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growers should have improved competitive position relative to grov/ers in other 

 regions. The analysis of the Gartner and Bo\«:ing study indicates opportunities 

 for profitable production expansion are present in New England. 



B. Problems Which Need Major Emphasis in 1959 



Members of the Fruit Advisory Council and the Pomology Staff consider that 

 the following phases of the fruit industry need further attention during the 

 coming year: 



1. Small Fruits - Strav/berry nurserymen must be educated concerning the 

 necessity of producing disease and insect free plants. On the otherhand, 

 purchasers of strawberry plants must be educated to demand such plants. 



Pruning and soil management are two problems that need continued emphasis 

 for blueberry grox'rers. A considerable number oi^ part-time farmers are planting 

 blueberry bushes and do not realize the soil management problems involved with 

 such a crop. 



Fumigation for black root rot of strav.'berries has been shown experimentally 

 to result in an increase of about 2,000 quarts per acre in favor of soil fumiga- 

 tion. In Southern Plymouth County there are a number of strawberry growers whose 

 plantings range from a small garden patch to about three- fourths of an acre. 

 These are mostly located in the town of Wareham and Carver. The area owned by 

 each grower is usually no more than tv;o or three acres. The total area involved 

 is probably betv/een 25 and 50 acres. Strawberries have been grown in these same 

 fields for many years. Growth is now poor and there are many blank spaces. The 

 appearance suggests soil nematode trouble. In a few fields checked, nematodes have 

 been found. Unless something is done, many of these growers will have to stop 

 growing strawberries. Some soil fumigation demonstration trials might help, plus 

 the use of disease-free planting stock. 



2. Harvesting the Apple Crop - The grower needs to become more bruise con- 

 scious. Much greater emphasis on proper harvesting and handling of apples through 

 orchard visits, meetings, demonstrations, etc. must be made by the extension 

 personnel. 



3. Increase the Efficiency of Fruit Production - In every field of the fruit 

 growing operation there are Increased costs making labor saving devices more 

 necessary than ever. 



4. Farm Management - Basically, the major objective of the fruit farm 

 management program is that of stimulating growers to think through their problems 

 in order to make sound managerial decisions. 



5. Storage Disorders - The last two years considerable breakdown has been 

 found in some apple varieties particularly Delicious. This breakdwim appears to 

 be associated with water core. More emphasis is needed on cold storage disorders 

 and their control, 



C. Other Problems Need Emphasis in 1959 



1. To obtain more participation in the Cider Mill Certification and the 

 Approved Farm Stand Programs. 



