• 2- 



Many remember that when dormant oil sprays were first recommended 

 caution against freezing was strongly emphasized. If the emulsion freezes 

 before it dries, the oil separates and collects in larger drops which do not 

 dry as rapidly as the smaller drops dispersed through the emulsion. There- 

 fore, oil sprays should be applied when the weather is clear and drying may 

 be reasonably expected in a few hours. Oil injury frequently develops first 

 and more seriously on the small twigs v/here the bark is thin. Here the, cam- 

 bium is less protected and the living cells are nearer the surface. 



— 17. D. YJhitcomb 



PEACH CROP PROSPECTS FOR 1944 



If the College peach orchard can be taken as a good indicator, the 

 prospects for a full crop this summer is very bright. None of even the most 

 tender varieties, such as Elberta, Hale, Goldeneast, and Halehaven, has lost 

 over 35 percent of its buds and most have ].ost less than 25 percent. The 

 more hardy varieties such as Charapion, liarigold, and Oriols have lost only 

 a fev! buds.. Varieties like Champion, v>rhich set fruit buds very poorly, us- 

 ually average 10 buds per foot of shoot. Ordinarily a tree should not be 

 allov'/ed to bear more than 2 fruits per foot. Therefore, 60 percent of the 

 buds can be lost and still have left tv'vice as many as should be allovred to 

 develop into fruits. Varieties which set fruit buds very freely, 30-40 per 

 foot, such as Cumberland or the old Greensboro, can lose a higher percentage 

 and still have enough left for a full crop, 



— J. S. Bailey 



CAN Y/E THIN THE 1944 APPLE CROP? 



Probably few fruit growers do as much thinning as they should. This 

 year will present an especially difficult situation. Several Experiment Sta- 

 tions have studied the possibilities of applying a caustic spray at blooming 

 time to control the set of fruit. Vie have in preparation a brief summary of 

 the results of these experiments. It is a little early to advise the general 

 use of these blossom sprays but they show promise. Me expect to make some 

 trials next sumiaer. If any grower wants to try them in an experimental way 

 we are glad to offer assistance and advice, 



— J. K. Shaw 



(The Extension Service is in position to cooperate with at least five Massa- 

 chusetts apple growers interested in testing the material mentioned above. 

 Any reader of Fruit Notes interested in mapping out a test in, his own orchard, 

 with the idea of checking results, is invited to drop a line to V/. H. Thies, 

 II.S.C, Ai'iherst, Mass.) 



HELP.' J . - Two eastern Massachusetts apple growers are looking Ibr orchard 

 foreman. One of these vacancies is in a largf" orchard and the other in a 

 medium sized orchard. Both appear to be good opportunities for experienced 

 men. ^jnother apple grower is interested in buying a good orchard of at 

 least 500 bearing trees. Detail.s concerning these three inquiries may be 

 obtained as indicated in the paragraph above. 



