- 7 



This amount would be supplied by 100 pounds of ammonium nitrate or 

 200 pounds of sodium nitrate. 



A broadcast application of fertilizer at this time may damage 

 the foliage unless precautions are taken. Apply on a clear day of 

 low humidity and with a switch made from brush, shake off any fer- 

 tilizer adhering to the leaves or apply during a rain to avoid 

 burning of the foliage. 



*************** 



BEFORE HARVEST 

 EVALUATE ONE'S 



IS A GOOD TIME TO 

 CULTURAL PRACTICES 



William J . Lord 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



Careful observations of the apple trees and fruits before har- 

 vest can tell the grower a great deal about his fertilizer and 

 pruning practices. In addition, the grower can determine what al- 

 terations, if any, should be made in these practices for the com- 

 i ng year . 



The amount of terminal growth, and the fruit and foliage color 

 are visual guides by which the grower can make future adjustments 

 in his fertilizer program. Only vigorous trees can produce good 

 crops regularly. An apple tree of bearing age should make 8 to 18 

 inches of terminal growth per year, depending upon variety. Eight 

 to 15 inches is desired with the Mcintosh, while 12 to 18 inches 

 of terminal growth is preferred on Delicious trees. An annual ter- 

 minal growth of 20 to 30 inches should be made by young non-bearing 

 apple trees. When twig growth is meager on bearing trees (less 

 than 6 inches), try to determine the cause. Droughty soil, insuf- 

 ficient rainfall or pruning, low fertility, root injury, girdling 

 or other factors may be the cause of poor vigor. 



Visible evidence of magnesium deficiency can be seen if the 

 deficiency exists. Necrotic brown blotches between the veins of 

 older leaves on shoots or spurs and gradual loss of these leaves 

 in late summer are common symptoms of magnesium deficiency. 



Fruit color is an 

 Intosh apples has been 

 gen and potassium levels in the 

 trogen, low potassium trees are 

 than those from medium nitrogen 

 shorter storage life. 



important consideration. The color of Mc- 

 found to be associated with both the nitrO' 

 foliage. The fruits from high ni' 

 apt to be poor in color, softer 

 high potassium trees and have 



