-17' 



the positive effect of increased fruit Ca in reducing storage 

 breakdown of Massachusetts-grown Mcintosh apples. We do not 

 recommend long term storage of Mcintosh apples with less than 

 150 ppm flesh Ca. 



Questions have been asked about possible accumulations of 

 chloride (CI) in the soil. Chloride salts are highly soluble. 

 Research in the Netherlands showed that there was no annual build- 

 up or accumulation of chloride where annual rainfall exceeded 

 30 inches per year. Rainfall in all areas of Massachusetts 

 exceeds 30 inches per year. 



Annual application of muriate of potash (potassium chloride) 

 for corn silage, vegetable crops and alfalfa in Massachusetts 

 usually exceeds 200 pounds per acre, supplying about 100 pounds 

 of chloride per acre. Only 35 pounds of chloride are applied 

 per acre when our recommendations for foliar CaCl-, sprays are 

 followed. Also, it is important to note that this 35 pounds of 

 chloride is applied in 6 to 8 increments of 4 to 6 pounds per acre 

 foliar application as compared to the 100 pounds of chloride in 

 one application for corn, vegetables and alfalfa. 



WARNING : The initial pH of commercial CaCl^ in water is 10.3, 

 since small amounts of free CaO form Ca(OH) in water. There is 

 evidence that the high pH may reduce effectiveness of some pesti- 

 cides. It is therefore recommended that 2 quarts of 5% vinegar 

 be added per 100 pounds of CaCl2 to neutralize the excess (OH) 

 and bring the reaction of the spray solution to about pH 6.0. 



********** 



AN UPDATE ON CALYX- END ROT, AND REPORT OF AN 



APPLE LEAF SPOT CAUSED BY THE FUNGUS 



SCLEROTINIA SCLEROTIORUM 



12 3 



Christopher M. Becker , Daniel R. Cooley and William J. Manning 



Department of Plant Pathology 



Calyx-end rot of apple, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia 

 sclerotiorum , has been observed in Massachusetts orchards in recent 

 years. A report on fruit symptoms and losses in 1980 was published 

 in FRUIT NOTES 46(1) :l-3. During the 1982 growing season, calyx- 

 end rot was again prevalent in many Massachusetts orchards. S. 

 sclerotiorum was also found to cause a previously unreported leaf 

 spot . 



1 



Research Assistant 

 2 



Extension Technician 

 3 



Professor of Plant Pathology 



