The Morses have found that the varieties differed considerably in 

 the vigor of their response. Cortlands are extremely vigorous and dif- 

 ficult to confine within the alloted space. Golden Delicious are more 

 vigorous than Mcintosh, and Red Delicious trees are the least vigorous 

 of the <4 varieties. 



The earliest bearing trees produced their first crop in the third 

 season (1963). In 1965, Cortlands produced 3/4 to 1 bushel per tree, 

 Mcintosh, about 1 bushel, and Golden Delicious, 1 to 2 bushels per tree. 



In 1966, Cortlands produced slightly more than a bushel per tree, 

 Mcintosh, about 1/2 bushel, and Golden Delicious, 1 bushel per tree. 

 There were only a few Red Delicious, some of which were 4-5 inches in 

 diameter. 



From their limited experience, the Morses have found that trellised 

 trees produce well and require a minimum of care when once established. 

 The trees begin to bear early, the fruit develop good color, and possibly 

 the per-acre yield may exceed that harvested from trees on seedling 

 roots. Pruning is relatively easy and can be done with inexperienced 

 help. Although the Morses use their air-blast sprayer and spray 4 rows 

 at a time, it could be done with a small sprayer equipped with a boom. 

 Ease of harvest is a definite advantage. Ladders are not necessary and 

 fruit can be harvested by women or high school boys. It is necessar^y 

 to pick from each side of the row since lateral branches protrude in the 

 row about 2 feet on each side of the tree. The Morses have found that 

 preharvest drop is not a serious problem and that those fruit that do 

 drop are not badly bruised. 



The greatest problem encountered to date is the production of ex- 

 tremely large soft fruit with short storage life, particularly with Cort- 

 lands and Red Delicious. Weed control is another problem, but recently- 

 labeled herbicides now make possible the control of a greater spectrum 

 of weed species. 



When asked what they would do differently if planting more dwarf 

 trees, the Morses said they would thoroughly prepare the soil prior to 

 planting. Rocks would be removed and organic matter would be worked 

 into the soil. Under their conditions, Cortland and Golden Delicious 

 would be spaced 10 feet apart in the row, while a more vigorous root- 

 stock might be used for Mcintosh and Red Delicious, such as Mailing 26. 



After 5 years experience with dwarf trees, the Morses feel that 

 they are still in the experimental stage and that there are many un- 

 answered questions. They are not "sold" on dwarf trees yet, and do not 

 intend to plant more unless further experience indicates satisfactory 

 performance . 



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