-7- 



PREVENTING PHYGON CHLOROSIS WITH EPSOM SALTS 



Using beans for test plants in the greenhouse last winter, we observed that the 

 addition of certain chemicals to the Phygon spray, notably sulfate salts, prevented 

 Phygon chlorosis. Correction was obtained on beans with magnesium sulfate (epsom 

 salts), manganese sulfate, and magnesium phosphate. Undoubtedly, had we continued 

 our search we would have found others. Correction of chlorosis was obtained by the 

 addition of as much chemical as Phygon, 



This information was applied to our experimental orchard, T/Ye note that 

 varieties differ v;ith respect to Phygon foliage chlorosis, and they respond differ- 

 ently to correction of chlorosis v;ith epsom salts under our test conditions at 

 T/altham, Mcintosh and Baldwin are very sensitive; Delicious not so sensitive. 

 Correction of chlorosis by the addition of the same amount of epsom salts as Phygon 

 was satisfactory on Baldivin and only partially satisfactory on Mcintosh, Sulfur and 

 insecticide (DDT and lead arsenate) on Baldv/in this year caused severe russetting, 

 stunting and cracking of the apples. Untreated trees shov/ed no injury, Phygon and 

 insecticide and epsom salts did not injure the finish, at least significantly. 

 Further experimentation in 1949 is planned to determine the amount of epsom salts 

 needed to give satisfactory rectification of phygon chlorosis on Mcintosh, Epson 

 salts added did not affect the potent fungicidal action of phygon, 



~ E, F. Cuba 



APPLY IJOh for red APPLE CLUB MEI'IBERSKIP 



Commercial apple groivers in Massachusetts are again offered the opportunity of 

 applying for membership in our honoraiTr fraternity, the Rod ^ple Club, Last year 

 we expressed a hope that at least 10 growers v;ould qualify. To our surprise, the 

 number mounted to 21, This year, viith serious russetting in some orchards, low yield 

 or pest injury in others, vie again set 10 as a very creditable goal in number of 

 Club members. 



The rules of the Red Apple Club are few and simple; 



(1) The crop must score at least 90^ free from insect and disease blemishes, 

 (2) Grade at least 65% U. S. Fancy, and (3) Yield at least 200 bushels per acre if 

 trees are less than 15 years of ago, 300 bushels per acre if trees are 15 to 20 

 years of age, and 400 bushels per acre if trees are more than 20 years of age. A 

 simple spray and dust record vrill also be required. The only important changes 

 over last j'^ear are: (1) An increase from one to three acres in the minimum acreage 

 to be sampled, and in the larger orchards (15 acres or more) 20^ of the total 

 acreage. This will tend to eliminate the smaller blocks and it ivill mean the 

 soi-npling of a larger proportion of the total crop, (2) The percentage of U, S. 

 Fancy is increased from 60/o to 65%, 



Any reader of Fruit Notes who feels that his apple crop stands a chance of 

 qualifying should contact his County Agricultural Agent by mail or telephone indi- • 

 eating when harvest will begin. The county office will have full information by , 

 September 30 concerning sampling and inspcctivn. 



