16 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



Large numbers of trials have been made as to the number 

 of sprays necessary and the time of their application. It was 

 found to be undesirable to spray when the fruit was in bloom 

 because of the danger of pollen injury and also of injury to 

 bees which are not only of economic importance as producers 

 of honey but also assist in the pollination of the apple blossoms, 

 thus helping to a better "setting" of fruit. For apple scab it 

 was found that the best control could be obtained by not less 

 than three sprayings with bordeaux mixture or lime-sulphur 

 and sometimes a fourth later spraying is necessary. The first 

 spraying is more effective before the flower buds open and after 

 they are swelled so as to show a trace of pink color. This is 

 spoken of as the "pink spray." The second spraying should 

 be made as soon after the petals drop as possible. In case of 

 only three sprayings the third and last spray is applied about 

 two weeks after the petals fall while the calyx on the young 

 apples is still directed upward. 



Directions for spraying. Because of the expense of applying 

 sprays, combination spraying for eating and sucking insects and 

 for fungi is desirable. Much study has been given to these 

 combinations. Those at present recommended by this Station 

 are outlined below and include a dormant spray for insects 

 which should be applied in addition to the ones recommended 

 above. If bordeaux mixture is preferred it is advised to still 

 use the dormant lime-sulphur spray for insects and then follow 

 with three applications of bordeaux mixture as outlined for 

 lime-sulphur under B, C, and D. 



Full directions are given in Circular No. 463 on spraying 

 with lime sulphur which will be sent free to any resident of 

 Maine on application. 



A. Spray the dormant trees before the buds begin to swell 

 in the spring, with lime-sulphur diluted according to the second 

 column of the table, in Circular 468, winter strength. This is 

 for blister mites, plant Hce eggs, oyster shell bark louse and San 

 Jose scale, but it also assists in holding apple scab and other 

 fungous diseases in check. 



B. Just as the blossom buds are showing pink spray the 

 entire tree thoroughly with lime-sulphur * diluted for summer 

 strength as indicated in the third column of the table, in Cir- 



