borings. The groupings are tentative until such time as research, further inves- 

 tigations, or experience may indicate a need for change. 



The suitability groupings are based only on the soil characteristics and 

 qualities that were observed to be significant in apple tree growth and production. 

 These characteristics are texture of the solum and substratum and depth to soil 

 mottling. Biotic, climatic, and other factors are not considered in this grouping. 



The publication in conjunction with the soil survey map gives certain basic 

 information which can serve as a guide for initial selection of orchard sites. 

 Before the site is finally selected, it should be evaluated carefully for local 

 factors such as accessability, water supply for spray and possibly irrigation, and 

 especially for climate which involves topographic position, air drainage, and 

 aspect. 



A copy of this leaflet may be obtained from your county agent. They and 

 personnel at the Soil Conservation Service Unit office can assist you in deter- 

 mining the soil name or names on the land being considered and its suitability 

 for apple orchards. 



— -William J. Lord 

 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



EFFECT OF WIPING McINTOSH APPLES ON KEEPING QUALITY 



A common statement heard is that wiping apples impares the keeping quality. 

 Last December an apple inspector asked about this statement and if any research 

 had been done on the subject. 



In the late 1920' s and during the 1930* s many experiment stations tested 

 various method's of residue removal. A number of them reported that pre-storage 

 cleaning of apples by washing with a dilute hydrochloric acid solution followed 

 by a water rinse or cleaning by dry wiping or brushing did not impare the keeping 

 quality of apples in storage. However, the maintenance of high humidity and 

 proper storage temperature is important because any brushing, wiping or washing 

 action removes some of the natural wax on the apple which tends to inhibit 

 moisture loss. Other research data show that after storage, dry wiped apples 

 lost considerably more moisture at room temperature than unwiped fruit. 



In Massachusetts, in most cases, the fruit would be wiped after storage just 

 prior to sale. Also, these older studies were conducted on Jonathan, Delicious, 

 Rome, and Winesap apples primarily. Since Mcintosh is the principal variety with 

 which we are concerned, it was felt it would be worthwhile to determine the effect 

 of post-storage dry wiping on moisture loss from Mcintosh apples at room 

 temperature. 



I Hand Wiping - Regular Storage Apples 



On January 11 a demonstration was started to determine the effect of dry 

 wiping Mcintosh apples with a cotton cloth on per cent moisture loss. The apples 



