- 6 - 



ences or differences in ripening among the samples after storage. 

 When the data from all 5 locations were combined and analyzed, there 

 was no overall difference among the treated samples. This inability 

 of taste panels to consistently distinguish differences among sam- 

 ples is important, for it indicates that low concentrations of eth- 

 ephon had little or no effect on shelf life or marketability of the 

 fruit. 



The conclusion from the study is as follows: Red color of Mcin- 

 tosh apples can be increased without sacrificing fruit condition dur- 

 ing and after storage if the following restrictions are met: (1) 

 Alar* is applied 60 days before harvest; (2) ethephon is applied at 

 75 ppm (1/4 pt/100 gal); (3) 10 ppm of 2,4,5-TP is applied with eth- 

 ephon, or 10 ppm NAA is applied 3 days after ethephon; (4) apples 

 are harvested within 8 days after ethephon is applied; and (5) tem- 

 peratures during the period between ethephon application and har- 

 vest are not above normal. 



It therefore appears that ethephon can be used to improve Mcin- 

 tosh color without stimulating ripening and loss of condition during 

 storage. It should be emphasized, however, that ethephon can tre- 

 mendously stimulate Mcintosh ripening. It must be used with extreme 

 care if apples are to be stored . If the above conditions are met, 

 storage life will likely not be reduced, but to meet these conditions 

 requires great care by the grower plus a large measure of coopera- 

 tion by the weather. Use ethephon very cautiously on Mcintosh. 



SOIL TREATMENT FOR NEMATODE CONTROL ON STRAWBERRIES 



Richard A. Rohde 

 Department of Plant Pathology 



There are probably very few commercial strawberry growers in 

 the state who are without some experience with soil fumigation. 

 This experience may result from personal use, from observation of 

 a neighbor's fields, or from demonstrations by regional specialists 

 or chemical companies. Reactions vary from enthusiastic acceptance 

 to lukewarm skepticism and many feel that it is probably a good idea 

 and "maybe I'll try it next year." If next year is to be that year, 

 now is the time to plan fall soil fumigation in preparation for new 

 beds to be set next spring. 



Why fumigate ? Fumigation is practiced to control disease or- 

 ganisms in the soil. The main culprit here is the lesion, or mead- 

 ow nematode, a microscopic worm which burrows through roots, feed- 

 ing and laying eggs, and, together with several species of fungi, 

 brings about a condition called "black root rot." This disease 

 was in part responsible for the decline of the strawberry industry 

 in the Cape Cod area several years ago and is still apparent through- 



