Much research has been conducted in an effort to increase the 

 life of a peach tree and Dr. E.F. Savage of Georgia devoted many- 

 years to this problem. As a result of his work and that of others, 

 including those in New Jersey, our cultural recommendations have 

 been updated and are as follows: 



1. Soil fumigation is being practiced; both pre-plant and post- 

 plant treatments are made to reduce nematode populations. This 

 is an established practice in all peach growing areas since 

 soil fumigation has improved tree vigor and extended tree life. 

 Trees are less subject to cold damage and the virus disease 

 "Stem Pitting" is reduced through fumigation. Fumigant type 

 nematicides recommended for pre-plant treatment include DD* , 

 Telone II*, EDB W-85*, Vorlex* and Telone 17*. Post-plant soil 

 fumigants recommended are Nemagon 12.1* and Fumazone 12.1*. 

 Non-fumigant nematicides include Furidan lOG* and 4F*, Nema- 

 cur 15c;* and 3SC*, and Vydate L* as a foliage spray. 



2. Calcium nutrition is important. Keep the soil pH between 6 and 

 6.5 using calcium lime. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound calcitic limestone 

 mixed vvfith the soil around the roots at planting. Tiie late 

 Professor M.A. Blake stressed the need for N-P-K fertilizer 



and liming to maintain a soil pil of 5.5 - 6.5 in the 1920's. 



3. Painttree trunks with interior white latex (water base) paint 

 in the fall to reduce cold damage. This is most essential on 

 trees from 2 through 5 years of age. This reflects the sun's 

 rays and the temperature of the trunk of the tree is more nearly 

 the air temperature rather than 80 to 85 F as it can be on the 

 south side of the tree in January and February. Research in 

 this field was done in 1943-1944 by Dr. R. Eggert in New Hamp- 

 shire. 



4. Prune peach trees in late winter, after the coldest weather is 

 past. March is a good time to start pruning if possible. If 

 pruning must begin before March, prune the oldest trees first 

 and the young last. It is better to prune young trees in bloom 

 than to prune in January or February. 



5. Cytospora (Valsa) canker can be a tree killer if ignored. On 



1- and 2-year-old trees, prune off infected portions if possible. 

 Cankers on the trunk that cannot be pruned out should be cut 

 out, removing all diseased tissue until healthy, green bark 

 shows. Paint the area with tree paint containing 2 tablespoons 

 of Benlate per pound of tree wound paint or white latex paint or 

 spray the trees with 1/2 pound Benlate 50WP* in 100 gallons 

 within a day or two after pruning and cutting out cankers. 



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