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 Some of the reasons why planes are being used In Vermont are as follows: 



1. Scab control is equal to or better than by other methods. This is because 

 better timing is possible for many growers due to the fast rate of applica- 

 tion (1 acre per minute), use of highly effective materials, and better cov- 

 erage in the top centers of large trees. Growers are frequently able to save 

 an application in the event infection conditions do not develop because the 

 time required to make an application is so short, and in many instances they 

 do not order an application until they are certain that an infection period 

 is actually developing, 



2. With only a few exceptions, air dusting produces a very excellent fruit 

 finish, especially on the more russet susceptible varieties. Many Vermont 

 growers are convinced that improved finish and lack of h&rvest-time residues 

 adequately offset higher material cost as compared with spraying. 



3. Dust schedules reduce the harmful effect of phytotoxicity by materials to 

 foliage probably because the residual properties of a material in dust form 

 do not favor a heavy build-up, and over-concentration and over-application 

 are avoided. 



4. Reduced labor requirements, especially of a seasonal nature, have an import- 

 ant effect especially in the smaller acreage orchards. Competition for 

 qualified seasonal labor by our dairy industry and manufacturing is becoming 

 quite keen. On the other hand, year-round hired labor may need to be put on 

 another job. This method has been most convenient to growers when illness 

 or other emergencies arose. 



5. Air dusting has definitely reduce spray machinery requirements, especially 

 during the time of primary scab control when fast coverage is so essential. 

 A grower may convert to spraying during the cover treatments and continue to 

 get by with equipment which is otherwise too small. Lighter equipment to 

 handle sunmer schedules usually means that a grower can own lighter, smaller 

 and more versatile tractors. Air dusting should be a means to extend the 

 serviceable life span of tractors and sprayers. 



6. The overcoming of orchard rutting, especially during the wet spring months, 

 was an important reason for some of our Champlain Valley growers converting 

 to air dusting. The re-establishment of a good, unmolested sod cover has 

 been possible for the first time in many instances. The problem of soil 

 compaction by heavy machinery during periods of wet soil conditions should 

 not be overlooked. 



7. A dust schedule, whether applied by airplane or ground equipment, may solve 

 a water supply problem. 



8. Airplane dusting has been a help as an emergency measure in the event of 

 ground equipment breakdown during critical times. 



9. Air dusting has helped solve the problem of effective pest control with 

 absentee management. 



