-12- 



greater tolerance of the MM. Ill root to prevailing soil conditions 

 and lower susceptibility to collar rot are major reasons for this 

 shift. M.26 has been tried but is too soil-specific for general 



use 



Tree planting across the state is largely done by machine. 

 This presents something of a paradox in that trees can be planted 

 rapidly and they usually start better than auger-planted trees. In 

 a sense it is almost too easy to plant trees with a planter. Many 

 trees can be planted so quickly that they do not receive the detailed 

 attention that is required. Particularly when interstem trees are 

 used, care must be taken to adjust planting depth so that the scion 

 bud union is at the same relative level in relation to the soil sur- 

 face. With M. 9/106 trees, care should be taken to be sure that the 

 106 is buried so that the M.9 section, which is less susceptible to 

 collar rot, extends 3 to 4 inches below the surface. With M. 9/111 

 trees the M.9 section should be set at a given height above ground. 

 Also care must be taken to straighten the trees. 



The importance of tree quality and early tree training is magni- 

 fied by precocious strains and varieties, particularly when these are 

 used on interstems. These trees tend to 'mature' before adequate 

 fruiting surface has been developed. In order to develop strong 

 trees of this type, greater attention must be given to central leader 

 training from the time of planting until they have reached the desired 

 height. Smaller, less- vigorous nursery trees are especially trouble- 

 some in this respect. Annual heading-back plus defruiting of the 

 leader are critical factors with such trees. Failure to do this 

 usually results in top-heavy trees that bend over with the wind, or 

 that have no leader on which to build a fruiting system. 



Weed control practices are receiving attention throughout the 

 state. Variations in soil types require more attention, particularly 

 in young plantings, in selecting proper herbicide programs. We are 

 evaluating a wide range of combinations of herbicides in an attempt 

 to develop programs that will be effective and safe for use on some 

 of the coarse- textured soils. Special emphasis is also being placed 

 on more effective methods for controlling poison ivy, brambles, wild 

 grape and other persistent perennials. 



Lack of weed control under the trees and infrequent mowing of 

 sod middles contributes to mouse control problems. Greater attention 

 to ground cover management should help to minimize such problems. 



Problems of orchard nutrition are complicated by the wide 

 range of soil conditions. Many of these problems are common to those 

 found throughout New England. Those encountered most frequently 

 involve low soil pH, shortages of potassium, magnesium, boron and zinc. 

 Under high pH conditions manganese and copper also appear to be in- 

 volved. Standard values for leaf analysis interpretation are being 



