Maine; agricultural experiment station. 1910. 381 



concerned in the furtherance and betterment of the agricultural 

 and horticultural interests to bring about the production of 

 more and better fruit in Maine. As a result of these various 

 factors working together, the old let-alone methods of orchard- 

 ing are rapidly passing. Old orchards are being trimmed and 

 renovated and orchard cultivation and spraying are yearly re- 

 ceiving more attention. Not only are the old orchards receiving 

 better care, but probably more new trees have been set in 1910 

 than in any other single year in the history of orcharding in the 

 State. 



With increased attention to the welfare of the trees, the 

 owners are becoming aware of the fact, as never before, that 

 there are various diseases which impair the health of the tree 

 by attacking the trunk, limbs and leaves, which also are detri- 

 mental to the appearance and keeping qualities of the fruit. 

 Therefore, in response to many inquiries addressed to the Sta- 

 tion for information along this line, it has seemed best to pre- 

 pare a somewhat comprehensive publication upon the nature and 

 treatment of ]Maine apple diseases. While, as far as possible, 

 the results of studies and investigations made at this Station 

 are made the basis of the recommendations given, the published 

 reports of work in other parts of the country have been freely 

 drawn upon where necessary. 



Published data with regard to the nature and extent of 

 Maine apple diseases is rather meager. Therefore it is hoped 

 that in addition to providing descriptions and giving methods 

 for the control of the more common diseases which interest the 

 orchardist this publication will be of some value in extend- 

 ing the known range of the various diseases of the apple and 

 in a measure give some idea of their prevalence and distribution 

 in the State. With this end in view some few diseases, particu- 

 larly some of the apple decays, which are either new or little 

 known in America, but which have been found in Maine, have 

 been mentioned and briefly described. As a rule these are not 

 of much economic importance in the State. Similarly a descrip- 

 tion of some diseases, like the bitter rot of the fruit, which occur 

 to a slight extent in the State have been included because these 

 are of great economic importance in other parts of the country. 

 These latter may or may not become factors in IVIaine orchard- 

 ing, but it seems desirable that all apple growers become familiar 

 with their characters. 



