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1. Collect appropriate soil and feeder root samples from old orchard 

 at the time of removal (refer to section "Resources Available" for 

 obtaining information on ARD sampling, rating and testing). 



2. Evaluate the condition of feeder root samples for damage or necro- 

 sis (black or brown rotted areas). 



3. Forward samples and root condition report to Nematode Diagnostic 

 Laboratory. Roots will be assayed for parasitic nematode levels 

 and soil will be assayed for parastiic nematodes, an ARD seedling 

 stunting determination, pH, organic matter, P,K, and Mg levels. 



Corrective Practices 



Based on results of ARD and soil nutritional assays the following may 

 be recommended: 



1. Biocide fumigation of row strips the fall prior to planting. 



2. Liming to raise soil pH. 



3. Addition of organic matter to row strips. 



k. Cover-cropping with sudan grass, perennial rye grass or creeping 

 red fescue (for reducing potential root-lesion nematode problems). 



5. Applications of post-plant nematicides to individual trees or rows. 



6. Addition of other nutrients before or at the time of planting. 



7. Cleaning-up dandelion weeds if dagger nematodes pose a problem. 

 Additional pre-plant practices which may be necessary are: 



1. Subsoiling to break-up hardpan. 



2. Drainage by tiling and/or ditching. 



3. Soi 1 level i ng. 



Since the first four years are considered the most important in combating 

 ARD, the following are critical for initial success on all sites: 



1. Use of only top quality nursery stock. 



2. Establishment of irrigation program during the non-bearing years. 



3. Maintenance of an ideal tree nutrition status (monitor levels in 

 fol iage and soi 1 s) . 



k. Control of weeds within tree rows. 



5- Maintaining an organic matter level of 6^ (top 12 inches of soil). 



6. Monitoring and controlling nematodes when necessary. 



