ANNUAL REPORT, 1944-45 57 



practical experience. No successful Massachusetts fruit grower now attempts 

 to grow apples without nitrogenous fertilizers. 



The application of a hay mulch with no other fertilizer to one of the cultivation 

 plots more than doubled the yield over a six-year period. This practice is in- 

 creasing in Massachusetts orchards. 



The application of nitrate of soda only to a cultivation plot quickly increased 

 yields, but they have not been well maintained. 



The answer to the question of the value of phosphorus and potash added to 

 nitrogen is not so clear. There is some indication that when applied to grass sod, 

 ;^ ields are maintained better. We dare not say that it has been profitable. 



The problem of orchard fertilization is a complicated one and present know- 

 ledge is sadly inadequate. We can confidently recommend the use of nitrogen 

 in practically all orchards. In general, the heavier the application (within reason), 

 the greater the yields. But high nitrogen delays maturity, and fruit color may be 

 poor. We can with equal confidence recommend the use of magnesium, potash, 

 and boron when deficiency symptoms appear. But may not a lack of these and 

 perhaps other elements interfere with maximum yields in the absence of clearly 

 defined deficiency symptoms? 



Studies of Varieties of Fruits. (J. K. Shaw and Staff.) Among the new peach 

 varieties are a number which look promising. Since most of the peaches described 

 below have fruited only one year, the following evaluations are tentative. 



No variety earlier than Oriole appears worthy of consideration. Most growers 

 do not like Oriole because of its small size and not too attractive appearance. It 

 has been recommended chiefly because of its bud hardiness. 



Fisher, which ripens with Oriole, may be a substitute although its performance 

 in 1944 was not impressive. It is a sport of Valiant and is supposed to be like 

 that variety in every way except ripening date. The fruit was medium to large, 

 round, fairly attractive and yellow-fleshed, but had a tendency to cling. The 

 flesh was a bit stringy and soft when ripe. There was a marked tendency for the 

 fruit to soften at the tip. 



While Golden Jubilee is an excellent peach, it softens a little too rapidl}' to 

 suit most commercial growers. There are two possibilities in its season. 



Raritan Rose, a cross between J. H. Hale and Cumberland from New Jersej^ 

 is a medium to large, well-colored, attractive, white-fleshed, freestone peach. 

 The quality is good, but the flesh tends to be soft and slightly stringy and bruises 

 easily when ripe. It is not impressive but is worth watching if one wants a white- 

 fleshed peach in this season. 



Red Haven, a cross between Halehaven and Kalhaven from Michigan, is a 

 large, round, very highly colored, very attractive, yellow-fleshed freestone. Since 

 only a few peaches were borne, the size was probably larger than normal. The 

 flesh was firm and the skin thick and tough so that it should fulfill its reputation 

 of being a good shipper. The quality, while not all that could be desired, was fair 

 to good. The tree is said to be hardy and the fruit buds much hardier than El- 

 berta but not so hardy as those of South Haven or Rochester. It is worthv of 

 trial. 



Between Golden Jubilee and Halehaven there are three varieties worthy of 

 attention. Red Rose is a large, round, high quality, white-fleshed, freestone. 

 It looks very promising as a white-flesh peach ripening just before Halehaven. 

 The fruit is well covered with red and, therefore, very attractive. It softens 

 slowly and should be a good shipper. Fireglow, formerly New Jersey No. 71 

 is a truly handsome peach of unusually high quality where it can be grown. Un- 



