14 



systems which utilize available space more efficiently than the 

 single-row system are limited by a number of factors such as the 

 high initial cost, tree management, current equipment, and harvest 

 difficulties . 



It is impossible for us in Massachusetts to investigate all of 

 the researchable areas mentioned above and there are other problems 

 of concern besides orchard intensification. Furthermore, many of 

 the "proposed" researchable areas are probably under investigation 

 in neighboring states. 



Some of the orcharding techniques currently popular are not 

 new but neglected practices of the past. Basically, the young, 

 slender-spindle tree is a non-pruned tree. Years ago, there were 

 numerous experiments comparing pruned and non-pruned non-bearing 

 trees and it was generally concluded that young trees should be 

 pruned. Now we want weak growing trees and early, heavy production 

 in order to maintain them at close spacings. In the Netherlands, 

 they talk about removing orchards after 15 years. 



We all could improve present orchard practices by making ful- 

 ler use of present knowledge and undoubtedly research will continue 

 to show how to improve on present practices. Thus, in this age of 

 rapid change, we should take fuller advantage of the many man-years 

 of study devoted to apple husbandry all over the world. 



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



FRUIT NOTES INDEX FOR 1975 



(This index of major articles has been prepared for those who keep 

 a file of Fruit Notes. The number in parenthesis indicates the 

 pages on which the item appears.) 



January -February 



Attempts to Raise the Calcium Level in Apples (1-2) 

 Varieties of Strawberries for Massachusetts (3-5) 

 Varieties of Pears and Quinces for Massachusetts (7-8) 

 Notes on Other Pear Varieties (9) 



March-April 



Causes of Peach Tree Decline (1-2) 



Let's Reduce the Damage to Peach Trees from Cytospora 

 Canker (3-6) 



Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizer on Color, Russet 

 and Cork Spot of Golden Delicious Apples (7) 



Influence of Lime, Source of Nitrogen, and/or Time of Applica- 

 tion on Vegetative Growth and Fruit of Sturdy Spur Delicious 

 (7-9) 



Response of Mcintosh Apple Trees to Annual Applications of 

 Dichlobenil (Casoron*) (10-11) 



