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Under Massachusetts conditions, the critical vdnter temperature for the killing 

 of blossom buds is about -15°F, The exact temperature at which blossom buds will 

 be killed depends upon the variety as some are more hardy than others. The extent 

 of blossom bud injury can be determined by cutting several buds and noting if they 

 are black in the center. If all of the buds are killed, an opportunity is provided 

 to reduce the proportion of old wood without affecting the crop since there would 

 be no crop the following summer anyvray. This vdll tend to stimulate the develop- 

 ment of new growth nearer the trunk. 



Vifith more severe temperature (-20°F, or lower) the wood may be injured in 

 addition to the buds. This condition is indicated by the inside of a branch tvirn- 

 ing dark brown or black. When this condition exists, it is best not to prune the 

 tree until after growth starts. Then, -only weak shoots on the interior of the 

 tree and dead branches should be removed since the tree will need every healthy 

 leaf to help repair the damage. 



Because of the possibility of winter Injury in one form or the other, peach 

 trees should be pruned in the latter part of February or in March, after the extent 

 of injury can be determined. 



Since the pruning wounds on a peach tree are normally relatively small, and 

 heal rapidly, no wound dressing is required, 



—0, C, Roberts 



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