The Delta independent., 1925-01-02

| pruning viii be somewhat lighter and
in all cases will consist of a thinning
| out. Heading back will not be prac-
tced in any case except by cutting to
lateral branches which are sufficiently
vigorous to serve as leader. This
in reality is nothing more or less than
thinning. In all cases the pruning
has been considered in terms of indi-
vldual trees, according to their vigor
and growth.
Cover Crops: An essential part of
orchard management is the use of a
cover crop of some kind to be plowed
under Trees are more or less per
manent and the soil is continually
being relieved of its fertility. This
must be- returned in some manner and
the most economical method is by
turning under of cover crops or or
gantc matter, at the present time
clover, rye, hairy vetch and red
clover are being used on the Farm.
All of these are desirable and the
grover can have his choice. Any new
conclusions reached from these tests
will be made public. However, in no
case is alfalfa desirable for use in an
orchard.
Fertilizers: Various tests with com
merclal fertilizers will be run during
the next few years to determine their
value here. However the writer does
not believe that their use will prove
advisable except in combination with
cover crops. The results in such cases
would show up mainly in the in
creased growth of the cover crop,
also iu insuring stand where the
soil is badly run down. There is no
question as to the value Of barnyard
manure where it is obtainable and its
use viii prove profitable.
Sick or Chlorotic Trees: Various
tests viii be carried on with different
materials to determine their value
as q remedy for this condition. How
ever practically an experiments so
far reported on this condition tend to
SHOW that no one factor is the cause.
Generally the condition is due to any
one or a combination Of various fac
tors Among these may be counted
poor soils. lack Of some particular ele-
meur or insect or disease injury to
the roots or trunk of the trees.
Disease Control: The College Farm,
like others in the district is not en-
tirely free from disease. In 1928 the
appIas We're infected with Powdery
Mild-w TO a serious extent. BY the
use of ume-sulphur in the spring of
1922 the disease has been practically
eliminated However this will not
eliminate the necessity for future
sprags as the spores of this disease
are quite plentiful in the District.
Pear in the Grand Valley We're ser
iously affected this past season ex-
cept where lime-sulphur sprays We're
aprH-5 early i'm the season. Cali
forr Beach Blight also occurs to
a certain extent on the Western Slope
and ..sts are now being carried on
10 f.armine the best time to apply
ths different sprays in this section.
Thinning: There is a need for the
mon. general practice of the thinning
nI ruits i'm this section. The size Of
tho fruit on the College Farm was
materially increased by this practice
during the past season. As a result
81 per cent and AZ per cent of the
rDles packed out and 4 10 tier re-
-ectively.
Insect Control: All work under this
leading is carried on under the sup
.rvision OF the State Entomolosists
apartment
The greatest need at the present
line is for an increase in tonnage to
.ra acre OF high grade and larger
-ed fruit. The writer believes that
.ra solution TO the above question is
being demonstrated at the present
time on the College Farm by the
proper use of the following methods:
pruning. irrigation and cultivation,
. cover crops. spraying and thinning Of
tre fruits.
We would urge all growers. and
oilers who may be Interested, TO
rr. Ike a practice of visiting the farm
o.rasionally and note the progress
III de in the course of time. Visitors
viii always be welcome and We will
D.. glad to furnish any information de
sired regarding the work on the Farm.
VS.. believe that we can be of assist
r-re to many growers in solving
fn..r problems and this office is al
wnvs at their service.-Ferris NJ.
. U. en-. Chief Deputy State Horticul-
furlst