Jerry, I seem to remember from five-six years ago that this was researched in MI by now retired, Dr. Jim Flores. The results were not positive. What was recomended from their research was a small amount of CA applied by overhead irrigation on a daily or semi daily timeing. I may well not have this correct. I'm sure Mi. State can give you a more complete answer.
Evan Milburn, Grower Elkton Maryland --- On Tue, 5/20/08, Jerome Frecon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > From: Jerome Frecon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Apple-Crop: Fruit firmness and rain cracking of cherries > To: "'Apple-Crop'" <apple-crop@virtualorchard.net> > Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 11:41 AM > In the 2008 Crop Production Guide for Tree Fruits in > Washington EB0419 I see > the following statement which I have not seen in other > production guides > > > > "Fruit Firmness and rain cracking of cherries. are > influenced by calcium > chloride sprays. Research suggests that three or more > sprays applied at > weekly intervals before anticipated harvest are likely to > reduce fruit > softening, postharvest injury and minor rain cracking. > Severe cracking will > not be prevented. Fruit size may be reduced." > > > > My questions are: > > 1) Have any growers used this successfully and if so > do you see a > reduction in fruit size? On Geisela?? > > 2) What is the rate of calcium chloride and do you > see any > phytotoxicity on fruit or leaves? > > 3) Although not mentioned could one expect the same > affect with other > formulations of calcium? > > > > > > Jerome L. "Jerry" Frecon > > Agricultural Agent I (Professor 1) > > Gloucester County Extension Department Head > > Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station > > Cooperative Extension, Gloucester County > > 1200 North Delsea Drive, Clayton, N.J. 08312 > > Phone 856 307-6450 Ext 1 Fax 856 307-6476 > > http://gloucester.njaes.rutgers.edu -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.