-3- 



shortage is pott^ssium, whoroiis in Ma.asachusotts , nitr^gan c^dditions uro pura- 

 niount . 



PructiC':.lly all of thfc mure rGcont plantings of iiinglish i^pplcs arc 

 on clonally propagated rootstocks* This is partially truo vvitli othor fruits 

 also. In LLissachustitts , the use of clonal-ruotdd trees conimorci^lly is 

 practically unknuwn. Thoir possibld usefulness hora is being invostigatod , 

 h. »VL,vor . 



The fact that iiingland is thu chief importur of Auerican applos 

 nakes ^iXpansion of the f ruit ,gr jwing industry thore of added significance. 

 Easpite the rec^^nt favorable trade agreements, thoro is definitely a wide- 

 st r^ad move to increase iinglish apples for English narkets. They sincerely 

 believe that home grown fruit is best, which idea deviates: -mighty little 

 from our own philosophy here in Massachusetts. L. Southwick 



Mouse Control in Apple Storages 



Robert Isaac, Biological Survey Agent in Connecticut, offers this 

 advice to Connecticut growers. For further details, Massachusetts growers 

 may contact W. Vv. Dykstra, Federal Bldg., V/orcester. 



The hurricane of September 21 made it necessary for growers to 

 pick up their apples at top speed and to move them to the storages as soon 

 as possible. However, the apples were boxed more speedily than it v/as 

 possible to get them into the storages, making it necessary tolfiave boxes 

 of apples in the orchard over-night or even longer. This condition made 

 it possible for the mice to be carried into the storages in large numbers 

 since mice have a habit of getting into the boxes ovcr-night and even es- 

 tablishing their nests in them in as short a period. Considerable damage 

 is done by a few mice in a storage if they are left there any length of 

 time. Vi/here mice have worked on boxes of apples it is necessary to repack 

 and to throw out the damaged fruit. Considerable time njid expense is in- 

 volved. 



A simple means of control can elimin^.te much of this trouble and 

 has been used successfully in a number of storages this ye^.r. -- Using boxes 

 about the size of a cigar box, cut holes in each end large enough for the 

 mice to enter. Put a tablespoon full of poisoned o..ts in each box and 

 plact. them throughout the storage. Particular i.ttention should be paid to 

 the placuir.ent of bait-boxes. The ideal locations are ^long walls in back 

 of the stored fruit, in dark corners, under the raised floors, between rows 

 of boxes, behind boards placed against the Vi/alls to form runways, and in the 

 areas where you know the mice are working. The more stations you use 

 the more effective will be ycur centrol. 



The oat -bait rn.-terial should be of a permanent nature to avoid 

 the possibility of its becoming ineffective. The rodonticide used for con- 

 trol in the orchard should not be used unless it can be replaced at least 

 once a month with freshly prep.-red grain. A permanently prepared oat-bait 

 is available to you by letting your C.-unty Agent know of your needs or by 

 writing me direct at the Connecticut jiixperiment Station in New Hciven. Growers 

 are urged to try this means of centrol to stop mouse damage in storages there- 

 by eliminating another typw of lose that helps take the profit out of apple 

 growing. 



