
Tree large, upright-spreading, productive. Bud hardiness above
average. Fruit large, round, attractive; flesh juicy, firm.
Redhaven Tree tall, upright, very productive. Fruit medium size, highly
colored; flesh firm, fair flavor. Requires heavy thinning.
Goldgem
Large yellow fleshed peach. Fruit firmer and more attractive
than Golden Jubilee. Description based on performance in New
Jersey.
- 2 -
Triogem
Tree medium to largo; fairly vigorous, very productive. Fruit
medium to large, well colored; flesh smooth, firm, excellent
flavor. Bud hardiness of Elberta.
Sunhigh
Tree medium size, productive, susceptible to bacterial spot.
Fruit large, highly colored, freestone; flesh firm, excellent
flavor.
Halehaven
Richhaven
Garden State
(Nectarine)
Summercrest
Blake
Elberta
Fowler
Tree large, productive, bud hardy. Fruit medium to large,
attractive, freestone, flesh firm, good flavor.
Tree hardy and productive. Fruit large, attractive, highly
colored, excellent quality, freestoae,
A nectarine. Tree tall, vigorous, productive. Fruit good size,
freestone, russeted, moderately attractive; flesh firm, juicy,
quality excellent.
Tree large, spreading, vigorous, very productive. Fruit large,
round, fairly attractive, freestone; flesh firm, smooth, good
flavor. Colors poorly on rich soils. Drops when mature.
Fruit highly colored, attractive, medium quality. Skin has very
little pubescence or fuzz.
Tree large, vigorous, productive. Fruit large, fairly attractive,
freestone; flesh firm, juicy, fair flavor. Has wide soil and
climatic adaptability.
Tree vigorous and productive. Fruit excellent quality, freestone,
juicy, moderately attractive, not too well colored,
W. D. Weeks
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
NEWER FRUIT VARIETIES WORTHY OF TRIAL
The following report briefly describes the newer fruit varieties under test
in the University plantings that are worthy of trial by commercial growers and
home gardeners.
These notes should be considered as supplementary information on varieties
recommended for planting in Massachusetts as given in Extension Service Special
Circulars #212-A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H which are available from your County
Agent or the Mailing Room, University of Massachusetts, Amherst,
APPLE
Red Melba - A red sport of Melba which is superior in color. Good quality for an
early apple. Season early August. Recommended for commercial planting where
an early variety is desired.
Puritan - A Mcintosh x Red Astrachan cross which was made by Professor Sears at
the University of Massachusetts about 1929. It is a handsome well colored red
apple which ripens just ahead of Early Mcintosh. Fruit quality is good for an
early apple. The tree is hardy and vigorous but has a tendency toward biennial
bearing. It will pollinate Mcintosh. Puritan is being widely planted in
Massachusetts. Growers who have it in production have been more than pleased
with its performance and the prices it commands. Puritan is worthy of extensive
trial.
Spartan - A Mcintosh x Newton seedling from British Columbia. It is an attrac-
tive dark red apple with Mcintosh shape and quality. Spartan retains quality
in storage much better and longer than Mcintosh. The fruit may have a tendency
to be small. The tree is a vigorous Mcintosh type. Harvest season is late
September. It will pollinate Mcintosh. Spartan shows great promise as a variety
to extend the Mcintosh season and should be given serious consideration for
future plantings.
Idared - A promising Wagener x Jonathan cross from Idaho. The fruit has an
attractive bright red finish. Fruit quality good but somewhat on the mild side.
It has a long storage season. Harvest season is early October. Idared is one
of the more promising late keeping dessert and general purpose apples.
Melrose - A high quality winter apple introduced by the Ohio Experiment Station.
Melrose is a Jonathan x Delicious cross. The fruit is well colored, has good
size and shape. It may develop some russeting unless given a mild spray program.
The fruit has excellent dessert and cooking qualities and a long storage season.
The tree is productive, has good structure, and is annual. Harvest season mid-
October. Melrose is cross incompatible with Delicious but will pollenize other
varieties. Melrose shows much promise as a replacement for Baldwin. It should
be given extensive trial.
Spencer - A Mcintosh x Golden Delicious cross introduced by the Dominion Experiment
Station, British Columbia. Spencer is a promising late keeping winter apple. It
is harvested about three weeks after Mcintosh. The tree has desirable growth
characteristics and produces annual crops. Fruit of Spencer is large and fairly
well colored. Spencer is worthy of extensive trial.
W. D. Weeks
RASPBERRY
Early Red - During the winter of 1959-60 when cold injury to all red raspberries
was very severe. Early Red was hurt no worse than Chief which is considered the
hardiest of all red raspberry varieties. Flavor and color were good but berries
were a bit soft with a tendency to crumble. Small size and mildew were its
weakest points.
Muskoka - The small amount of injury during the severe winter was a surprising
reversal of performance as compared with the preceeding winter. Flavor was
good, the berries were firm with no crumbling. Size was variable, small to
medium. In general, its performance was good.
Canby - This variety suffered very severe cold injury. Flavor and color were
excellent but the berries wero a bit soft. Size was small to medium. It
begins to look as if Canby is not cold resistant enough for this climate.
Sumner - This variety from the Pacific Northwest has been outstandingly hardy
during the past two winters. Its canes were killed back only 20 per cent in a
winter when Chief was killed back 50 per cent. It rated with Latham in flavor
but was not quite so firm. Color was excellent. Size medium but variable. A
small amount of virus was observed.
New Hampshire - Severe winter injury occurred again in 1960. Flavor and firm-
ness were passable. Size a bit larger than Milton this year. No virus has
been found.
Success - This purple raspberry which originated in New Hampshire came through
last winter with almost no cold injury. It may have been covered with snow*
The berries had excellent flavor but were small, soft and tended to crumble.
This was our first crop of Success.
J. S. Bailey
A NEW STRAWBERRY VARIETY - MIDWAY
Midway, a new red-stele resistant, virus-free strawberry, developed coop-
eratively by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Experiment
Station is now available to growers from nurserymen. It was named and released
to nurserymen a year ago but at that time the supply of plants was not adequate
for release to growers.
We have had three crops of Midway in our experimental plots at Amherst. The
berries were among the best for appearance, firmness and flavor. Size was medlimi
to large and held up fairly well thru the season. The plants were vigorous and
produce runners freely.
Midway ripens about with Catskill and present indications are that it will
produce about as well. Yields per acre in quarts for Midway based on small
experimental plots at Amherst were: 1958 - 8,916; 1959 - 8,677; 1960 - 10,534,
These yields compared very favorably with those of some of our principal com-
mercial varieties such as Midland, Catskill and Sparkle.
Since the three fruiting seasons were quite different, it is worth noting
Midway's performance under these varying conditions. The 1958 season was about
normal thru May with a dry June. In 1959 May was dry but June and July were
extremely wet. Growers picked in the rain to get any berries at all. Daring
the 1960 season rain was plentiful but came at such intervals that picking was
not seriously handicapped and spoiled berries were not a serious problem. Midway
appears to have performed especially well under the trying conditions of 1959.
- 5 -
Midway Is said to perform best in soils of good moisture holding capacity.
This suggests that it will be at its best on soils which would be suitable for
Catskill,
Midway is certainly worthy of trial.
- — J. S. Bailey
STRAWBERRY VARIETY TRIALS: 1960
Some thirty named varieties and numbered seedlings were included in our
1960 trials. The following Is a report on a few of the varieties. This was
our first test of Earlimore, Grenadier, Redcoat, and Trumpeter.
Earlimore - Origin: (fCampbell x self> x Howard 17) University of Minnesota.
The plants of this variety were moderate in vigor and good in both runner pro-
duction and yield. The fruits were small in size, soft, poorly shaped and of
only fair flavor. Earlimore does not appear to be adapted to our conditions.
Grenadier - Origin: (Valentine x Fairfax) Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.
The plants appear to be fair in vigor and runner production, however, our plant
stand was insufficient to make fair evaluation of these factors and yield. The
fruit was moderately attractive, tending to be a little dark, of fair shape and
good flavor. Grenadier appears to have a tender skin. This variety is being
continued in our trials.
Jerseybelle - Origin: New Jersey Experiment Station. The plants are vigorous,
good in runner production and moderate in yield. The fruit ripens late and is
very large in size. The fruit is very attractive but of only fair flavor. The
seeds are large and very prcxninent. Although not as productive as some other
varieties, Jerseybelle merits trial as a late ripening variety where red stele
is not a factor.
Midway - See preceding article.
Or land - Origin: (Aberdeen x Howard 17) University of Maine, This has been one
of our most productive varieties during the past two seasons. The plants are
vigorous and form a good bed. Orland cannot be recommended because of its poor
flavor, unattractive color and its tendency to be soft,
Pocahontas - Origin: (Tennessee Shipper x Midland) U.S.D.A. and the Virginia
Truck Experiment Station, The plants are vigorous, very productive and good in
runner production. The fruit is of a light red color and rates fair in firmness
and shape and poor in flavor. Though one of our top producers, Pocahontas does
not seem to be suitable for Massachusetts because of its rather tart flavor.
Redcoat - Origin: (Sparkle x Valentine) Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.
This variety produces very attractive fruit, that is firm and of good flavor.
Our stand of plants was too poor to draw any conclusions as to vigor or pro-
ductiveness. Redcoat will be continued in our variety trials.
- 6 -
Trtflopeter - Origin: (Burgtindy x ^Howard x self^) University of Minnesota. The
plants were of moderate vigor, good in runner production and fair in yield.
The fruit is of good color and gloss but falls down in shape and smoothness.
The flavor is good but the berries tend to be soft. Trumpeter does not appear
to be adapted to our conditions.
Vineland 41021 - Origin: (Valentine x Dorsett) Ontario Experiment Station,
Vineland. The plants are of moderate vigor, yield, and runner production. The
fruit is of medium size, with prominent seeds, of fair firmness and good flavor.
Many of the fruits were off shaped and green tipped. Vineland 41021 does not
appear to be promising for Massachusetts.
---James F» Anderson
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RESEARCH FROM OTHER AREAS
(Items included under this heading are for your information and may not apply
to Massachusetts conditions in all instances.)
The pruning of filler trees and when to remove them has and continues to
be a major problem. Crowding leads to tall trees which are difficult to spray
and prune, a higher proportion of poorly colored fruit particularly on lower
limbs, unproductive lower limbs, difficulty in mowing and other orchard cultural
practices and the interference of the development of the permanent trees. On
the other hand, filler trees handled correctly may be left for considerable time
without being detrimental to the permanent trees. The New York State Horticultural
Society Proceedings 1960 contained an article by C. G. Forshey titled "Current
Research on Pruning and Irrigation and Fertilizer Recommendations". In this
article Dr. Forshey describes a pruning experiment established in 1955 in a
nineteen-year-old Mcintosh orchard.
"The trees were planted 20' x 40' and, at the time the experiment was
instigated, they were crowding each other badly. Three pruning treatments were
established as follows:
"A. Alternate fan pruning. In this treatment every other tree (filler)
was severely fan pruned while the alternate trees (permanent) received normal
pruning. As the permanent trees increase in size, the filler trees are further
suppressed and eventually will be removed entirely*
"R. Removal of alternate trees. Every other tree was removed and the
remaining trees received normal pruning. The pruning of these trees and that
of the permanent trees in treatment A is identical.
"F. Fan pruning. Every tree was fan pruned only to the extent that over-
lapping of branches of adjacent trees was prevented. The severity of pruning
of these trees is intermediate between that of the filler trees of treatment A
- 7 -
and the permanent trees of the Siime treatment,
"The interpretation of yield data from this orchard was made more diffi-
cult by a late spring frost in 1956. This frost not only completely destroyed
the crop for that year, but also resulted in a strong tendency toward alternate
bearing. However, in spite of this complicating factor, two points are now well
established:
"1, There has been no difference between the two fan pruning treatments in
yield for any one year or in total yield for the five year period,
"2. Both fan pruning treatments have been far superior to removal of
alternate trees. The fan prvoned treatments have produced 1000 boxes of apples
per acre more than the removal treatment in five years .
"At the time this experiment was started, it was assumed that Che difference
in yield between the fan pruned treatments and the removal treatment woiild be
less each succeeding year because the removal trees were expected to make better
growth than the trees in the fan pruned treatments. However, no such tt^ndency
is evident as yet. In 1955 the removal treatment produced two- thirds as; much
fruit as the fan pruned treatments and that relationship has been maintained
through the 1959 crop,
"No filler trees have, as yet, been removed from the alternate fan pruning
treatment and it is doubtful if any will be removed within the next thrE^e or
four years. In spite of the fact that the permanent trees have made excellent
growth it will apparently be possible to maintain considerable bearing surface
on most filler trees for some time without interfering with the permanent trees.
"The experience of the past five years in this orchard indicates that it is
both desirable and practical to grow Mcintosh in a hedgerow system. However,
if such a system is to be established, the following points should receive care-
ful attention:
"1, Fan pruning should be started before the trees grow together and
crowding becomes a serious problem. When crowded trees are fan pruned, a great
deal of weak, shaded-out wood is exposed and, in spite of greater exposure to
sunlight, this wood is unproductive and will remain unproductive for several
years .
"2. Although this is called the hedgerow system, the branches of adjacent
trees should not be permitted to overlap. If they are allowed to do so, weak,
shaded wood will develop and such wood produces little fruit and fruit of low
quality. When the trees are dormant, the lower branches of adjacent trees
should be separated by three feet. The distance between higher branches should
be even greater.
"3. The upper branches should be considerably shorter than the lower
branches. If not, the lower branches will be shaded out and a large part of
the potential bearing surface will became relatively unproductive."
—William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES FOR MASSACHUSETTS
Variety
Recommended
for
Harvesting Season
Ear 11 dawn
C
Very early
Midland
C 6c H
Early
Redglow
C
Early - Midseason
Surecrop
c
Midseason
Midway
T
Midseason
Catskill
C & H
Midseason
Robinson
C
Midseason
Sparkle
C & H
Late
Armore
C
Late
J^ers£ybe^l_e
T
Vs£y_'ate
20th Century
~ ~ T
Everbearer
T - Trial
H - Hcxne garden
C - Commercial
Varieties so marked are not necessarily equally adapted to all sections of the
State.
Variety Notes
Earlidawn The earliest ripening variety in our trials. The fruits are of
medium size, firm and of fair to good quality. The plants are
productive and of moderate vigor. Earlidatm is recommended as
a very early variety where red stele is not a factor.
Midland An early ripening variety with large, firm fruit of very good
quality. Midland produces many large coarse berries and tends
to be dark in color. The variety though a poor plant maker
has been a good producer. Good yields are obtained only with
virus-free plants.
Redglow This early midseason variety is vigorous and productive. The
berries are of good size, attractive and of good quality. Red-
glow is resistant to the common strain of red stele.
Surecrop This new variety is resistant to two and partially resistant to
a third strain of red stele. The plants are vigorous and mod-
erately productive. The fruit is of medium size, attractive
and of good quality though tart,
Midway The fruit is of good size, a deep red color, glossy, firm and
good flavor. The plants are vigorous, productive and resistant
to the coiTimon race of red stele.
Catskill A leading commercial variety with many growers because of its
large size, attractiveness, good quality and vigorous, pro-
ductive plants. Quite susceptible to leaf spot and requires
- 9
a high level of fertility for good production. A good
freezer.
Robinson
Sparkle
Armore
Jerseybelle
20th Century
Its large, attractive, bright red fruit, high yield and
abundant runner production have made this variety commercially
important as a late berry in many parts of the state. The
quality and firmness of the fruit, however, are below average.
One of the important late season varieties. Its outstanding
values are productiveness, firmness, good quality, and resis-
tance to red stele diseases. Berry size is medium to large in
early pickings but tends to decline rapidly. It is rated as a
good freezer.
A fine flavored, firm, late variety with large but rather rough
fruit. Armore is vigorous, productive, and makes a good bed.
The plants show susceptibility to mildew.
The plants are vigorous, good in runner production, and fair to
moderate in yields. The fruit ripens late, is of very large
size, attractive, firm, and of fair quality. The seeds of
Jerseybelle protrude and are very prcminent. Jerseybelle merits
trial because of its lateness, large size, and attractiveness.
Jerseybelle is not resistant to red stele.
A new everbearing variety of very good quality large size, firm
and attractive. It has good plant making ability and very good
production for an everbearer.
James F. Anderson
and John S. Bailey
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
GETTING QUICK BEARING IN APPLE ORCHARDS
The New York State Horticultural Society News Letter published in August,
1960, contained an article by A. B. Burrell, Peru, New York, entitled "Getting
Quick Bearing in Apple Orchards". The following are some excerpts taken from
the article.
"How long should it take to get a standard apple tree to the stage where
it will produce 5 bushels? Some New York growers do it in 8 years; others in
12 or 13. Why the difference? Can we afford the longer wait? How much should
a young tree grow each year?
"Some of our western competitors in irrigated areas have as large a tree
in 5 years as we typically have in 10. Possibly they grow them too fast. At
- 10 -
least, their young trees were severly damaged when a cold spell occurred early
during one recent winter,
"Here are a few ideas for your consideration,
"1. In the year of planting, the sum of the growths of terminal twigs
should be at least 36 inches. We would get this if 6 branches each should
grow 6 inches. Planting should be as early in the spring as the frost is out
of the ground and ground is dry enough. During the first year, the earth
around the roots never should be allowed to get dry before August. Slow
starting usually is due to drying of the tree before or after the fruit grower
gets it,
"2. In each of the next 5 years, there should be growth of 15 to 18 inches
on 6 or more branches per tree. With fewer than 7 scaffold branches, the grw-rth
should average more than 18 inches. In colder areas of New York, 12 to 14 inches
is safer than 15 to 18 inches. Growth should be made from later April through
July. Growth in August or September increases the risk of winter injury.
"3. Pruning should be the least that will produce a reasonable tree
structure. Most young trees are delayed in bearing and dwarfed by excessive
pruning,
"4. Young trees need 4 to 6 sprays per year with non-injurious pesticides.
Close observation may save a spray or two,
"5, Continuous moisture is essential till mid-summer. During the first 3
years, watering often pays. On most air blast sprayers a 1% inch hose can be
slipped on in place of one of the hoses that go to the nozzles, Abou't 10 to 1!^
gallons should go into a hollow around the tree-trunk at a watering, BEFORE
growth has been checked by drouth.
"6, If a tree is allowed to become stunted. It may take 2 or 3 years Co
•wake it up' ,
"7. The cost of bringing apples into bearing will be considerably less with
6 to 8 years of intensive care than if it takes 10 to 15 years,"
—William J, Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
FRUIT NOTES
Prepared by Pomology Staff
Department of Horticulture
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
FEBRUARY 6, 1961
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Apple Movement to January 1, 1961
Research From Other Areas
Research Findings on Bulk Boxes
Reversion of Delicious Red Sports
Peach Insects and Their Control
What is Happening to Strawberry Growing in
Massachusetts?
Planting Plans for Trees on East Mailing Stocks
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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, Fred P. Jeffrey, Acting Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914;
University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating.
1^ Publication approved by Bernard Solomon, State Purchasing Agent, No. 44.
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APPLE MOVEMENT TO JANUARY 1. 1961
A new set of percentages for gauging out of storage movement of Mcintosh
apples became a necessity this year. In 1957 only 11 per cent of the total
stored supply was in C.A. storages. In 1958 and 1959, 28 per cent of the stored
crop was in C.A. storages. Forty per cent of the short crop of 1960 was placed
in these late storage rooms.
The Massachusetts standard storages held 701,000 bushels of Mcintosh on
October 15, 1960 and the C.A. storages held 473,000 bushels. With a possible
movement of one-half of the standard storage apples by Christmas this meant
that about 820,000 bushels, or 70 per cent of the total, v/ould remain to be sold
after New Year's. An analysis of this situation in terms of previous years
revealed the prospect of a late-heavy selling season. A new set of out of
storage percentages based upon a thirty-four week selling season instead of the
old twenty-two week season was required to evaluate realistically the fall move-
ment of apples. The Marketing Committee of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers'
Association sent a letter to all members on November 16, 1960, calling attention
to the unusual situation.
The out of storage percentages used between 1948 and 1959 together with the
figures available from three years of C.A. selling were used to develop a new
set of percentages. Starting on November 1, the new percentages are 6, 8, 10,
10, 8, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Each percentage is for the previous
two week period. These percentages work out to indicate a movement of 34 per
cent of the total stored crop by December 15, another 33 per cent by March 1, and
the remaining 33 per cent by July 1. The selling record of recent years gives
support to this balance of movement between fall, winter and spring as a basis
for gauging movement with the desirability of a firm and gradually rising price
in mind.
The new out of storage percentage figures are the basis for the new "base
line" on the accompanying out of storage movement chart. The base line is
drawn through the percentage remaining in storage as this is the quantity given
serious consideration at each step in the selling season.
The dotted line superimposed on the solid black base line indicates the
actual percentage movement of the 1960-61 season by two week periods. The
dotted line indicates a faster than base line movement by November 15 and a
slowing of the movement during December.
The weekly movement of apples out of storages needed to secure the indicated
base line percentage is shoifli in the accompanying chart by the grey background
area. Actual movement for the 1960-61 storage crop to January 1 is indicated by
the vertical bars for each two week period. These vertical bars show the faster
movement in the first two weeks of November and the slower movement in the other
periods.
The chart may be used to gauge movement against a standard line as an aid
in developing selling strategy. Desirable variations from the base line may
3 -
occur from time to time. Variations may be developed for individual grower
circumstances in relation to the cummulative total for the industry.
Frederick E. Cole
Extension Marketing Specialist
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
RESEARCH FROM OTHER AREAS
(Items included under this heading are for your information and may not apply to
Massachusetts conditions in all instances.)
Research Findings on Bulk Boxes
The Quarterly Bulletin of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station,
East Lansing, Volume 3, Number 1, August 1960 contained an article by I. J.
Pflug and D. H. Dewey titled, "Unloading Soft-Fleshed Fruit From Boxes".
(Pflug and Levin and Gaston in previous research found that Mcintosh and
Golden Delicious apples suffered excessive mechanical damage when poured from
bulk boxes by unloading devices that tilt and invert the container.) In this
research report by Pflug and Dewey a water submergence bulk box unloading machine
is described and data on mechanical damage using this device are presented.
A pneiimatically operated carriage is utilized for lowering the boxes of
fruit into a tank having circulating water. The apples are buoyed upward and
out of the box and are carried by the flow of water, being circulated in the
tank, to a conveyor. The apples are rinsed with a fresh water spray while on
the wood roll conveyor and then excess moisture removed from the fruit by use of
a commercial absorber-drier with an air blast.
Limited tests for mechanical damage to Mcintosh and Golden Delicious apples
handled through the unloading machine were conducted. In April 1960 fruit from a
C.A. storage free of bruises and other mechanical injury were placed with the aid
of a specially constructed crib into the bottom and top quarter of loaded bulk
boxes .
"Approximately three bushels of Mcintosh, averaging 10.3 pounds in firmness
were placed into each of four bulk boxes of Golden Delicious, and a like amount
of bruise-free Golden Delicious (firmness 10.8 pounds) were placed into each of
two bulk boxes of Mcintosh and two boxes of Red Delicious apples.
"The boxes were unloaded during the regular packing operation for the par-
ticular variety and the test fruit removed at three points; namely, fr<»n the
water tank just ahead of the removal conveyor, at the end of the removal conveyor,
and upon leaving the drier. These apples were placed into tray-pack cartons,
returned to cold storage for one week and then examined for damage.
- 4
"Bruised fruit were classified as slightly, moderately, or seriously damaged
according to the criteria employed by Burt (Burt, S, W,, 1959. An experimental
packing line for Mcintosh apples. U.S.D.A., A. M.S. Report No. 330) for the
Mcintosh variety. The number of apples with stem punctures were recorded with-
out regard to bruising. The percentages of damaged apples, according to variety,
type, and degree of damage arp. summarized in Table I. The values of damage at
the end of the conveyor include the damage of unloading as well as conveying;
the values of damage at the end of the drier include damage of unloading, con-
veying and drying.
Table I - Average Percentage of Fruit With Bruises and Stem Punctures After
Unloading From Bulk Boxes (Values for End of Conveyor and End of Drier are
Accumulated Damage to That Point)
DAMAGE
VARIETY
POINT OF REMOVAL
GOLDEN
MCINTOSH DELICIOUS
Water
Slight bruising
25.3 18.5
Moderate bruising .......,,
11.1 5,9
Serious bruising.,..,,,,,.
7,4 1,4
Total
43.8 25,8
Stem jjunctures ,,. *,,,
4,1 0,9
End of conveyor
Slieht brulsine. ...... ....
32,0 30.6
Moderate bruising.... ,,•••
12,4 12,4
Serious bruising,,,,,,,,..
7,4 7,4
Total . .•,•••.••••••,,
51,8 50,4
Stem punctures
7,7 0,3
End of drier
Slight bruising ,,,,
31,0 36,1
Moderate bruisins,... .....
27.6 23.8
Serious bruising... .......
21.4 3.0
Total
80.0 62.9
Stem punctures
13.0 1.7
"Less than half of the Mc
