-2- 



a 

 is/well knovm fact that Iiclntosh apples drop earlier under such conditions and that 



the pre-harvest sprays are ineffective, A heavy va ndstorm shortly before harvest, 

 like that of August 31, tends to euphazize this situation, k third lesson appears 

 in the salability of apples and peaches from different orchards following the hurri- 

 cane. Better than average color, good size and freedom from blemishes meant a reason- 

 ably good price even though the fruit lacked maturity. But small, poorly colored, 

 blemished fruit was in poor demand at any price. Even in a hurricane year good orch- 

 ard management, including an efficient pest control program, pays good dividends. 



The House Situation - Seldom have we seen a better grass cover ia orchardsthan at 

 present. The mouse population generally keeps pace with the grovrth of grass, the 

 natural feed of mice. The hurricane has tilted many trees, raised the roots of others 

 and, in general, created ideal conditions for mouse injury to fruit trees during the 

 fall and winter. In fact, the set-up is almost made to order for mice, and if nothing 

 is done to eliminate them we may have more girdling than in many years past. Taking 

 proper care of damaged trees and early placement of beits, both apple and grain, are 

 urgent October tasks. Grass and mulch material should not be left in c en tact with 

 the trunk. To do so, invites mouse damage, A bare space, filled in wL th s and or 

 gravel is preferable. Anyone needing information about preparation and placement of 

 baits, the new trail builder, or about mouse CJontrol in general, should contact his 

 county agricultural agent. 



Looking Ahead to 195^ - It is not too early to be thinking in terms of 500 bushels 

 of good apples per acre. This will mean mouse protection, salvaging and rejuvenating 

 those damaged trees, more mulch material where needed, more high magnesium lime, pro- 

 per pruning, and next spring, providing for effective pollination. As we clear away 

 the wreckage of the storm, let's be thinking of the next and, we trust, better year 

 ahead, 



* ^ •?;- * ^e -;;- ^ ■}«• -;;• •$!■ -a- -> -a 



SPITE BLUEBERRY PROBLEIiS JIKD PRACTICES 



Blueberries won't thrive on poor sites any better than any other fruit. Plants 

 in frost pockets are likely to suffer from both vfinter cold and late spring frosts. 

 Soggy, wet soils aren't satisfactory. Good air and soil draiiiage are necessary, A 

 suitable soil is extremely. important, A continuous and adequate supply of moisture 

 is one of the most important soil factors. Excessive moisture during spring and 

 stauner is not good, either,'^ An open, well aerated soil is preferred. Blueberry plants 

 can be grovm in sand but a good supply of organic matter is a big help. Under most 

 conditions a fairly acid soil is necessary. The range is about pH 3,8 to ^,Q, the 

 best probably htS-S, Large quantities of organic matter alter these limits. Indica- 

 tors of acid soil are vdld blueberry, cranberry, white cedar, red maple. Soil acidity 

 can be increased by the use of sulfur. 



Natural acidity ^ Pounds of sulfur per 100 sq, ft, 

 of soil as tested ! required to produce acidity of pH i;,i4 



5.5 

 6,5 

 7.5 



Sandy Soil '. Loam Soil 

 0,8 I 2,U 



1.5 

 2.3 



U,6 

 6,9 



For commercial operations the land is usually prepared by clearing, plowing, 

 'ovri.ng a year in advance of planting, A few growers have set plants in brush 



and harrovri.ng a year in 



