^1. 



Timely Suggestions on the "X D isease" 



For those wno already have a peach orchard and for tnose who expect to 

 plant peaches, the control of "X disease" is of prime importance. Dr. U. o. 

 Boyd gave a full discussion of this disease in Crop Disease Notes, No. 9, for 

 .jeptember 1, 1938. Those wishing full information are referred to ^his report. 

 The control measures given by Dr. Boyd are as follows. 



1. Since the X Disease in peaches is definitely associtited 

 with the presence of nearby infected choke cherries, do not start 

 a nuw orchard until choke cherries and other scrub wild cherries 

 nearby are destroyed. 



2. If diseased choke cherries arc growing near a peach or- 

 chard, and if there are no, or only a very few, infected peach 

 trees present, destroy the cherries and remove the affected peach 

 trees. But if the disease is well established in the orchard, 

 the removal of the diseased cherries and pec^ch trees will in all 

 probability not be worth while. The removal of individual, dis- 

 eased branches is not a cure for trees appearing otherwise to be 

 healthy, for tne virus is present throughout the tree, including 

 the roots . 



3. Kill the choke cherry trees, not by grubbing or by chop- 

 ping them down, but by spraying the folij.ge thoroughly witn a 

 chlorate weed-killer, a proprietary mixture of sodium chlorate 

 and a def la.gration agent. The Connecticut Stt^tion recommends 

 three-fourths pound per gallon of water, sprayed on the trees 

 while m full leaf. The tree should not be cut down until the 

 following so^-son or l^ter c^ftcr it has failed to show signs of 

 life. The poison in the spray is aosoroed by the foliage and 

 tender twigs and conveyed to ull other p_rts of the pl^nt , in- 

 cluding the roots, resulting l^ter in the death of the entire 

 tree. If a sprayed tree shows life the next season, give it 

 another application. 



4. Avoid buds from diseased orchards for propagation pur- 

 poses. Also, give preference to nursery stock from areas v/here 

 the disease does not occur. 



Now is the time to get ready to spray your choke cherries. Chlorate weed 

 killers can be obtained from at least three manufacturers. Names will be sent 

 on request. These materials cost about 7 to 10 cents per pound depending on 

 the kind and quantity of material bought. The quantity required will depend on 

 the number and size of choke cherries to be sprayed. Better m.ako a generous 

 estimate and have plenty of material on hand. 



Under average conditions the orchard should remain healthy if all choke 



cherries within 200 feet are removed. If you wish to be very sure, remove all 



within 300 to 4:U0 feet. t c d -t , 



J. S. Bailey 



