232 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



there much fruit of any kind, while on the sprayed plots, which had 

 been subjected to the same unfavorable climatic conditions, there was 

 about half a crop. 



There was sufficient bloom in the orchard for a full crop, and if we 

 accept the old theory of crop failure in time of wet weather, we are 

 forced to the conclusion that spraying aids pollenization, which is 

 absurd. We are, therefore, forced to seek some other hypothesis. The 

 most reasonable explanation that can be offered at present is that 

 spraying- prevented the apple scab from attacking the young apples and 

 blossoms. It is well known that the scab attacks apples in all stages 

 of growth, and that if it appears very early it may cause the young 

 fruit to drop prematurely. When it attacks the blossoms it of course 

 destroys them. The lirst spraying was done before the trees had 

 bloomed, and the supposition is that many of the fungus spores were 

 thus destroyed, and apples were thus given a chance to develop. This 

 theory is tenable, and consistent with well-known facts; but it must 

 be admitted that a more careful study of the question is needed before 

 it can be settled beyond controversy. This experiment also strengthens 

 the theory that early spraying is essential to the best success in pre- 

 venting the apple scab. 



The spores from which the scab fungus develops live over winter 

 on the trees, and begin growth in the spring at the same time as the 

 leaves start to grow. How rapidly the fungus develops depends upon 

 the weather. It follows, then, that the apples would be attacked ear- 

 lier some seasonq than others, and it may not always happen that early 

 spraying would show such striking results as above mentioned. It is 

 true, however, that the fungus is prevented much easier than it is killed 

 after once established, and to this end early applications of fungicides 

 are far more effective than late, and it may sometimes happen, as in 

 this case, that a crop is saved which would otherwise be lost. 



No dates can be named for spraying, but a good plan is to make 

 the first application just before the leaves open, and the second soon 

 after the blossoms fall, at which time 4 ounces of Paris green should 

 be added to each 50 gallons of the mixture, in order to kill the apple 

 worm. A third spraying with the combined mixture is to be given 

 about 10 days later, and still another after the same length of time in 

 case of continued wet weather. 



