- 9 - 



(70 degrees) in the bark of the tree trunk in a 12-hour period. 



Some growers have used latex paint and some use whitewash. 

 Whitewash is cheaper, of course, but does not last as long. Les 

 Miller, Agricultural Agent in Camden County, has tried many white- 

 wash mixtures and the best for applying with a spray gun is as 

 f ol 1 ows : 



For 100 gallons of water, add 300 to 400 pounds of hydrated 

 lime plus 2 to 3 pounds of table salt plus commercial spreader- 

 sticker. This mixture sticks best if drying is slow and after a 

 rain when the trunk is wet or damp." 



(Editor's Note: For more detailed information on "Cold Injury to 

 Peach Trees", refer to an article by William J. Bramlage in the 

 January-February, 1971, issue of Frui t Notes . ) 



RABBIT CONTROL IN BLUEBERRIES 



By: 



Edward R. Ladd, Wildlife Biologist 



U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



451 Russell Street 



Hadley, Ma. 01035 



Cottontail rabbits are important game animals, and they fur- 

 nish a great deal of hunting recreation. However, in small, local 

 areas rabbits may cause a great deal of damage to blueberry crops, 

 orchards, and nursery stock. It is in situations such as these 

 that control measures are necessary to prevent damage. 



Rabbits, like most animals, have living area preferences. Any 

 area supporting dense vegetative cover, such as overgrown ditches, 

 brushy fence rows, or brush piles, may harbor these animals. One 

 method of controlling rabbits is to modify or remove the cover they 

 need for protection. A good mowing, brush cutting, or general clean- 

 up and removal of vegetation and brush may be all that is needed to 

 control them. 



Us 

 damage . 

 desi rab 

 a repel 

 proximi 

 which m 

 A p p 1 i c a 

 d i t i n s 

 rial fr 

 offers . 

 most ef 

 shoul d 



e of 



Whe 

 1 e as 

 1 ent : 

 ty of 

 ay po 

 ti on 

 , sin 

 om tr 

 Rep 

 fecti 

 be fo 



taste repellents is another method of reducing rabbit 

 n properly applied, repel 1 ents make treated plants less 



food. Three factors determine the effectiveness of 

 thoroughness of application; weather conditions; and 



existing rabbit food and cover. All areas of the plant 

 ssibly experience damage should be covered completely, 

 must be heavy enough to withstand adverse weather con- 

 ce frequent rains and snows erode and dilute the mate- 

 eated plants and reduce the amount of protection it 

 ellents containing thiram or Z-A.C.*have proven to be 

 ve. For best results, the manufacturer's recommendations 

 1 lowed. 



*Trade designation 



