EIGHTH ANNUAL SHI4ft ;'UdU Z'~

EIGHTH ANNUAL

SHI4ft ";'UdU Z'~ Thursday, June 15, 1961

Obtaining Yield Records

OHIO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Wooster, Ohio

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SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR BLUEBERRIES ON UPLAND SOILS

by

Robert G. Hill, Jr.

Successful culture of the high bush blueberry traditionally has been associated with rather specific site requirements. It Has considered that they required a highly acid soil, high in orga.'l'lic matter and with ample moisture, but well drained. The site also must be frost free. Since such sites were limited in Ohio, the blueberry was for many years considered only a novelty crop or for home gardens.

Decause of the potential offered by the blueberry in diversifying Ohio fruit enterprizes and because of growe1· interest, a study was undertaken in 1944 at the Ohj.o Agricultural Experiment Station to determine ways of growing them on upland or mineral type soils. The study has considered a number of phases of blueberry cult1~e concurrently and has proven to be of great interest.

Major emphasis has been placed upon determining the soil management practices best suited to the blueberry on this type of soil. Since the blueberry was known to do ·vrell on organic type soils, it was decided to compare the mulch system of soil management, using several different materials, to that of clean cultivation. The mulch materials were applied in sufficient quantity to suppress weed grm.Jth and were replenished annually so as to maintain a permanent mulch within the ro-v; area. The row areas of the non-mulched plants were cultivated periodically as required to control weed groHth until 1958. Since then chemical weed control methods have been substituted for manual means of weed control. The effects of these soil management practices upon growth, yield, and size and quality of the berry have been compared annually.

In general the use of the mulch system of soil management for the blueberry on such sites has pro~red to be markedly superior to clean cultivation. A comparison of the relationship of peat moss mulch, straw mulch, and cultivation to the growth and fruiting characteristics of the blueberry is best shown in the following tables. After 16 years it was found that t.he total size of plant, as indicated by weight, Has doubled by the use of the mulch system of management. This increased gro-v;th associated 1-Jith the use of mulch was reflected most markedly in the size of the root system. The roots of the peat moss mulched plants -vrere approximately one and one-half times larger than those of the cultivated plants. Further, those plants produced more than three times as many canes as did the cultivated ones.

These data indicate that the superiority of the mulch system of soil management was also reflected in the fruiting characteristics of the plants. The use of mulch resulted in increased yield and increased berry size vJithout markedly affecting the quality of the berries produced. The increase in yield over the years with the variety Rancocas where straw mulch was used amounted to 35 percent and where peat 1noss mulch was used to 89 percent. Other tests with other varieties have also indicated the variation in response of the blueberry to different types of mulch materials. These other tests have indicated that sawdust mulch is perhaps the best to use with the blueberry.

Examination has sho-vm that characteristically the blueberry has an extensive shallovl root system. No doubt part of the benefits obtained from the use of mulch are due to the fact that these roots are protected from physical damage

by the mulch. There is little question but that in cultivating and hoeing to control weed growth some destruction of this root system is inevitable. This concept is substantiated by the fact that the substitution of chemical for manual and mechanical methods of weed control in the non-mulched plots has resulted in improved growth of these plants.

The results of these studies to date have indicated that on upland sotls the blueberry will respond best to a mulch system of soil management. Through the use of mulch, best groHth and yield may be expected Hithout influencing the quality of the berry so as to affect its market accep·cability. Further, to a large extent because of these studies, the blueberry is no longer considered strictly as a novelty crop in Ohio and comn1ercial size plantings are taking their place on the Ohio scene.

TABLE l. RELATIONSHIP OF SOIL lfANAGEHENT PHACTICES TO BLUEBERRY GROWTH

Variety Rancocas, Planted 1944, Data 'l'aken 1960, Wooster, Ohio

Soil Hanagement Practices Characteristics Cultivation Straw Mulch Peat Ness Mulch

Av. liJt/Plant(lbs) 25.8 56.4 60.2

Av. vJt of Tops(lbs) 14.1 22.1 24.3

Av. Wt of Roots(lbs) 14.4 34.3 35.9

Av. Wt of Crmms(lbs) 5.4 10.0 13.9

Av. No. of Canes 11.0 20.0 36.0

Av. Dia. of Canes(cms) 2.5 2.8 2.0

TABLE 2. EFli'ECT OF SOIL MANAGEMF'..NT PRACTICES ON THE FHUITING OF THE BLUEBERRY

Variety Rancocas, tvooster, Ohj_o

Soil Management Practice Cultivation Straw Mulch Peat Moss Mulch

Ave. Yield/Plant J.4.3 18.9 28.0 1960 (pts)

Ave. Yield/Plant 5.7 7.7 10.6 1950-60 (pts)

Ave. Berry Size 72.0 84.0 89.0 1960 (grs/100)

Ave. Berry Size 94.0 101.0 102.0 156- 160 (grs/100)

Ave. Sol. Solids 10.7 10.7 10.7 '56-'59 (%)

Ave. Total Acid 0.58 0.52 0.57 '56-'59 (%)

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN INSECT CONTROL

by R. B. Neiswander

Strawberry Insects

The control of the insect pests of strawberries should receive attention before the planting is established. The strawberry leaf beetle, which eats holes in the leaves, is most troublesome when a new planting is located adjacent to an old and heavi~ infested planting. Several species of grubs may attack the roots of new strawberry plants. This injury can be prevented by treating the soil with either aldrin, dieldrin, or chlordane before plru1ting. SUch a treatment remains effective for at least five years.

A spraying schedule for strawberries is being recommended this year for the first time. The schedule is designed to control the insects and diseases that occur most commonly. Aphids, leafhoppers, tarnished plant bugs, and leaf rollers may appear each year and the spr~ schedule is designed to control them. Spittlebugs will also be held in check, but if a heavy infestation has occurred a special application of Thiodan is advisable.

The recommended spray schedule will not control two-spotted spider mites, cyclamen mites, or slugs. If these pests become troublesome special treatments are necessary as indicated in the control chart.

Raspberry ~ ~lackber!Z Insects

A number of common pests of raspberries and blackberries attack the canes and should receive attention when pruning. These include the black horned tree cricket, the red necked cane borer, the raspberry cane maggot, and the raspberry cane borer. Drunage caused by the last two pests mentioned can be reduced by removing the wilted tips during the summer whenever they appear.

The rose chafer and Japanese beetle are difficult to control. They can be killed by spraying with DDT, but DDT cannot be used when the berries are present because of undesirable residues. It can be used on~ early in the season and after harvest. Methoxychlor can be used up to three days before picking berries. A rotenone spray or dust can be used at ~ time and will reduce the damage caused by the beetles although it is less effective than DDT.

Sap beetles have become more troublesome in recent years on both raspberries and strawberries. They are attracted to exuding plant sap, and become abundant in berry plantings when over-ripe or injured berries accumulate. Because they appear when berries are ripening, only the insecticides that do not leave undesirable residues can be used for their control. A rotenone spray or dust may be advisable.

SELECTING STRAWBERRY VARIETIES FOR OHIO

by Robert G. Hill, Jr.

Paramount to the success of a stra1~berry planting, regru.·dless of size, is the variety of plants used in its establishment. Although careful attention to cultural details is most essential to success lvith strawberries, no amount of care can overcome the handicap imposed by the selection of an inherently poor variety.

The problem of strawberry variety selection is complicated by the fact that the performance of the strawberry, more than that of any other fruit crop, is :markedly influenced by local environmental conditions. Hence, varieties that might be outstanding in their area. of selection may not perform satisfactorily in Ohio. To help Ohio growers select the best available varieties and to assure Ohio consumers of the best quality berries, the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station maintains a. continuing strawberry variety evaluation program. Those varteties whj.ch, after several seasons' testing, are found to have satisfactory cro-vrth characteristics and prove better than standard varieties in the production of high quality berries are recommended to Ohio grovJers.

Every spring a net'! variety evaluation planting is established. Included in each planting are: new varieties and selections which, because of their previous performance elsewhere, appear suited to Ohio conditions; newer varieties and selectj_ons which, because of their performance in earlier trials here, show promise; and the established varieties Premier and Robinson for comparison purposes. The pla.ntli1gs are so established that statistical means can be utilized in comparing the performance of the different sorts.

During the entire life of the plantings, recommended horticultural practices are follovmd so as to simulate the best grmv-er practices. The first fall after the fruit, rmis are formed plant stand data are obtained from representative row sections as an index to plant vigor. The all L~portant fruiting chro·a.cteristics are evaluated the following spring. As the berries ripen, data. are collected as to the season of ripening, yield, and berry size. Following harvest, berry samples are used to compare the various physical, organoleptic, and chemical quality chm·a.cteristics of the different sorts. Other samples of berries are furnished for the purpose of determining the suitability of the better kinds for processing. The characteristics of the strawberry varieties and selections under test at Wooster during the 1959-60 season are shown on the attached table.

As a result of theli· performance in these trials and in grower plantings about tho state, a number of newer superior varieties are nmv- being recommended and grown in Ohio. Among these newer varieties are: Armore, Empire, Erie, Vermilion, K'3I'li.dawn, Pocahontas, Surecrop, Redglow, and 1'1idvla.y. Some of these varieties such as Pocahontas and Earlidawn were orieinally tested as promising selections. It was partially because of their performance in these plots and others that they were named and made available for grower use.

Another factor to consider in the selection of strawberry plants is the quality of the nursery stock itself. Tests made in connection with these variety trials have indicated the superiority of virus-free plants over ordinary nursery stock. Most of the better strawberry varieties are now available as virus-free. vfuenever possible it is advisable to use only virus-free plants when establishing a nevJ strawberry planting.

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CP..A..."UCT:ERISTICS OF SOME STRAWBERRY VARIETIES AND SELECTIONS UNDER TEST AT WOOS1'kl{, OHIO 1959-60 SEASON

Yield Berry Size Soluble Ascorbic Acid Variety qts/acre grs/50 solids % mgs/100 grs Remarks

Earlimore1 VERY EARLY

8,131 425 5.0 39.5 New variety from Hi.nnesota, too soft for Ohio Ear lidawn 12,415 523 5.7 52.0 Best early variety, firm, tart, subject to wilt Stelemaster 13,286 422 6.6 52.1 Earliest red stele resistant variety IvJd -{I .S. 2601 13,358 510 6.2 50.4 Possible new variety, 1st year tested in Ohio

Fairland1 EA..CtLY

7,841 353 5.7 44.8 Red stele res., lacks in berry size and yield Surecrop1 12,124 472 5.5 45.8 Red stele res., vigorous, firm, tart berries Trumpeter1 17,714 473 5.8 53.2 New variety from Hi.nnesota, may have proxnise

NIDSEASON BelL'nar 1),579 385 6.1 55.0 Older variety, productive, but lacks quality Pocahontas 16,335 537 5.4 40.7 W'idely planted, berries firm and bright, good PR.ENIER 9,874 399 5.3 53.4 Standard variety, productive, lacks firmness l'Jis. 2141 9,075 435 7.2 54.9 Berries very soft, deep set seeds, discarded Catskill 13,504 477 5.7 47.0 Good for local market, rough in appearance

Armore1 , LATE

4,283 452 6.1 43.0 Hore productive earlier tests, high quality Tenn. Beauty-'- 9,949 381 6.2 52.0 Very firm, good color, attrac~ive, lacks size Plentiful 15,899 534 6.3 47.9 Red stele ros., good, but not outstanding ROBllJSON 13,431 572 6.3 53.5 Standard variety, berry large, lacks quality Nidway 14,592 457 5.7 46.4 Red stele res., 1960 intro., good frozen Sparkle 25,391 411 6.5 43.9 Red stele res., productive only if virus-free Frontenac 12,269 629 5.6 49.7 Promising new variety, firm, large berries Jerseybelle 10,672 601 6.8 60.8 Promisi.'1g fm~ late season, prominent seeds Md-U .S. 2650 10,019 553 6.8 45.9 Possible nc.u variety, lst year tested in Ohio

1 Based on mean values of triplicate 10-plant plots. All other values based on mean of six 10-plant plots.

CHEMICAL WETI:D CONTROL IN STRAtffiERRIES, RASPBERRIES, AND BLUEBERRIES

by Robert G. Hill, Jr. and E. K. Alban

Weed control is the most difficult and labor consuming cultural operation, Hith the exception of harvesting, that confronts the small fruit grovmr. For a number of years studies have been in progress at the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station in an attempt to develop chemical weed control teclmiques for use in small fruit plantings in order to minimize these weed control problems. The objectives of these studies have been to evaluate available chemicals for controlling Heed growth in ouch plantings and to determine how to apply such chemicals so as to gain maximum wt:ed. control i'lith minimu.'11 hazard to the crop.

As a result of the work in Ohio and elsev-rhere much progress has been made in adapting such techniques to the control of weeds in these crops. In a relatively brief time such procedures have passed from the experimental stage to that of accepted horticultural practice. In spite of the progress that has been made, the ideal chemical ans-vwrs to the small fruit gro-vmrs 1 weed problems are yet to be found. These studies are being continued in an effort to find superior herbicides and better techniques of application.

Successful use of herbicides depends upon applying the correct amount of the correct herbicide at the proper time as indicated by the stage of growth of the weed and the crop plants. Before any herbicide is applied the grower should be sure that such use is indicated by the manufacturer or the label. Unless such use is indicated damage to the crop or undesirable residues in the berries may resu.lt. Incorrect application even of recommended herbicides may result in damage to t,he crop or lack of weed control.

In general, chemical weed control measures must be considered as techniques to prevent rather than to overcome a serious weed problem. In many instances they must be thought of as ways of supplementing other means of weed control rather than as substitutes :for them. Most grovmrs would be well advised to learn to use such Heed control in a small part of their plantings before makin~ extensive applications.

The follovdng chemical vJ'eed control procedures are recommended to the small fruit r;rmrers of Ohio. These recommendations are all given in terms of the commercial product and on the basis of acres of sprayed ro·ea and NOT acres of cropland. All materials should be applied at low pressures, 45-50 pounds. A special weed control sprayer is advisable; special care should be used in cleaning the sprayer after use.

-Strawberries-

Summer VJeed Control: Use SES, sold commercially as Sesone (sodium 2,4-dichlorophenoryethl suiTate), on average soils at the rate of three pounds, on light soils at two pounds, and on hea~J soils at four pounds per acre in 50 gallons of water. Apply to the entire area, row and aisle alike. Make first application after ne'tvly set plants are well established, 2-4 weeks after planting. Prior to treatment cultivate thoroughly and destroy all weed grovrth. Apply as soon after cultivation as soil conditions are sui table for vleed seed germination. Do not disturb soil follouing application until soil conditions

or weed growth demand. Repeat treatment no more often than every 30 days. Make no more than three repeat treatments during any one season. Each treatment must be preceded by a thorough cultivation to destroy all weed growth. This herbicide is primm•ily effective against germinating weed seeds.

Winter vJeed Control: There is no treatment recommended. Applications of Simazine and Chioro-IPC"used in some other ar.eas, has proven detrimental to y:i.eld under Ohio Conditions.

-Raspberries-

Use diuron, sold commercially as 11Ka.rmex 11 diuron, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea , at the rate of three pounds per acre of sprayed area in early spring before raspberries begin to leaf out and before weed groHth begins. Apply in 50-100 gallons of Hater to the row area only. Use conventional practices to control Heeds in the area bettveen rows. Do not apply to first-year plantings. Do not apply to plants vvi th exposed roots. Not recommended for use in plantings on sandy or gravelly soils.

Diuron, when used as indicated, will control germinating annual weeds and grasses. It will not control deep rooted perennial weeds or well established annual Heeds. Such weeds should be removed by conventional means prior to treatment. The spray mixture must be maintained under continuous agitation. Use directed spray so as to minimize contact w"ith the raspberry plant.

-Blueberries-

Use diuron, sold commercially as "Karmex" diuron 3-(3,h-dichlorophenyl)-l, 1-dimethylurea , at the rate of two potmds per acre of sprayed area in spring before the germination and growth of annual weeds. Apply in 50-100 gallons of vrater to the rov1 area. Do not apply to newly established or to plantings in vrhich blueberry roots are exposed. Avoid use on sandy or gravelly sites.

Dim~on, when used a.s indicated, will control germinating annual weeds and grasses. It will not control deep rooted perennj_al weeds or 1~ell established annual weeds. Such 1~eeds should be removed by conventional means prior to treatment. The spray mixture must be maintained under continuous agitation. Use directed spray so as to minimize contact w-ith the blueberry plant.

-Chronic Weed Problems-

Established infestations of quackgrass, thistle, dock, and similar perennial type vJeed plants cannot be effectively or safely controlled in established small fruit plantings with the herbicides which are presently cleared for use j_n such crops. The only procedure that can be recon~ended for their control in such plantings, therefore, is manual or mechanical.

Hany of these problems can and should be avoided through the selection of sites free of these weeds for establishing the planting or by destroying these weeds prior to the establishment of the planting. Quackgrass, perhaps the most difficult problem, can be controlled on the proposed planting site before any crop is established by treating it with Sodium TCA at 30-40pounds per acre, Dalapon at 10-20 pounds per acre, Amino triazole at S-7! pounds per acre, or Haleic hydrazide at 15-20 pounds per acre. All of these treatments should be appliod in 100 gallons of Hater per acre 1-1hen the quackgrass is vieorously growing in early spring or early fall. Approximately 10 days or two weeks after treatment the area should be spaded or plov-md under. Such treatments should be accomplished the season prior to planting.

Department of Horticulture Himeo. Series No. 253

EIGHTH ANNUAL SHI4ft ;'UdU Z'~

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