- 8 - 



does not prove that they are the causal organism. Proof of the cause is still lacking 

 as discussed elsewhere in this issue ol" FRUIT NOTES, Nevertheless, where plants are 

 to be grown on soil knovm to be infected with black-root rot, the increase in plant 

 vigor follOTving soil fumigation is very marked. 



Several soil furaigants such as D-D^ ethylene dibromide (EDB), irethyl 

 bromide (MC), or chloropicrin are all good nematocides, Hovrever, only D-D and EDB 

 are economical for large scale use in strawberry fields, V/here these are being used, 

 the rates of application recommended are based on experience with other crops and are 

 not necessarily the right amovuits for best results in treating strawberry fields. 

 Therefore, an experiment has been started to test D-D and EDB at three different 

 concentrations and in split applications, ViThere a split application is used, half 

 the required amount of fumigant is put in the soil, two weeks later the soil is 

 turned over by plowing, or otherwise harroTied smooth and retreated with the second 

 half of the fumigant, 



EDB and D-D are standard soil fumigants which have been in use for a con- 

 siderable number of years. Since these are toxic to plants, a period of at least two 

 weeks must elapse before plants are set. Several new fumigants are in prospect. One 

 of these is now under test. It is of such a nature that strawberry plants apparently 

 will tolerate considerable quantities of it. This would permit its use after the 

 plants are set if this seems desirable. 



To insure the best results from soil fumigation, plants whose roots have 

 been freed of nematodes should be used for setting in fumigated fields. Roots can 

 be kept free of nematodes by rooting runner plants in fvunigated or sterilized soil. 

 This is slow, laborious and costly. The U.S.D.A, has developed a hot water treatment 

 which is much faster and cheaper, Hov/ever, there are certain aspects of this treat- 

 ment which need further study before it can be unqualifiedly recommended, 



John S, Bailey 



# # # # # ######## 



ARE EASTERN APPLE GROWERS TAKING THE LEAD? **■«■■«■■»■« -Jt ■«• ^c- ^;- * •»■ ^i- ^t ■«• •»■ -Ji- ^ ■«• i(- i^ 

 (Excerpts from an address by G,P, Harley U.S.D.A, 

 before the Washington State Horticultural Association-ED,) 



In the past decade we have witnessed a veritable revolution in many industries 

 and the apple industry is no exception. In this short space of time the apple grovrer 

 moved from a feeling of almost complete frustration to one of more moderate security 

 in the production of his fruit. Just 10 years ago many capable and progressive 

 growers in some eastern areas were firmly resolved to abandon growing of apples be- 

 cause the codling moth had literally taken over. One year's experience with DDT re- 

 legated this pest almost to the category of insignificance and now vdth the develop- 

 ment of many other new pesticides the problems attending fruit groiring have been 

 greatly eased. 



Many other startling advances have taken place and have combined to bring about 

 important transitions in production methods. 



Changes in Acreag^e Holdings - The eastern apple grower today is alert to all these 

 new discoveries, for the general trend is toward greater specialization with larger 

 acreages under one management. Small holdings are rapidly disappearing, Bfeiny trees 

 of poor varieties have gone out and very few have been replanted. Also, practically 

 all the new commercial planting is being done by experienced growers. Thus, for the 

 years immediately ahead it appears evident that apple production in the east will 



