Two methods of treatment have been worked out, - (1) soil and (2) 

 spray applications. With young trees, soil applications of epsom salts, 

 kieserite, or seawater magnesia have given generally good results. Yfith 

 older trees, delayed response from soil applications must be expected. 

 Spraying seems to provide quicker, but perhaps more temporary, results. 

 The inclusion of 20 pounds of epsom salts in 100 gallons of the usual spray 

 solution in the calyx, first cover, and second cover sprays has given con- 

 siderable control of magnesiuia leaf scorch in the year of application. In 

 Maine, greatly decreased scorch syraptoms resulted from this treatment. Per- 

 haps a fourth application in the third cover spray is advisable in some 

 cases. Th:.s method of applying the magnesium in the regular spray schedule 

 eliminates any spprfcio-ble expense of application and so far there has been 

 no loss of effectiveness of either the magnesium or the fungicide. 



Briefly, the mere important suggestions for controlling magnesium 

 deficiency in apple orchards are as follov/sj (1) Apply -'.-2 tons per acre 

 of high magnesium or dci'' emtio limestone, af the soil is strongly acid (be- 

 low pK P), Li/nestons carr-yi;ig 2Q% MgO xz preferred. This is probably the 

 most important means of ascuring more or less permanent control. Repeated 

 applications may be needed at intervals of possibly 5 years,, (2) Apply 

 5-10 lbs. per tree of ept?m saltSj kiet^erite; seawater magnesia,, or double 

 sulphate of potash magnesiac In our tests, the seawater magnesia has given 

 as good results as any material. (3) Add 20 lbs. of epsom salts to each 

 100 gallons of spray in the cal^^x, first cover, and second cover applica- 

 tions. 



In orchards thus far free from magnesium deficiency sy:nptoms but 

 situated in areas where the deficiency is known to exists a policy of pre- 

 vention should be adopted . Insurance against future trouble from magnesium 

 shortage can best be had by app-lying high magnesium IJ.mestone ever the en- 

 tire orchard area at the rate of about 1 ton per acre. Subsequent applica- 

 tions at intervals of '4- bo 5 ye'i.rs may forestall the serinus liiagnesium de- 

 ficiencies now so prevalent in many commercial orchards. In any case, high 

 calciu-'ii limestone should net be used. Vfiien ordering limestone for soil 

 applications J be sure to designate high magnesj.um or lolonilio limestone. 

 This is available through the AAA. 



— L. Southwick 



RATING OF VARIOUS iiPPLE VARIETIES IN TIIE U. S. 



The Delicious variety o-'-cupies first place in our commercial orchards, 

 the total crop of this vt-.,rls-l;y amounting to 13'>o of the 1944 crop. The ten 

 most impcrta-it varieties i-f.rig.^ nj- f.^-cm IS^o of the total do^wn to 2,^% are as 

 follows: Delicious, 18^;i; Vf;:nn3ap, 12.2^6; Mcintosh, 9,3^of Jonathan, 1 ,b%\ 

 Stayman, 6o9°o5 Rome Beauty, 5,5=o; York Imperial, 5.4^; Yellow Newtown, 

 3.65^; Baldwin, 3.2^; Ben Davis and Gano, 2.8^. 



An application of borax one year in three v/here- 

 ever symptoms of internal cork have appeared in 

 years past is coneidered excellent insurance. 



