Bitter pit control could save export Granny Smiths

Western Australian exports of Granny Smith apples are threatened by the incidence of bitter pit. Fortunately treatments which can control this storage disorder, have become available

The elimination of cultivation in apple orchards : a new approach to orchard soil management

THE idea of eliminating cultivation in orchards suggests a reversal of accepted local practice in orchard soil management—but there is plenty of evidence to show that a noncultivation system has much in its favour. In this article the advantages and disadvantages of the three main forms of orchard soil management are discussed and experimental evidence is presented in support of noncultivation. An alternative method, winter sod culture, is proposed for irrigated orchards

Gas storage of apples

As the storage life of many popular varieties of apples is limited in England by their susceptibility to low temperature breakdown, gas storage was developed as an alternative means of retarding the ripening of the fruit. Although the method does not decrease the susceptibility to low temperature breakdown it does permit longer storage at relatively high temperatures (40 F). It is used extensively in Great Britain and America and it also has general application for storage at 32° F. As the store is sealed off and no fruit is removed until the end of the storage period, it is essential that only prime fruit fit for long storage is selected. It has little benefit for the short- term storage of apples

DNC oil sprays for deciduous fruits

The climate of any particular place plays a very important part in determining the kinds of varieties of fruits which can be successfully grow, and one of the most common manifestations of unfavourable weather conditions in deciduous fruits is a condition usually termed delayed foliation . It is characterised by delayed and irregular blossoming and foliation, failure of many fruit and leaf buds to open and shredding of blossom buds

Scald in granny smith apples

The Granny Smith has been the most widely grown variety of apple in Western Australia for many years. In 1946 a survey showed that more than one-third of the apple trees growing in this State were Granny Smiths and new plantings and reworkings since then have been predominately of this variety. Production in 1947, a very heavy crop year, exceeded a million bushels, which represented about 40 per cent, of the total apple crop for that year. This decided preference shown by growers for the Granny Smith emanates from its suitability to West Australian conditions and the strong demand for this popular apple both on the overseas and local market. However, in common with this variety grown under similar climatic conditions elsewhere, it is very subject to scald when cool stored for long periods

Bitter pit : a progress report on the use of calcium nitrate sprays for its control

FREEDOM from serious pests and diseases such as Black Spot and Codling Moth and relative immunity from storage rots has greatly simplified apple growing in Western Australia. However, what has been gained in this respect is often countered by pre-harvest and post-harvest physiological troubles which are rather common to apple growing in this State

Weed research. 5. - Weed control in orchards

Although trials in Western Australia have shown that chemicals such as Dalapon, Amitrol, C.M.U. and P.C.P. can be used with safety for the control of weeds in orchards, cultivation still remains the most important method of control. The use of chemicals to eliminate cultivation completely is possible but seldom desirable

Latest recommendations for chemical thinning : an aid to apple crop regulation

FIELD trials and experience have shown that chemical thinning is a valuable aid to crop regulation in apple trees

Powdery mildew of apples : results of recent spray trials

Powdery mildew of apples is found in orchard districts throughout the South-West. recent years a rapid build-up of the disease has occurred in some plantings as a result of changes in orchard practice. Satisfactory control can be achieved by pruning out infected shoots and spraying with Karathane or Morocid

Rust of stone fruit : results of some recent spray trials

RUST is caused by the fungus Tranzchelia discolor which attacks almonds, nectarines, peaches and, less commonly, apricots and plums in Western Australia. Rust disease occurs in stone fruit orchards throughout the State and in some seasons causes premature leaf fall. In unsprayed canning peach orchards growers have suffered considerable losses as a result of infected fruit being rejected for processing. In recent spray trials satisfactory control has been achieved with the fungicides Delan, thiram and zineb