CONTROL OF APPLE BLOTCH. 21 



together through a strainer into the spray tank should be followed. 

 For extensive operations an elevated platform large enough to accom- 

 modate the necessary barrels and tanks and high enough to allow the 

 two diluted solutions to run by gravity into the spray tank or into 

 a supply tank is almost indispensable. To facilitate the preparation 

 of the mixture in large quantities stock solutions of bluest one and 

 lime should be made." 



Most of the spraying was done with a gasoline power outfit, such 

 as is shown in Plate IV, figure 3, although a hand outfit of the 

 50-gallon barrel type was used in a part of the work. The power 

 machine was equipped with two 35-foot leads of discharge hose for 

 the operators working from the ground and one shorter length (about 

 15 feet) for the use of the man in the tower spraying the tops of 

 the trees. Each lead of hose was attached to a 10-foot bamboo spray 

 rod fitted with a double Vermorel nozzle deflected so as to direct 

 the spray inward and downward. 



RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF APPLE BLOTCH. 



As the principal infection period comes from four to six weeks 

 after the petals have fallen, it is necessary for the control of this 

 disease to have the fruit j^rotected at this time, and as scattering 

 infectic ^s continue to take place throughout the season a coating of 

 the fungicide must be maintained until picking time. The number of 

 applications necessary to afford this protection will depend upon the 

 season, wet weather naturally requiring more than dry. 



Ordinarily four applications of Bordeaux mixture will control the 

 disease: The first, three to four weeks after the petals have fallen, 

 which corresponds to the second application in the treatment of the 

 codling moth ; the second, about four weeks later, and the third and 

 fourth at intervals of three weeks thereafter. The second and suc- 

 ceeding applications correspond with the treatment for bitter-rot, so 

 that one course of treatment will control both diseases. While the 

 disease can be readily controlled by the proper methods, very careful 

 and thorough work is required. 



A few days' delay in making the first application may result in an 

 entire failure, and unless all the fruit is reached and well sprayed 

 only partial success may be expected. The inner and higher portions 

 of the trees, which in practice are often missed, should be thoroughly 

 sprayed, as well as the outer and lower portions. 



Xeglect of pruning is conducive to the development of the disease. 

 The fungus accumulates on the numerous twigs, branches, and water 



° For fuller information regarding the preparation of spraying mixtures, see 

 U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletins Xos. 243 and 283. 

 144 



