-6- 



wood. To keep the tree at a convenient height, head back upright 

 branches to an outward growing lateral branch when they reach a dis- 

 tance of approximately 8 feet from the ground. 



Pruning Winter- Injured Trees : Peach trees may suffer winter injury 

 from low temperatures by killing of the flower buds, and by killing of 

 the wood. Under Massachusetts conditions, the critical winter tempera- 

 ture for the killing of flower buds is about -15°F. The exact tempera- 

 ture at which flower buds will be killed depends upon the variety, as 

 some are more hardy than others. The extent of flower bud injury can 

 be determined by cutting several buds and noting if they are bldck in 

 the center. If all of the buds are killed, an opportunity is provided 

 to reduce the proportion of old wood without affecting the crop since 

 there would be no crop the following summer anyway. This will tend to 

 stimulate the development of new growth nearer the trunk. 



With more severe temperature (-20°F or lower) the wood may be 

 injured in addition to the buds. This condition is indicated by the 

 inside of a branch turning dark brown or black. When this condition 

 exists, it is best not to prune the tree until after growth starts. 

 Then, only weak shoots on the interior of the tree and dead branches 

 ishould be removed since the tree will need every healthy leaf to help 

 recover from the winter injury. 



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



CONTROL OF WATER SPROUTS AND SUCKERS WITH TREE-HOLD* 



William J. Lord and Duane W. Greene 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



Water sprouts, which generally are removed to maintain tree form 

 and prevent shading, are particularly troublesome on standard-type 

 Delicious and following heavy pruning. Unfortunately, their removal 

 becomes more time consuming in succeeding seasons because of the pro- 

 liferation from the stubs created by pruning. Sucker growth from the 

 trunks and roots of mature seedling trees and in plantings of M.7 and 

 M,7A is a serious problem in Massachusetts. Suckers are costly to 

 remove, increase in number annually, provide mouse cover, and are a 

 haven for insects and diseases. 



We now have a 24-C State Registration for Special Local Needs for 

 Tree-Hold Sprout Inhibitor A-112 (Amchem Products, Inc., Ambler, PA) 

 for the control of water sprouts and suckers in apple and pear orchards 

 in Massachusetts. This formulation contains 15.11 ethyl ester of 

 naphthaleneacetic acid and is equivalent to 13.2% naphthaleneacetic 

 acid by weight (1 lb/gal) . This formulation must be diluted before 

 use, with either water or white interior latex paint. 



* Trade Name 



