Apple Spraying Experiments in 1916 and 1917. 103 



Time and Manner of Spray Applications in 1916. 



The first spray application was made on the experimental 

 plots on May 20, the second June 5, and the third June 23. Ben 

 Davis orchard No. 1 was sprayed the first time immediately 

 following the experimental plots. On account of weather con- 

 ditions, which are discussed later in some detail, the completion 

 of the second application was not accomplished till June 13. 

 However, to make conditions uniform, a separate machine and 

 spraying crew were employed in each half of the orchard at 

 the same time. Therefore approximately an equal number of 

 trees were covered with each kind of spray on each day that 

 the work was done. The third application to each half of Ben 

 Davis No. 1 was made on June 26 and 27. . 



An attempt was made to apply the sprays on the experimen- 

 tal plots with a pressure of 200 pounds, but on account of the 

 failure of the pump to maintain this pressure constantly, 150 to 

 175 pounds per square inch was used. A type of nozzle which 

 throws a fine mist was used on all but plot 2 where the Friend 

 calyx nozzle was substituted. With this distinctly more spray 

 was applied than with the other type, and some difficulty was 

 experienced when changing from the other form to this in get- 

 ting the men who handled the spray rods to adjust their move- 

 ments so as to avoid waste of material, and at the same time 

 do thorough work. 



Conditions During and Following the Spraying Season 



of 1916. 



The early part of May was favorable for growth, but cold, 

 rainy weather prevailed for some time previous to the first 

 application. The blossom buds were nearly in condition to 

 spray for 10 days previous to the first application but their 

 development was extremely slow. On the date of application, 

 May 20, all of the buds in each cluster were showing distinctly 

 pink. 



The total rainfall recorded at the farm for the month of 

 May was 5.77 inches. The 5 days preceding May 17 were very 

 cloudy and rainy, and 4.09 inches of the total rainfall for the 

 month came during that day and the night following. Some 



