40 



APPLES AND PEACHES IN THE OZARK REGION. 



Jonathan. 



Very few varieties are grown more widely in the Ozark region than the Jonathan, 

 and equally few are grown more successfully. Its relative importance is thus indi- 

 cated. Considered from the standpoint of its intrinsic merits, it is a question if it 

 is not the most valuable sort now being grown in this region in large quantities. This 

 estimate of its value, however, is perhaps not the one which is commonly accorded 

 to it, though it is a popular variety. 



The tree is perhaps the weakest feature in regard to the variety. Though it ordi- 

 narily makes a fairly strong growth, it is frequently attacked quite severely by twig- 

 blight; less commonly the same disease, presumably, has caused serious blighting 





Fig. 5.— A tree of the Jonathan apple in southwestern Missouri. 9 years of age. The rather slender 

 branches which characterize this variety may be noted. Systematic and judicious pruning would im- 

 prove this tree. 



of the blossoms. While blight seldom seriously endangers the life of the tree, its 

 occurrence on Jonathan is frequent in comparison with many other varieties. 



In sections where there are many cedar trees and "cedar balls" are abundant, the 

 foliage has proved to be relatively susceptible to cedar rust. The fruit is quite sus- 

 ecptible to bitter-rot, and in unsprayed orchards heavy losses due to this disease often 

 occur. In some places the curculio appears to work on it more than on many other 

 sorts, causing a great many culls and much low-grade fruit. These difficulties, how- 

 ever, appear largely in neglected orchards, the ones maintained under a good system 

 275 



