- 7 



cent more bushels of apples of size 2^ inches and larger and nO per- 

 cent fewer bushels of apples smaller than 2% inches in diameter. 

 Tliis increase in size of individual apples as well as the added num- 

 ber of bushels contributed to the increased net returns. This is 

 typical of response to Irrigation in this area. Increases in number 

 of bushels picked are usually rather modest. Increased returns will 

 be realized only if the variety irrigated is one with a substantial 

 price differential between sizes. 



During the period under study (1955 - 1963), irrigation of apples 

 was profitable in the Hudson Valley only during 1952 and 1957. The 

 net return from irrigating Golden Delicious in 1957 was $] 57 per acre. 

 Therefore, the total return for the past 9 years would amount to 

 $319 per acre. However, if optimum soil moisture conditions had been 

 maintained throughout each of these growing seasons, it would have 

 been necessary to apply some water in 1955, 1958, 1961, and 1963. 

 This would have required a total of 21 inches. These unproductive 

 efforts add $12 5 to the costs and reduce the net return to $194. 



Interest and depreciation amount to $900 per year. The average 

 net return for the two profitable years was $160 per acre. Assuming 

 that the previously mentioned conditions of soil, equipment, water 

 supply, and variety are satisfied, irrigation equipment would pay for 

 itself if the response in the order of that in 1957 and 1962 could 

 be obtained on about 3 5 acres or more as frequently as once in 5 years. 

 Added net returns would be possible with a more favorable response 

 such as more bushels of apples, greater size changes, larger price 

 premiums between sizes or by irrigating, more acres of bearing apples." 



******** 



POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH 



Reducing Load of Fruit on the Leader of Trees on Size Controlling Stock - 

 Growers should avoid allowing too many fruit to develop on the leader 

 of trees on size controlling rootstocks. In fact, in some areas it is 

 recommended that fruit should be removed from the trees until the fourth 

 year. Then for the succeeding year or two, depending upon tree size, 

 the removal of fruit from the leader should be continued. 



******** 



