The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1911-11-10
ADVICE TO FRUIT GROWERS on
ORCHARD RENOVATION

Valuable advice to fruit growers In
regard to the best way of solving the
problem Of undesirable varieties in
their orchards, is given by W.. H
Hicks, horticulturist at the University
Experiment station, in the last issue
of the Idaho Agricultural News Let
tier, issued by Dean w. L. Carlyle Of
the college of agriculture, and edited
by o. M. Osborne. Mr.. Hicks says:
Commercial fruit growing is be-
ginning to attract attention from par
ties with more or less capital from all
parts of the country. This is espec-
tally true in Idaho where such large
range of apple growing conditions
are present. Localities that are now
famous or destined to become so for
their superior apples must 'confine
themselves to the growing of a few
varieties which are especially suited
to local conditions. Each fruit coun
try then must go through the neces-
sary experimental stage in order to
determine what varieties are best
adapted to the conditions. Each fruit
grower will have to solve the problem
in regard to disposing of his unde-
sirable varieties. Shall they be re-
moved or top-worked to better variet-
ties? ~
+ I'm some parts of our state can be
found orchards of various ages which
do not pay, and 1t is seen that some
thing is wrong. The causes which are
responsible for an Improbable orch
ard may be stated as follows. I'm
suitable varieties, poor drainage, un-
favorable site, poor soil, neglect, un-
favorable climatic conditions and old
age.
THE problem or renovating an
orchard for changing the variety is
sometimes largs one and often
proves to be more or less expensive.
The first and most important point to
consider in studying an orchard of
this kind is whether or not. the trees
are worth saving. When the trees are
on wet land that cannot be sufficiently
drained, they should be removed in
stead of being top-worked. The fruit
tree will not be profitable with ex-
cessive moisture about the root sys-
tenn. If the trees have been badly
neglected for years and have gone to
decay more or less they should not
be top-worked. When environmental
are favorable, and the tree
possesses a good root system and
trunk, it is profitable to top-work to
q standard commercial variety.
while the facts as to yield of each
tree in the orchard is now fresh. in
The mind of the orchardist, makes a
WY 6oOo SAhiC w oCACCl CAOub. I1cIS
he orchardist has an excellent OPP
portunitx for improving the character
If his. plantation. Study your trees
md select cions now from those !
which have met your ideal In yield,
color, size. quality and such charac-
;ers as you think worth keeping"
The fruit industry is becoming SO |
important that the grower owes it |
not only to himself but to the state |
% perfect himself in the business at |
I'll points. While, as suggested in the |
each grower must solve the |
problem largely on the basis of the
peculiar conditions of his orchard,
here is general instruction that all |
nay profitably take advantage of.
These orchard bulletins issued by the
tate university contain many valu-
lble suggestions and should be in the
lands of every orchardist.
/-
~ Auuo