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merrily on its way manufacturing in its leaves the starch essential for fruit 

 development. 



And at this point a bit of theory: Light rainfall in Llay, and consequently 

 an absence of water logged soils in most orchards, permitted fruit trees to develop 

 and maintain roots at a somewhat lower level than in a wet season. These roots 

 have functioned during the dry summer in supplying the urgently needed water. 

 Hence we find in trees on favorable soils, large green leaves, many 3-inch apples, 

 virhile on coarse excessively drained soils there has been some defoliation, the 

 remaining leaves are off color and many of the apples are undersized. These 

 symptoms may indicate various mineral deficiencies and not merely a shortage of 

 water. 



Heavy mulching continues to pay good dividends, particularly on lighter soils. 

 This season a heavy mulch has had an unusual opportunity to exert its influence 

 in preventing evaporation from the soil, stabilizing soil moisture, preventing 

 run-off, etc. The increase in yield as a result of mulching will in some cases 

 amount to 50 bu. per acre or more. Vveather conditions this summer have apparently 

 been favorable for fruit bud formation. In some varieties the buds are larger 

 and more nearly round than normally at this time of year. A good bloom in 19^0 

 is therefore in prospect. But the set of fruit is another matter and is dependent 

 on tree vigor, weather at blossoming time, availability of suitable pollen and 

 on the number of pollen carriers. 



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Orchard Irrigation . Several Massachusetts apple growers have 

 provided additional water during the extended dry spell. Some ha ire 

 hauled ^Tater in the spray tank and others have used pipe or hose, 

 A few additional inches of water supplied through irrigation will 

 greatly increase the chances of a profitable crop this season. 

 It is safe to say that the average diameter of apples will, in 

 some orchards, be increased by l/li inch. The results of applying 

 200 or 300 gallons of water per tree in several orchards will be 

 vratched with much interest. 



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UST CALL FOR RED APPLE CLUB INSPECTIONS  Have you asked 

 your County Agricultural Agent to check your orchard to 

 determine your eligibility for membership in the RED APPLE 

 CLUB? That is your privilege, if you think your orchard 

 may qualify. But the sample to be representative, is 

 best taken v^rhile the fruit is still on the trees. The 

 requirements are: (1) 90^ clean, (2) 6$% U. S. Fancy, 

 (3) 200-]400 bu. per acre depending on age of tree, and 

 (ii) a sample record of the pest control program. 



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