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Performance of Peach Cultivars and Rootstocks in Central Ohio by Richard C. Funt, Mark C. Schmittgen, and John C. Golden .... 1

Evaluation of Nectarine Cultivars in Central Ohio' by Richard C. Funt, Mark C. Schmittgen, and John C. Golden . . . . 6

Evaluation of Several Herbicides for Orchards by Richard C. Funt, Mark C. Schmittgen, and John C. Golden ... 10

Highbush Blueberry Cultivar Evaluation by Richard C. Funt, Mark C. Schmittgen, and John C. Golden .. . 13

Frequency and Rates of Foliar Nutrient Sprays on Strawberry by Richard C. Funt, Gerald G. Meyers, and Ken DeWeese ...... 17

Effect of Herbicides on Newly Planted Apple Trees, 1989 by Richard C. Funt, M. C. Schmittgen, and J. C. Golden ...... 22

0\RllE Kirklyn M. Kerr Director

Preface The research described in this publication was conducted during the 1980s. Long-term weather records were exceeded in high and low temperatures and high and low rainfall regardless of the season. Over 87 cultivars or cultivar/root-stock combinations are described. They represent a cost of nearly $330,000 from federal and state supported funding and nearly $30,000 private sources as fruit tree nurseries, Ohio Fruit Growers Society, gifts, and grants. We acknowledge and are grateful to the June Alexander Research Fund and the research advisory board for their support. Also our neighbors, Sunny Hill and Sand Hill Orchards, have contributed in many ways towards the success of Overlook Farm. More importantly, this publication is dedicated to Mark Schmittgen and John Golden for their tireless energy, commitment, and dedication to fruit research and Ohio growers. Their efforts and high standards demon­ strate the fmest in field research.

Richard C. Funt April, 1991

' I

II ) Performance of Peach Cultivars and Rootstocks in Central Ohio

Richard C. Funtl, Mark C. Schmittgen2, and John C. Golden2

Introduction Glohaven and Sunhaven were leading of 6 (1.8 m) to 7 feet (2.1 m). Trees cultivars in 1975. Orchard sites near were trickle irrigated from May to Peach production and acreage in Lake Erie, where temperatures are September receiving 3 to 6 Ohio has declined since 1968. In modified, tend to have more consis­ gallons/tree per day. 1968, 3,809 acres were reported, but tent yields from year to year than Fruits were harvested in 1981, there were 3,273, 1,358, and 587 other areas in Ohio. Erie, Sandusky, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988. A random acres reported in 1975, 1982, and Stark, Lorain, Columbiana, and sample of 10 fruit per tree at each 1987, respectively. Peach trees were Ottawa were the leading counties by picking (minimum of three each damaged with severe winter number of trees in 1987 (Surveys, year) were measured for size and temperatures in 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1976 and 1987). color. Total fruit weight (yield) per 1985. This, in combination with late tree was measured. Cultivars which spring frosts, discouraged peach had at least 3 or more harvests were production. There were only three Methods used to estimate average yields on a crops produced in the six years 1982 per acre basis. Recordings were through 1987 (Survey, 1987). The The trees in this study came from taken on leaf defoliation winter peach crop between 1964 and 1968 breeding programs in New Jersey, damage, and bloom date. Those ranged between 100 to 550,000 Michigan, North Carolina, Califor­ cultivars having four years of bloom bushels (4.8 to 26.4 million pounds) nia, Maryland (Punt, 1977), and data were analyzed for cultivars/root­ per year. Prior to 1963, the value of Canada. The first trees were planted stock effect. the peach crop ranged between 2 and 1978, but were moved by a 3 million dollars per year, but mechanical digger and reset into a averaged only 1.5 million since 1963 larger field. Additional trees were (Survey, 1968). In 1975 growers planted in 1980 and 1981. There were Results and Discussion produced 20 million pounds and 3 trees of each cultivar/rootstock received 3.5 million dollars, the tested in a randomized design. Cultivars varied in defoliation highest income on record for peaches The trees received recommended (Table 1). California cultivars, such (Survey, 1976). In 1987, growers cultural practices to insure optimal as Flamecrest, Firered, Sunbright, produced 6.7 million pounds (2.0 growth and hardiness. They received and Suncrest, were most affected by bushels or 96 lbs/tree) and received annual late dormant and summer defoljation, while Flavorcrest was 2 million dollars (Survey, 1987). pruning, nitrogen fertilizer, her­ least affected. New cultivars Har­ The North Central and Northeast bicides, and white latex paint binger, Newhaven, Pekin, Cullinan, districts of the state are the leading applications. The paint was used to Jayhaven, Biscoe, Havis and Encore producers with 59 and 75 percent of reduce winter damage to the trunk. were not as affected as Brighton, the trees in 1975 and 1987, respec­ Trickle irrigation was installed in Redhaven, Raritan Rose, Suncrest, tively. Redhaven, Redskin, Crest­ 1984. Velvet, and Sweet Sue. The authors aven, Glohaven and Redkist were the The trees were planted 15 feet (4 .5 consider a 20% or greater defolia­ leading cultivars in 1987, while m) between trees and 22 feet (6.5 m) tion (Rating of 3, 4, or 5) to be Redhaven, Redskin, Halehaven, between rows giving 132 trees/acre serious. It has been reported that (340 T/ha). The soil was a fine clay Biscoe, Redskin, Pe~in, Loring, loam of the Cardinton-Bennington Harbrite, Harken, and Harbinger are 1Professor, Extension Fruit Specialist, Ohio type and was tile drained. The pH resistant to bacterial leaf spot, while State University of the soil maintained between 6 and Suncrest and Velvet are susceptible 2Farm Manager and Farm Worker, respec­ tively, Overlook Farm, OARDC/OSU, near 6.5. The trees were trained to an to bacterial leaf spot (Savage and Carroll, Ohio. open center system reaching a height Prince, 1972). Also, Springer (1988) Table 1. Defoliation and winter damage on peach cultivars, Overlook Farm, Central Ohio. Winter Winter Defoliation damage Defoliation damage Cultivars 1981-1983ab 1983-1984Cd Cultivars 1981-1983ab 1983-1984Cd Harbinger 1 2 1 Sunbright 4 2 3 Candor 1 2 3 Suncrest 3 2 2 Early White Flamecrest 3 2 3 Giant 3 2 3 Compact Sweethaven 1 2 2 Elberta 1 2 1 Brighton 3 2 2 Red kist 2 2 3 Earliglo 1 2 2 Sun high 2 2 2 Harbelle 1 2 3 Summerpearl 1 2 2 Reliance 1 1 2 Loring 1 2 2 Newhaven 1 2 3 Biscoe 1 2 2 Raritan Rose 3 2 3 Summerglo 2 2 2 Harken 1 2 3 NJ248 2 2 1 Redhaven 3 1 2 Madison 1 2 2 Flavorcrest 1 2 2 Cresthaven 1 2 1 Early Loring 1 2 2 Redskin 1 2 2 Pekin 1 1 3 Havis 1 2 2 Harbrite 2 2 3 Jerseyglo 1 2 2 Topaz 1 2 2 Marqueen 1 2 2 Cullinan 1 1 3 Sweet Sue 3 2 2 Jayhaven 1 2 3 Firered 3 2 3 Glohaven 1 2 2 Encore 1 2 2 Harmony 1 2 2 Cal. Red 2 2 3 Velvet 3 2 3

a1981 & 1983 Defoliation 1. No apparent infection 2. 5-20% defoliation 3. 20-35% defoliation 4. 35-50% defoliation 5. 50-65% defoliation bData taken 6/22/81-Prolonged wet spring Data taken 7/25/83-Prolonged cold, wet spring cwinter Damage Rating 1. Little or no damage 2. Moderate damage (20-400/o dead wood) 3. Severe damage (41-100% dead wood) dRatings are for cultivars on Halford or Lovell rootstocks, except Harbinger/Sib C, Reliance/Eib., Compact Elberta/Eib; Cal Red, Flavorcrest, Flamecrest, and Firered, all on Nemaguard.

lists Sweet Sue, Redhaven, Marqueen standard for winter hardiness, had a injury is known to contribute more and Harmony as least resistant and value of 2. Harbinger, Compact to loss of bearing surface and tree Candor, Harbelle and Redkist as Elberta, Cresthaven, and NJ248 had death than any other factor in most resistant to bacterial leaf spot. less shoot damage (value of 1) than Northern U.S. and Canada. The After suffering low winter Redhaven while many others showed leading peach production problems temperatures during 1983-84, the greater damage than Redhaven. Cold in Ohio are low winter temperatures, amount of shoot (wood) damage was injury contributed indirectly to spring freezes and canker borer pro­ evaluated using a rating system in orchard short life by lowering the blems (Hall, 1978). late May of 1984 (Table 1). Redhaven tree's tolerance to diseases such as Harbright, Cullinan, Jayhaven, the cultivar which breeders use as a peach canker (Anon, 1975). Cold Suncrest, Redskin, and Summerglo trees produced the largest peaches Table 2. Fruit size, fruit color, and yield of peach cultivars, Overlook Farm, (Table 2). Generally, they averaged Central Ohio, 1981-1988. three inches (7.5 em) or more in diameter. Madison, Jayhaven, Sum­ Fruit merpearl, NJ 248 and Summerglo Size Color Yield (lbs)c obtained the highest average annual Cultivarab (in.) (% red) Tree Acre yields. However, there were insuf­ Harbinger/Sib C 2.6 87 51.2 6764 ficient years to present trends and Candor/Sib C 2.7 71 76.7 10121 differences among cultivars. Average Sweethaven/Hal 2.5 67 66.6 8786 yields reported in Jackson, Ohio, Harbelle/Hal 2.6 71 62.3 8222 were similar to those in this report Brighton/Hal 2.6 76 43.5 8740 (Hartman, 1978). Earliglo/Lov 2.4 66 47.2 6226 Fruit color is important in today's Reliance/Eib 2.7 53 66.7 8798 market. Peaches with less than 60% Harken/Lov 2.8 68 55.2 7283 Redhaven/Sib C 2.8 68 47.2 6225 red color are considered unfavorable. Raritan Rose/Sib C 2.9 62 28.1 3710 Cresthaven, Redskin, Biscoe, Madi­ Newhaven/Hal 2.9 66 45.8 6054 son, Summerglo, and NJ 248 had Early Loring/Lov 2.9 75 25.5 3367 less than 60% red color (Table 2). Of Pekin/Hal 2.7 71 81.8 10804 these, Madison, Summerglo, and Harbrite/Hal 3.0 69 48.8 6435 NJ248 were the highest yielding Cullinan/Hal 3.3 62 57.4 7582 cultivars. Red kist/Hal 2.9 68 59.1 7803 During the period of 1981 to 1988, Summerpeari/Hal 2.8 66 99.7 13158 Central Ohio witnessed weather pat­ Jayhaven/Hal 3.1 73 100.4 13257 terns that broke records taken over Suncrest/Hal 3.0 77 39.9 5275 the previous 100 years. Spring Madison/Sib C 2.8 47 131.8 17400 freezes ( 4/21182, 4/19/83, and Cresthaven/Hal 2.8 50 50.3 6640 Redskin/Hal 3.2 57 30.2 4/21/86) and winter cold (1/17/82 and 3986 Biscoe/Hal 2.7 45 42.3 5580 1120/85) killed flower buds or open Newhaven/Hal 2.9 66 45.9 6054 flowers and provided no yield on Summerglo/? 3.3 40 88.0 11622 some cultivar/rootstock combina­ NJ 248/? 2.6 38 96.7 12774 tions. Severe hot, dry weather that began in August of 1986 and ended aonly those cultivars which had some yields for at least three years or more are listed. bHai.=Halford, Lov=Lovell, Sib C=Siberian C, Elb=Eiberta rootstocks. Rootstock for in the fall of 1988 also put stress on Summerglo and NJ 248 are unknown. these trees. The cultivar/rootstock CAverage per year for at least 3 or more harvests from 1981 to 1988. All yields are form the combinations that did not survive 3rd to 11th leaf except for Newhaven/Hal and Redhaven/Sib C which are from 2nd and 9th leaf. nor produce a major economic yield by 1983 were Flamecrest/Nemaguard, Flavorcrest/Nemaguard, Firered/­ N emaguard, CalRed/N emaguard, of Biscoe, has a similar bloom date Table 3. Influence of cultivar on Sunbright/Lovell, Sunkist/Lovell, to Biscoe. Over tree misting has bloom delay. and Sunhigh/Lovell (data not delayed bloom in apples (Stong et.al. Cultivar/Rootstock1 % of Bloom2.3 shown). Other trees were weakened 1978). Research in Ohio indicated or killed by trunk or limb damage that growers could benefit from Cultivar due to cold winter temperatures after delayed bloom (Robertson and Redskin/Halford 73.6 Biscoe/Halford 72.3 1983. Stong, 1978). Further chemicals, as Jayhaven/Halford 60.9 Some cultivars/rootstocks did Ethephon, have shown delay of Madison/Lovell 49.3 show influence on bloom date (Table bloom, but they have not been ap­ Reliance/Elberta 29.0

3). With four years of bloom data, proved for use (Funt and Ferree, 10nly those cultivar/rootstocks which had Reliance and Madison bloomed later 1986). Delayed bloom, genetically, four years (1983, 1986, 1987, 1988) of data were selected. than other cultivars. Jayhaven tend­ could benefit Ohio growers. 2The average % of bloom open of the ed to bloom later than Redskin or Regardless of rootstock, Reliance, selected cultivars. Biscoe. Redskin, a genetic parent Biscoe and NJ248 were the only 3Average of ARC sign transformation

3 Table 4. Full Bloom, harvest dates, days from full bloom to harvest, dead trees, bushels/acre and number of harvests for peaches. Days Full Dead Avg. Cultivar/ Average Date bloom to trees yield No. Rootstock1 Full Bloom Harvest harvest 1988-% Bu/A Harvests2

Harbinger/Sib C 4/18 7/5 78 33 141 5 Candor/Sib C 4/18 7110 83 100 211 3 Candor/Lov 4/18 7/12 85 100 1 E White Giant/Lov 4/18 7/15 88 100 1 Sweethaven/Hal 4/17 7/15 89 33 183 5 Brighton/Hal 4/18 7118 91 66 120 5 Earliglo/Lov 4/19 7/19 91 33 130 4 Harbelle/Hal 4/18 7/20 93 66 171 3 Harbelle/Sib C 4/20 7/22 93 100 177 4 Reliance/Sib C 4/22 7/22 91 0 183 5 Reliance/Eib 4/21 7/28 98 0 130 4 Newhaven/Sib C 4/22 7/28 97 100 1 Newhaven/Hal 4/20 7/30 101 66 124 5 Raritan Rose/Sib C 4/20 7/30 101 33 77 5 Harken/Lov 4/18 7/30 103 33 152 4 Redhaven/Sib C 4/19 7/30 102 66 130 5 Redhaven/Lov 4/19 8/5 108 100 77 5 Early Loring/Lov 4117 8/1 106 100 70 4 Harbrite/Hal 4116 8/4 110 66 134 3 Cullinan/Hal 4118 8/6 110 66 158 4 Jayhaven/Hal 4/16 8/9 115 66 276 3 Jayhaven/Sib C 4/19 8/9 112 33 154 2 Glohaven/Sib C 4/19 8/10 113 100 1 Glohaven/Hal 4/22 8/13 113 100 1 Harmony/Lov 4/18 8/12 116 100 22 2 Harmony/Sib C 4/19 8/12 115 100 1 Velvet/Hal 4/16 8/12 118 100 59 2 Sunbright/Lov 4/14 8/13 115 100 17 2 Suncrest/Hal 4/17 8/14 121 66 110 4 C. Elberta/Eib 4/15 8115 122 100 39 2 Red kist/Hal 4/18 8/17 121 100 163 4 Redkist/Sib C 4/20 8/19 121 100 38 2 Summer Peari/Lov 4116 8/24 130 66 274 3 Biscoe/Hal 4/13 8/26 135 0 116 4 Biscoe/Sib C 4/13 8/26 135 0 119 3 Summerglo/? 4/17 8/25 128 66 3 NJ248/? 4/15 8/25 132 0 266 3 Madison/Lov 4/19 8/26 129 66 133 4 Madison/Sib C 4/19 8/29 132 66 362 3 Cresthaven/Hal 4/15 8/27 135 66 138 3 Cresthaven/Sib C 4/21 8/31 132 100 1 Redskin/Hal 4/15 8/28 136 66 117 2 Redskin/Sib C 4/16 9/1 138 66 20 3 Havis/Hal 4/17 8/30 133 66 13 2 Jerseyglo/? 4/13 9/1 141 100 1 Marqueen/Hal 4/13 9/2 142 66 19 2 Sweet Sue/Hal 4/17 9/2 136 100 182 2 Sweet Sue/Sib C 4/17 9/2 136 100 1 Encore/Eib 4/13 9/5 146 33 265 2 1Trees planted in 1979, 1980, and 1981. 2Winter damage and spring frost limited the number of harvests.

4 cultivars to have all trees living ~y tended to be small. Jayhaven tended Funt, R.C., S.H. Todd and G.J. 1988 (Table 2). Harbinger/Sib. C, to have the greatest red color followed Stadelbacher. 1977. The Redskin Sweethaven/Hal, Brighton/Hal, by Sweethaven. Reliance, Biscoe, and and MAR series peach cultivars. Reliance/Sib. C, Newhaven/Sib C, NJ248 had the greatest tree survival. Their origin and description. Raritan Rose/Sib. C and Redhaven on These all tend to have smaller fruit MP917 Md. 1\g. Exp. Sta. pp. 1-13. Lovell or Sib. C were the only com­ size with less color than most Hall, F.R. 1978. Economic appraisal binations having five harvests. Ten cultivars. Redhaven, the most widely on insect and disease injury to other combinations had four harvests planted cultivar in Ohio, survived Ohio peaches and potential in this study. well, but yields were low. pesticide use strategies. Fruit The combination with the highest Of the early ripening peaches, Crops Res. Circ. 239. Ohio Agric. yields obtained with three or more Candor and Sweethaven appeared to Res. & Devlp. Ctr. pp 17-22. harvests were Madison/Sib. C, Jay­ have the highest yi~lds with good Hartman, F.O. and R.G. Hill, Jr. haven/Hal, Summer Pearl!Lov,­ color. Redhaven, Reliance, Pekin, 1978. Planting distance vs. yield NJ248/?, Candor/Sib. C, Sweet­ and Redkist show promise as mid­ and amount of pruning time of haven/Hal, Reliance/Sib. C and season cultivars. Summerpearl (white peach trees. Fruit Crops Res. Circ. Harbelle/Sib. C. All except Summer flesh) and Jayhaven should be 239. Ohio Agric. Res. & Devlp. Pearl are yellow fleshed peaches. considered as potential late cultivars. Ctr. pp. 3-4. When yield, fruit color and fruit size Ohio Commercial Orchards and were considered, Jayhaven was a new Vineyards Survey. 1968. Ohio Summary and cultivar \\Urthy of trial in, 9hio. Its only Statistics Serv., Fed. Bldg., Col­ weakness appeared to be that it was umbus. pp 18-19. Conclusions susceptible to winter shoot damage. Ohio Fruit Tree and Vineyard Survey. Jay haven was released because it was 1976. Ohio Ag. Statistics Serv., Rootstock: The Nemaguard root­ firmer than Canadian Harmony and Fed. Bldg., Columbus. pp 10-11. stock was introduced due to its fuvorable under Michigan conditions Ohio Fruit Tree and Vineyard Survey. resistance against nematodes. It is (Anderson, 1980). 1987. Ohio Ag. Statistics Serv. , not winter hardy and none of the This peach cultivar/rootstock Fed. Bldg., Columbus. pp 2-7. trees survived. In this study a series research, conducted under some of Robertson, J.L. and E.J. Stang. 1978. of newly named California cultivars the most extreme weather conditions, Economic feasibility of over-tree were obtained with Nemaguard as can only be used as a guide for future misting for bloom delay in apple the rootstock. Since then many other plantings on the best sites. The and peaches. J. 1\mer. Soc. Hort. California peach cultivars have been historical literature, particularly of the Sci. 103(2):242-245. planted by growers. Suncrest/Hal 1930's expresses similar concerns as Savage, E.F. and V.E. Prince. 1972. was the only one which performed this one. While demand is high for Performance of peach cultivars in moderately well in Ohio. fresh tasty peaches in Ohio, tree sur­ Georgia. Res. Bul. 114 USDA. Young (1980) reported a 4-day vival, spring frosts and local condi­ Univ. of GA Expt. Sta. pp. 27-210. bloom delay with Cresthaven and tions make peach production very Springer, J.K. 1988. Bacterial leaf Harken on Siberian C as compared difficult in Ohio. spot of peach. in: The Peach. N.F. to Halford or Lovell. The interaction Childers and WB. Sherman (eds.) of rootstocks and soil temperature Hort. Pub., Gainesville, FL. pp. may be a factor. Young also notes 682-683. that bloom delay has not been References Stang E.J., D.C. Ferree, F.R. Hall observed in northern climates on Anderson, R.L. 1980. Status of peach and R.J\. Spotts. 1978. Over-tree Siberian C. Our data cannot be relied production in the Great Lakes misting for bloom delay in upon to indicate such a response. States. Ohio Fruit J. 2(2):11-15. "Golden Delicious" apples. J. Cultivars/Rootstocks: Of the rela­ 1\nonymous. 1975. Improving peach Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. tively new cultivars, Jayhaven, cold hardiness. J\rn. Fruit Grower 103(1)82-87. Sweethaven, and Summer Pearl 95(4):21-48. Young, E. and J. Houser. 1980. In­ (white flesh) on standard rootstocks Funt, R.C. and D.C. Ferree. 1986. fluence of Siberian C rootstock on had high yields in this study. Sum­ Ethephon induced bloom delay of peach bloom delay, winter poten­ mer Pearl had the largest fruit size, peach trees. Ohio U.S.A. Acta tial and pollen meiosis. J. Amer. followed by Jayhaven. Sweethaven Horticulture 179:163-170 Soc. Hort. Sci. 105(2):242-245.

5 Evaluation of Nectarine Cultivars in Central Ohio

Richard C. Funtl, Mark C. Schmittgen2, and John C. Golden2

Introduction recorded in 1981, 1983 and 1986. dired, Mericrest, Flavortop, and Nectarines resemble peaches, but Fruits were hand-thinned to 4 to 6 Fantasia were least affected in 1981. their skin is smooth and without fuzz. inches apart when needed. In 1983 Harko, Nectared #4, Nee­ California produces 90% of the Defoliation became apparent in tared #6, Delicious and Redgold had national nectarine supply and does an 1981 and again in 1983 and was rated the highest yields (Table 3). excellent promotion for nectarines in both seasons using the same rating Earliblaze, Mericrest, Lategold, and under a marketing order for Califor­ scale of 1 (no defoliation) to 5 (50 Crimson Gold had the highest nia Summer Fruits (Anon., 1983). to 65% of leaf drop). Also, the cold percentage of red color. Sunglo, The average consumption of nec­ winter of 1983/84 induced shoot Firebright, Fantasia, and Lategold tarines in the United States increased damage and this was rated on a 1 had the largest fruit size. They also from 0.6 lbs/person in 1970 to 1.4 (little or no damage) to 3 (41 to 100%) tended to have the lowest pounds per lbs/person in 1987. There are very of shoots on each tree were damaged. tree as well. In the surviving few nectarines grown in Ohio. Nec­ Further, in January 1985 temperatures cultivars, yield, fruit color, and size tarines have promise for farm reached - 200F, which killed certain increased in 1986 as the trees grew markets because they are easy to pick trees and the number of trees that sur­ older (Table 4). up and eat out of hand, are more vived were recorded after harvest in attractive than peaches because of 1986. higher red-color and, because of Summary and promotion most, consumers have Conclusions tried nectarines and enjoyed them Results (Frecon, 1985). Independence/Hal, Mericrest/Lov., Crimson Gold, Independence, Nectared #4/Sib C, and Hardired/Sib NJ65, Delicious, Sunglo, Flavortop, C were able to survive the low winter Methods Lategold, Honeygold, Redgold, Fan­ temperatures (-20°F 1120/85) and tasia, and Tiger nectarines bloomed other weather related conditions The first trees were transplanted earliest between April 9 and 14 from 1979 to 1986. This is better than in 1979 from their original site and (Table 1). Nectared #6 on Halford the Redhaven peach but is the same additional trees were planted in 1979 rootstock bloomed 3 days earlier survival rate as Reliance or Biscoe and 1980 at a spacing of 4.5x6.5 than the same cultivar on Siberian peach at the same location (Punt, meters (15 x22 ft). There were 3 C. Independence/Hal, NJ65/?, 1991). Each of these had the max­ trees per cultivar/rootstock. The Harko/Sib. C, Hardired/Sib. C, Meri­ imum number of harvests as well. trees were given general cultural crest/Lov., Nectared #4 and Nectared Mericrest/Lov., Nectared #4/Sib C practices. Trickle irrigation was #6 on both Halford and Siberian C and Hardired/Sib C had less winter installed in 1984 and 2 to 4 rootstocks had the lowest number of damage and Independence/Hal, gallons/tree/day was applied from dead trees in 1986. Mericrest/Lov and Nectared #4/Sib mid-May through August. Earliblaze, Redgold, Harko, Late C had low susceptibility to bacterial Winter damage and defoliation Lagrande, Sunglo, Flamekist and spot as well. In New Jersey, Sunglo, (bacterial spot) were evaluated in Flavortop exhibited greater than 20% Flavortop, Redgold, Fantasia, Crim­ 1981 and 1983. Bloom, and harvest defoliation because of bacterial spot, son Gold, Harko, and Earliblaze are dates were recorded each year. Fruit but were not as severe in 1983 (Table considered susceptible to bacterial size and color, and yields were 2). Further, Independence/Hal, spot (Frecon, 1985). •Professor, Extension Fruit Specialist, Ohio Firebright/Nem, Late-gold/Lov, Yields of nectarines could have State University. Crimson Gold and Earlybird were been affected by bloom date. Early 2Farm Manager and Farm Worker, respec­ tively, Overlook Farm, OARDC/OSU, near most affected by winter damage. blooms are more susceptible to frosts. Carroll, Ohio. Nectared #4 and #6, Harko, Har- Independence tended to bloom early,

6 while Mericrest, and Nectared #4· Table 1. Harvest and bloom date, days bloom to harvest, dead trees, and and #6 had the latest bloom dates. number of harvest for nectarines, Overlook Farm, 1981-1986. None of the nectarine cultivars bloomed as late as the Redhaven Days Dead Avg Date1 Trees # peach (4/19) as indicated in a similar Cultivar/ Bloom to Harvest Bloom Harvest 1986-% Harvest report (Punt, 1991). Yield per tree in Rootstock 1983 of Harko, Nectared #4 Crimson Gold/?2 7/26 4/12 105 100 1 Delicious and Redgold approached Independence/Hal 8/1 4/12 110 0 3 average yields of Reliance, NJ65/? 8/1 4/9 114 0 115 100 1 Sweethaven, Pekin, Jayhaven, and Firebright/Nem 8/5 4/17 Earliblaze/Lov 8/8 4/17 118 100 2 Madison peaches. Fruit size of nec­ Harko/Sib C 8/8 4/17 118 33 3 tarine tended to be slightly smaller Hardired/Sib C 8/10 4/16 121 0 3 than peach while red color tended to Mericrest/Lov 8/10 4/15 120 0 3 higher in nectarine than peach. Fruit Delicious/Lov 8/15 4/14 126 100 2 size can also be affected by tree vigor Nectared #4/Hal 8/15 4/17 123 33 3 and irrigation (Punt et al., 1982). Nectared #4/Sib C 8/15 4118 122 0 3 Both nectarines and peaches at this Nectared #6/Hal 8/20 4/14 131 33 3 site were given the same amount of Nectared #6/Sib C 8/20 4/17 129 33 3 water. Sunglo/Lov 8/20 4/14 131 100 2 Only Independence, NJ65, Harko, Flavortop/Hal 8/21 4/13 133 100 2 Hardired, Mericrest, and Nectared Lategold/Lov 8/21 4/12 134 100 Honeygold/Nem 8/22 4/12 135 100 #4 and #6 merit further study in cen­ Redgold/Lov 8/25 4/12 138 100 2 tral Ohio. It appears that Siberian C Fantasia/Hal 8/28 4/13 140 100 2 rootstock should be compared to Fantasia/Sib C 8/28 4/14 139 100 1 other rootstocks using Nectared #4 Tiger/Hal 8/29 4/14 140 100 1 and #6 as cultivars. Growers may 1Approximately average; 1-3 years for harvest and at least 3 years for blo~---- want to consider some of these 2Rootstock: Hai=Halford; Lov=Lovell; Sib C=Siberian C; and ?=unknown. cultivars for trial only.

7 Table 2. Defoliation and winter damage on nectarine cultivars, Overlook Farm, Central Ohio. Defoliation Winter Damage Cultivar 1981 & 1983a 1983/84b,c ---· Crimson Gold/? 1 2 3 Independence/Hal 2 1 3 NJ65/? 1 2 1 Firebright/Nem 1 2 3 Earliblaze/Lov 5 2 2 Harko/Sib C 3 1 1 Hardired/Sib C 2 2 1 Mericrest/Lov 1 2 1 Delicious/Lov 2 2 1 Nectared #4/Hal 1 2 Nectared #4/Sib C 1 1 1 Nectared #6/Hal 1 1 1 Nectared #6/Sib C 1 1 1 Sunglo/Lov 3 2 2 Flavortop/Hal 3 2 1 Late Gold/Lov 1 2 3 Honeygold/Nem 2 Redgold/Lov 4 3 2 Fantasia/Hal 1 2 2 Fantasia/Sib. C 1 2 1 Tiger/Hal 2 2 2 Late Lagrande/Nem 3 2 2 Flamekist/Nem 3 2 2 Earlybird/? 1 2 3 Fairlane/Nem 1 2 2

a1981 & 1983 1. No apparent infection 2. 5-20% defoliation 3. 20-35% defoliation 4. 35-50% defoliation 5. 50-65% defoliation bData taken 6/22/81-prolonged wet spring Data taken 7/25/83-cold wet period cwinter Damage Rating: 1. Little or no damage 2. Moderate damage (20-40% dead wood) 3. Severe damage (41-100% dead wood)

8 Table 3. Yield, color and fruit size of nectarine cultivars, Overlook Farm, Ohio, 1983.

~--~-~ Yield Color Fruit Size Cultivar lb/tree % Red inch diam.

~------Independence/Hal 23.1 74.0 2.4 Earliblaze/Lov 21.6 96.0 2.5 Harko/Sib C 97.0 84.0 2.4 Hardired/Sib C 32.1 83.0 2.5 Sunglo/Lov 5.5 69.0 2.8 Delicious/Lov 68.6 69.0 2.7 Firebright/Nem 10.1 78.0 2.8 Nectared #4/Hal 105.4 73.0 2.2 Nectared #4/Sib C 111.4 89.0 2.3 Nectared #6/Hal 56.0 82.0 2.5 Nectared #6/Sib C 67.1 73.0 2.2 Mericrest/Lov 19.8 92.0 2.6 Flavortop/Hal 7.9 81.0 2.7 Fantasia/Hal 26.8 67.0 2.8 Tiger/Hal 6.4 79.0 2.4 Redgold/Lov 64.7 81.0 2.6 Lategold/Lov 1.5 90.0 2.8 Crimson Gold/? 14.3 89.0 2.5 Honeygold/Nem 1.1 63.0 2.5

Table 4. Yield, color and fruit size of nectarine cultivars, Overlook Farm, Ohio, 1986. Yield Color Fruit Size Cultivar lb/tree %Red inch diam. Independence/Hal 5.1 90 3.1 Harko/Sib. C 43.7 94 2.8 Hardired/Sib. C 155.7 88 2.5 Nectared #4/Hal 40.5 81 2.7 Nectared #6/Sib.C 68.1 94 2.8 Mericrest/Lov 14.7 91 2.9

References Funt, R.C., L.R. Krusberg, D.S. Ross, and B.L. Goulart. 1982. Ef­ fect of post-plant nematicides and Anonymous. 1983. Nectarines now trickle irrigation on newly planted part of national peach council. peach trees. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Peach Times Nat. Peach Council Sci. 107(5):891-895. 28(4):1. Funt, R.C., M.C: Schmittgen and Frecon, J.L. 1985. Nectarine J.C. Golden. 1991. Performance of cultivars for New Jersey and their peach cultivars and rootstocks in adaptation to New England states. central Ohio. Hort Series. 612, Fruit Notes Univ. of MA Ohio Agric. Res. and Develop. 51(1):21-22. Center, pp 1-9.

9 Evaluation of Several Herbicides for Orchards1

Richard C. Funt2, Mark C. Schmittgen3, and John C. Golden3

Introduction herbicides may give a particular 6. Devrinol 50 WP-4 lbs ai/A+ benefit for certain unusual weeds. Karmex 80 W 1.6 ai/A Controlling weeds in tree fruits These applications were made to 7. Devrinol 50 WP-4 lbs ai/A+ can increase fruit size and reduce compare the effects of early spring Roundup 2 lbs ai/A competition for water (Funt et al, herbicide applications on weed con­ 8. Gramoxone-0.8 lbs ai/A+ 1987). When weeds are reduced, trol longevity in apple and peach Simazine-3.2 lbs ai/A insect pests cannot survive (Rom trees, which ·were established and (Pre-mix) et al, 1984). It is a generally accepted had received chemical weed control 9. Gramoxone-0.4 lbs ai/A+ practice to maintain a nearly weed the previous spring. Simazine-1.6 lbs ai/A free area from the trunk to the outer (Pre-mix) edge (drip line) of fruit trees. When The apple and peach trees were 5 the soil is bare beneath the tree, Methods years old and were on M7 and Sib. more heat is released during bloom C rootstocks, respectively. All trees and orchards can benefit from this The experiments were conducted received trickle irrigation through a heat loss on a frosty night during the in 1987 at the Overlook Branch of single emitter at 1 gallon per hour most susceptible time for crop loss. the Ohio Agricultural Research and rate for 2 to 3 hours per day from Further, certain weeds, as Canadian Development Center (OARDC) in June 1 to September 1. Soil moisture thistle, yellow nutsedge and central Ohio, approximately 20 miles was good to excellent at application quackgrass produce crop inhibiting south of Columbus near Carroll. The time, but dry conditions existed from chemicals (Putnam, 1983). There­ soil type for the apple is classified early to late summer. fore, weed control is a valuable as Cardington and for peach, Ben­ The experimental design was a cultural practice. ington silt loam. These soils range randomized complete block with 4 Weed control technology con­ from 2 to 3 % organic matter and replications with 2 trees per unit. tinues to change rapidly with new have excellent soil moisture holding Treatments were evaluated as to per­ chemicals that have different modes capacity. The pH is maintained in the cent broadleaf, grasses and bare soil. of action. New formulations of old 6.0 to 6.5 range. At the time of ap­ Evaluations were made on June 15 compounds that are used alone or in plication, the soil was essentially weed and July 30; 45 and 90 days after combination with other herbicides free with broadleaf weeds emerging application, respectively. Means need to be tested for benefit or risk at 2 to 3 inches high. Few grasses were separated by using Duncan's to tree fruits. In general, the objec­ were showing. New Multiple Range Test at .05 tive of testing new herbicides is to The herbicides were applied with level. measure performance under Ohio an orchard herbicide sprayer, at 40 conditions in weed control and/or PSI in a spray volume of 80 gallons regrowth, the overall species of water per acre. However, the appli­ Results and Discussion weeds and if there are any visual cations were made 2 to 3 weeks later signs of damage to the non-target than normal (May 1) due to warm Very few grasses existed in both plant (fruit tree). Secondly, growers weather and product availability. plots, since they had been reduced are aware that using the same her­ The treatments were as follows: by herbicides in the previous years. bicides every year usually increases 1. Control-no herbicide, no Broadleaf weeds were present and the weed spectrum. Therefore, new water actively growing at the time of 2. Devrinol 4F-4 lbs ai/N application. It was anticipated, then 1The authors wish to acknowledge the fman­ 3. Devrinol 50 WP-4 lbs ai/A that certain pre-emergence herbi­ cial support of Stauffer Chemical Company (K. Kannean) and ICI Americas (D. Bowers) 4. Devrinol 4F-4 lbs ai/A+ cides would not be as effective as for this work. Karmex 80W-1.6 lbs ai/A 2Professor and Extension Horticulturist 4Where trade names are used, no discrimina­ 3Farm Manager and Farm Worker, respec­ 5. Devrinol 4F-4 lbs ai/A+ tion toward similar products is intended nor tively, Overlook Farm. Roundup-2 lbs ai/A implied. Treatments 8 and 9 were not ap­ plied to the peach.

10 the combinations of systemic (knock Table 1. Percent of soil area with weed growth mid-June, apple, Ohio 1987. down) and residual pre-emergence herbicides (Table 1). The combina­ ------Dfo ------tions of Devrinol 4F plus Karmex Treatment1 Broadleaf2 Grass Bare Soil3 ·------SOW and Gramoxone 0.8 plus Control 90a4 0 9c Simazine 3.2 (full rate) had the Devrinol 4F 7Sab 0 22c lowest amount of broadleaf weeds in Devrinol 50 WP S9a 0 11c mid-June and late-July of all treat­ Devrinol 4F+Karmex SOW 1Sd 0 S2a ments in apple. However, there were Devrinol 4F+Roundup 30cd 0 6Sab no significant differences among the Devrinol 50W+Karmex SOW 4Sbcd 0 52b treatments where Devrinol was used Devrinol 50W+Roundup 38cd 0 62ab in combination with other herbi­ Gramoxone O.S+Simazine 3.2 11d 0 S9a cides. Also there were no deficien­ Gramoxone 0.4+Simazine 1.6 4Sbcd 0 52b cies in weed control between com­ 1Applied 5/1/ffl to silt loam soil treated previous year. 2The lower the n·umber, the fewer weeds. Values are rounded and may not equal 100%. binations using Devrinol or Gramox­ 3The higher the number, the greater weed control. one 0.4 plus Simazine 1.6 (half rate) 4Numbers not followed by the same letter are significantly different at the 5% level. in mid-June or in late-July. Devrinol 4F and 50WP were not significantly different from the control at either observation date. Table 2. Percent of soil area with weed growth late July, apple, Ohio 1987. Similar results were observed in trials with peach (Tables 3,4). Dev­ ------0/o ------rinol alone in either formulation did Treatment1 Broadleaf2 Grass Bare Soil3 not control existing broadleaf weeds. Control 95a4 0 5c When Devrinol was combined with Devrinol 4F 92a 0 7c Karmex or Roundup broadleaf weeds Devrinol 50 WP 97a 0 2c were reduced. This reduction was Devrinol 4F+Karmex SOW 35c 0 65a maintained until late July. Grasses Devrinol 4F+Roundup 72ab 0 27bc tended to increase by mid-July par­ Devrinol 50W+Karmex SOW 52bc 0 47ab Devrinol 50W+Roundup 77ab 0 22bc ticularly in the Devrinol 50 WP Gramoxone O.S+Simazine 3.2 45bc 0 55ab treatment. Gramoxone 0.4+Simazine 1.6 65abc 0 35abc There were no visible signs of 1Applied 511/87 to silt loam soil treated previous year. phytotoxicity in any apple or peach 2The lower the number, the fewer weeds. Values are rounded and may not equal 100%. tree. Further, on these established 3The higher the number, the greater weed control. trees, there were no signs of trunk 4Numbers not followed by the same letter are significantly different at the 5% level. damage or damage on root suckers. In general, Roundup is not cleared for use on peach due to the possibility of trunk damage. When weeds are actively growing, this type of herbicide response. as in this study, many residual her­ Therefore a second herbicide treat­ Summary and bicides will not be able to provide ment using a systemic type herbicide Conclusions adequate control through out the may have been warranted approx­ growing season. Devrinol (4lbs ai/A) imately 90 days after the first treat­ Obtaining adequate weed control plus Karmex 80 WP (1.6lbs ai/A) and ment as the weeds began to cover 70 under the tree canopy is important for Gramoxone plus Simazine premix (at to 80% of the soil. This is a general Ohio fruit growers. Residual her­ either rate) gave good weed control practice used by Ohio growers in bicides applied to bare soil in the for 45 days. However, 90 days after seasons similar to this one. Continued spring can provide control either treatment, weed control with these research on rates · and timing as alone or in combination of another and other herbicides was marginal. necessary to achieve desired weed herbicide to cover a wide spectrum A long, warm, wet spring and a dry control and less chemical use to pro­ of weeds. summer was in part the reason for tect the environment.

11 Table 3. Percent of soil area with weed growth mid-June, peach, Ohio 19B7.

------0/o ------Treatment1 Broadleaf2 Grass Bare Soil3

Control BBa4 5 Bb Devrinol 4F B9a B 5b Devrinol 50 WP B5a 5 10b Devrinol 4F+Karmex BOW 55b 0 45a Devrinol 4F+Roundup 40b 0 60a Devrinol 50W+Karmex BOW 40b 0 57a Devrinol 50W+Roundup 3Bb 0 62a

1Applied 5/1/87 to silt loam soil treated previous year. 2The lower the number, the fewer weeds. Values are rounded and may not equal 100%. 3The higher the number, the greater weed control. 4 Numbers not followed by the same letter are significantly different at the 5% level.

Table 4. Percent of soil area with weed growth late July, peach, Ohio 19B7.

------0/o ------Treatment1 Broadleaf2 Grass Bare Soil3 Control 92a4 5 2c Devrinol 4F B9a 4 Be Devrinol 50 WP BOab 5 15bc Devrinol 4F+Karmex BOW 55 be 10 35ab Devrinol 4F+Roundup 57 be 0 42a Devrinol 50W+Karmex BOW 45c 15 40a Devrinol 50W+Roundup 42c 15 42a

1Applied 5/1/87 to silt loam soil treated previous year. 2The lower the number, the fewer weeds. Values are rounded and may not equal 100%. 3The higher the number, the greater weed control. 4 Numbers not followed by the same letter are significantly different at the 5% level.

References

Punt, R.C., M.A. Ellis, D.L. Goleman, and F.R. Hall. 1987. Commercial tree fruit spray guide. Ohio Coop. Ext. Bul. 506A pp. 78-84. Putnam, A.R. 1983. Allelopathy: A breakthrough in weed control. Am. Fruit Grower 103(6):10-11. Rom, R.C., G. Arrington, and M. Stasiak. 1984. Field evaluation of herbicides in tree fruits, 1984. Res. Series 335. Ark. Ag. Exp. Sta. pp. 1-12.

12 Highbush Blueberry Cultivar Evaluation

Richard C. Funt1, Mark C.Schmittgen2, and John C. Golden2

Introduction One-half cubic foot of peat moss The combining of yields may give was mixed into the upper 5 inches more realistic results. Highbush blueberries have of soil around the roots of the plants. enjoyed tremendous increase in Sawdust mulch was maintained over demand in the United States and the entire row to a 4-foot width and Results Europe over the past few years. 2 to 3 inch depth. It was applied in Growers in the east have responded 1979, 1982, and 1986. The original Lateblue, Elliott, Herbert and by planting more to meet this pH of 4.9 was·not adjusted, but leaf Jersey bloomed significantly later demand. In the two decades since analysis indicated low magnesium. than other cultivars in this evaluation 1960, production doubled in Epsom salts (MgSo4) was applied in (Table 1). Spartan, Bluehaven, Michigan and increased 50% in New 1980 and 1981. Nitrogen fertilizer Blueray, Bluecrop, Berkeley, Darrow Jersey (Eck, 1988). was applied beginning with 20 lbs and Coville were generally earlier in Blueberries are more winter actual nitrogen per acre and increas­ bloom than the late bloomers. hardy, bloom later in the spring and ing to about 60 lbs actual per acre Bluetta, Harrison, Collins, North­ are less prone to disease than peach as the plants matured. Trickle irriga­ land, Bluejay and Patriot were the or nectarine. Also, the blueberry tion was installed and was applied earliest in blooming cultivars. In blossom can tolerate lower daily June 1 to September 1 for 1, 1983, Collins and Patriot were in full temperatures (24 to 26°F) than other 2, and 3 hrs/day in 1979, 1980-81, bloom on May 3 while others were fruit and have been very consistent and 1982-88, respectively. The in full bloom on May 12, 16, or 19 in cropping since 1981. trickle irrigation delivered 0.75 (Table 2). The objectives of this study were gallons per minute per one hundred Bluetta was the earliest ripening to evaluate the yield of various feet of row. Herbicides such as cultivar with an average harvest date cultivars, to determine their bloom Surflan for young plants, and Sinbar of June 24 (Table 1). Harrison, and harvest dates, bud damage and plus Karmex on mature plants were Collins, Northland, Spartan, Blue­ the time required to prune used annually with "touch up" jay, Patriot and Bluehaven were blueberries. sprays using Roundup. Blossoms earlier in ripening than the remain­ were removed in 1979 and 1980 and ing cultivars. Blueray, Bluecrop, they were pruned annually beginning Berkeley, Jersey and Herbert tended Methods in 1981. to be mid-season cultivars. Darrow Bloom dates and harvest dates and Coville were not different in Ten highbush blueberry plants of were recorded in each cultivar ripening, but Lateblue and Elliott each cultivar were established in from 1983 to 1988. Yields were were definitely the latest ripening 1979 on a fine textured upland soil. recorded on each 5 plants from 1981 cultivars. Harrison, Patriot, and One- and two-year-old nursery to 1988. Plants were spaced at 6 Darrow had the highest amount of plants of 17 early-, mid- and late­ feet by 12 feet and cultivars were bud damage in 1986. season cultivars were planted in grouped according to ripening date. Herbert was higher in early yields north-south oriented rows. The cul­ Border plants were on each set of 5 than any other cultivar (Table 3). tivars were placed beginning on the plants. Pruning time was determin­ Bluetta, Collins, Bluejay, Blueray, west side with the earliest ripening ed in mature plants on 7 cultivars in Darrow, Lateblue, and Elliott followed cultivars and proceeding east for the 1984. in having the highest early yields. latest ripening cultivars. Yields from the 1981 to 1984 Harrison, Spartan, Patriot, Blue­ harvest dates were added together to haven, and Coville had the lowest 'Professor, Extension Fruit Specialist, Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural achieve an estimated early average. yields. All cultivars· except Patriot in­ Research and Development Center. Bird damage to plots occurred during creased production in the later years 2Farm Manager and Farm Worker, respec­ tively, Overlook Farm, OSU/OARDC, 1985 to 1988 and more heavily in as compared to the earlier years of Carroll, Ohio early- and mid-season cultivars. production. Lateblue was higher in

13 yields than any other cultivar. It was Table 1. Harvest, bloom date and days bloom to harvest and bud damage followed by Elliott, Bluejay, Blueray, for highbush blueberry plants grown at Overlook Farm, Central Ohio, 1979-1988. and Darrow. Harrison, Spartan, Patriot, and Bluehaven had the Date Days Bloom % Bud4 lowest yields. Bluecrop and Coville Cultivar Bloom1 Harvest2· 3 to harvest Damage 1986 had the lowest amount of time for Bluetta 4/20g 6/24j 65 2 pruning while Jersey and Herbert Harrison 4/23ef 6/29i 67 10 had the most (Table 4). Collins 4/21fg 7/03h 73 5 Northland 4/22efg 7/04gh 73 5 Spartan 4/27c 7/07fgh 71 2 Bluejay 4/24de 7/08fg 75 2 Discussion Patriot 4/20g 7/10f 81 20 The results indicate a significant Blue haven 4/27c 7/11ef 75 5 difference among cultivars in bloom Blueray 4/26cd 7/16e 81 0 dates. Early bloom can be more Bluecrop 4/26cd 7119e 84 0 Berkeley 4/27cd 7/26d 90 5 susceptible to low temperatures Jersey 4/28bc 7/27e 90 0 (Eck, 1988). Patriot and Darrow had Herbert 4/29abc 7/28d 90 0 low yields in 1985 due to frozen buds Darrow 4/27c 7/31cd 95 20 with temperature at -20°F on Jan­ Coville 4/27c 8/03c 98 0 uary 20. Patriot and Harrison had Lateblue 4/31a 8/10b 101 0 early bloom and low yields. Elliott 4/30ab 8/15a 107 0 The number of flower buds per 1Average date when 90% of blooms have opened 1983 to 1986. Date rounded to nearest day. shoot is cultivar dependent. Herbert, 2Average date of mid-harvest of each cultivar 1983·1988. Blueray, Bluecrop, and Elliott are 3Means following the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level according to Duncan's New Multiple Range Test. cultivars having greatest number of 4Evaluated 5/23/86. Temperatures on April 21 were 21°F. flowers per bud (Eck, 1988). Also buds on heavier wood were observed to be slower to open than those on thinner wood (Eck, 1988). The time Table 2. Bloom dates of several highbush blueberry cultivars, Ohio, 1983. of flowering will vary from year to year because of climatic variation MAY between years. The sequence of Cultivar 3 6 9 10 11 19 flowering among cultivars in this Bluetta 70% 100% study was highly repeatable. The Harrison 60% 90% 100% same has been found in 17 rabbiteye Collins 100% clones (Lyrene, 1985). Northland 80% 100% Early ripening cultivars were most Spartan 60% 70% 80% 100% susceptible to bird damage. In 1985 Bluejay 80% 90% 90% 100% and 1988, bird damage was severe Patriot 100% with 1987 having moderate damage Bluehaven 60% 80% 100% in the first half of the season. In most Blueray 70% 70% 80% 90% 100% years of bird damage, Lateblue and Bluecrop 70% 70% 80% 100% Elliott were not affected by birds or Bluechip 50% 70% 90% 100% Berkeley 40% 60% 90% 100% bud damage. Jersey 70% 70% 90% 100% Elliott constitutes 15-20% of new Herbert 40% 50% 70% 90% 100% blueberry plantings in Michigan Darrow 60% 60% 80% 90% 100% (Hancock, 1989). In most recent Coville 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% years, its yield ranked 1 or 2 in Lateblue 5% 5% 30% 50% 80% 100% groups of 20 cultivars. Among 10 Elliott 20% 25% 60% 80% 90% 100% blueberry cultivars in Grand Junc­ 1frost occurred on May 9th and 10th-temperatures of 30°F. tion, Elliott produced significantly more fruit per cane than many other

14 cultivars. Higher fruit production Table 3. Yield of several highbush blueberry cultivars at Overlook Farm, was in fact due to a greater leaf sur­ Central Ohio, 1981-1988. face area. Three other cultivars (Spartan, Bluejay and Bluecrop) had Estimated Avg. larger fruit than Elliott (Hancock, Total Kg/plant lbs/acre/year3 1989). In this study Lateblue and Cultivar Early1 Late2 Early Late Elliott were the top producers. Bluetta 7.4 15.1 2462 5024 All of the highbush cultivars pro­ Harrison 2.4 8.3 798 2762 duced a crop every year from 1981 Collins 6.7 13.2 2230 4392 to 1988. However, peaches and nec­ Northland 5.6 15.6 1863 5191 tarines did not have a crop every year Spartan 4.2 11.0 1398 3627 at this same location (Funt, 1991). Bluejay 7.5 17.6 2496 5856 During this period peach production Patriot 3.6 3.6 1198 1198 Bluehaven 0.9 4.3 through out Ohio was declining 289 1431 Blue ray 7.8 19.4 2596 6450 mainly due to severe winters and Bluecrop 4.6 16.2 1531 5390 spring frosts which reduced yields Berkeley 6.3 14.2 2096 4725 and damaged trees (Funt, 1991). Jersey 4.6 13.2 1531 4392 High yields early in the life of a Herbert 10.7 16.8 3560 5590 planting are necessary to have an Darrow 7.6 17.5 2529 5823 acceptable rate of return on invest­ Coville 3.4 15.8 1056 5258 ment. This allows flexibility in Lateblue 7.4 28.8 2462 9583 management to meet changing con­ Elliott 6.4 21.5 2129 7154 sumer demand (Funt, 1984). It would 1Total yield per plant from 1981 to 1984 (first 4 harvests). be advisable to have an average of 2Total yield per plant from 1985 to 1988 (last 4 harvests). JKilograms (2.2/lb/kg) times 605 plants per acre divided by 4 years. 2500 lbs/acre/year in the first few years and 5000 lbs/acre/year or more in the later years. Bluetta, Bluejay, Blueray, Herbert, Darrow, Lateblue and Elliott would meet this criteria. Coville, Bluecrop and Northland did Table 4. Pruning time in blueberry, Overlook Farm, 1984. reach 5000 lbs/acre/year in the late Plant Cultivar1 stage despite bird damage. Since No. Blueray Bluecrop Berkeley Jersey Herbert Coville LateBiue plants could be spaced closer than in this experiment, the results at Minutes Overlook Farm may be lower than 1 1.3 .9 2.0 1.9 1.7 .7 1.2 those obtained elsewhere. However, 2 1.4 1.2 1.9 2.2 2.1 .6 1.8 3 1.7 .9 2.0 2.0 2.2 .6 1.3 these conservative averages allow an 4 1.6 .4 2.5 2.3 1.7 1.2 2.2 opportunity for growers to derive 5 1.4 1.8 1.0 1.1 1.8 .6 2.2 some data on which to base 6 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.8 2.2 .9 2.2 economic planning if a grower 7 1.5 .9 .8 1.8 2.2 1.4 1.4 wishes to plant blueberries in Ohio. 8 1.9 1.5 2.3 2.1 1.4 1.7 9 1.3 1.6 2.4 1.8 2.3 1.6 10 1.5 1.7 1.9 1.5 1.5 1.6 Summary and Total2 15.2 12.0 11.7 19.8 18.9 11.2 17.3 Conclusion Avg/Piant 1.52 1.20 1.67 1.98 1.89 1.12 1.73 Highbush blueberries are more consistent in yields from year to year Avg. All Plants. 1.59 min. than stone fruit in central Ohio. 1 Plant were starting their 6th leaf and were 4.5 to 5.5 feet tall. 2 However they are more expensive to To convert to hours/acre multiply by 605 plants/acre and divide by 60 minutes. establish than stone fruit. Cultivars of highbush blueberries vary in

15 bloom date and per cent of bloom important factor in achieving early J.C. Golden. 1991. Performance open at one time. Some cultivars return on investment. of peach cultivars and rootstocks have shown a greater number of in central Ohio. Hort. Series 612. flowers per bud. Buds on heavier Ohio Agri. Res. and Develop. wood may also be slower to open References Center. pp. 1-10. than on lighter wood. These factors Hancock, J.F. 1989. Why is Elliott explain why some cultivars produce Eck, Paul. 1989. Blueberry Science. so productive? A comparison of more fruit than other cultivars. Rutgers University Press New yield components in 6 highbush High early yields are needed to Brunswick, NJ. pp. 8-63. blueberry cultivars! Fruit Var. J. make an acceptable rate of return on Funt, Richard C. 1984. Rates of 43(3):106-109. investment. Cultural practices, plant return for pick-your-own Lyrene, P.M. 1985 Effects of year spacing and high quality plants are highbush blueberries in Ohio, and genotype on flowering and the major components of early 1984. Dept. of Hort. OSU. ripening dates in Rabbiteye yields. Cultivars can also be an Funt, R.C., M .C. Schmittgen, and Blueberry. HortScience 20:407-9.

16 Frequency and Rates of Foliar Nutrient Sprays on Strawberry1

Richard C. Funt2, Gerald G. Meyers3, and Ken DeWeese3

Introduction contammg nitrogen, phosphorus, August (60 lbs actual N/A/yr.) potassium, and minor elements on 2. 11-8-4 plus minor elements at Strawberries require adequate two cultivars of June bearing 25 ml/gal/200 ft once/week (1 nutrients for maximum production. strawberries. qt/A/application) The strawberry plant is shallow 3. 11-8-4 plus minor elements at 25 rooted with the majority of roots in ml/gal/200 ft once/2 weeks the upper 6 to 8 inches (Dana, 1981). Methods 4. HM-8701 at 25 ml/gal/200 ft Therefore, the plant does not have once/week a large area or deep reservoir to In 1987, Redchief and Kent 5. HM-8701 at 25 ml/gal/200 ft obtain moisture and nutrients. The (June-bearing strawberries) were once/2 week general recommendations for planted at 1 foot between plants and The ammonium nitrate was applied strawberry production suggest that 5 feet between rows in a Brookston by hand as a granular fertilizer along adequate phosphorus, potassium, silt loam soil of high fertility at the the edge of the row. The liquid foliar minor elements and a pH be adjusted Lane Avenue Farm near the Ohio fertilizer (Bayfolan plus) either 11-8-4 from 5.8 to 6.4 prior to planting for State University in Columbus. The plus minor element or HM-8701 maximum production. In loam or cultivars were established separately (special formulation of 11-8-4 plus clay loam soils, no additional within the same plot with guard rows minor elements) was applied with a nutrients may be required for the on the east and west sides of the plot. Solo back pack sprayer over the top next several years except for several Rows were in a north-south orien­ of the plants. The foliar sprays were applications of nitrogen, annually tation. Each plot was 25 feet in length applied from May 15 to September (Funt et al. , 1985). and there were 4 replications of each 15 in 1987 and from bloom to harvest Previous research has indicated treatment. Treatments were arrang­ in 1988. Soil and leaf samples were that adequate leaf nitrogen prior to ed in a completely randomized design taken from each plot and combined flower bud formation is necessary within each cultivar. Each plot was into one sample per treatment in 1987 for high yields and improved berry divided into a 12 ft section. Soil and and 1988. The plots were irrigated size (Boyce and Matlock, 1966). leaf tests were collected from one with an over-head system for sup­ Low nitrogen levels in the spring section and yields were taken from plemental watering and frost control. prior to bloom also may have an ef­ the other section. The soil was Berries were harvested, weighed, and fect on total yield (Ulrich et al, fumigated prior to planting using marketable berries were separated 1980). Further, other research in­ methyl bromide with chloropicrin at from unmarketable berries. Berry dicates that more frequent feeding of the rate of 320 lbs/acres. Herbicides size was determined at only one nitrogen may improve yields rather and hand weeding were used to main­ harvest. Statistical analysis was con­ than infrequent applications tain weed control during the experi­ ducted on the spacing and vigor of (Locascio and Martin, 1985). ment. Pesticides were applied as plants (visual rating) in the fall of The objective of this research was needed to control insects and 1987 and the yield of 1988. to compare the standard soil applied diseases. Blossoms were removed nitrogen to different rates and fre­ during the first season to promote quency of foliar applied fertilizer plant growth. Results Straw mulch was applied in late 'Gmteful appreciation is extended to Mr. C.A. Clark November to protect over-wintering Soil analysis results for both and Helena Chemical Company, Memphis, TN fur their financial support of this project. plants. cultivars indicated a pH range of 6.4 'Professor, Extension Horticulturist, OSU/OARDC. The treatments were as follows: to 6.9, available phosphorus ranged 'Former Farm manager and current furm worker Lane Avenue Farm, Ohio State University, 1. Control-Ammonium Nitrate 2 between 594 and 682 pounds/acre, Columbus, respectively. oz/25 ft. After planting and potassium range of 801 to 1072 lbs/A,

17 3.3 to 3.4% for Redchief and 3.08 to Table 1. Soil analysis results for strawberries at Columbus, 1987. 3.20% for Kent (Table 4). The range Lbs/A1 % for phosphorous, potassium, and Site pH p K CA Mg ZN B OM calcium were similar for both cultivars. Magnesium, boron, Columbus manganese, and zinc tended to be Redchief lower for Kent than Redchief. The Control 6.7 682 1072 4360 611 55.7 1.8 3.8 leaf analysis after harvest had a lower Bayfolan 1 wk 6.4 594 801 3600 567 52.7 1.8 4.0 Bayfolan 2 wk 6.6 616 948 4020 638 54.1 2.1 4.6 level of nitrogen, manganese, and HM-8701 1 wk 6.8 616 1066 4600 741 57.1 2.2 4.1 copper in both cultivars than in the HM-8701 2 wk 6.6 682 940 4150 647 59.3 1.9 4.0 leaf analysis before harvest (Table 5). Kent However, calcium, magnesium, Control 6.6 660 932 4270 665 64.1 2.0 3.5 manganese, iron, aluminum, and Bayfolan 1 wk 6.5 682 821 3830 608 59.2 1.8 4.0 sodium tended to be higher after Bayfolan 2 wk 6.8 594 980 4590 726 54.8 1.8 4.3 harvest than before harvest. Other HM-8701 1 wk 6.8 616 1068 5010 818 56.7 1.9 4.2 elements appeared not to change from HM-8701 2 wk 6.9 638 956 4750 776 56.8 1.8 4.3 pre-harvest to post-harvest analysis. 1Analysis completed at REAL, Wooster. Discussion

The soil pH, nutrient content and 1987 indicated no significant dif­ organic matter in this study can be Table 2. Vigor and space ratings for ference among treatments for either considered to be higher than in most strawberry Lane Avenue cultivar (Table 2). However, Red­ growing regions in the eastern U.S. Farm, Columbus, 1987. chief/Bayiblan at 1 quart/week (qt./wk) Soil pH strongly influences nutrient Cultivar Vigor, Space and Kent/Bayfolan at 1 qt/2 wks had solubility and uptake (May and Pritts, Redchief the lowest rating while Red­ 1990). In general, there appeared to Control 7.3 8.2 chief/Bayfolan 1 qt/2 wks and Kent/ be a good balance of soil nutrients Bayfolan 1 qtlwk 6.5 7.0 control had the highest ratings in the and the leaf analysis also indicates a Bayfolan 1 qt/2 wk 7.5 8.5 HM-8701 1 qt/wk 7.0 7.8 fall after planting. medium to high level of major and HM-8701 1 qt/2 wk 6.8 7.0 There were no significant yield dif­ minor elements. Rainfall tended to be AVG/Redchief 7.0 NS 7.7 NS ferences among treatments in the low, particularly during the spring of Kent Redchief cultivar (Table 3). However, 1988. Adequate soil moisture for Control 7.8 8.8 the highest early yield was Bayfolan optional uptake was supplied by Bayfolan 1 qtlwk 6.8 8.0 plus at 1 qt/2 wks and it also had the overhead irrigation. Bayfolan 1 qt/2 wk 5.7 7.0 largest berry size. It also had the Nitrogen (N) in this study was sup­ HM-8701 1 qt/wk 7.2 7.5 highest total berry weight. The plied by either gr.mual fertilizer or HM-8701 1 qt/2 wk 7.2 7.2 HM-8701 at 1 qt every 2 weeks was foliar feeding. Foliar N levels bet­ AVG/Kent 6.9 NS 7.7 NS significantly higher in yield than ween 2.0 and 2.8%, following renova­ 1Means were subjected to the 5% level HM-8701 at 1 qt/wk and Bayfolan at tion are considered sufficient for Duncans new multiple range test. NS-Non Significant 1 qt/wk in the second harvest of the strawberries (May and Pritts, 1990). Kent cultivar. The same treatment None of the treatments in this study had a significantly higher early were below 2.46% Nat renovation. harvest weight than HM -8701 at 1 The high level of organic matter calcium range of 3830 to 5010 and qt/wk for Kent. It also had the largest could have influenced the N status of magnesium ranged between 567 and berry size (not significant) of all these plants. Nitrogen is essential 818 lbs/A (Table 1). The minor treatments in Kent. However the con­ during early growth, bud differentia­ elements of zinc had a ranged bet­ trol had the highest total weight of tion and flowering (Boyce and ween 52.7 and 64.1lbs/A, boron 1.8 any treatment in Kent. Matlock, 1966). Excessive nitrogen to 2.2 lbs/A and organic matter 3.5 The leaf analysis of plants prior to could reduce yields, cause soft moldy to 4.6%. Vigor and space ratings in harvest indicated a nitrogen range of berries, and delay ripening. Sulfur

18 Table 3. Yield of "Kent" and "Redchief" strawberries treated with a foliar nutrient solution (8ayfolan 11-8-4 plus minor elements) and HM8701 at Columbus, Ohio, 1988. Harvest date-gms/plot1 Cultivar Early Late Total GMS/ Treatment 6/1 6/3 6/6 6/8 6110 6113 6/16 6/20 wt2 wP wt 8erry4 Redchief Control 265.6 383.6 649.2 979.5 402.9 1652.6 1183.8 434.7 2277.9 3674 5952 5.5 8ayfolan+- 1 wk 397.3 345.0 628.8 045.3 549.3 1307.5 1180.4 497.1 2416.4 3534 5951 4.8 8ayfolan+- 2 wk 616.3 398.4 803.6 793.4 920.5 1224.7 1226.9 317.8 2611.6 3690 6302 6.2 HM-8701 - 1 wk692.3 433.5 619.7 619.7 423.4 771.8 665.1 110.1 2365.3 1970 4336 5.4 HM-8701 - 2 wk434.7 331.4 449.5 644.7 347.3 082.8 576.6 294.0 1860.3 2301 4161 4.6 Kent Control 421.1 523.2A8 1515.2 1265.5 1769.5 1620.8 1525.4 1258.7 3725.1A8 6174 9899 10.6 8ayfolan+- 1 wk 374.6 426.88 1289.4 903.5 1t38.4 1724.1 1948.8 1213.3 2994.1A8 6025 9019 11.4 8ayfolan+- 2 wk 716.2 479.0A8 1040.7 1041.9 820.6 1089.6 1297.3 575.4 3285.8A8 3783 7069 9.4 HM-8701 - 1 wk 545.9 389.38 1089.6 718.5 738.9 1062.4 102.1 670.8 2743.38 3574 6317 11.0 HM-8701 - 2 wk 762.7 694.6A 1608.3 1229.2 953.4 1383.6 1842.1 578.8 4294.8A 4758 9053 12.2 lfour replications 12 ft/replication. 2Early wt=6/1 to 6/8 combined harvest. 3Late wt=6/19 to 6118 combined harvest. 4Qne sample only taken on 6/6/88.

Table 4. Leaf analysis (5/3/88)1 for "Kent" and "Redchief" strawberries tested with 8ayfolan+ and HM-8701 at Lane Avenue Farm, OSU Columbus, Ohio., 1988 Cultivar % % Treatment1 N p K CA MG MN FE 8 cu ZN AL NA MO s Redchief Control 3.37 .34 1.46 .89 .32 69 138 42 9.6 30 57 23 2.9 .23 8ayfolan + 1 wk 3.35 .37 1.51 .82 .31 52 130 40 8.3 31 67 25 2.6 .21 8ayfolan+2 wk 3.44 .36 1.53 .98 .35 67 108 49 7.6 31 88 17 4.0 .23 HM-8701 + 1 wk 3.30 .37 1.44 .98 .33 60 146 48 8.3 29 87 20 2.9 .22 HM-8701 +2 wk 3.44 .38 1.55 .91 .33 52 128 45 8.7 32 64 19 3.1 .23 Kent Control 3.15 .36 1.53 .91 .30 56 145 40 7.1 23 79 17 2.7 .21 8ayfolan + 1 wk 3.20 .40 1.57 .81 .29 48 99 38 15.4 25 42 25 3.1 .22 8ayfolan+2 wk 3.11 .35 1.50 .86 .29 52 154 38 7.2 20 99 14 3.7 .22 H M-8701 + 1 wk 3.08 .35 1.48 .83 .28 48 116 36 7.9 21 58 16 3.1 .20 HM-8701 +2 wk 3.10 .34 1.40 .88 .29 51 126 39 6.9 19 72 14 3.0 .22 ---- 1Leaf analysis taken before treatments applied in 1988. 2Piants were treated from planting (1987) with control as a 30 lbs N/A (ammonium nitrate) after planting and August 15. Foliar applied Bayfolan+ and HM 8701 were applied at 1 qt (11-8-4) per week or 2 weeks during the growing season in 1987 and from bloom to harvest in 1988. Harvest occurred June 1 to June 20, 1988.

19 Table 5. Leaf analysis (6/27/88)1 for "Kent" and "Redchief" strawberries treated with Bayfolan+and HM-8701 at Lane Avenue Farm, OSU Columbus, Ohio, 1988. % % Treatment2 N p K CA MG MN FE B cu ZN AL NA Redchief Control 2.87 .30 1.36 1.83 .46 47.5 514 43 4.4 35 45.6 60 Bayfolan + 1 wk 2.82 .33 1.43 1.94 .48 37.5 700 46 4.9 38 72.3 62 Bayfolan+2 wk 2.82 33 1.43 1.99 .49 47.8 583 45 5.0 37 35.8 80 HM-8701+1 wk 2.69 .34 1.39 1.89 .48 33.2 572 42 4.9 28 36.7 85 HM-8701+2 wk 2.58 .32 1.42 1.87 .46 38.5 602 40 4.9 34 36.7 72 Kent Control 2.46 .27 1.46 1.90 .42 36.9 342 45 4.6 24 32 38 Bayfolan + 1 wk 2.56 .29 1.60 1.85 .42 33.7 323 46 4.8 27 34 38 Bayfolan+2 wk 2.51 .33 1.55 1.70 .42 32.5 378 40 5.2 24 51 37 HM-8701 + 1 wk 2.68 .32 1.57 1.85 .45 35.3 416 46 5.4 27 77 40 HM-8701+2 wk 2.51 .31 1.68 1.97 .46 26.7 368 44 4.7 23 44 35 1Leaf analysis taken after harvest in 1988 2Piants were treated from planting (1987) with control as a broadcast of 30 lbs/N/A (ammonium nitrate) after planting and August 15. Foliar applied Bayfolan and HM-8701 were applied at 1 qt (11-8-4) per week or 2 weeks during the growing season in 1987 and from bloom to harvest in 1988. Harvest occurred June 1 to June 20, 1988.

Table 6. Leaf analysis1 for strawberries at Lane Avenue Farm, Columbus, Ohio, 1987.

Cultivar/ % % Treatment2 N p K Mg CA MN FE B cu ZN AL NA MO Redchief Control 2.60 .34 1.51 .33 1.04 53 160 40 4.6 25 77 32 2.7 Bayfolan 1 qt/wk 2.59 .33 1.50 .34 1.03 43 175 40 4.6 23 90 30 3.0 Bayfolan 1 qt/2 wk 2.47 .33 1.50 .34 .93 46 177 38 4.6 24 76 34 2.8 HM-8701 1 qt/wk 2.50 .35 1.53 .37 1.13 40 223 44 4.8 19 101 31 3.2 HM-8701 1 qt/2 wk 2.50 .36 1.56 .40 1.12 60 258 46 5.1 25 137 37 3.1 Kent Control 2.39 .33 1.67 .39 1.11 34 223 51 5.4 19 100 24 3.6 Bayfolan 1 qt/wk 2.42 .34 1.50 .39 1.15 34 255 48 5.3 22 105 24 4.0 Bayfolan 1 qt/2 wk 2.17 .31 1.47 .38 1.25 27 280 53 5.0 17 162 27 3.6 HM-8701 1 qt/wk 2.34 .32 1.50 .38 1.16 31 249 53 5.1 18 114 25 3.5 HM-8701 1 qt/2 wk 2.41 .33 1.48 .39 1.19 29 250 55 5.0 18 105 25 4.2

1Leaf samples taken in early June before treatment. 2Control received standard granular nitrogen. Bayfolan and HM-8701 are liquid fertilizers containing N, P, K and minor elements.

20 levels greater than 0.1% are sufficient Total yields between granular References for normal growth (May and Pritts, applied (control) and Bayfolan at 1 1966). qt/wk were very similar for Redchief Boyce, B.R. and D.L. Matlock. 1966. Phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and Kent. Bayfolan at 1 qt/2 wks was Strawberry nutrition. Nutrition of and magnesium also appeared to be higher in yield than the control for Fruit Crops N.F. Childers (ed). more than adequate for maximum Redchiefbut lower in Kent. The latter Horticulture Publications, Rutgers, yields. Foliar leaf levels of 0.25 to appears to be influenced by berry New Brunswick pp. 518-548. 0.40%, 1.5 to 2.5%, 0.7 to 1.7%, and size. Earlier yields were influenced 0.2 to 0.5% of phosphorus, potassium, in Kent by HM-8701 at 1 qt/2wks Dana, M.N., 1981. Strawberry plant calcium, and magnesium, respectively, which is a similar product to Bayfolan and its environment. The Straw­ are considered sufficient for straw­ but different in formulation. berry, N. F. Childers (ed), Hor­ berries (May and Pritts, 1990). All ticultural Publications, Gaines­ treatments were within these limits. ville, Fl. pp. 32-45. Boron and zinc uptake can be Conclusions Funt, R.C., B.L. Goulart, C.K. reduced with a pH higher than 6.3 to Chandler, J.D. Utzinger, M.A. 6.5. With sufficient foliar levels of No recommendation for foliar Ellis, R.M. Riedel, R.L. Williams, boron between 30 to 90 ppm and 20 feeding of strawberries can be made and M.A. Palmer. 1985. Ohio to 50 for zinc, no treatments appeared from this research. First, it only Strawberry Production, Manage­ to be low in boron or zinc. covers one harvest under one set of ment, and Marketing Manual. There appears to be no phosphor­ weather conditions. This soil type Ohio Coop Ext. Service Bul 436 ous-boron interactions in conjunction and high fertility could have been pp. 12-46. with high pH as reported tOr Earliglow. very adequate for strawberry produc­ May, G. and M.P. Pritts. 1990. In such a case yields \Wuld be reduc­ tion even with a lower amount of N. Strawberry nutrition. Advances in ed significantly (May and Pritts, 1990). Secondly, foliar feeding can not Strawberry Production. N. Amer. Berry size can influence yields. substitute for soil fertility but can Strawberry Growers Assoc. 9:10-19. While there were no significant dif­ supply the plant with nutrients to Locascio, S.J. and F.G. Martin. 1985. ferences among treatments for berry carry it through stressful periods. Nitrogen source and application size, berry size tended to vary And finally, if foliar sprays can pro­ timing for trickle irrigated considerably. Plant vigor and spac­ duce the same yields as granular strawberries. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. ing during flower bud formation can fertilizer, foliar feeding could help Sci. 110(3):820-823. be a factor in berry size. Where Red­ reduce ground water contamination Ulrich, A., M.A.E. Mostafa, and chief and Kent tended to have smaller as compared to granular applications. WY1. Allen. 1980. Strawberry defi­ berry size, there also was a low vigor At best this is a question for further ciency symptoms. Bul. 1917 Uni. of rating and lower yield. research and economic analysis. CA. Agri. Ext. Station. pp. 47-52.

21 Effects of Herbicides on Newly Planted Apple Trees, 1989

R.C. Funtl, M.C. Schmittgen2, and J.C. Golden2

Introduction In the past some residual her­ qts/A to all treatments. The daily bicides tended to reduce plant growth average temperatures for May was 6 With ever increasing market com­ and systemic herbicides tended to to 9°F below normal and rainfall was petition for apples, growers realize injure or kill newly planted trees par­ above normal allowing weeds to the importance of getting quality ticularly when these chemicals were regrow rapidly. June rainfall was nursery trees and obtaining rapid misused. Recently new herbicides above normal. Above average rain­ growth during the establishment have shown less phytoxicity. The fall occurred until late August. year. Weed control particularly objectives of this study were to Herbicides were applied with a grasses is essential to this objective. obtain weed control for 90 days weed sprayer at a rate of 80 gals/acre without phytoxicity to newly planted and a pressure of 40 lbs psi. Poast trees. 2 pts+2 pts Dash+Surflan 4 lbs/A

1Professor, Extension Fruit Specialist, Ohio or Solicam 4 lbs/A (product) were State University applied on June 16th. Each treatment 2Farm Manager and Farm Worker, respec­ Method tively, Overlook Farm, OARDC/OSU, near had four replications in each of the Carroll, Ohio. Trees were planted in April 1989 two cultivars tested. There were two and Gramoxone was applied at 2 replications in the control. There were two evaluation dates approx­ imately 7/28/89 (42) and 9/8/89 (84) days after the application. Table 1: Effects of systemic herbicides and pre-emerged herbicides on weed control of young apple trees, Overlook Farm, Ohio 1989 Time1 ------Avg. Ofo ------Trunk Results Cultivar Grass2 Broadleaf Bare eire. Treatment Soil (em) Grasses were controlled very well 7/28/89 in both cultivars over the entire season where Poast was applied Superchief/M7A Poast+Surflan 2.58 52.5 45.0 (Table 1). Poast plus Surflan gave the Poast+Solicam 5.08 47.5 45.0 longest significant control of grasses Control 90.0A 10.0 0.0 in both cultivars as compared to the Scarlet Gala/9/111 control. Poast and Surflan appeared Poast+Surflan 2.58 55.0A 42.5A to give early suppression of Poast+Solicam 2.58 72.5A 25.0AB broadleaf weed control in the Scarlet Control 90.0A 10.08 O.OB Gala cultivar, only. Poast plus 9/8/89 Solicam was not different from Poast Superchief/M7A plus Surflan in any cultivar or time Poast+Surflan 3.7C 91.2A 5.0 4.4 except in Superchief in September. Poast +Soli cam 16.28 81.2A 2.5 4.8 Generally the treated trees tended to Control 95.0A 5.08 0.0 4.3 be larger than the untreated control. Scarlett Gala/9/111 Poast+Surflan 12.58 87.5A 0.0 4.7 Poast+Solicam 5.08 88.8A 6.2 4.8 Summary Control 95.0A 5.08 0.0 4.3

, Herbicides applied on 6/16/89 to newly planted trees. Plots were evaluated on 7/28 and 9/8/89. Grasses were the major weeds in 2Means followed by the same letter are not different at the 5% level. all treatments in this study. They were controlled with the systemic

22 herbicide Poast. Broadleaf weeds in­ of application. However, the com­ should read the labels and follow creased as expected since the bination of Poast plus Dash plus directions in regards to when Surflan broadleaf herbicides are pre­ either Surflan or Solicam showed no or Solicam should be used on weed emergent types and broadleaf weeds phytotoxicity and therefore these are free soil after planting for maximum had emerged significantly at the time safe to mix together. Further, growers safety and growth.

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