THE FUTURE OF FRUIT PRODUCTION 



There comes a time to all of us when we must make important decisions. Now is one of those times 

 for the fruit grower in every fruit section of our country. 



From a shortage in foods, we come to a surplus in staple as well as seasonal foods, almost over 

 night, due to accumulative production over the entire country. 



With heavy surpluses in all foods it is natural that competition will be keen for sales in every 

 class of food, including all fresh fruits, all vegetables, and processed products of both. 



The fruit grower must plan to meet this competition or be lost. The handwriting has been on the 

 wall these past five years for all to see. We have tried to advise throughout the same period ; some 

 have listened, some have not, but the results are going to be the same for all if the grower fails to re- 

 vamp his orchards for the coming competition. 



Some of the important factors for consideration at this time are; (1) newer and better varieties 

 to ripen in seasons when competition is lowest; (2) diversifying fruit production to include a great- 

 er number of types of fruit which can be disposed of in nearby markets. This may include all types of 

 plums, nectarines, apricots, grapes and berries of all kinds. (3) No planting of fruits should be made 

 until markets have been surveyed to determine whether or not the fruit can be sold for immediate con- 

 sumption or, go to the processor. The question of varieties enters the picture here and must be given 

 the most serious consideration. Varieties which ripen and overlap other sections cause glutted markets 

 and low prices. Investigate what is being grown in nearby competetive areas, then select varieties to 

 ripen before or after. (4) The processor will be a controlling factor in the future, to determine wheth- 

 er the crop will be sold at a profit or loss and the grower must plant varieties which are good market 

 types, but are also adapted to processing, or lose a very profitable outlet for his fruit. To show the im- 

 portance of processing, the following figures are revealing, giving a comparative fresh fruit and pro- 

 cessing disposal from the orchards. 



FRUIT PRODUCTION 1948 



Approximate Estimate Approximate Estimate 



Production Amount Processed 



Apples 100.000,000 bushels 35.000,000 bushels 



Peaches 70.000.000. bushels ' 35.000.000 bushels 



Pears 26,000.000 bushels 15.000,000 bushels 



Grapes 3.000,000 bushels 2,500,000 bushels 



Plums & Prunes 64S.00O tons 350,000 tons 



Cherries 191.000^ tons 150,000 tons 



Thus we find that fruits range from 30 to 65% consumption in some processed form. This is food 

 for thought that the fruit grower cannot afford to ignore for his future good. 



Here at Bountiful Ridge we are constantly analyzing information gathered from all sources on new 

 fruit varieties of all types, in order to propagate what we believe to be best for the needs of the grower, 

 regardless of where he is located or the class of market he intends to use. Only by due atttention to 

 the growers needs can we hope to serve his best interests with nursery stock which will pay dividends 

 in time to come. May we ask that you give attention to our variety listings, descriptions and recom- 

 mendations, which are made only after the most exhaustive and careful study of many given varieties 

 up to the present time. Varieties recommended may or may not be good for your particular section 

 and only a trial can definitely prove or disapprove. 



What About Pollination? 



Back in the late 20's and early 30's. much work was done by investigators to isolate the self -unfruit- 

 ful from partly self-fruitful and self-fruitful varieties. Again the time of bloom was checked to de- 

 termine, early, midseason and late blooming varieties and at the same time the pollen viability of each 

 variety was tested for potency at various stages of bloom. 



The Pollination of fruit trees, is demanding the attention of investigators and growers to a greater 

 degree than ever before, and will continue to do so until adequate ways are found to produce full crops, 

 regardless of climatic conditions at blossom time. 



Investigators continue to study this great problem and are trying to develop methods of artificial 

 pollination, which can be used when climatic conditions or other factors interrupt the normal functions 

 of blooms. 



Every type and variety of fruit needs pollination, most of which is produced by pollens from fiowers 

 on the same tree or plant, but Apples, Pears, Plums, Sweet Cherries, etc. must have pollen from other 

 sources in many cases. Commercial pollens are being collected and identified, for particular varieties, 

 whereby the fruit grower can obtain exactly what he needs to cover his particular conditions. 



Some of the techniques show much promise, while others are in extreme doubt, but no method must 

 be overlooked at the present time. Among the most promising methods of transfer, for artificial polli- 

 nation, are using hand pollination, shot guns, wands, bombs, airplanes and various types of application, 

 to effect the desired results. From our own experience, the bee has done the best job ; using hive traps 

 as provided for this method of transfer. We would recommend this method as the best which we have 

 observed and direct those interested to write to : Leo Antles, Box 1243, Wenatchee, Wash., who can give 

 you the latest information concerning this method. One grower in the Hudson Valley, has produced 

 crops that had to be thinned for the past three years on a Red Delicious orchard which had never borne 

 a crop at 10 years of age, by using pollen selected for Red Delicious, transferred with one hive of bees 

 per acre of trees. The job was rapidly and effectively done. 



We will be glad to answer all Letters Relating to Pollination. 



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