860 THE JJRUIT INDUSTRY IN XKW YORK STATE 



mended, and the practice of plowing orchards is commendable; 

 but this operation alone is not to be depended upon as a measure 

 for the control of apple scab. Spraying the susceptible parts 

 before the spores fall upon them is the common and very effective 

 practice. The spraying must be done before the rains and not 

 after, since moisture conditions the discharge and germination of 

 spores causing the trouble. 



Bordeaux and lime-sulphur are used in this state, the latter 

 being more extensively employed; bordeaux, as is well known, 

 severely russets certain standard varieties, particularly in wet 

 seasons, and hence is objectionable. Lime-sulphur, testing 32 

 degrees Baume at a 1-40 strength, is to be regarded as a safe 

 and sure fungicide. 



Make the first application just before the blossoms open, but 

 after the individual blossoms have separated. The grower should 

 allow a period of only two or three days in which to administer 

 this application. This spraying protects the fruit stalks and 

 hence prevents a loss of the set of fruit. Apply the same fungi- 

 cide later, beginning when about two-thirds of the blossoms have 

 fallen. This application protects the young fruits and gives a 

 clean crop. A third application is necessary only when the sea- 

 son is rainy ; this is made about ten days or tw r o weeks after the 

 second application, depending upon the rain periods. Likewise, 

 a fourth spraying is frequently essential the latter part of July 

 or the first of August, the grower to be guided by the weather 

 conditions. The crop of fruit may be clean up to this time of 

 year; then, should the application be omitted, especially if the 

 leaves show some scab in the spring, the fruit may become 

 severely infected and the result be a heavy and an unnecessary 

 loss. 



In spraying, a high pressure of 150 to 200 pounds should be 

 maintained. A fine, driving mist should be sought ; therefore, 

 select the nozzle accordingly. If the grower sprays thoroughly 

 and at the right time, he should expect to obtain 95 per cent clean 

 fruit under the most trying conditions. It may well be repeated 

 that all applications should be made just before and not just 

 after rain periods. Recent investigations in this state indicate 

 that dusting with finely ground sulphur may soon supersede 



