11 



breakdown of apples during storage. However, in North America there has been 

 very little evidence of phosphorus deficiency in fruit. We recently have found 

 that high levels of phosphorus in apples, especially in combination with low 

 levels of calcium, greatly increases breakdown of apples during storage. 



Boron 



Boron deficiency can cause internal and external cork development in 

 fruit. Excessive levels of boron in fruit can cause earlier maturation, 

 increased amounts of water core at harvest, and increased amounts of breakdown 

 after storage. Thus, a moderate level of boron is important for good fruit 

 quality. 



Boron also influences calcium movement in the tree. If boron is 

 deficient, less calcium moves to the fruit and calcium deficiency can result. 

 It therefore is important to maintain adequate boron levels as part of a 

 program to avoid calcium deficiency. 



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POHOLOGICAL NOTE 



Rabbits in Orchards 



William G. Lord 



Plant Science Department 



University of New Hampshire 



Cottontail rabbits can be found throughout southern New England and often 

 cause serious damage to young apple trees. Damage generally includes extensive 

 bark removal and severe clipping of lateral shoots. 



Habitat control is an effective population control measure. Overgrown 

 ditches, brushy fence rows, and stone walls provide rabbits with excellent food 

 and protection from predators. Elimination of these areas may be all that is 

 needed for adequate rabbit control. 



Trees can be protected from rabbits by hardware cloth (1/2" mesh) tree 

 guards that extend 2' above the average snow depth. Orchard perimeter fencing 

 or 1" or 1 1/2" mesh wire that extends S' above the average snow depth is also 

 effective. 



Taste repellents are another effective method of reducing rabbit damage to 

 orchards. Repellents containing Thiram have been effective when applied 

 according to label directions. Other commercial products such as Hinder also 

 provide effective control. 



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