Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1941-02-28
BERRY GROWERS
SHOULD INSPECT
THEIR PLANTS
Should Look Carefully For Red
STEELE Disease Before Put
ting Them Out
SHOULD TRY BURNING
TO DESTROY WEEVIL

make Careful 1nSpeCClOn OIL Cnelr
swn strawberry plants for the red
stele disease before setting them out
this spring. The red STEELE can be
noted by cutting across the roots and
note the interior which will show red
II diseased and white if healthy. The
most obvious symptoms of the red
stele disease are the gradual stunning
Of plants and willing and dying of
the older leaves. The root system
will show a deficiency of fibrous
roots. Don't run the chance of plant
ing red stele diseased plants on clean
ground, as the infection will stay in
the soil for long period of years.
If you buy plants from nursery
or other growers this spring be sure
that they have been inspected and
have been certified by the state as
being free from the disease. Since
the inspectors will have close to 1000
acres of plants to inspect for the
nurseries and growers who have
plants to sell, it will not be possible
10 inspect plants for growers who
will set out their own plants. How
ever we will try to take care of these
growers who wish to become familiar
with the red stele disease.
Growers who wish to sell plants
this spring must have their fields in
spected and passed by the Plant Di-
ease Specialist. In order to arrange
to take care of these inspections
without a duplication of visits to a
locality. We would suggest that all
requests for inspection be made to
the office of the County Agent by
March 9Th.
DR.. George M. barrow, originator
Of the Blakemore variety states that
three new strawberry varieties will
be available for trial planting this
spring and can be obtained from the
nurseries.
Maytime-A cross between Mis-
sionary and Fairfax-Several days
earlier than Blakemore. Those who
have conditions where flowers are
not readily frosted may find it worth
while as an early variety. It has
been outstanding for its earliness,
high quality and firmness in eastern
Maryland. Compared with Blakemore
under normal conditions it has been
days earlier in season, much sweet
or in flavor, deeper red in color and
about as firm. It has also been ear
Her, firmer and sweeter than Mis-
sionary and has not turned so dark
when held after picking. The flavor
ID subacid, somewhat more tart than
Dorset but much less acid than Mis-
sionary and Blakemore. The dessert
quality is high.
One fault is that this variety bios
SONS so early that it's first flowers
are likely to be injured by frost.
When this occurs ripening is later
than normal and the yield is reduced.
Starbright- Midseason commercial
and home garden variety. It is cross
between Chesapeake and Fairfax.
From the first fruiting of the plant
it was notable for its beauty and
high quality.
Slightly earlier than Chesapeake
and the berries are sweeter and firm
81. 1t has grown vigorously on many
soils where Chesapeake does not
thrive. Compared with Fairfax, it
has been slightly later, lighter in
color, has not turned so dark on hold
ing and has been little more acid.
Redstar-A cross between Chesa-
peake and Fairfax. It is considerab-
~ later than Chesapeake and Lup-
ton and few days later than Candy.
The seeds are raised and yellow
in color. The skin is tough and very
glossy and the berry is almost as at
tractive as Starbright. 1t is bright
red in color and does not turn dark.
The flesh is light bright red, juicy
but firm. The flavor is rather tart
until quite ripe. The dessert quality
b very good to excellent and when
the berries are well grown it is equal
TO the best.
Redstar has shown no faults so
far, unless its very large leaves trans
pire water freely. May be a weak
ness dry seasons. Because it is so
late, it should be grown on soil re-
tentive of moisture and should be
well mulched to help conserve mois-
ture.
DR.. barrow states that he does not
think that these new varieties will re-
place Blakemore generally, but May
time may replace it for those want
ing the earliest berries.
Starbright is an upland Chesapeake
Of greater beauty, greater flavor and
firm while Redstar is a variety foT.