-8- 



POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH 



Foliage Color in Apple Orchards In September 



Prior to the 1963 harvest we were blessed with excellent weather conditions 

 for development of red color on apples. However, at harvest the foliage of 

 apple trees in some orchards appeared light in color. This was particularly 

 true in areas having insufficient rainfall, or on shallow rooted trees or those 

 on light soil, and where growers have been attempting to lower nitrogen levels. 

 In some instances, growers wished that additional nitrogen had been supplied. 

 However, weather conditions are not predictable, and firm red apples are 

 preferred to soft green fruit. Therefore, we believe the decision to reduce 

 nitrogen was sound and that the maintenance of 1,8 to 1.9 per cent nitrogen level 

 in bearing Mcintosh trees should be the goal of orchardists desiring firm red 

 apples. 



—William J. Lord 

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