Full text of "Fruit notes"

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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
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FRUIT NOTES

Prepared by Pomology Staff, Department of Horticulture

Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture

University of Massochusetts, Amherst

FEBRUARY 28, 1963

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bird Damage Research in Massachusetts
Fertilizer Recommendations for 1963
Extension Entomology Program
Strawberry Planting Time
Mechanization for Strawberry Growing
Leaf Analysis

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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, A. A. Spielman, Dean and Director, in firtherance 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 Alfred C. Holland. State Pu^hasing Agent, No. 44.

Bird Damage Research in Massachusetts

Investigations of bird damage to commercial fruit crops In Massachusetts
were continued during this past summer. A review of past findings in this
study resulted in the initiation of a different approach to this troublesome
problem. Formerly research, was directed at the testing of scare devices which
would, if successful', give Immediate relief. Now, however, it is thought that
studies of the basic biology of the individual species involved will provide
much of the badly needed Information about behavior of depredating birds.

No entirely successful scare device has yet been developed. Firearms give
immediate relief, but they require that the cropped area be regularly patrolled.
Reflectors and scarecrows are ineffective. Firecrackers and exploders give
temporary relief, but songbirds soon become accustomed to the noise and Ignore
it. Hawk and owl decoys give only temporary relief from bird depredation.

Total enclosure of areas, especially small cultivated blueberry plantings,
has been the most satisfactory control measure to date. Such materials as
tobacco cloth netting, nylon fish net, chicken wire, and netting made from
twisted paper have been used for this purpose. They are all highly effective
but are expensive to install.

A statewide fruit damage survey in 1962 showed a loss of 35 per cent of 157
acres of uncovered cultivated blueberries and a loss of 17 per cent of 220 acres
of peaches. A similar survey in 1961 disclosed a loss of 37 per cent of 121
acres of blueberries and a 3 per cent loss of 148 acres of peaches. Surveys
covering only cultivated blueberries for the years 1955-1958 have shown losses
of 38 per cent, 20 per cent, 19 per cent, and 27 per cent respectively. If these
surveys show a true pictttre of the bird damage situation then, we can assume
that this heavy economic loss is stable, even though local areas may be more
heavily damaged in some years than in others.

Five hundred and fifty-seven birds were banded at the University orchards
during this past summer in order to trace bird movements. Two hundred and
forty-two of these, including robins, blue jays, starlings and bronzed grackles,
were marked with plastic-coated nylon wing tags for field identification. Some
of them were marked with numbered tags for individual field identification.
Local birdwatchers were then asked to report the sighting, location, species
and date of all marked birds seen. By October 1, 1962, 152 Individual sightings
had been recorded. Several of these sightings were undoubtedly repeats for the
same bird, as not all of the tags carried numbers and the numbered tags could
not be identified in every instance. Only 3 of these sightings were outside a
3 mile radius of the orchard. This shows that the fruit damaging birds remained
local for some time after being captured and released. Of notable significance
is the fact that only 19 of the marked birds were subsequently recaptured in the
University orchards even though intensive mist netting was carried out for the
entire fruit season. An analysis of this data shows that even though the marked
birds remained in the near vicinity of the orchards, most of them did not revisit
the area after once being captured.

In view of the special attention given to individual species in behavioral
studies the Baltimore oriole was considered separately. This species caused
damage to all fruits in the University orchards, though principally to grapes
and peaches. Because of their small size they were not marked for field identi-
fication. Consequently it was necessary to recapture banded individuals in
order to learn of their movements. One hundred and forty-nine of these were
captured, banded, and released. Seventy-five of these individuals were banded
and released at a point 2.1 miles from the University orchard. Only 4 of these,
or five per cent were subsequently recaptured in the orchard. In contrast 19
per cent, or 14 individuals of the control group or those released at the
point of capture were again netted. Apparently the transporting of this species
to a distant point before releasing had some effect on movements.

The Baltimore orioles tended to converge upon fruit in groups of from
twenty to thirty individuals. The flocks were easily captured even though they
were feeding in peach orchards several acres in extent because individual birds
damage fruit on several trees on each visitation.

Future research will be given to the robin, the chief depredating species
according to grower surveys and personal observations. A few of the questions
which must be answered include:

1. How permanent, in relating to range, are the feeding habits developed
by adult robins upon their arrival in the spring?

2. How far will young robins move from their nests to establish a feeding
locality?

3. How do young robins establish a feeding locality?

4. Why will a field sometimes be heavily damaged in one year yet receive
negligible damage the following year?

5. Why are the cultivated crops preferred when abundant crops of natural
foods are readily available?

The knowledge gained from studies of individual species, including the
principal fruit damaging birds: robins, starlings, blue jays, bronzed grackles
and Baltimore orioles will be essential to any method of reducing damage to
commercial fruit crops.

J.IBRAPY
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■--Albert E. Hester, Graduate Assistant
Dept. of Forestry and Wildlife
Management

•3-

Fertllizer Recommendations for 1963

There will be no basic changes in recommendations this year compared to
previous years. We are still of the opinion that adjusting nitrogen to the
proper level which will produce the maximum yield of highly colored fruit of
maximum storage life is the key to a successful orchard fertility program, it
may take two or more years to determine the amount of nitrogen required to produce t
desired level. This is especially true in those blocks which are too high in
nitrogen.

In our fertilizer experiments, we have found that it may take two or more
years for reduced rates of nitrogen to be effective. We have also found that
omitting nitrogen applications from trees which were high in nitrogen did not
significantly reduce yields below trees receiving normal rates of nitrogen.
It appears that it may be necessary in some situations to omit nitrogen in order
to bring nitrogen down to the desired level.

We are suggesting that growers should:

(1) Apply no more than normal rates of nitrogen.

(2) Omit or reduce nitrogen applications by one half in those
blocks which have produced fruit with poor color.

Suggested rate of fertilizer for normal applications are given in the
following table.

Normal Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Apple Orchards
Approximate Amounts per Tree

Potential bushel Nitrogen Potash Ammonium Muriate

yield of tree required required Nitrate of Potash or 0-15-30 8-16-16

Pounds

Less than 15

0.66

1.3

2.0

2.1

4.3

15 - 25

0.66-1.00

1.3-2.0

2.0-3.3

2.1-3.3

4.3-6.6

8-12

More than 25

1.33-2.00

2.7-4.3

4.0-6.0

4.5-7.9

9.0-14.3

16-25

The suggested amounts of materials to apply in the table are for hand appli-
cations 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. Ferti-
lizer 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 main- I
taining 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 magnesium deficiency. It takes from three to five years before dolomitic
limestone is effective in correcting magnesium deficiency. When magnesium sul-
fate sprays are used apply two to three 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

-4-

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. Boron may be applied as a foliar spray on a trial basis.
Polybor-2 or Boro Spray applied at one-half pound per 100 gallons of spray one
and three weeks after petal fall have given satisfactory results in New York
State.

The amounts of fertilizer applied to trees which have received annual appli-
cations of 200 pounds or more of hay mulch per tree may be materially reduced or
entirely eliminated. Tree performance should serve as a guide in determining 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.

Normal Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Peach Orchards

Approximate Amounts per Tree

or 0-15-30 8-16-16
Pounds Pounds

Tree Age

Ammonium
Nitrate

Muriate
of Potash

3 - 6
6 - 9
9 - 12
12 & over

Pounds

%-l
1 -Ik

1 -h

Pounds

1-2
2-3

3-4
4-8

2- 4

4- 6

6- 8

8-12

8-16

Walter D. Weeks

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Extension Entomology Program Areas of Responsibility within the

College of Agriculture Staff.

No single individual now has entire responsibility for the Extension
program concerned with insects and their control and related subjects. Instead,
several persons are listed officially as part-time extension and have accepted
responsibilities for specific or general areas. Others, although not officially
assigned to extension responsibilities, do assist in certain parts of the program.
The following outline is provided for your convenience.

staff Member

Areas of Repponsibillty

Headquarters at Amherst

E. H. Wheeler

Dairy, Poultry, other Livestock and associated buildings

etc., Forage crops. Tobacco all statewide. Vegetables

and Potatoes Berkshire and Valley counties. Small

fruits (except blueberries) Berkshire and Valley

counties. Miscellaneous requests (except Apiculture).
Pesticides in general. General coordination of Reports
etc.

H. E. Wave

F. R. Shaw

Tree Fruits -■
Blueberries -•

statewide. Low-bush and Cultivated
Berkshire, Worcester and Valley counties,

Bees and Beekeeping

statewide,

Headquarters at Waltham

W. D. Tunis

Floriculture

Horticulture

eastern counties
cranberries)

statewide. Commercial Ornamental
statewide. Vegetables and Potatoes

Cultivated Small Fruits (except
eastern counties. Coordination of

Reports etc. from Waltham.

W. D. Whitcomb

W. J. Garland

Assistance in Tree Fruit, Small Fruit, Vegetable,
Floriculture and Commercial Ornwental Horticulture
programs eastern counties. Miscellaneous requests.

Miscellaneous requests and assistance in programs listed
under W. D. Whitcomb.

A number of areas or commodities are not accounted for in the above listing.
The following guide lines will be useful in these cases.

Cranberries

handled entirely by Cranberry Experiment Station Staff. Prof.
W. E. Tomlinson assists also in the programs for Cultivated
Blueberries.

Forestry and Christmas Trees program in this area carried out in cooperation

with W. B. Becker or the Experiment Station Staff at Amherst.
J. H. Noyes, Extension Forester and the Bureau of Insect Pest
Control, Department of Natural Resources and others. E. H. Wheeler
will aid in general coordination where this may be helpful.

Mosquitoes, Ticks, Flies etc. (Pests affecting health, comfort and recreation)

information available through staffs of the Department of Entomology
and Plant Pathology at Amherst or entomologists at Waltham Field
Station and Cranberry Experiment Station. Main responsibility
assumed by E. H. Wheeler in cooperation with other personnel at
Amherst and Waltham and associated with the State Reclamation
Board and several Mosquito Control Projects.

-6-

Shade Trees and Related Municipal Problems information available through

staffs of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology,
(especially the Shade Tree Laboratory) or entomologists at
Waltham Field Station, particularly C. S. Chater.

Structural and Other Home and Home Grounds Pest Problems joint responsibility

of staffs in entomology at Amherst, Waltham and East Wareham.

E. H. Wheeler will assist the general coordination of the program

where helpful.

---£. H. Wheeler

Professor of Entomology

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

STRAWBERRY PLANTING TIME

It will soon be time to plant many things including strawberries. The
standard practice in New England has been and still is to dig and set the plants
as early in the spring as the soil can be worked. Delaying the planting almost
always results in a reduced crop no matter how carefully the plants are handled.
Even if they are dug in very early spring and held in cold storage, the later
the plants are set, the smaller the crop.

Since not enough strawberries are raised in New England to satisfy the
demand, many plants have been shipped in from southern nurseries. In the past,
this has often been unsatisfactory because growth often starts before or during
shipment and all too frequently arrived in very poor condition. These shipping and
storage problems plagued the nurserymen who produced the plants as well as the
growers who purchased them. Often heavy losses were incurred because of
deterioration of plants in storage. Fortunately, new methods for packing and
storing strawberry plants are not only bringing solutions to these old problems
but also opening up possibilities for solutions to other problems in strawberry
growing.

The first change in strawberry plant storage methods was brought about by
the Introduction of polyethylene film. This film is somewhat permeable to gases
but not to water. This meant that carbon dioxide could diffuse out of a package
surrounded by this material and oxygen could pass in but water would be retained.
Therefore, plants could be packed in "poly" bags or crates lined with "poly" film
without the usual damp sphagnum or other moist material. This partly solved the
plant storage problem by providing vastly improved moisture control.

The second change was initiated by the discovery that dormant strawberry
plants can be stored at below freezing temperatures. If the plants are fully
dormant when dug, they can be stored at SG^F for several months without Injury.
If the temperature rises above freezing, molds are likely to develop. If it drops
below 28°F, the crowns may be injured by cold.

Thus, by digging when the plants are fully dormant and storing them at 30°F
in polyethylene containers or polyethylene lined containers, strawberry plants can
be held in storage for several months. These plants come out of storage in
excellent condition and make a vigorous growth when planted.

One of the benefits of this new method of storing is that plants in good
condition are available for setting any time of the year. In areas to the south
of us where the seasons are longer, this method of storing plants has been used
to very good advantage.

In Virginia stored plants set in mid-August have yielded as well as plants
dug and set in the spring. By setting the bed in August the grower saves much
labor in caring for the bed. This is particularly true in regard to weed control
since the period of germination of most of the worst weeds is past-

In southern California, the use of cold storage strawberry plants set in
August has made it possible to increase the early season portion of the crop when
prices are high.

How then will this benefit New England? At present the chief benefit
appears to be the possibility of obtaining plants in much better condition from
southern nurseries. Experimental evidence indicates that late planting in this
section is too uncertain.

In one year cold storage plants set in early June yielded as well as plants
set in early May. The June set plants v;e.ve thoroughly irrigated immediately after
setting and a prolonged and unusual rainy period followed so that the newly set
plants had unusually good conditions for growth. In another year cold storage '
plants set in mid-May, early June or late June yielded less than freshly dug plants
set in late April. In this experiment the later the plants were set the less the
yield.

Therefore, it appears that for those in New England who get their strawberry
plants from southern nurseries, the plants can arrive in excellent condition for
planting. Such plants should be set Immediately on arrival. Holding them after
arrival results in detcvtoracion. So far holding plants in cold storage for late
planting has produced uncertain results here and is not recommended.

John S. Bailey

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

MECHANIZATION FOR STRAWBERRY GROWING

The national conference on the strawberry held at Rutgers University,
New Brunswick, New Jersey January 24 and 25 was an extremely interesting and
successful conference. A wide variety of subjects were presented by research
workers from all over the United States and Canada. All the talks were concise
and to the point.

-8-

One group of talks which seemed especially timely was on labor-saving machinery,
Among these one discussion concerned a runner-cutting machine which has been
developed by a grower in Connecticut. This is a rather large machine and is drawn
behind a tractor and operated from the pov^er take-off. This machine appears quite
promising.

Several growers in the northwest have developed a picking machine which
resembles very closely the pickle pickers used in the Connecticut Valley. These
are simply long narrow moving platforms on which the pickers lay face down and
pick the berries as the platforms are moved slo\7ly across the field by a tractor.
A second smaller type of picker has been developed in which the pickers sit upright
in a frame over the row and pick between their legs as the machine is drawn slw^ly
across the field.

One of the most interesting developments in mechanization was shov^n by
Dr. Frank Gilbert of Wisconsin. A large grower in that state has almost completely
mechanized his operation except for picking which is done by the public. This
grower has gone so far as to have not only separate sprayers for weed control and
Insect and disease control, but has different types of sprayers which are best
adapted to each operation.

This Wisconsin grower is one of the few who have fully appreciated the
difference between spraying for weed control and spraying for insect and disease
control and has adapted his equipment to each job. Too frequently growers forget
that in weed spraying, rate of application and volume of material are extremely
important. They make up their spray material and then do "a very thorough job
of spraying". This usually results in an excessive application of the herbicide
with consequent Injury to the crop. It can't be emphasized too strongly that
spraying for weed control and spraying for insect and disease control are two
entirely different types of operations. Attempts to combine the two have usually
proved to be quite unsatisfactory.

John S. Bailey

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

LEAF ANALYSIS

High nitrogen level in Mcintosh orchards has been a consistent problem for
the last several seasons, even in a light crop year such as 1960. Treee which
have received the same fertilizer program for several years will have a nitrogen
level which is ,2 to .3 of a per cent lower in a light crop year than it is in a
heavy crop year.

Leaf Analyses of Mcintosh Orchards

Year

No. of
Samples

High Nitrogen

Per Cent of Samples With ;
Loft7 Potassium

Low Magnesium

1959

136

1960

1961

108

1962

151

46.3
36.7
50.0
48.0

15.4

10.2

5.6

19.2

38.2
9.2
8.3
9.2

It can be noted in the table that low potassium level was mora prevalent
this year than the two previous seasons. However, since the samples are not from
the same orchards each year, it is not feasible to interpret any trends. For
example, one might say the reason for the increase in percentage of samples with
low potassium in 1962 might be due to dry weather. On the other hand, rainfall
was ample in 1959 and low potassium levels were quite prevalent.

Leaf samples were obtained from 40 orchards ir 1962. In twenty-three of
these orchards growers used a complete fertilizer but 16 growers used no nitrogen
in some blocks. Some growers are not using nitrogen in an attempt to lower the
nitrogen level in the trees and thereby increase fruit firmness and color.
Growers attempting to lower the nitrogen level in their orchards should realize
that it may take two or more years for this to occur following reduced rates of
nitrogen application. On the other hand, a moderate nitrogen level should be
maintained.. Leaf analyses should be requested from county agents in order to
follow the effect of the fertilizer program adjustments.

William J. Lord

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

FRUIT NOTES

Propqrod by Pomology Stoff, Deportment of Horticulture

Cooperotive Extension Service, College of Agriculture

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

APRIL 10, 1963

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chemical Weed Control in the Orchard

Peach Tree Borer Control on Young Peach Trees

Pomological Paragraph

Reducing Load of Fruit on the Leader
of Trees on Moiling Rootstock

The Chemical Thinning of Apples in 1963

Winter Losses of Honey Bees

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Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, A. A. Spielman, 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 Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent. No. 44.

CHEMI CAL WEED CONTROL IN THE ORCHARD

The elimination of grass and weeds under fruit trees may materially aid
tree growth and mouse control. However, successful use of chemical weed killers
requires close attention to details. With chemical weed control it is necessary
to - read the label - follow the instructions - apply only on crops specified -
not apply more than the suggested amount - make applications only during suggested
seasons - and calibrate your sprayer to insure rate of application.

Sprayer Calibration

Calibration of the sprayer is as important as following the directions on
the chemical label. Overdosage can cause injury to trees. Speed of sprayer,
nozzle spacing, application rate and discharge rate per nozzle are the four
major factors to consider in calibrating a farm sprayer. Farm equipment dealers
can furnish information on sprayer calibration and proper nozzling.

If using a hand gun, the rate of discharge can be found by determining the
time required to fill a container of known gallonage. This procedure will enable
the grower to time the application for each tree.

If the amount of herbicide desired per acre is dissolved or suspended in
100 gallons of spray solution, then each gallon of spray solution should cover
the number of trees listed in Table 1. Note that the heading for the first column
is "distance sprayed from the middle of the trunk". This is an important
consideration when spraying around large trees one foot or more in diameter. The
number of square feet in the area three feet from the trunk of large trees is
greater than that within 3 feet from the trunk of small trees.

All pesticide chemicals mentioned in this publication are registered and
cleared for the suggested uses in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
Chapter 727, Acts of 1960, Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all
pesticides sold in Massachusetts be registered with the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health. Trade names, where used for clearness, do not indicate
endorsement nor imply that similar products are not satisfactory.

WARNING I MOST PESTICIDES ARE POISONOUS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS
AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON LABELS. HANDLE CAREFULLY AND STORE OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN, PETS AND LIVESTOCK.

■2-

Table 1. Number of trees to cover with 100 gallons or with 1 gallon of spray

solution when applying at the rate of 100 gallons per acre and spraying
the stated number of feet from the tree trunk on all four sides of the
tree.

Distance sprayed from
middle of the trunk

3 feet

4 feet

5 feet

6 feet

7 feet

8 feet

No. Trees/100 Gals.

Approx. No.

Trees/Gal.

Calculated

Calculate

Calculated

Cal

culated

as a square

as a circ

as a square

a circle

1210

1539

681

868

436

555

303

385

222

283

170

217
Equipment

1-3/4

Many of the herbicides used for weed control are wettable powders that form
suspensions rather than true solutions. If agitation is not sufficient, the
materials will settle out and result in a higher concentration of herbicides in
the bottom of the tank. This, in turn, could cause serious injury when the mixture
is applied around the trees.

Mechanical agitation cannot be provided as easily as jet agitation. Jet
agitators have been developed which can be connected to the pressure line between
the pump and the by-pass valve. The agitation consists of a head with three
orifices from which streams of spray solution are expelled. It is suspended by a
hose to the bottom of the tank where the expelled streams agitate the spray
suspension.

Herbic:fdes should not be applied with a high-pressure spray rig unless it
is modified. The equipment should have an operational pressure of 30 to 40
pounds per square inch. Low pressure and 1ot7 gallonage rates help avoid
forcing the spray into the soil - a common cause of herbicide injury.

There are two basic types of general farm sprayers - boomless and boom
equiped. Either of these is available with a variety of pumps and carriers and
can be tractor or trailer mounted. The boom sprayers in common use would have
to be modified for orchard grasF control because of the limited area to be covered.

He rbicid es

The chei lical weed control recommendations for 1963 are given in Table 2.
The table is for the convenience of the reader but the information -contained is
necessarily brief. For further information read the notes which sunriiarizes the
weed control trials conducted in 1962. The lower dosage rates given in the table
may result in satisfactory weed control and gives a greater margin of safety. For
the most satisfactory results apply the foliage-active herbicides when the grass
is 6-12 inches in height.

Table 2. Weed control recommendations for fruit trees - 1963

Crop

Herbicide and the
Amount/Acre on Area
Treated

Weeds Controlled

Remarks

Apples
Bearing

DALAPON 857, WP
(DCWPON) 5-10 lbs.

Perennial grasses

The 10 pound rate gave the
best control of grass of all
materials used in 1962. Does
not control annual weeds. It
is reported that Idared trees
are sensitive to DALAPON
(DOWPON).

DALAPON 857„ WP
(DOWPON) 5-10 lbs.
plus DIURON 807, WP
(KARMEX) 2-4 lbs.

Perennial grasses
and annual weeds

Do not use combination under
dwarf or semi-dwarf trees.

DALAPON 857, WP
(DOWPON) 5-10 lbs,
plus SIMAZINE 807,
WP 2-4 lbs.

Perennial grasses
and annual weeds

Safe to use on semi-dwarf
trees in addition to those
on seedling roots.

Non-bearing

DALAPON 857, WP
(DCWPON) 5-10 lbs,

Perennial grasses

The 10 pound rate gave the
best control of grass of all
materials used on non-bearing
trees in 1962. Does not
control annual weeds. Trees
should be at least 4 years of
age.

DALAPON 857, WP
(DCT'JPON) 5-10 lbs.
plus DIURON 807,
WP (KARMEX) 2-4
lbs.

DALAPON 857, WP
(DOWPON) 5-10
lbs. plus
SIMAZINE 807,
WP 2-4 lbs.

Perennial grasses
and annual weeds

Do not use combination under
dwarf or semi-dwarf trees.
Trees should be at least
4 years of age.

Perennial grasses
and annual weeds

Trees should be at least 4
years of age.

AMIZINE 7 lbs,

Perennial grasses Use on trees established one
and annual weeds year or more.

AMITROLE 50% WP
(WEEDAZOL or
AMINO TRIAZOLE)
4 lbs.

Perennial grasses
and annual weeds.
Poison Ivy

Use on trees established one
year or more. For best control
of poison ivy, apply during
June or July. A combination
AMITROLE (WEEDAZOL or AMINO
TRIAZOLE) with SIMAZINE or
DIUROM (KARMEX) will improve
the weed control. Do not use
the combination with DIURON
(KARMEX) on dwarf or semi-
dwarf trees.

AMITR0LE-T2 lbs./
gal. (CYTROL or
AMITROL-T) 1 gal.

Perennial grasses
and annual weeds.
Poison Ivy

For best control of poison ivy
apply during June or July. Use
on trees established one year
or more. A combination of
(AMITROLE-T (CYTROL or AMITROL-T)
with SIMAZINE or DIURON (KARMEX)
will improve the weed control.
Do not use the combination with
DIURON (KARMEX) on dwarf or
semi-dwarf trees.

Pears
Bearing

DALAPON (DOWPON) or DALAPON (DOWPON) plus DIURON (KARMEX) may be used
in bearing pear orchards. The recommendations for the use of these
materials are the same as those given for bearing apple trees.

Non-bearing

Peach
Bearing

DALAPON (DOWPON), DALAPON (DOWPON) plus DIURON (KARMEX), AMITROLE
(UEEDAZOL or AMINO TRIAZOLE) may be used in non-bearing pear orchards.
The recommendations for the use of these materials are the same as
those given for non-bearing apple orchards.

DALAPON (DOWPON) is labelled for use under bearing peach trees.
However, it should be used with care because peach trees are easily
injured with this material. Apply at rate of 5 pounds 857, WP per
acre on area treated.

-5-

I. DALAPON (DOWPON)

Dalapon applied at the rate of 10 pounds per acre gave the best grass control
of all the materials used in 1962. Although the control with 5 pounds of dalapon
was not as satisfactory, this rate gives a greater margin of safety because of the
tendency to overdose.

Good grass control v;as obtained in June and July when it was 18 to 24 inches
high. Although the grass was killed, it remained standing and constituted an ex-
cellent mouse cover. It is recommended that tall grass be mowed and allowed to
make 8-10 inches of regrowth prior to treatment.

When the sod cover is predominately grass, dalapon may be the only herbicide
necessary the first year of use. When weeds are present in the orchard, either
diuron or simazine can be added to the spray to control the seedling weeds that
might othen^ise move in where the grass was suppressed. Do not use the combina-
tion of dalapon and diuron on semi-dwarf or dwarf trees.

H. AMIZINE

Amizine is a mixture of simazine and amitrole. It has label clearance for
use in bearing apple orchards but must not be applied under trees after full
bloom. The label also states DO NOT ALLOW SPRAY ip CONTACT STEMS , FOLIAGE OR
TRUNKS OF TREES SPRAYE D. This is a serious limitation since it is difficult for
the grower to spray without accidental wetting of the trees. Therefore, it is
suggested that the use of amizine be limited to weed control under non-bearing
apple trees.

Amizine at the rate of 7 pounds per acre gave good grass control but failed
to suppress all broadleaf weeds - vetch and milkweed.

III. SIMAZINE

Simazine 857, WP at the rate of 4 pounds per acre failed to give satisfactory
control of grass in several trials conducted in 1962. The treatments were applied
during May and June under trees having well-established grasses. This time of
application was used because many orchardists apply herbicides in May and June.
Simazine should be applied as a pre-emergence treatment and is not effective
when used at the 4 pound rate on established and growing vegetation. The best
use of simazine in our orchards, v/hich are grov/n under the sod-mulch system of
culture, is in combination with a label-approved contact weed killer such as
dalapon. The combination should eliminate many weeds which are likely to take over
where the grass has been subdued. Simazine stunts but does not eliminate all
sorrel, vetch, dandelions and other weeds.

Trials have been established using Simazine under apple trees on October 15,
November 1 and as soon as the snow leaves the ground.

IV. GRANULAR SIMAZINE

Granular simazine has label clearance for use under non-bearing apple trees
at the rate of 50 to 75 pounds per acre. This material should be applied prior
to v;eed emergence.

Some growers have obtained good control of established grass and weeds
vrith granular simazine applied in May. It is the writer's opinion that the
granular simazine was applied under the non-bearing apple trees at a rate in
exfcess to that recommended. In trials conducted in 1962, granular simazine
applied at the rate of 75 pounds per treated acre failed to control grass.

Trials have been established using granular simazine under apple trees on
October 15, November 1 and as soon as the snow leaves the ground.

V. DIURON (KARMEX)

Diuron at the rate of four pounds per acre gave varying degrees of orchard
weed control in several trials conducted in 1962. The treatments were applied
during May and June under trees having xtoII -established grasses. This liming
was used because many orchardists apply herbicides in May and June.

Diuron 'ill not give satisfactory control of deep-rooted grasses or well-
established annual weeds consistently. These weeds should be removed prior
to treatment. Since most of our apple orchards are in sod, the best use of
diuron is in combination with dalapon. Dalapon controls grasses bvit has no
practical effect on other weeds. T'le combination will control grass and
eliminate or dwarf many weeds which are likely to take over where the grass
has been subdued. Diuron stunts but does not eliminate all sorrel, vetch,
dandelions and other weeds.

Trials have been established using diuron under apple trees on October 15,
November 1 and as soon as the snow leaves the ground.

William J. Lord

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Peach Tree Borer Control on Young Peach Trees

Successful control of peach tree borers by a preplanting treatment was re-
ported in an article published in the June 1962 issue of the Journal of Economic
Entomology , by E. H. Smith of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station
at Geneva. Since control measures are often omitted on young trees until they
come into bearing, this simple method of treatment before planting should be of
great value, especially, if new trees are planted among older ones which can
serve as a source of infestation.

The treatment consists of dipping tho, roots and the basal portion of the
trunk in a v;ater suspension of 5 to 10 pounds of 50?/, endosulfan (Thiodan)
v/ettable pov/der per 100 gallons. V.'ettable powder formulations r'^quire constant
agitation. Although the results reported were based on dipping individual trees,
presumably bundles of 10 to 25 trees could be dipped at one time. After treat-
ment the trees were air dried before planting.

Both the 5 and 10 pound rate gave complete control of borers during the
first growing season. There was no evidence of chemical injury to the roots or
trunks hy either rst-^ under New York conditions. Since the Iwwr rate gives
complete control, there appears to be little reason for using the higher rate.

Control measures against the borers in subsequent years will require trunk
sprays which should be applied to coincide with hatching of the earliest eggs.
(Usually early to mid-july.)

---H. E. V.'ave

Department of Entomology and
Plant Pathology

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH

Reducing Load of Fruit on the Leader of Trees on Mailing Rootstock

Growers should avoid allowing too many fruit to develop on the leader of
trees on Mailing VII rootstock when they start to bear. This was evident in an
orchard of 4-year Red Delicious and Mcintosh on E. Mailing VII this past month.
Some of the leaders were arched toward the ground and in a few instances were
broken off because of the t^eight of the previous crop.

William J. Lord

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

TH E CHEMICAL THINI^IIIG OF APPLE S IN 1963

This spring we anticipate a somewhat heavier bloom and potential crop on
many of our Mcintosh trees than existed in 1962. The situation with other varieties
is less clear-cut and v/ill vary as usual from orchard to orchard.

Our experimental results of the past 3 years indicate that Sevin is an excel-
lent thinner for Mcintosh and Delicious when applied from one to three weeks after
petal fall. In fact, it seems to be as good or better than NAD or NAA for Mcintosh
thinning and the best choice for Delicious at rates of 0.5 to 1.0 lb. (50% W.P.)
per 100 gallons. Sevin has no visible harmful influence on the foliage at these
concentrations and its chances of overthinning are minimal. It seems to be the
safest thinning material we've ever used on these two varieties. In addition, it
has about the same capacity to induce annual flowering as other thinning materials
when the degree of thinning vjith these materials is comparable.

-8-

Sevin is not the complete ansv/er for thinning all varieties, however. It's
a very mild thinner and for this reason will not reduce the set of heavy setting
Early Jlclntosh and IJealthy trees sufficiently by itself. For such varieties it
may be necessarj-^ to use Sevin once or twice during the period from petal fall to
7 to 10 days later and then follow up with an NAD or NAA application after another
7 to 10 days elapse. Also, Sevin may not thin Golden Delicious appreciably or
Bald^i?in as well as MAD or NM.

Our 1963 revision, of Special Circular 189, Chemical Thinning of Apples is
now available through your County Extension Service or by writing to the Mailing
Room, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. This circular contains
our suggestions for the use of NAD, NAA and Sevin as thinning agents on most of our
commercial apple varieties.

F. W. Southwick

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

WINTER LOSSES 0. ? HONEY BEES

The winter of 1962-63 is considered to be the most severe in many year.
Some concern has been expressed relative to the effects of the V7inter on honey
beec .

Actual data at this time are fragmentary and somewhat variable. In Vermont,
heavy winter Tcss is anticipated. Pennsylvania reports that colony losses in the
central part of the state will be rather hi£;h. In New York, apparently colonies
are wintering well in spite of the fact that they have not been able to have good
cleanr3ing flights.

Data from Massachusetts indicate that losses will be above average. One
beekeeper in Worcester Coun:y reports a 5 per cent loss of his own bees but a 25
per cent loss in the apiary of a friend. From personal observations and
conversations with beekeepers in various parts of the state, I would anticipate
from 10 to 30 per cent winter loss, in other words above average losses are
anticipated.

The problem is intensified by the lateness of spring. As of March 27 in
Amherst, I have observed no bees bringing in pollen even though colonies have
had good flight on several days. This v/ould lead me to suspect that colony build'
up may be slower than normal and that colonies may dwindle in strength if they
cannot replace the old bees that have over^-rintered.

It \70uld seen advisable for fruit grovrers, v/ho depend on rented bees for
pollination, to contact in the near future the beekeepers who provide colonies in
order to make certain that sufficient bees for pollination will be available.

Those who ovm their own colonies would do v7oll to check colony condition
to make sure the colonies are alive and vzell provided with honey anil pollen. If

colonies appear to be light in weight, they can be fed. For complete directions
on spring care of bees, Massachusetts Extension Service Leaflet 148 - BEECEEPING
is available,

F. R. Shaw

Dept. Ent. fit Pi. Path.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

FRUIT NOTES

Prepored by Pomology Staff, Department of Horticulture

Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture

University of Mossochusetts, Amherst

MAY 8, 1963

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chemical Weed Control in Small
Fruit Plantings

Approved Farm Stand Meeting

Pesticides vs. Honey Bees

Pomological Paragraph

A New and Safer Superior Oil for
Fruit Trees

X-Disease of Peach

M/l

'%■

K-U

-^^

Issued by the Cooperative Extension Service, A. A. Spielman, 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 Alfred C. Holland, State Pta-chasing Agent, No. 44.

GIIEIIICAL WEED CONTROL I N bllAL L FIIUIT PLANTIIIGS

Chemical weed control is the newest of v;eed control methods and is undergoing
rapid changes as new materials are introduced. Therefore, this discussion will
be limited to chemical methods. For a fuller discussion of x^eed control in small
fruit plantings, see Fruit Notes for June 1962.

Before using chemicals, several important points should be considered.
Fir St , chemicals cannot entirely replace cultivation, at least not with such
crops as strawberries and raspberries. Especially for the strawberry, the soil
needs to be kept in a friable condition for the prompt and rapid rooting of
runner plants. Seco nd, chemicals, like a sharp knife, can be a great help if
properly used; improperly used they may result in severe injury. Third, spraying
with weed killers is entirely different from spraying with fungicides or insecti-
cides. With the latter, one makes up a mi;:ture of the proper strength and sprays
until the plant and foliage are thoroughly covered v;ithout particular regard to
the amount of the spray mixture applied. On the other hand, recommendations for
the application of herbicides are usually based on so many pounds or so many
gallons of the commercial material, or so many pounds of actual active ingredient,
per acre. Therefore, it is very unwise to get careless about amounts where
chemicals are being applied for weed control. The equipment used should be cali-
brated so that the required amount can be applied fairly accurately. The County
Agricultural Agent or equipment manufacturers can usually furnish the information
needed for this calibration. Fourth, use of chemicals on food products is
strictly regulated by law. These laws are for the protection of both the producer
and consumer. To be released for sale and use, a chemical must be approved by the
United States Department of Agriculture as not injurious to the crop and by the
Federal Food 6c Drug Administration as not hazardous to human health. The use of
a chemical has to be approved for each kind of plant to which it is applied.
In many cases this use is limited to a certain region of the country. Also, rates
of application and timing are specified. Therefore, it is extremely important
that the user of any chemical for weed control on or around fruit plants read the
container label very carefully and follow its directions precisely.

WARNING: MOST PESTICIDES ARE POISONOUS. READ AND FOLLOT ALL DIRECTIONS
AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON LABELS. HANDLE CAREFULLY AND STORE
OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN, PETS AND LIVESTOCK.

FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

Avoid contaminating streams, lakes and ponds with insecticides.

NOTE

All pesticide chemicals mentioned in this publication are registered and
cleared for the suggested uses in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
Chapter 727, Acts of 1960, Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all pesti-
cides sold in Massachusetts be registered with the Massachusetts Department of
Public Health. Trade names, where used for clarity, do not indicate endorsement
nor imply that similar products are not satisfactory.

-2-

Strawberries

Sesone (SES) has been recommended for the control of summer weeds in straw-
berries for a number of years. If used according to directions, it is a fairly
good weed killer and is very unlikely to damage the strawberry plants. This
chemical is in an inactive form when applied to the soil. It must be changed to
the active form by bacteria before it becomes effective. Furthermore, it is
effective against germinating seeds and very small weeds only. After the weed
seedlings become 1/4 of an inch tall or more, Sesone is not effective.

To obtain the best results with Sesone, the field should be thoroughly cul-
tivated and hoed to eliminate all weeds i.mmediately before application. Because
of the necessity for bacterial action to make Sesone active, the soil should be
at a moisture content suitable for a good seed bed. If the soil is very dry and
there is no rain for several days, it may be necessary to irrigate in order to
make Sesone effective.

The usual rates of application for Sesone are 2 pouvids per acre on very
light soils, 2-1/2 pounds per acre on light soils, 3 pounds per acre on medium
soils, and 4 pounds per acre on heavy soils. For small areas, one level teaspoon-
ful for 150 square feat equals one pound per acre.

Since newly set strawberry plants are sensitive to Sesone, it is safest to
wait two to three weeks after planting before making the first application.
Applications made while runner plants are rooting may cause temporary injury and
"delay in the rooting process. When Sesone is used during the bearing year, avoid
undesirable residue by not making applications later than one week before picking
begins.

2,4-D was one of the first of the modern weed killers used on strawberries
and looked very promising for a time. Hox^ever, it was soon found that it could
seriously upset runner growth if applied during the period of runner development.
Furthermore, if it is applied during fruit bud formation or at any time when
there are flowers or fruit on the plants, the result is small misshapen berries.
Therefore, the periods when 2,4-D can be used are quite restricted. Probably its
greatest usefulness is in assisting to clean up the bed after the first crop where
the bed is to be renovated and a second crop produced. The recommended rate is
1 to 1-1/2 pounds of actual 2,4-D acid equivalent per acre.

Chloro-IPC (GIPC) is useful for the control of fall and winter weeds, par-
ticularly chickweed. This is a material which can be extremely helpful if used
properly but can do serious harm if not used according to directions. First, it
should never be used until the strawberry plants have become dormant. This is
usually the middle of November or later. Second, it should never be used in
excess of recommended rates. Although it has been cleared for use at rates up to
3 pounds per acre, it is felt that under Massachusetts conditions 1 pound per acre
is much safer.

There are several of the dinitros wh:Lcl\ Iv.v,' been cleared and can be used
for the control of fall and winter weod^ in s trawbcvries but In i iassacnusetts
these are generally Icgs effectivi. than Chloro-IPJ. i.'hese materials are not
selective and act by killing the tops of plants. jjecause of this "burning" action,
they are much more effective on warm sunny days tiian on cold days. Li'-c JIPC,
they must be applied after the strax^7bL;rl■i■:3 become dormant. oince Virarin, sunny
days are not plentiful after mid-ijovember , the i.isefulucss of these nvt'rials is
limited. Since there arc several formuj.ati'jns of tliese materials, ii- is wise to
follow very closely the manufacturer's directions as to rate of application.

Dacthal is the most recent materia] to be cleared for weed control in straw-
berries. Like Sesonc, it appears to be more effective when applied to a weed
free soil. In Ohio satisfactory results followed four applications made in a
single season at rates of 4 to 6 pounds active ingredient per acre. Summer
applications have some carry-over effect into the fall for controlling chickweed
and other fall weeds. Late October or early Jovember applications were found to
be very effective in controlling fall and winter weeds. During 1962 Dactlial
looked promising both in grower and experimental trials.

Blueberries

Diuron has been cleared for use as a weed killer in blueberries at the rate
of 2 pounds per acre. It is most effective when applied to a weed-free soil in
early spring. In no case should it be applied vrithin 60 days of harvest. Diuron
is quite effective against most annual broadleaf weeds and grasses but is much
less effective against the deep-rooted perennials.

Chloro-IPC has also been cleared for use around cultivated blueberries up to
a total of 12 pounds per acre applied during the dormant season. Since this is
essentially a grass and chickweed killer and can be used only during the dormant
season, its usefulness is limited.

2,^^-0 up to 3 pounds per acre has also been cleared for use on cultivated
blueberries but care should be e::ercised not to get it on the leaves of the
plants. Since its use is limited to fall application and it is effc^ctive only
against broadleaf weeds, its use in blueberries is also limited.

Raspberries

Only two materials have been cleared for we 'd control in raspberries in the
Northeast. 2,4-D can be used to control broadleaf weeds since mature canes are
quite resistant to it. However, care should be e::ercised to use a directed spray
and not to use it at a time when the grov/ing tins of the new canes will be sprayed.
It may be applied at the rate of 1 pound actual acid equivalent per acre.

Chloro-IPC, as x. />':^

'A mil

■■V--'/A

-^^

U.ued by the Cooperative Extension Service. A. A. Spielman, Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30. 1914-
University of Massachusetts. United States Bepartment of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperatine
Publication Approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent, No. 44.

ANNUAL SUMl'IER MEETIMG
of the
MASSACHUSETTS FRUIT GROWERS' ASSOCIATIOI
ill Cooperation wiih Lhe
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

Orchard of Arthur D. Bishop, Shelburae, Mass.
Thursday, July 25, 1963

Program

10:00 A.M. Tour of orchards - Arthur D. Bishop, Guide. Items of special

interest include: Young Mcintosh and Delicious on Malus robusta II,
five hardy stocks, and EM VII; weed control and tree mulch plots.

12:00 NOON Lunch - Sandwiches, dessert and cold drinks will be on sale.

1:30 P.M. Important Production and Marketing [rends in the Apple Industry,
Dr. A. B. Burrell, Peru, New York.

2:15 P.M. Some Factors to Consider for Late Storage of Apples.
Dr. F. W. Southwick, University of Massachusetts.

2:A5 P.M. Crop Prospects for 1963.

Mr. A. Warren Clapp, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture.

3:00 P.M. Apple Promotion Opportunities and Materials.

Mr. Rockwood Berry, New York and New England Apple Institute,

3:15 P.M. Late Season Insect Control.

Drs. H. E. Wave and E. H. Wheeler, University of Massachusetts,

How to get there: Mohawk Trail (Route 2) to Shelburne Center, which is approxi-
mately 3 miles east of Shelburne Falls, At Shelburne Center
road sign turn south and follow "M.F.G.A. Field Meeting"
signs to Bishop's Orchard.

CRITICAL FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN AUTOMATING
CONTROL OF THE ATMOSPHERE IN C-A STORAGE OF APPLES

Recently, there have appeared on the market, at least two units designed to
generate or to control the atmosphere for C-A storages. In evaluating these units
for possible installation in existing C-A rooms or in new construction, the
following critical factors may provide basis for a decision.

The potential advantages of automating the control of the C-A process are
mainly: a savings in labor costs; an increase in reliability; and an operating
advantage, in being able to open the C-A room, unload a portion of the produce
stored, and then close the C-A room and operate again. The control pattern with
these new units may show less variation than with manual control, but the
quantitative improvement in fruit quality as a result has not been established.

CA PROCESS HAS BEEN BIOLOGICAL. WITH MANUAL CONTROL

With the CA process, as it is known today, generation of the atmosphere
has been achieved primarily by biological means, with chemical absorption towers
to aid in the control of the excess CO2 *nd nitrogen gas as an aid in reducing
•xygen level to operating conditions. The atmospheric composition has been con-
trolled manually by the operator on the basis of an Orsat analysis.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECHANIZATION AND AUTOMATION OF CA

Application of time clocks to program CO2 towers or to program addition
•f nitrogen or outside air, represents some mechanization but no t automat ion
since self control of the process is not possible by simple mechanization.

Indicator-controllers or recorder-controllers with sensing and control
capabilities for humidity, oxygen level, and CO2 level have been available for
some time but their application to automatically control the CA process has been
slew due to high initial cost. However, these instruments require periodic
calibration, which is usually against an Orsat analysis or a mixture of purchased
gases of known composition.

LIMITED AUTOMATION OF CA PROCESS ALREADY ACHIEVED

Of the variables that require control for the CA process (CO2 level, O2
level, humidity and temperature), temperature control has already been automated
and in a well designed refrigeration system humidity control is inherent.
Therefore, any further automation of control must deal with the variables of
CO2 and O2 levels.

"COME-DOWN" AND "OPERATING" PERIODS IN CA

There are two distinct periods in the operation of a CA storage; the period
commonly referred to as the "come-down" when the O2 level drops from approximately
217, to 3% and the CO2 level increases to 5% (for Mcintosh); and the period
commonly referred to as the "operating" period, when the atmosphere is maintained

-2-

at a. relatively constant composition. Requirements to automate these two periods
are different and it should be recognized that the commercial units presently
available attempt to generate the required atmosphere as needed or in excess,
thus reducing the requirement for relative gas tight room. However, a certain
degree of gas tightness is still required and lower operating costs are achieved
with a tighter room.

If one generates the required atmosphere, instead of achieving it biologJcally
one is attempting to gain a fruit quality advantage from a rapid O2 drop. If one
generates the atmosphere in excess, he minimizes the need for automatic controls,
since the atmosphere generator components can be progranmied with time clocks or
other devices, although this makes lowest cost operation difficult. The advantage
in rapid O2 drop has not been substantiated at this station in studies over
three seasons. However, a rapid O2 drop has some operating advantage in that a
CA room could be opened, partially unloaded and then operated again as CA,

John W. Zahradnlk

Agricultural Engineering Department

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH

New Publication s Available

The following publications have recently been printed and are available by
writing to the Mailing Room, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Raspberry Growing. Extension Leaflet 48. Revised May, 1963.

Controlling Weeds in Small Fruit Plantings with Chemicals. Special Circular
215. April, 1963.

Out of Storage Movement and Prices of Mcintosh Apples in Massachusetts.
Publication 388. January, 1963.

---William J. Lord

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

DAMAGE TO BAGGED McINTOSH APPLES IN SHIPPING CONTAINERS

BY IMPACT

Shipping tests conducted with Starr apples by F . A. Perkins in New Jersey
have shown that placement of the bags within a master carton materially affects
the quality of the fruit. Less damage to apples occurred when twelve, 4-pound
bags were laid horizontally in two tiers as compared to that occurring in a

-3-

contalner holding twelve pounds of apples vertically in a single tier. Perkins
concluded that much of the severe damage on Starr apples was caused by impacts
during handling and trucking the apples and not the result of minor vibrations
which nemally occur in transportation of the fruit.

The study reported below was undertaken to study the relationship between
bag placement in master cartons and mechanical damage caused by impacts, where
the damage occurs, and how it may be reduced.

Method of Study

All mechanical damage on composited samples of Mcintosh apples was encircled
with a Btarking pencil prior to the study. The apples were then jumble-packed in
3 pound capacity polyethylene bags.

The standard procedure of many Massachusetts growers bagging apples is to
place 2-\ inch and up diameter apples in the bags. Therefore, in two tests
random sized apples were bagged. In another test uniform sized apples were used
in comparison to these of random size.

Two types of master containers were used in the study. A fibreboard carton
designed to hold twelve 3 pound bags vertically in a single tier. The interior
•f this carton was divided by non-test C Flute corrugated partitions into 12
vertical cells for additional protection of the apples. The second fibreboard
master carton was designed to hold twelve 3 pound bags with 4 bags laid horizon-
tally per layer in 3 layers. A non-test C Flute corrugated pad was placed between
the bottom and middle and the middle and top layers of apples. Additional
protection was provided by non-test C Flute corrugated partitions which separated
the bags in each partition.

In one trial, the effectiveness of a non-test C Flute corrugated partition
and ^ inch thick Ethafoam pad (expanded polyethylene product of the Dew Chemical
Company, Midland, Michigan) as a means of reducing bruise damage was tested.

The filled containers were dropped 3 times from a height of 12 inches to a
wooden floor by a mechanical drop-impact tester. After treatment, the apples
were allowed to remain at room temperature for 48 hours to allow the bruised
areas to darken. All the fruit in the test were examined for stem punctures and
bruises.

Results

In 4 trials, the number of % and 3/4 inch diameter bruises was less in
cartons with horizontal bag placement than in those with vertical placement
(Table 1).

-h

Table 1, Mechanical damage to Mcintosh apples In cartons holding twelve 3 pound
bags vertically in a. single layer in comparison to damage occurring on
apples in cartons with four 3 pound bags laid horizontally in each of
three layers. Cartons dropped 3 times from a height of 12 inches.

Number

of Brul

ses

Avg. Brui

sed

Apples WitV

Trial

Bag Placement

Apples

3/4"

I'V

Area/fru

Stem

PunctuTi

1961

sq. in.

1«

Vertical

439

295

139

.3060

■\

110

Horizontal

445

219

.2635

Vertical

720

488

198

.2909

193

Horizontal

720

293

.1328

143

1962

Vertical

720

311

184

.2282

112

Horizontal

720

204

.1397

114

Vertical

720

313

164

.2131

119

Horizontal

720

177

.0954

108

*Trial 1; 4 cartons per treatment,

''Trial 2; 6 cartons per treatment,

*^Trial 3; 5 cartons per treatment,

*^Trial 4; 5 cartons per treatment,
10.8 pounds.

Average fruit size 2.93. Flesh firmness - 10.6 pounds.

Average fruit size 2.84. Flesh firmness - 10.9 pounds,

Average fruit size 2.65. Flesh firmness - 10.9 pounds.

All fruit between 2.60-2.70 inches. Flesh firmness

The bag placement had no consistent influence on the number of 1 inch bruises and
the number of apples with stem punctures.

The apples used in trial 3 were sized prior to bagging so that each bag
contained a similar number of various size fruit. The sizes ranged from 2.30-
3.00 inches and averaged about 2.65 inches. The fruit used in trial 4 were from
the same let of composited apples as in trial 3 but were of uniform size (2.60-
2.70 inches in diameter). The data in Table 1 show that with the exception of
1 inch bruises for the horizontal bag placement the amount of mechanical damage
to the uniform sized fruit did not differ from that on random sized fruit.

More Bruising in Bottom of Cartons

The apples in the bottom of the cartons are subject to severe bruising from
the impact of dropping. This is particularly noticeable with the horizontal bag
placement since most of the serious damage occurs on the apples in the bottom
layer of bags. The data obtained in Trial 1 is used as an illustration of this
point (Table 2).

Table 2. Mechanical damage to Mcintosh apples by layers In four cartons with four
3-pound bags laid horizontally in each of three layers and dropped three
times from a height of 12 inches.

Layer Apples

Number of Bruises

T7V' 172^^ 3W' F

No.

Top

145

Middle

150

Bottom

150

Avg. Brui

sed

Apples With

Area/Fru

Stem Punct.

Sq. In.

No,

.1571»

32*

.1969*

31*

.5252^

30*

100** 70* 3* 3*
96* 62* 20* 5*
84* 87* 57b 41b

♦Figures with same letter do not differ significantly.

Bagged Mcintosh apples in the bottom layer of the cartons with horizontal
bag placement had significantly mere 3/4 inch and 1 inch diameter bruises and
total bruised area than the upper two layers. There was no significant difference
ia the damage to the apples in the top and middle layers. The number of stem
punctured apples did not differ significantly between the three layers.

The surface of 90 per cent of the apples in contact with the container bottom
was bruised with 30 per cent being 1 inch in diameter or larger.

Additional Protection Reduces Bruising

A pad of 1/4 inch Ethafoam or a corrugated partition placed on the bottom of
mister cartons, holding four 3-pound bags in each of three layers, reduced the
Incidence of 1 inch diameter bruises and the average bruised area (Table 3) .

Table 3. The effect of additional protection against mechanical damage from impact
to Mcintosh apples in twelve 3-pound bags in four cartons with four 3-
pound bags laid horizontally in each of three layers. The cartons were
dropped three times from a height of 12 inches.

Protection

Apples

Iven Bottom

No. of
Cartons

No. of
Apples

Number of

Bruises

Avg. Bruised
Area/Fruit

w/Stem

of Carton

1/4"

1/2"

3/4"

Punct.

Sq. In.

No.

one

445

280**

219*

85*

49*

.2930*

93*

orr. Pad

431

234*

196*

67*

25b

.2294b

106*

" Ethafoam

435

210*

165*

56*

.1741^

95*

Figures with same letter do not differ significantly.

The only bruises found on the apples surfaces in contact with the Ethafoam
were three ^-inch bruises. However, Ethafoam probably is too expensive for grower
use as a means of reducing impact damage.

Tha number of apples with stem punctures was not influenced by the treatments.

-6-

Suimnary

)

Bagced Mcintosh apples In master containers are serleusly bruised when the ^
apples are trapped. This study showed that horizontal bag placement In comparison
to vertical placement will reduce bruising caused by impact.

The apples in the bottom of the cartons are subject to severe bruising from
the Impact of dropping. This Is particularly noticeable with the horizontal bag
placement since most of the serious damage occurs to the apples in the bottom layer
of bags .

The use of pads as a means of increased protection to the bottom layer of
fruit reduced bruising.

---William J. Lord
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH

Storage Holdings

A record has been kept of the Apple Storage Holdings on October 15 and
November 1 from 1933 through 1962 in Massachusetts and of the New England and
New York CA Holdings from 1956 through 1962. A copy of this information may be
obtained from the Editor of Fruit Notes.

---William J. Lord

I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I

BORON FOR PEACH TREE^

It would appear that boron should not be applied to peaches unless a real
deficiency occurs. Boron deficiency sjmiptoms in the peach are characterized by
failure of both leaf and flower buds to "break" normally when spring growth
starts. The buds remain alive until full bloom and turn brown and die. Stem
tissue may appear normal for two or three weeks after the buds die.

We have no evidence of boron toxicity occurring in Massachusetts peach orchards.
However, reports from North Carolina and New Jersey indicate that the peach is more
sensitive to excessive applications of borax than the apple.

In North Carolina annual applications of 1/8 and 1/4 pound of borax per tree
were made to Georgia Belle peach trees. Fruit from trees receiving the 1/4 pound 1
rate was characterized by earlier ripening, a reduction in red coloration, insipid ■
fruit flavor, and a softer more mealy texture. The 1/8 pound rate per tree
appeared to be close to the maximum tolerance of the trees.

In New Jersey 3/4 pound of borax per tree hastened fruit maturity, fruit
flavor was flat and insipid and fruit was poorly colored with many split pits.

Tree symptoms of excess boron are characterized by witherin;^ and dying back
of terminal shoots in mid and late season, small can' er areas along the shoots,
rough bark, prominent lenticels, excessive development of lateral shoots which
gives a bushy type growth,

Walter D. Weeks

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

RESPONSE OF RASPBERRIES TO THE WINTER OF 1962-63

As is Indicated In the following table, there was very little winter injury
to the raspberry plants in our variety planting at Amherst. None of the injury
was of commercial significance as normal heading-back of the canes would
eliminate most of the Injured wood.

Estimate of Cane Killing of Raspberries 1962-63

7o of Cane Killed

7= of Cane Killed

Canby
Comet
Durham
Early Red
Gatineau
Lake Geneva
Latham
Madawaska

10.0

Milton

2.0

Muskoka

2.0

0.0

New Hampshire

1.0

2.0

N.H. #56-2

2.0

September

1.0

2.0

Sumner

3.0

1.0

Thames

2.0

0.0

Success

2,0

•-James F. Anderson

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

Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 1963

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Compressor Low-Side Control Adjustment for
High Relative Humidity in CA Rooms

Pomological Paragraph

Report Storage Holdings Promptly

Scold Control for 1963

Pomological Paragraph

Large Apples Have No Place in Polyethylene Bags

The Harvest and Storage of Delicious Apples

Warning

A Labor Saver

//'

•-^?^=^

?X-'/a

-cyquin treated to retard spoilage '
The letter ing mu st be as larg e a s other grade labels .

D PA (diphenylam ine )

This material will be sold as a 55% and 837 formulation. Except for a few
varieties that are somewhat susceptible to DPA injury it should be applied at
the rate of 2000 ppm. (2 pounds of the 83% or 3 pounds of the 55% formulation).
Solutions for use on Rome Beauty and Baldwin should be reduced to 1000 ppm. (1
pound of the 83% or 1 1/2 pounds of the 55% formulation) to reduce the chances
of injury to the fruit. The residue tolerance is 10 ppm. This material is
generally m ore effective for sc ald control th an any other known chemical method
on most va rieties .

a . Preharv est DPA Spra ys

In Massachusetts tests dilute (IX) sprays have been nearly as effective as
post-harvest treatments. The fruit must be harvested within 36 hours following
treatment to be effective, however. Thorough coverage of the fruit surface must
be obtained. Do not apply sprays when temperatures are 80°? or higher. Do not
make repeat applications with DPA unless a heavy rain occurs between a tree
application aad harvest. Apply DPA separately as a dilute (IX) spray.

b. Post-Harvest DPA Treatments

Keep the suspension well agitated. A 100 gallon batch can be expected to
treat 1000 bushels of fruit. Excellent drainage of excess DPA suspensions is
necessary to avoid collection of liquid material around the fruit in the bottom
of containers when crate or bin-dipping, spraying or flooding is practiced.
Those who work with DPA should use rubber gloves and avoid inhaling the DPA
dust. DPA can be applied to fruit wraps and used for scald control by those
interested in wrapping each apple. This chemical has no apparent ripening action
on stored apples. A ll fruit treated after harvest must have a label on the
shipping container stating, "Tr eated with diphenylamine to retard spoilage" in
letters as large as the grade labels used on the package .

-4-

varietal suggestions
M cintosh

Results of the past 5 years at Amherst show that Mcintosh placed in CA
storage will not scald appreciably through April. This statement is predicated
on the assumption that the fruit is picked at a flesh firmness of 15 to 17
pounds (Magness -Taylor tester with 7/16 inch head), moved from the orchard to
storage within 24 hours and cooled to 32°F promptly. CA storage may not always
control scald on this variety indefinitely but only delay the time of its
appearance. Consequently, some scald may develop on some lots of CA Mclrt osh
in May or June which were entirely free from it earlier. It is suggested that
DPA, if used at all on Mcintosh, be applied only to those lots of fruit held
into May and June.

Scald on regular cold storage Mcintosh is generally not a problem until
after January at which time the bulk of this fruit should have been sold. Our
results with DPA or Stop-Scald have not been outstanding for controlling
scald on Mcintosh held beyond January in regular cold storage.

CORTLAND

In contrast to Mcintosh, CA storage often increases the severity of scald
on Cortland in comparison to regular cold storage. Cortland keep.'> exceedingly
well in CA (same requirements as Mcintosh) except for scald. Therefore, chemical
treatment with scald inhibitors is a necessity if Cortland are to be stored in
CA or beyond January 1 in regular cold storage. DPA is distinctly superior to
Stop-Scald on this variety. In years when mean temperatures are well above
average for 6 weeks or so before harvest, even DPA may not control this disorder
adequately. However, DPA may be expected to provide sufficient scald control in
most years so that Cortland may be considered for trial in commercial CA rooms.

DELICIOUS

Results obtained with this variety indicate that CA may reduce scald on
Delicious sometimes but the reduction may not be great enough to eliminate the
need for scald control chemicals in some years. This variety is so valuable
that DPA is suggested for fruit (particularly the early picked, less mature
fruit) placed in CA or to be stored beyond January 1 in regular cold storage.

ROME

During the past two seasons CA storage alone has provided commercial scald
control on the Romes harvested after October 10. However, DPA is suggested at
1000 ppm. (1 pound of the 837, or 1.5 pounds of the 557. formulation) as a
preharvest treatment (since 2000 ppm. may occasionally cause some fruit injury)
to Romes held in regular cold storage beyond January regardless of when they
were picked. Stop-Scald is probably more suitable than DPA as a post-harvest
treatment for Rome since it controls scald well and is less apt to injure the
fruit than DPA. Work from other areas indicate that the suggestions given for
the chemical treatm ent of ^ome appl y equally well to Baldwin .

F. W. Southwick

I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I

- J-

POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH

Large Apple s Have No Place in Polyethylene Bags

At a. recent Marketing Committee Meeting of the Massachusetci Fruit Growers
Association there was a discussion of how to handle large size apples, especially
Mcintosh. After considerable talk by committee members who arc pickers and after
seeing and hearing reports by Fred Cole and Bill Lord (See Table below) it was
unanimously agreed that 3" Macs do not belong in poly bags. Tn.-j- bruise, break
down and generally discourage repeat sales for Macs.

The best solutions offered were cell cartons or overwrap trays. However,
in the case of the trays, it was urj^ed that packers remember that overwrapping is
expensive, the apples are brought for eating out of hand, and that Mrs. Consumer
expects to pay more for them; thertifore, nothing should happen to down-grade
the fruit in these packages.

The following table from a recent study by F. E. Cole and W. J. Lord
(Selling Apples to Retail Food Stores - Publication 380) substantiates the
statements above.

Table 1. Relationship between fruit size of Mcintosh apples in retail stores and
per cent of apples below U. S. No. 1 grade because of bruises, November
and December 1960.

Size (In c hes)

Over 3 inch
3 inch
2 3/4 inch
2 1/2 inch
2 1/4 inch

Per Cent
i_n Grade
■ 36.4%
46.8%
50.2%
60.3%
78.5%

Per Cent of
Apples Below
Grade Because

of Bruises

85.7%
67 . 1%
63 . 2%
51.0%
35.0%

— Marketing Committee

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

THE HARVEST AND STORAGE OF DELICIOUS APPLES

Water core and internal breakdown of Delicious apples was a major problem
during the 1962-1963 storage season. Because of the prevalence of water core
at harvest, some growers did not hold some lots of Delicious for late storage.
As the storage season progressed, it became apparent that these growers made a
wise decision and avoided considerable financial loss.

The disappearance of water core and the occurrence of internal breakdown
appears to be related to the severity of water core at harvest. In 1926,
Brooks and Fisher of the U. S. D. A. stated that picking at the proper stage
of maturity is the most practical preventive now known for water core. This
statement still holds true in 1963.

The data presented in Table 1 indicate that, under conditions at Arnherst,
Delicious should be picked before mid-Octobei in order to minimize storage

losses due to internal disorders

Unfortunate

, storage scald may be a

probl

em in some ye

ars. For exam

pie, the data

Table 1 show that only A

.1 pe

cent

of the Starking Delicious harvested on Octo

ber 9, 1961

had internal

disor

ders 1

after

storage plus

7 days at room temperature.

tlowever, 21

per cent of these

fruit

had storage

scald.

Table

1. Per cent

of Starking Delicious having

water core a

t harvest in

1959-

1962

and per

cent having internal disorde

irs

and scald a

fter regular

32°

storage


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