Lee, There has been plenty of research done on what I know as Specific Apple Replant Disease (do a google search). Basically apples (and not many people know but this also applies to cherries) leave a toxin in the soil that will impair the subsequent growth of your new trees. The effects are more pronounced if you replant on the same rootstock. The only real "cure" is fumigation, which will give you an increase of vigour of the new trees of about 25%. If fumigation is not an option, then remember that the removed trees took a lot out of the soil, so get the soil tested and keep the fert up in the first few years. Hope this helps. yours
Kerry Sixtus Pattullo's Nurseries Napier New Zealand -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lee Williamson Sent: Sunday, 7 January 2007 4:31 p.m. To: [email protected] Subject: Apple-Crop: Apple Replant Syndrome Hello All, Im looking for a little help with something which I believe is called Apple Replant Syndrome. Within the last six months I have pulled out some Lady Williams, Hi Early, and Royal Red apple trees. I am planning to plant Granny Smith on 106 rootstock approximately 1.5 meters apart in the same soil within the next twelve to eighteen months. I have heard of Apple Replant Syndrome but dont know what it is or even if it really does exist. Perhaps somebody out there could tell me if my concerns are justified, and if so, what I can do to prevent it. Its probably worth pointing out that this is only my third year as an orchardist so please dont hesitate to state the obvious. What is obvious to you might be a revelation to me. Thank you. Lee Williamson Eden Gardens Orchard Western Australia
