-4- 



In a number of orchards the color of foliage indicates a hoavy 

 infestation of rod mito. In most of these orchards no oil spray was applied 

 last spring. Recent rains have probably reduced the red mite infestation 

 considerably. Were it not for the liklihood of increased spray residue 

 we would probably recommend an application of Summer Oil for this pest. Fur- 

 thermore, an oil at this season may cause some foliage injury on trees having 

 a Considerable residue of sulfur. Oils of this kind are the only known spray 

 material which will effectively kill the eggs of red mite. But as previously 

 suggested there are reasons for not including such materials in the spray 

 schedule. According to W. D. Whitcomb, some fruit growers who do not vi/ish to 

 use a summer oil have sprayed with potash fish oil soap using 1 gallon to 

 1^ gallons in 100 gallons of spray. This soap does not kill the eggs but has 

 reduced tne mite population very satisfactorily. Applications of soap may 

 necessarily be repeated to prevent a recurrence of mite injury but it has been 

 very satisfactory in giving at least temporary relief. 



Leaf hopper promises to be a troublesome pest in many orchards 

 before harvest time. There is reason to believe that a thorough application 

 ■■^f nicotine su;j.phate, 1 pint, plus 2 lbs. of soap in 100 gallojis around the 

 first of September will prove an excellent investment where laai" hopper is 

 troublesome. But a reminder is in order that the leaf hopper nymjhr must be 

 hit by the spray material. This implies a different technique from that 

 used in many orchards. We must spray from underneath, and that is not so 

 easy in a tree weighted down by a heavy load of fruit. Spraying from the 

 tank for leaf hopper is very largely a waste of time. 



A third apple insect which is still a menace hero and there is the 

 apple maggot or railroad worm. It is now too late 4o apply liquid sprayp icr 

 this insect except possibly on the very latest varieties of vdnter applet. 

 We prefer to recommend dust applications instead of sprays during August and 

 then only on the later varieties. But thare is another item of orchard man- 

 agement which is always effective and that is the gathering up and destroying 

 of all maggot infested fruit. It is, of course, ineffective unless done 

 regularly beginning as soon as infested apples fall to the ground. Such drops 

 should be picked up at least once a week, particularly in the case of summer 

 and fall varieties. Twice a week is still batter. 



A Study of Production and Marketing in Delaware 



In a recent study of the "Retail Marketing of Apples by a Chain 

 Store Warehouse in Philadelphia" (Bulletin No. 208) by H. S. Gabriel of the 

 Del. Agr. Exp. Sta., the following recommendations are made: "Since apples 

 must meet such keen competition, it is necessary that demands of warehouses 

 be adequately met. Their chief requirements are three in number: (l) that 

 apples be free from blemishes, (2) that their size be adequate (diameter of 

 at least two and a half inches for fall and winter apples), and (3) that 

 they be highly colored. 



In order to produce apples which meet these requirements, the fol- 

 lowing horticultural and marketing practices are suggested: (l) Select for 

 marketing purposes three or four of the best selling varieties. (2) Give 

 each tree in the orchard adequate space, thus insuring size ajid color. 

 (3) Properly fertilize the orchard to improve vigor of trees, which results 

 in increased size of fruit. (4) Practice proper pruning methods to increase 

 light and therefore the color of fruits, and remove undesirable bearing wood} 

 that is, weak branches which bear small fruits. (5) Induce proper pollina- 

 tion by the correct choice of varieties and by the introduction of bees into 



