MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 6 1 / 



GENERAL TREATMENT FOR APPLE ORCHARDS. 



While the enemies of the apple are numerous and varied, by 

 far the larger part of them may readily be held in check by 

 spraying with the more common insecticides and fungicides, and 

 often, by a combination «f materials, several enemies may be 

 met with one application. ■ There should, however, be a definite 

 purpose in view for every application. The mere fact of spray- 

 ing is not enough. It is important that the orchardist know 

 why and how, and when to spray or otherwise combat his ene- 

 mies. Beneficial insects should be recognized when seen, and 

 should be protected and encouraged. Certain diseases may be 

 controlled by spraying; in other cases diseased parts must be 

 removed and burned. 



The time of spraying will depend upon the purpose in view, 

 but in no case should spraying be done when the plants are in 

 full bloom. Spraying at this time will often interfere with the 

 fertilization of the flowers, and consequently reduce the crop of 

 fruit, while there is much needless destruction of bees and other 

 insects which work upon the flowers. 



The treatment of apple trees at various times during the sea- 

 son and the purpose of the same may be briefly stated as fol- 

 lows : 



A. Lime-sulphur (dormant or winter strength) before buds begin 



to swell in the spring. To destroy blister mite, oyster shell, 

 San Jose, and other scales, and aphid eggs. Under same con- 

 ditions this may assist in holding scab and other fungous dis- 

 eases in check. 



B. Tanglefoot smeared on bands of heavy paper about the trunks 



of trees. In March for spring canker-worm; in October for 

 fall canker-worm and lime-tree span-worm. At any time when 

 migration of hungry caterpillars from devastated forest trees is 

 feared. 



C. Blackleaf 40, V2 pint to 50 gallons water, when buds show green 



but are still compact. To destroy aphids when newly hatched 

 and assembled on the tips of the buds before the leaves unfold 

 to afford protection. This time of spraying with nicotine solu- 

 tion recommended as the most important single aphid spray 

 by the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, 

 N. Y. Bulletin No. 402. This can be combined with lime- 

 sulphur. 



