-2" 



the newly set tree at knee height or thereabouts. As a result two or more strong 

 shoots started skyward in the center of the tree, competing with each other for 

 light. Two such trunks are in evidence in the picture of this tree. 



Perhaps the fillers were not removed until after crowding had added its 

 heightening effect. However, the fact that this tree and others around it have 

 plenty of space for their abundant lower spreading branches nov/ indicates that the 

 fillers have been out for some time. 



It is our opinion that trees such as this one speak loudly for proper head 

 formation and adequate planting distance in that young orchard on which you will 

 have to rely when the old one finally has to come out. 



— A, P. French 



19g3 FERTILIZER RECOl&IEMDATIONS 



This past season many of our orchards had light or partial crops which 

 provided favorable conditions for fruit bud formation, so we now have the situation 

 of abundant fruit buds which, with favorable weather conditions, could produce a 

 large crop in 1953. A heavy set and crop in 1953 could mean that few fruit buds 

 would be formed in 19^3 for the ISSh crop. Our goal for 1953 should be a moderate 

 crop of highly colored apples. 



Recent results of fertilizer experiments with Mcintosh apple trees have shown 

 several responses from high rates of nitrogenous fertilizers. A brief summary of 

 these responses will aid us in determining the fertilizer program for the coming 

 season. High nitrogen trees tend to have a heavier set and are not as easily 

 thinned with hormones as low nitrogen trees. T/Vhile there is a slight increase in 

 yield from high rates of nitrogen, the volume of highly colored fruit is so serious- 

 ly reduced as to eliminate any benefit from the increased yield produced by the 

 extra nitrogen. High rates of nitrogenous fertilizers applied alone have produced 

 potassium deficiency. The development of red color in apples appears to be 

 associated with the relative amounts of nitrogen and potassium found in the leaves. 

 The most highly colored fruit was produced by trees with leaves low in nitrogen and 

 high in potassium. Green fruit came from trees with leaves high in nitrogen and 

 low in potassium. Apples from high nitrogen trees are materially softer at harvest 

 time than apples from low to medium nitrogen trees. They have a more rapid respira- 

 tion rate and consequently a shorter storage life. 



In view of the preceding discussion, we submit our fertilizer recommendations 

 for 1953. Due to light or partial crops, many of our orchards will have an abund- 

 ance of fruit buds and a considerable reserve of nutrients. Because of this 

 situation, we believe that heavy applications of nitrogenous fertilizers should be 

 avoided this season. The maximum application of nitrogen should not exceed one 

 quarter pound of nitrate of soda or its equivalent per year of tree age. Trees with 

 an abundance of fruit buds which have been heavily pruned and mulched might well 

 have their rate reduced l/3 to l/2. It may be advisable to reduce soil applications 

 of nitrogen to a minimum before bloom and then come in with one or two applications 

 of NuGreen if the trees appear to need stimulation from nitrogen. 



Provision should be made to supply the tree'i requirement for potassium. This 

 may be met by applying one to three pounds of muriate of potash or a complete 

 fertilizer such as 7-7-7 or 10-10-10. Excessive amounts of potash can hasten the 



