394 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



ed with old trees which have long remained imsprayed, un- 

 pruned, uncultivated and unfertilized. This allows opportunity 

 for' wood destroying fungi to gain an entrance. Once started- 

 their growth will eventually destroy the whole tree. Severe 

 heading back and clearing out of the dead and fungous infested 

 wood followed by cultivation and fertilization should be resorted 

 to. In some instances it may be necessary to top graft to renew 

 the head of the tree. The full results of such treatment do not 

 show the first year. Great care should be taken not to leave 

 wounds through which the spores of fungi can gain an entrance 

 to cause future decay. 



Lichens on apple trees. Not infrequently complaints are re- 

 ceived, particularly from coast towns, with regard to fruit trees 

 being over-run by lichens, sometimes improperly called "mosses" 

 by orchardists. While mosses are not uncommon on old, neg- 

 lected fruit trees, lichens are much more frequent. The latter 

 are foliacious growths of various colors, the more common being 

 grayish and found indiscriminately upon trunks of trees, rocks, 

 old fence boards, etc. Quite frequently these lichens are found 

 in large numbers upon orchard trees — apples, pears and plums — 

 particularly so in the states farther south. Fig. 63 represents 

 a portion of a branch from a neglected Maine apple tree. A 

 large proportion of the branches were covered with lichens as 

 shown in the illustration. 



In temperate climates lichens occurring on tree trunks are not 

 considered to be parasitic. In the tropics there is evidence that 

 one or more kinds are probably parasitic. However, all are 

 agreed that lichens are decidedly objectionable on fruit trees. 

 They harbor insects and fungi, tend to keep the branches moist 

 and more likely to decay, besides being untidy and unsightly. 

 While they may not secure any nourishment from the trees they 

 certainly must interfere seriously with the functions of the bark 

 on the younger limbs. 



Two or 3 pounds of copper sulphate to 50 gallons of water or 

 a 5-5-50 bordeaux sprayed on the trees before the buds swell in 

 the spring will generally destroy the lichens. A wash such as is 

 used for borers consisting of one pound of potash or concen- 

 trated lye to 5 gallons of water, put on with a brush, is said to 

 be effective. None of these materials should he sprayed on the 

 trees when in leaf on account of injuring the foliage. Thorough 

 spraying with 3-3-50 bordeaux in the spring and early summer. 



