For mature, bearing peaches plan on applying 80 pounds actual nitrogen per acre per year. As you know, Apogee has been added to the growth control toolbox in 2001. Growers should remember, however, that several cultural and one other chemical method of growth control are available. Over the next several Healthy Fruit issues, these will be discussed in some detail, starting with scoring. Scoring is a moderate attempt to control growth.
Caution is advised when selecting trees to score.
Weak or moderately vigorous trees may be overly devigorated by the scoring treatment, and this effect may last for several years. On the other hand, overly vigorous trees may need to be scored in successive years to achieve the desired degree of growth control. Scoring breaks the flow of nutrients, photosynthates, and growth regulators between the tree canopy and its roots. The score will heal, but prior to healing it will reduce both the length and diameter of the new growth. Additionally, it is likely to enhance fruit set and increase flower bud formation for the next season.