Reports from New York State indicate that sprays can be concentrated 

 up to 8X with satisfactory results. 



Zinc (Zn) : Based on optimum levels of Zn established by some states, 

 some of our apple orchards are low in this element. We are not con- 

 vinced that dormant applications of zinc sulfate are worthwhile from 

 the standpoint of increasing tree performance. Until the value of 

 this zinc sulfate spray applied at the "greentip" stage of bud de- 

 velopment can be substantiated, we suggest its use only on a trial 

 basis . 



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



DO YOUR BLUEBERRY PLANTS HAVE TIRED BLOOD 

 (DO THEY NEED IRON)? 



Dominic A. Marini 

 Regional Fruit d, Vegetable Specialist 



In Massachusetts, "iron deficiency anemia" can be a problem 

 to the grower of cultivated blueberries. 



Blueberries grow best in an acid soil with a pH between 4.0 

 and 5.0. One reason for this is that blueberries need iron and 

 iron becomes increasingly available as soil acidity increases. 

 Conversely, at high pH levels, iron is less available and blueber- 

 ries frequently develop iron deficiency symptoms, however, the 

 recent experience of a Plymouth County blueberry grower shows that 

 iron may be needed even though the soil is acid. 



In *late summer, 1972, the grower reported that some bushes in 

 one portion of his plantation were not growing well. They were 

 unproductive, the plants produced little new growth, and the new 

 leaves were stunted. Some of the leaves were pale in color, but 

 did not have interveinal chlorosis, the typical symptom of iron de- 

 ficient blueberry plants. A soil test revealed no difference in 

 nutrient levels between the vigorous and non-vigorous bushes. There 

 was little difference in soil acidity between the productive and un- 

 productive areas; the weak bushes had a soil pH of 4.9, while the 

 vigorous ones had a pH of 5.1. Nevertheless, it was decided to try 

 some fertilizer treatments in the spring of 1973 to see if the cause 

 of the problem could be determined. 



The treatments were made on May 3. Three different materials 

 were used, each being applied to the soil around three different 

 bushes. Ammonium sulfate was applied at 1/2 pound, magnesium sul- 

 fate (Epsom salts) at 1/4 pound and chelated iron at 1/4 pound per 



bush. 



