16 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 320 



The figures are conflicting. While the apples from the unpruned trees may 

 perhaps make the poorer showing on the whole, there is no overwhelming ten- 

 dency in this direction. One is forced to the conclusion that pruning is not always 

 effective in reducing scab and insect injuries on trees that are thoroughly sprayed 

 with modern spraying outfits of sufficient power and capacity. 



Discussion 



Some of the more striking results of this work do not appear in the tables, 

 The pickers were unanimous in preferring to work on the pruned trees. In Block O 

 consisting of trees about 40 years old, the time required to cut out dead and 

 dying branches in the later years of the experiment was almost as great as that 

 required to prune the trees in the other classes. When trees grow old and begin 

 to decline in vigor, dying wood must be cut out. To leave it would invite decay 

 and a more rapid decline of the trees. 



With younger bearing trees in full vigor of growth, pruning has less effect in 

 improving size and quality of fruit than has been commonly believed. Favorable 

 soil conditions, good cultural methods, an adequate fertilizer program, and 

 thinning when trees are heavily loaded are of primary importance in improving 

 size and quality. 



Thorough and timely spraying with suitable materials is, of course, of the great- 

 est importance; and the modern high-powered spray outfit may control insects 

 and diseases almost, if not quite, as well on unpruned as on pruned trees. 



Cutting out weak and declining wood will not decrease the size of the crop 

 but will eliminate much of the low-grade fruit that scarcely pays for handling. 

 A good time to learn to prune bearing trees is when the crop is on the trees. The 

 type of wood that bears inferior fruit should be noted and removed at pruning 

 time. This will be found to be the small, weak, shaded branches. The sooner 

 they are out of the way, the better. VYell-cared-for bearing trees should be gone 

 over annually, if possible, but at least every two or three years, and this type 

 of wood removed. Water sprouts should be removed unless needed to maintain 

 or renew the top. However, if one is forced to economize on labor, it is less in- 

 jurious to neglect pruning than to cut down on spraying or neglect proper cul- 

 tural treatment. 



No attempt has been made to calculate the financial returns from pruning. 

 These will be different with different growers. Some may be able to sell low-grade 

 fruit profitably; with others it will be of no value. However, in general, profits 

 are made on the higher grades. Taking the figures given, any fruit grower can 

 make his own calculations and then determine for his own conditions the financial 

 aspects of the problem. 





Publication of this Document Approved by Commission on Administration and Finance 

 5M-7-*35 No. 5008. 



