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CATERING TO THE CQNSmffiR 



Agricultural Information Bulletin #19 by the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, 

 United States Department of Agriculture reports the results of a survey to determine 

 consumer preference for apples and pears* In the survey the fruit buyers in 2,573 

 households thruout the United States were interviewed and here are a few of the 

 more important things that they indicated they look for when they buy apples. 



One out of three persons interviewed preferred apples to any other fruit 

 and the major reason given for preferring apples are: taste, usefulness and 

 versatility, and health. 



They preferred eating and general purpose apples to varieties that are 

 essentially bakers or cookers. When selecting apples in the store, condition, 

 such as freedom from bruises, was most important. Good color was an important 

 factor if they were purchasing eating apples while size and shape were particularly 

 considered when purchasing apples for baking. 



Pears were essentially a luxury item and the purchasers of pears preferred 

 to have them ripe. 



This study serves to emphasize how essential it is for the fruit grovrer who 

 •has apples to sell to provide the consumers with the kind of fruit they want and 

 in the way they want it, The slogan "A satisfied customer is the best form of 

 advertizing" may be trite and shop Virorn but it ever remains an effective way of 

 increasing sales. 



To provide consumers vfith types of apples that they \?ant rather than those 

 Tfhich the grower prefers to raise or think they should have appears to be of 

 first importance. 



The second essential is to get the fruit into the hands of the consumer in 

 a sound condition free from blemishe«>. This calls for cooperative and persistent 

 effort on the part of both grovier and distributor, 



—0, C, Roberts 

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ORCHARD ENEMY NO. 1 FOR 19^S 



Two-spotted mite became very abundant in ma^jy Ifessachusetts apple orchards 

 in mid and late summer. Extreme leaf yellowing follovired by brown spotting and 

 even uefoliation and early fruit drop resulted. 



Mineral deficiencies may be shown to have contributed to the abnormal 

 condition in some orchards or on certain trees. Leaf analyses are being 

 made to determine this. 



Hot, dry conditions during July and early August were favorable for 



