4 



i 



] 



\ 



Fig. 8. Mcintosh on M.26 after one growing season. This 

 tree had one strong branch at planting that should 

 have been removed. It now competes with the leader 

 of the tree. It should be removed and the leader 

 headed at 28 to 30 inches to stimulate branch devel- 

 opment. Fig. 9 shows the same tree after pruning. 



other branches or it may compete with the leader (Figs. 8 

 and 9). 



Pest control. An essential for optimum growth in compact 

 orchards is adequate pest control. Too often, young plantings 

 are sprayed inadequately because of the practice of applying 

 what is left in the tank after spraying bearing orchards. This 

 is an unwise practice considering the high cost of establishing 

 orchards and the need of early returns on the investment. 

 Growers with substantial acreage of young plantings may 

 find smaller and less expensive spray equipment than com- 

 monly used in older trees a good investment. 



The most common pest problems in young apple orchards 

 in Massachusetts are scab, sucking and chewing insects, and 

 tree borers. Generally, for the first 3 years, 7 to 10 sprays 

 annually are required to control these pests. The entire tree 

 should be sprayed including the trunk. It is well to remember 

 this when selecting mouse guards because some types inhibit 

 good spray coverage as well as sunlight and air movement. 



Young plantings can be sprayed on an alternate row 



Fig. 9. The same tree as in Fig. 8 after pruning. 



basis (spraying every second or third row and then reversing 

 the order of travel the next spray). The first growing season 

 of the planting, the dosage rate per 100 gallons can be 25% 

 of that recommended for bearing trees. The dosage rate 

 should be increased annually and by the fourth growing 

 season, a full dosage rate and spray schedule is recommended. 

 For information concerning pest control, contact your 

 County Extension Office. Pest control charts are revised 

 annually. 



Fertilization. Lime but not fertilizer or manures can be put 

 in the planting hole with the roots. Lime can be added by 

 throwing 2 to 3 pounds of high calcium (Ca) lime on the soil 

 destined to be returned to the planting hole. A nitrogen (N) 

 fertilizer, a complete fertilizer, or one containing N, potas- 

 sium (K2O) and minor elements, should be applied after a 

 rain has firmed the soil around the roots of the newly planted 

 tree. Fertilize at the rate of 1/4 to 1/3 pound of ammonium 

 nitrate (33% N) or its equivalent by spreading lightly in a 

 wide circle around the tree (8 to 12 inches from the tree 

 trunk). Calcium nitrate is gradually replacing ammonium 

 nitrate as the common source of nitrogenous fertilizer be- 

 cause of low Ca levels in Massachusetts apple orchards. 



18 



