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SAMPLING SOIL FOR NEMATODES 



Dr. Richard Rohde 

 Department of Plant Pathology 

 University of Massachusetts 



The best time to take soil samples for counts of nematode 

 populations is mid-May through early-July and in mid-September 

 through October. Nematodes are distributed in clusters 

 through the field, thus it is important to collect soil from 

 several areas. For each 5000 sq. ft. area take 10 or more 

 sub-samples. Samples should be taken at soil depths of 2-10 

 inches and can be collected with a trowel, spade or soil sampl- 

 ing tube. On sites sampled prior to planting, obtain the soil 

 samples where you think the tree rows will be located. When 

 sampling an established orchard, obtain the soil for nematode 

 counts from the root zone of the fruit trees. The sample should 

 also include small roots of the fruit trees since lesion nema- 

 todes, the most common orchard nematode in our area, is in the 

 roots during part of its life cycle. 



Mix the soil in a bucket and then put 1 quart of the mixed 

 soil in a plastic container. Samples can be stored in a refrig- 

 erator for several months but should not be exposed to high 

 temperatures such as could occur in a plastic bag lying in 

 direct sunlight or in a car trunk on a hot day. Also, dried- 

 out soil is useless. 



The soil samples for nematode counts should be sent to your 

 Regional Fruit Specialist, or directly to Dr. Richard Rohde, 

 Department of Plant Pathology, Fernald Hall, University of 

 Massachusetts, .Amherst 01003. 



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PRUNING PLUM TREES 



James F. Anderson 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



There has been an increased interest in the production of 

 plums in Massachusetts, especially on the part of growers oper- 

 ating farm markets. Since the apple is the major tree fruit 

 in Massachusetts, most research and extension activity has been 



