-13- 



element. W. Stiles considers optimum Zn leaf levels to be 35 - 50 ppm with 

 concentrations below 15 ppm being deficient. He has stated that "annual requirements 

 for Zn are approximately 2 lbs per acre if applied as inorganic salts in dormant sprays 

 or approximately 0.2 - 0.3 lbs of actual Zn applied as foliar sprays of EDTA chelates 

 IT to 5 lbs/acre). Amounts of Zn required to correct severe deficiencies may be 4 

 to 5 times these amounts. Zn-containing fungicides provide some benefit but are not 

 adequate to supply the total need." 





CARE OF TREES ON ARRIVAL FROM THE NURSERY 



William J. Lord 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



A local nurseryman expressed concern last year about grower care of trees prior 

 to planting. He was particularly concerned with storage of trees with apples and about 

 soaking trees in water for 2-3 weeks. 



If trees from the nursery arrive in bad condition from drying in transit, pomologists 

 years ago suggested soaking the entire tree in a brook or a pond for a day or two. We 

 have seen no comments concerning the effect of soaking trees for longer periods of 

 time! Due to the possibility of tree injury from the lack of oxygen, we suggest soaking 

 the roots in water no longer than a day or two. 



Our recommendations for care of trees on arrival from the nursery are as follows: 



1. Check the trees to determine if tree count and cultivar/rootstock and size agrees 

 with order and to determine if injury to the trees might have occurred in handling 

 and shipping. Do this where it is cool and the roots will not dry out. 



2. If planting conditions are not suitable, open the bundles of trees and store them 

 in a cool, well-ventilated area and be sure the roots are kept moist, or heal them 

 in a shady area, or cover the roots with wet soil, peat or sawdust in an open shed. 



3. DO NOT STORE trees with apples or where they have been stored. It is possible 

 that residual ethylene in the storage atmosphere might break dormancy of the trees 

 and when planted they may fail to grow properly or even die. Pear trees are especially 

 sensitive to injury. 



4. If the roots of the trees are dry, soak the roots in water for 2-24 hours prior to 

 planting. 



