-9- 



give rather substantial evidence of the superiority of virus-free plants to ordin- 

 ary plants of those varieties obtained from good reliable Massachusetts strawberry 

 niirserymen. 



Among the newer varieties Stelemaster Is worth considering only on land where 

 Sparicle or other varieties resistant to the connnon strain of red stele have become 

 infected by another strain cf red stele. Rede r o p has never been a satisfactory 

 yielder with us« The fruit of Pocahontas Is ex-tremely variable in size and of 

 doubtful usefulness in this areaii Dixieiand is an extremely firm variety character- 

 istic of those grown in the deep south, but much too sour for our market, Armore 

 is a rather coarse berry but excellent quality. The plant is vigorous but not 

 resistant to red stele. Blaze is as bright as the name indicates and is well worth 

 testing as a late variety, but is not resistant to red stele. The three varieties, 

 Orland , Monmouth , and Maine g^ , are all resistant to the common strain of red 

 stele. All three are a bit soft but have rather attractive berries of good size. 



/////////////// 



MORE SUGGESTIONS ON MITES 



^A, Pe French 



In the preceding issue of FRUIT NOTES I suggested the importance of knovdng 

 which mite or mites you had to do battle against. Now let's take a closer look at 

 our "ammunition" and when it can be used most effectively. 



On the follovdng pages you v/ill find charts giving a wide choice of materials 

 and timing. Some materials or combinations of materials and timing have certain 

 advantages. These vary from orchard to orchard according to kinds of mites present, 

 apple varieties, other materials being used, need to control other pests and many 

 other factors. It is impossible for an "expert" to say, "This is the best material 

 for mite control program," YiThat is right for you may be quite otherwise for your 

 neighbor. There may be advantages in using split programs - one material in one of 

 three applications and quite a different material in one or both of the others* 



No program should be selected finally until relative costs have been worked 

 out. Actual cost of the material used in 100 gallons times the probable (recommend- 

 ed) n\imber of applications required mil give you a base figure for direct compari- 

 son. Base figures should be scaled up or down according to other factors such as 

 necessity for use in a special application and effect upon other pests needing control. 



Safety for the spray operators, compatibility \vith other materials, possible 

 russetting or other injury on susceptible varieties, adaptibility at concentrations 

 used in your machine, effect upon beneficial insects and mites, and possible residue 

 complications at harvest are other important considerations. 



Good apple growers want to obtain outstanding control of mites as well as other 

 pestsj they cannot afford anything less, riost successful growers carefully consider 

 all relevant factors in selecting their materials. They get the "mostest" for the 

 "leastest" without sacrificing quality or yield. 



Is there any other way to play this game? 



E. H, vifheeler 



