Re: Apple-Crop: Medical question

[Maurice Tougas]

Con

So sorry to hear of your friends condition.  While doing a quick  
internet search I came across this site that may provide leads?


http://www.nutriwatch.org/07PublicHealth/foodsafety.html

Best to you and you friend
Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Massachusetts, USA

On Dec 17, 2006, at 11:19 AM, Con.Traas wrote:


Hello all,
I have the unfortunate task of asking you what might turn out to be  
a life and death question.
An apple growing friend of mine contracted cancer some time ago,  
and was getting chemotherapy and other treatments. As a result of  
his suppressed immune system, he subsequently contracted what  
appears to be an unusual fungal infection of his lungs. All efforts  
to diagnose this in Ireland, and now in Sweden, have failed.
The doctors are considering the possibility that the fungal  
infection may be something that was carried on the apples, as the  
grower in question continued with his normal apple harvesting,  
packing, sorting of rotten apples etc. despite his condition.
I would appreciate that if any one out there on the list could shed  
any light on this, or would have any suggestions, or might have  
heard of something like this before, to let me know as soon as  
possible.
Or perhaps, if you know someone off-list, who might know, and would  
not mind to ask them the question, that would also be much  
appreciated.
The condition of this person is perilous, and without an answer,  
the prognosis is not good. So any help at all would be better than  
nothing.

Best wishes,
Con Traas
The Apple Farm
Ireland
++353-52-41459

Re: Apple-Crop: Need parts

[Maurice Tougas]

Scotino
try contacting Worcester County Hort Society at Tower Hill Bot  
Gardens in Boylston, MA. They sell scion wood for heirlom

cultivars.
Mo Tougas
Tougas Farm
Northboro,MA
On Dec 24, 2006, at 9:55 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

dear mr milburn, i dont have propellor parts but i saw your blurb  
in apple-crop. I am looking for scion wood for sibs of Cox orange  
pippin ie holstein, freyburg suncrisp etc. i am a small orchard  
grower for home use only. do you know of any sources of scion wood?  
I just cropped a few holstein last nov and they were amazing, and  
didnt seem to scab as easily as some of the japanese vars. I grow  
within 200yds of the atlantic here on cape cod. i attended Nafex  
2000 in Va. wish you luck with prop porject.




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Re: Apple-Crop: MFGA Summer Mtg. DVD

[Maurice Tougas]

Joe
It's the lenses Jon is using. It makes us all look like we're gaining  
weight.

mo Tougas
On Feb 16, 2007, at 6:21 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:



Jon, Wes is still gaining weight and so is his bread. I guess I  
need a DVD player to lean about your test updates and results. It's  
72 here & sunny- just returned from a couple of games of softball.  
Howard Lincoln is on the way for a visit - probably looking for  
bucks fror the new P&SS building. Enjoy Jose


Quoting Jon Clements <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:


For those of you already sick of the cold and snow, check this out:

http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=224131

You can also order the title on amazon.com (particularly if you have
free shipping) -- just search for MFGA under DVD's.

Thanks.

Jon

Jon Clements
Extension Tree Fruit Specialist
UMass Cold Spring Orchard
393 Sabin Street
Belchertown, MA  01007
VOICE 413.478.7219
FAX 413.323.0382
IM mrhoneycrisp
Skype Name mrhoneycrisp




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Re: Apple-Crop: Spray Nozzles

[Maurice Tougas]

Con
We have been using this technology for years as a flat fan for  
herbicide application. The results have been very good, drift greatly  
reduced and pressures reduced. This past season we started using them  
on our air blast sprayer to a limited degree. Thus far, they may be  
reducing drift, though it is less obvious. If I remember  
correctly,Andrew Landers of Cornell has been promoting the use of  
these nozzles as a way of reducing drift without compromising  
coverage. Maybe someone could forward the question on to him.
You might want to try substituting a couple of nozzles on a side at a  
time, and watch results. Water sensitive cards are a good way to  
observe results.
It seems as though we have focused on many other tactics for reducing  
pesticide usage over the past several years, but are for the most  
part using 50+ year old technology. I'd like to see some work looking  
at the use of this nozzle technology at lower pressures, ie, under  
100psi and some work identifying a more accurate measure of minimum  
dose requirements for individual orchards, and economical means of  
adjusting/controlling our sprayers to deliver that dose. This should  
not be rocket science, but methods that are transferable to our  
operations at reasonable costs.


Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA
On Feb 20, 2007, at 9:10 AM, Con.Traas wrote:


Hello all,
I am considering trying the new drift-reducing Albuz hollow cone  
nozzles (see http://www.albuz.saint-gobain.com/anglais/ 
nouveautes.asp), which are supposed to give far bigger droplet  
sizes (apparently each drop is made up of many mini-drops mixed  
with air bubbles), which break up into optimal size droplets on  
impact with plant foliage. Have any of you used this type of  
technology for fungicides (or insecticides) and what do you think  
of it?


Con Traas
The Apple Farm
Moorstown
Cahir
Co. Tipperary
Ireland

Re: Apple-Crop: Time article

[Maurice Tougas]

Feel the glo!

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html

Getting warmer!

http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20070312,00.html

Better call the fire department!

http://artwork.barewalls.com/artwork/product.html?ArtworkID=284590

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA
On Mar 10, 2007, at 7:04 PM, Jon Clements wrote:

Although I am hesitant to fan any embers -- I know there are quite  
a few out there -- into flames, it might be worth your while to  
pick up the March 12th issue of Time magazine. There is a cover  
article on organic vs. 'buy local.' A couple quotes:


"In the end I bought both apples (organic vs. 'conventional New  
York state local'). They were both good, although the California  
one had a mealy bit, possibly from it's journey." (Is the author  
English -- a "mealy bit?")


"Eating locally also seems safer. Ted's (an upstate NY diversified  
producer) neighbors and customers can see how he farms. That  
transparency doesn't exist with, say, spinach bagged by a distant  
agribusiness. I help keep Ted in business, and he helps keep me fed  
-- and the elegance and sustainability of that exchange make more  
sense to me than gambling on faceless producers who stamp ORGANIC  
on a package thousands of miles from home."


Now, I have been trying to fully explain the phenomenal direct- 
market sales many Massachusetts apple growers -- and I understand  
it was beyond MA too -- had last season. I know the weather was  
good, and that makes a huge difference, but I am starting to think  
the buy local campaigns are really kicking in? I found the article  
interesting, and reasonably balanced, and something we should all  
be paying attention too.


If you did not catch his drift, the author clearly thought buying  
'conventional local' was preferable to buying agribusiness  
'organic' -- particularly if the petroleum environmental cost was  
figured in.


Any embers glowing brighter yet?

:-)

Jon

Jon Clements
Extension Tree Fruit Specialist
UMass Cold Spring Orchard
393 Sabin Street
Belchertown, MA  01007
VOICE 413.478.7219
FAX 413.323.0382
IM mrhoneycrisp
Skype Name mrhoneycrisp




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Re: Apple-Crop: Time article

[Maurice Tougas]

I would agree with Kurt. It is all about Trust.

The public has been told many, many times that "Certified Organic"  
equates to "Not Been Sprayed"


When was the last time anyone from the organic movement stood up and  
said, NO, that is not what "Certified Organic "means. Where is the  
credibility?



It is time that the real issues be addressed. Not the fear mongering  
of the anti pesticide crowd, but the real issues of obesity and the  
loss of habit of eating fresh fruits. As the fear of pesticides have  
risen, so has juvenile diabetes (double in the past decade),  
consumption of junk food, obesity, and more. What is the correlation?  
When mom fears the sprayed apple, does she reach for the high fat,  
high calorie granola bar? 7up rather than apple juice?



Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA








On Mar 11, 2007, at 8:50 PM, Arthur Harvey wrote:

I could agree with most of what you say about organic foods, but  
I'm not sure that what
you regard as silliness is the same as the silliness I observe.
In conventional food
standards it  is far more silly ---and dangerous to health---than  
what goes on in
organics.   I speak as an organic inspector and author of Harvey v  
Veneman.  Most of my
life was spent working in conventional apple orchards where the  
prevailing view is that
Guthion---or whatever---is perfectly safe because the manufacturers  
say so, and the feds
have not contradicted them until very recently.  Interestingly, the  
Fruit Growers News
which I have been reading for more than 40 years, has within the  
past couple of years
turned away from their contemptuous attitude toward organic  
orcharding, and now has

positive and helpful coverage.


--- Steve Demuth <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Kurt,

I actually agree with you that you, and other farmers, are probably
better served by the personal relationship than they would be by
certification alone (nothing, I might add, prevents one from
benefiting from both).  My point was that the consumer's trust is
based mostly on the good feelings from the personal relationship,
even though there is no demonstrable correlation between this and the
things that people claim to value about food production methods.

And the physician example is in fact perfectly apropos.  Firstly,
because physicians are certified, and required to periodically
re-certify in their chose area of practice.  I suspect it matters a
great deal to most people that their doctor actually graduated from
medical school, finished a residency, and is regularly re-certified
in their speciality.

Secondly, it is true that people do choose physicians on
recommendations, and personal trust.  And, it's a lousy way to choose
them.  Having been involved research on clinical outcomes, I can say
quite certainly that the fact that a physician appears competent,
caring and trustworthy is very poorly correlated with whether or not
they produce above or below average results for their patients.  Many
well-loved physicians are, statistically at least, a very bad bet for
your health.

This of course hardly bolsters my case for certification.  Despite
our best efforts to certify physician competence, there is still a
huge variance in quality.  However, there is an important difference
between organic certification and doctor certification: organic
certification certifies methods, not knowledge alone.  There is a
movement afoot in the medical field to start doing this with
hospitals (if you can't verify that every post heart-attack patient
is getting the most proven effective drug regimen, you may lose your
blessing as a cardiac care center); organic already does this with
horticultural practice.

All of this is not to say that I think organic is an altogether great
thing.  I don't actually like the direction that organic has taken in
the last 20 years; many of the regulations in the current
certification are to my mind just plain wrong headed.  And I
certainly think that a local, ecologically-minded agriculture is
preferable in many ways to a distant, organically certified one.

But, how am I know to that my local grower is following best
horticultural, pesticide, and ecological practice.  Trust?  Not
alone.  On this one I'm with Ronald Reagan, "trust but verify."  That
is the value of certification.

Which bring me back to my starting point: this isn't an either
or.  Can't there be a certification program for ecologically sound
agriculture that steers clear of the silliness in the organic
standards, and which tells me something useful about what is going  
on the farm?


At 02:18 PM 3/11/2007, you wrote:

Fellow Growers,

I think that Steve's conclusion about the gullibility of  
consumers is a
little misdirected.  I have found that what consumers (people)  
really value
and desire in America is personal relationships.  Certification  
may well
serve and be necessary for the 900 mile "local" model as well as  
the box
stores but I believe that it has been born out of the rea

Re: Apple-Crop: Time article (More on same)

[Maurice Tougas]

I would be very interested in hearing when  apple breeding has ever  
had as robust a direction towards the reduction in chemical  
dependancy as we have seen in the past several decades. Of course  
breeding programs have all had a degree of focus on those attributes  
that consumers demand, ie, color, size, low price as a result of high  
productivity, etc. But when have breeders ever focused on scab  
resistance, fireblight resistance, rust resistance, smaller, more  
efficient trees and systems resulting in lower ber bushel chemical  
inputs than has happened in the last several decades? Perhaps in the  
good old days,( before the large corporations developed modern crop  
protection materials), when more "natural" materials were prevalent,  
ie sulfurs, lime-sulfurs, lead, arsenic,copper, mercury compounds etc  
were the crop protection materials of choice ? I think not.


Sustainable agriculture is, in a word, PROFITABLE agriculture. Be it  
long term, or short term. Without short term profitability, there is  
no chance of long term profitability, or sustainability. Sorry, but  
there just are not enough volunteers willing to pick rocks, hoe rows,  
pull weeds,etc, etc, there are not enough patient loan officers, and  
there are not enough consumers willing to pay the price. And come the  
first of the month the mortgage man wants his $, in the middle of the  
month, the tax men want their $, and at the end of the month, the  
other guys are SOOL!  There is, of course a market of those who have  
the financial resources to support a supply of food produced  
according to specific dogmas. However, for the vast unwashed  
majority, it's all about price. And if we don't produce it for that  
price, there are a few guys elsewhere that will be happy to.


Maurice Tougas
Grower
Massachusetts

On Mar 25, 2007, at 5:44 PM, Arthur Harvey wrote:

I'm afraid I must dash your hope.  The conspiracy by large  
corporations is more
recent---Momnsanto, etc---but plant breeding has occurred in a  
context of chemical
control for about 100 years.  Therefore, natural genetic resistance  
to pests has not been
necessary and is often counter to other features like size, color,  
productivity, etc.



--- Mark Evans <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Dear Kurt,

I think you hit the nail on the head.  Bravo!

And Arthur, you state "...we are trying to grow varieties that  
have been

bred for chemical dependency..."!  Sounds like you see a conspiracy
involving multinational chemical corporations.  I hope you're not  
serious.


Mark Evans, grower
Frankfort, MI



-Original Message-
From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Kurt Alstede
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 12:32 PM
To: 'Apple-Crop'
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: Time article (More on same)


Hello Fellow Growers,

Our conversation has been wide ranging since its inception when we  
discussed
the benefit of locally produced versus organic and I commented  
upon my
disgust over the term "sustainable."  Since that time a lot of  
ground has
been covered including further comments on sustainable as well as  
organic,
GMO, certification, and more.  Interestingly, I still have the  
same mistrust
and disgust for the use of the term "sustainable" as when we  
started and
continue to see the use of that term by people who are totally  
unfamiliar
with production agriculture as a means of controlling how we  
produce safe
and healthy food for the people of this nation.  I find its use  
politically
based as opposed to scientifically based.  The left is at its best  
here in
the Northeast and I can guarantee that this term is used, and will  
continue
to be used, to forward policies and regulations that will  
ultimately hurt

our industry, not help it.

Kind Regards,


Kurt W. Alstede
General Manager
Alstede Farms, LLC
P. O. Box 278
Chester, New Jersey 07930
United States of America

Tel.  908-879-7189



-Original Message-
From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple- 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

On Behalf Of Arthur Harvey
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 5:35 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: Time article (More on same)


I wouldn't advocate always following intuition.  We also have  
brains to

integrate our
experience and reason with intuition.  But when faced with  
extravagant

claims by GMO
people, that there is little or no risk---well, intuition can be  
useful

here.

As for organic food tasting better---if it doesn't, I am usually  
reluctant

to pay the
premium.  True, apples  are hard to compare because of different  
varieties,

soils,
maturity, etc.  In general, I cannot say that organic apples taste  
better,

but I usually
buy them anyway because of my long years working in orchards where
co-workers were
sickened by Guthion or other stuff.  I guess this is just a  
personal fluke

of mine. And
of course organic apples will not have A

Re: Apple-Crop: Early season hail damage

[Maurice Tougas]

Glen
In early July 2001 we experienced a pretty good hail storm on our 25  
acres of apples. All fruit had at least dents, many multiple skin  
pierces. Crop insurance adjuster called it 100% loss. We sell all of  
our crop retail, mostly pyo.
It was heartbreaking for the entire season to look at all those  
damaged fruit every day. We spent the next month thinning out as many  
torn fruit as we could. That was a good move. At harvest we explained  
to all customer that the fruit had been "Kissed by Mother Nature". We  
found that most (99% )customers were content, though they did not  
purchase as much fruit as they would have. I felt we had already  
sustained a loss of volume, and an increase in expenses, and so could  
not afford a loss on price, and so we raised our price 15% over the  
last years price. That turned out to be the best decision we made, as  
our dollar sales that year were the best in 20 years. I know it is  
counter intuitive, but the numbers do not lie.Be upfront with your  
customers. They have a stake in your continuing in business. Remind  
them of that!


Last night we saw hail for the second time this season. Last year,  
twice, and twice in 2001.  In the previous 20 years, we saw hail 1  
time. Is this pattern typical for a short period, or are we entering  
a prolonged pattern?


Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA

On Jun 22, 2007, at 10:08 PM, Karl Townsend wrote:



 The grower and I would appreciate hearing from folks who have  
experienced similar situation and what were the eventual effects of  
the early season not-cutting hail dents.


Thanks, Glen


Those dents will leave a dead and pithy spot in the apple just  
under the surface. Not number 1 grade.




I'm sure no two hail storms are exactly the same. In the last 25  
years we've had early hail three times. I think it pays for farm  
market orchards to go through the trees and hand thin most of the  
hail marks out. The remaining fruit will be larger and higher  
quality. And its easier to sort bad apples out now so you don't  
have an awful time at harvest. Of course if you've got 70% plus  
damage, save your time - go fishing.




I feel for you, its a real heartbreak.



Karl

Re: Apple-Crop: sooty blotch IPM

[Maurice Tougas]

Karl
Dan Cooley has done a great  job of looking at sooty blotch and  
flyspeck here in MA. He recently issued a thoughtful discussion on  
the topic which was reprinted in Scaffolds.


http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/scaffolds/2007/070723.html

Mo Tougas
Tougas Farm
Northborough, MA

On Jul 13, 2007, at 10:31 AM, Karl Townsend wrote:


Drought here in central Minnesota.

Our last scab spray was 6/13 and it hasn't rained sense. I put on  
Imidan last night. In past years, captan has always been included   
with an eye on Sooty Blotch. My better half said that's stupid with  
it this dry so no fungicide went on.


We're looking around for IPM info on sooty blotch and haven't found  
much yet. Have I made a mistake?  Can you scout for this? How?


Karl

Re: Apple-Crop: Paulared

[Maurice Tougas]

I'm seeing the watercore on Akane as well, no Apogee applied.

Mo Tougas
Tougas Farm
Northborough, MA

On Aug 19, 2007, at 12:25 PM, Philip Smith wrote:

Similarly: Idared, Jerseymac, Gingergold, Jonamac and probably  
dozens of others.


Philip Smith

- Original Message - From: "George M. Greene" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Apple-Crop" 
Sent: Saturday, August 18, 2007 6:27 PM
Subject: Apple-Crop: Paulared



Hi All:

I know that the variety is often called Paula Red but I believe  
the correct name is Paulared.


Best regards, George Greene
--
George M. Greene II
68 Willow Lane
Wiscasset, ME 04578
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
207-882-8074



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Re: Apple-Crop: U-Pick whining

[Maurice Tougas]

The overwhelming majority of consumers who are looking to pick their  
own apples are NOT looking for a price bargain in our neck of the  
woods, but they recognize the treemendous value  spending a couple of  
hours of "high quality time" with their family.
My proof of that is simple. We charge $18.00/ half bushel for pre  
picked apples, $23.00/half bushel for PYO. We will sell 200+ bags PYO  
for every pre picked bag.

Enough said.

Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northboro,MA
www.tougasfarm.com
On Oct 25, 2007, at 11:28 AM, Ken Hall wrote:

A couple of the commenters at the linked article made a key point-- 
apples fresh from the tree ought to be worth something more than  
apples that may have traveled extensively and done time in CA  
storage. That doesn't make the latter bad apples by any stretch,  
but I doubt many would argue that fresh-picked (and hand-picked by  
the end user) are better. Add the value of the experience to the  
presumably superior quality of the fruit, and the price premium can  
be justified easily. It's up to the market whether to bear it, and  
the community should make sure it is making that case.


Best regards,
Ken


From: Matt McCallum [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 10:38 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: U-Pick whining

Apple crop gang,
I thought you would find this interesting reading. As the former  
owner of a pick-your-own operation I was not very happy to read her  
opinion.

Matt

http://www.wisebread.com/who-saves-money-when-you-pick-apples-the- 
grower

Re: Apple-Crop: Local Production

[Maurice Tougas]

Con, Bill et al

You would find the attached interesting

http://blog.oup.com/2007/11/locavore/

Also, try a google search for "localvore"

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA 01532

On Dec 13, 2007, at 8:22 AM, Bill Shoemaker wrote:


Con

The same trend is developing here. It is referred to as "Locally- 
Grown" and is primarily consumer-driven but is also being pushed by  
the culinary community. While the rationale of reducing carbon  
footprint lends credence to it, there are other concerns as well.  
These include preserving regional identity, food security and  
improved quality. Examples of evidence of this trend include a  
program being developed by the city of Chicago to set a goal of  
having at least 10% of the city's food derived from local sources.  
Another is the recognition in The Packer produce newspaper of  
locally grown as a newsworthy trend. For those not familier with  
The Packer, it is a North American weekly newspaper focused on  
issues in the produce industry.


I think your point is well-taken Con. This trend, if adopted, could  
impact local direct-market operations. I wonder if the impact will  
be negative or positive though. It could increase awareness of the  
value of locally-grown as a fresher product and an investment in  
the locally economy, perhaps even the local culture ("people  
against the e-world!"). It could also represent a local wholesale  
market for growers who have been direct-marketers, a return to the  
regional identity of food.


Bill Shoemaker, Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
University of Illinois - St Charles Horticulture Research Center
www...nres.uiuc.edu/faculty/directory/shoemaker_wh.html

Normally we watch the US setting a trend, and then we follow it ten  
or more years later in Ireland. It was like that with supermarkets,  
outside-of-town shopping, and farmers’ markets. However, recently  
we have seen something else arising, and I have not seen too much  
comment on how it may affect large apple growing areas, nor am I  
aware if it has already occurred in the US.
A supermarket chain in the UK (with stores in Ireland) called Marks  
& Spencer has announced Plan A. It is so-called because there is no  
plan B, and Plan A is to become carbon neutral in five years.
Part of that will involve reducing long distance freight  
(especially air freight, which will be signalled by placing an  
aeroplane symbol on foods), and working with suppliers to make them  
carbon neutral also.


Because of this plan, which other retailers like Tesco are  
mimicking, and because of consumer demand and political pressure,  
the issue of local sourcing is getting very prominent, with  
retailers very keen to be seen as the ones who stock local foods.  
Indeed, as a result, chains like Tesco, who up to now only allowed  
central purchasing, are now using regional purchasing, so that  
suppliers in a locality can sell through their shops in that locality.


Personally, as a farm retailer, I am not too keen on seeing Tesco  
(and other similar stores) sell local apples, as it erodes my  
unique selling point, in as much as customers can get local apples  
without calling to me. However, this just leaves me with the  
challenge of communicating other stories of how I am different.
However, on a larger scale, for a country like Ireland, where 90%  
of apples and 50% of vegetables are imported, changes like this  
represent an opportunity; all the more so since the underlying  
reasons for the change (fuel scarcity & global warming) are getting  
more urgent rather than less. However, if producers here are going  
to expand, then someone somewhere else will lose market share.
Not that it has happened yet. Due to consumption increase, and  
population increase, sales of apples have increased by 20% over the  
past five years, while production has been static, so up to now  
Irish growers have been losing market share. However, the dynamic  
is most certainly in the opposite direction, and I suspect that  
growers will increase domestic production. For one thing, as fuel  
gets more expensive, the cost of imported fruit and vegetables gets  
higher, leaving more room for domestic producers to realise a profit.

Is the era of cheap food coming to an end?
Con Traas
The Apple Farm
Moorstown
Cahir
Ireland

Re: Apple-Crop: ladders in pick your own

[Maurice Tougas]

Tom,

We have operated our PYO Apple and Peaches since 1981. We provide a  
limited number of aluminum tripod ladders. We use 4' to 7'. We try to  
pick the majority of the fruit above 8' or so ourselves so as to  
limit the attraction of climbing by our customers. As it is   
inefficient to be picking only tops with ladders, we purchased a self  
propelled platform last year for harvesting tops.
Our insurance carrier is Farm Family, and they offer a package which  
includes liability coverage for PYO with ladders as a percentage of  
our sales. In addition, Massachusetts passed the "Pick your own  
liability" law several years ago.
This exempts PYO operators from liability for injuries unless gross  
and wanton negligence can be shown. It has been upheld in court, and  
has been a great benefit.
We did have an accident back in 1991. The gentleman was on the top of  
the ladder when he fell and broke his ankle. The action never went to  
court, but persisted for three years and was settled for under $100,000.


The majority of our trees are now planted on 9's, though we still  
have a couple of acres of standards that have been lowered.
I believe the biggest danger is people reaching and people standing  
on the top two or three rungs. We mark our ladders with a warning not  
to stand on top three rungs, and we number each ladder so we can  
monitor their condition. We also post signage telling people they use  
them at their own risk, and that they are for use by adults only.


Best of luck with your PYO. I know the grass is always greener on the  
other side of the fence, but I long for the day when the market would  
allow me to harvest and wholesale my crop, and shut the gates to PYO.


Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northboro, MA
www.Tougasfarm.com

On Jul 6, 2008, at 1:59 AM, Tommy and Sandy wrote:

We are allowing people to pick their own apples for the last couple  
of years.  We didn't start out as a pick your own orchard and we  
have larger trees, 111, 7, and some larger 26's.
In the past we have not allowed ladders or climbing trees.  I was  
wondering if any other pick your own orchards allowed ladders  
either supplying them to people or allowing them to bring their  
own.  Also if ladders are allowed how much more insurance do you  
have to carry.  Has anyone had any bad claims because of ladders.

Thanks for responding.

Tommy Bruguiere
Dickie Bros. Orchard
Roseland, Va

Re: Apple-Crop: fumigating machine wanted

[Maurice Tougas]

Nathan
I have one.
Mo Tougas
On Oct 5, 2008, at 11:47 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


Hello all...
Looking for a used fumigant application machine, in good or  
reasonable shape. Preferably in the mid eastern states. Looking at  
the Reddick website, it seems there may be a difference in  
equipment between using Telone alone or with Chloropicrin. That  
part I'm not so sure about...I've only used a borrowed machine from  
the chemical company.


Anyway... check your shed or ask a neighbor.

Thanks so much!!!

--
Nathan Milburn
Milburn Orchards, Inc.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
1-443-309-2077 (my cell)






--

The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard 
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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.

Re: Apple-Crop: Pruning established open-center apple trees

[Maurice Tougas]

Dr Kanner

I'd encourage you to consider joining the Massachusetts Fruit Growers  
Association.


http://www.massfruitgrowers.org/membershiprenewal

Dues are only $200/year and you will receive a wealth of information  
by attending educational sessions they sponsor along with the  
Extension service. The just completed winter meeting saw over 100  
attend and included and afternoon of orchard pruning demonstration at  
the Belchertown UMass research orchard which the association donated  
to the University years ago. You will be contributing to support   
local research and enable a voice to promote the interests of fruit  
growers in Massachusetts.


Give it a look. It's a good investment.

Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA 01532

www.TougasFarm.com

On Feb 22, 2009, at 11:03 AM,   
 wrote:



Steven,

I don't know if you were looking to purchase a video, but I do have  
a video by Gary Moulton that is one of the best I have seen on all  
aspects of pruning, including the pruning of open center trees.   
It's available on my blog at  http:// 
www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com.  I hope this helps!


Dennis Norton
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Office (815) 648-4467
Mobile (815) 228-2174
Fax (609) 228-2174
http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com
http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com
http://www.revivalhymn.com
- Original Message -
From: Steven R. Kanner, MD
To: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:15 AM
Subject: Apple-Crop: Pruning established open-center apple trees

I have a small 3-acre orchard, half of which are long-established  
red spy and McIntosh, which I have rehabbed reasonably well over  
the past 6 years.


I could use advice on pruning the larger open-center trees,  
especially what to do on the top scaffold limbs. How many of the  
suckers to eliminate, how to stop telephone-pole development and so  
forth.


There is an excellent peach-pruning video on the UMass Fruit  
Advisor which greatly clarifies the strategy for pruning peach  
trees. There is also a good one on central leader apples on short  
root-stock.


Can someone point me to a comparable video, or clear written  
advice, to deal with the pruning strategy for the heirloom open- 
center trees, especially the top level of the canopy? Thanks.


Regards,
SRK

Steven R. Kanner, MD
12 Bypass Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
srkanne...@post.harvard.edu

Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

[Maurice Tougas]

I've found all the techniques mentioned work to some degree. I  
suspect that the more of them employed, the more likely you will  
succeed. One mentioned only briefly was the bending of branches below  
horizontal. It can be is very time consuming, and very  
effective.  People of course have been using spreaders, weights, kite  
string, pea string, rubber bands,.. but what we've been using for  
a few years now are 18-24 inch pieces of soft 14 or 16 ga wire.   
Either bend a small loop at each end in the shop, or carry them  
straight in bundles and make quick loops in orchard. Quick and easy,  
and can be repositioned later.  If 18" is too short, loop two together.


Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA

On Mar 10, 2009, at 6:58 PM, jscr...@aol.com wrote:

My experience is that in Virginia Spys are late producers.  Scoring  
really works. There are more and less severe scoring, you might  
want to try several types on some limbs.  The least severe is one  
cut around the trunk under the scaffold limps.  The most severe  
would be to remove about 1/8 inch section. Some remove a larger  
section and replace it upside down.  It is most important to cover  
any such wound to keep it from drying and from fire blight. I have  
used several layers of masking tape.  It will come off by itself  
later.  One or two weeks after bloom is when I have made the scoring.

Good luck, you can really get their attention with scoring.
John Crumlpacker
Timberville, Virginia
540 896 6000
In a message dated 3/10/2009 4:00:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
schoo...@kwic.com writes:
Would someone care to divulge a recipe for getting slow-to-bear  
varieties into production sooner.  I have Northern Spy in mind  
using Ethrel or NAA or combinations.  Apogee perhaps.  Other  
techniques?




Harold Schooley

Orchards Limited

Simcoe, Ontario

Canada




Need a job? Find employment help in your area.

Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

[Maurice Tougas]

Sorry, I forgot to attach this

http://www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/factsheets/limbposit.pdf

Mo Tougas

On Mar 10, 2009, at 6:58 PM, jscr...@aol.com wrote:

My experience is that in Virginia Spys are late producers.  Scoring  
really works. There are more and less severe scoring, you might  
want to try several types on some limbs.  The least severe is one  
cut around the trunk under the scaffold limps.  The most severe  
would be to remove about 1/8 inch section. Some remove a larger  
section and replace it upside down.  It is most important to cover  
any such wound to keep it from drying and from fire blight. I have  
used several layers of masking tape.  It will come off by itself  
later.  One or two weeks after bloom is when I have made the scoring.

Good luck, you can really get their attention with scoring.
John Crumlpacker
Timberville, Virginia
540 896 6000
In a message dated 3/10/2009 4:00:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
schoo...@kwic.com writes:
Would someone care to divulge a recipe for getting slow-to-bear  
varieties into production sooner.  I have Northern Spy in mind  
using Ethrel or NAA or combinations.  Apogee perhaps.  Other  
techniques?




Harold Schooley

Orchards Limited

Simcoe, Ontario

Canada




Need a job? Find employment help in your area.

Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

[Maurice Tougas]

They can be purchased from peach ridge orchard supply and from Wilson  
Irrigation.
Peach ridge carries both the blue "apple bands" which are shorter  
lived and pull less, and the black "pear bands" which are stronger  
and last longer.


Mo Tougas
On Mar 11, 2009, at 2:12 PM, Harold Schooley wrote:


What is the length of these rubber bands and where available?

Harold
From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple- 
c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of dmnor...@royaloakfarmorchard.com

Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1:20 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

We have found that branch bending has worked the best for us on B9  
and M9 as well as M26.  We use the rubber bands now and find that  
they require the least amount of time of any other technique.  We  
use the bio-degradable in May and they are gone by August or just  
after terminals have set.  With the wires, you have to go back and  
retrieve them later which does take some time.  With  either  
vertical axe or tall spindle, pruning is at a minimum, so more time  
is saved on pruning.  In my opinion, this is the most cost  
effective method of all.  We are now in the process of going back  
to our vertical axe trees planted 8 x 14 and are converting them to  
tall spindle as we interplant new trees between 4-5 year olds and  
doubling  density to 4 x 14.  If anyone is interested in more  
detail feel free to contact me.


Dennis Norton
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Office (815) 648-4467
Mobile (815) 228-2174
Fax (609) 228-2174
http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com
http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com
http://www.revivalhymn.com
- Original Message -
From: Maurice Tougas
To: Apple-Crop
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

I've found all the techniques mentioned work to some degree. I  
suspect that the more of them employed, the more likely you will  
succeed. One mentioned only briefly was the bending of branches  
below horizontal. It can be is very time consuming, and very  
effective.  People of course have been using spreaders, weights,  
kite string, pea string, rubber bands,.. but what we've been  
using for a few years now are 18-24 inch pieces of soft 14 or 16 ga  
wire.  Either bend a small loop at each end in the shop, or carry  
them straight in bundles and make quick loops in orchard. Quick and  
easy, and can be repositioned later.  If 18" is too short, loop two  
together.


Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA

On Mar 10, 2009, at 6:58 PM, jscr...@aol.com wrote:


My experience is that in Virginia Spys are late producers.  Scoring  
really works. There are more and less severe scoring, you might  
want to try several types on some limbs.  The least severe is one  
cut around the trunk under the scaffold limps.  The most severe  
would be to remove about 1/8 inch section. Some remove a larger  
section and replace it upside down.  It is most important to cover  
any such wound to keep it from drying and from fire blight. I have  
used several layers of masking tape.  It will come off by itself  
later.  One or two weeks after bloom is when I have made the scoring.

Good luck, you can really get their attention with scoring.
John Crumlpacker
Timberville, Virginia
540 896 6000
In a message dated 3/10/2009 4:00:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
schoo...@kwic.com writes:
Would someone care to divulge a recipe for getting slow-to-bear  
varieties into production sooner.  I have Northern Spy in mind  
using Ethrel or NAA or combinations.  Apogee perhaps.  Other  
techniques?

Harold Schooley
Orchards Limited
Simcoe, Ontario
Canada

Need a job? Find employment help in your area.

Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

[Maurice Tougas]

You can purchase lengths of wire from Finger Lakes Trellis Supply.  
They will supply galv or black, in any weight. If you use black 16 or  
18 ga, they should rust away and not need to be retrieved.

They are not in their catalog, so you'll need to email them for a price.

Mo Tougas

On Mar 11, 2009, at 2:12 PM, Harold Schooley wrote:


What is the length of these rubber bands and where available?

Harold
From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple- 
c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of dmnor...@royaloakfarmorchard.com

Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1:20 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

We have found that branch bending has worked the best for us on B9  
and M9 as well as M26.  We use the rubber bands now and find that  
they require the least amount of time of any other technique.  We  
use the bio-degradable in May and they are gone by August or just  
after terminals have set.  With the wires, you have to go back and  
retrieve them later which does take some time.  With  either  
vertical axe or tall spindle, pruning is at a minimum, so more time  
is saved on pruning.  In my opinion, this is the most cost  
effective method of all.  We are now in the process of going back  
to our vertical axe trees planted 8 x 14 and are converting them to  
tall spindle as we interplant new trees between 4-5 year olds and  
doubling  density to 4 x 14.  If anyone is interested in more  
detail feel free to contact me.


Dennis Norton
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Office (815) 648-4467
Mobile (815) 228-2174
Fax (609) 228-2174
http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com
http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com
http://www.revivalhymn.com
- Original Message -
From: Maurice Tougas
To: Apple-Crop
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: Early bearing

I've found all the techniques mentioned work to some degree. I  
suspect that the more of them employed, the more likely you will  
succeed. One mentioned only briefly was the bending of branches  
below horizontal. It can be is very time consuming, and very  
effective.  People of course have been using spreaders, weights,  
kite string, pea string, rubber bands,.. but what we've been  
using for a few years now are 18-24 inch pieces of soft 14 or 16 ga  
wire.  Either bend a small loop at each end in the shop, or carry  
them straight in bundles and make quick loops in orchard. Quick and  
easy, and can be repositioned later.  If 18" is too short, loop two  
together.


Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA

On Mar 10, 2009, at 6:58 PM, jscr...@aol.com wrote:


My experience is that in Virginia Spys are late producers.  Scoring  
really works. There are more and less severe scoring, you might  
want to try several types on some limbs.  The least severe is one  
cut around the trunk under the scaffold limps.  The most severe  
would be to remove about 1/8 inch section. Some remove a larger  
section and replace it upside down.  It is most important to cover  
any such wound to keep it from drying and from fire blight. I have  
used several layers of masking tape.  It will come off by itself  
later.  One or two weeks after bloom is when I have made the scoring.

Good luck, you can really get their attention with scoring.
John Crumlpacker
Timberville, Virginia
540 896 6000
In a message dated 3/10/2009 4:00:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
schoo...@kwic.com writes:
Would someone care to divulge a recipe for getting slow-to-bear  
varieties into production sooner.  I have Northern Spy in mind  
using Ethrel or NAA or combinations.  Apogee perhaps.  Other  
techniques?

Harold Schooley
Orchards Limited
Simcoe, Ontario
Canada

Need a job? Find employment help in your area.

Apple-Crop: IFTA Short Tour

[Maurice Tougas]

Due to the number of registrations IFTA has added another bus for the NY
Short Tour July 28 and 29.. There are still a handful of open seats so the
deadline for registration has been extended to 7/21 or until all seats are
full, whichever happens first.

The easiest way to register is this link:
http://ifruittree.site-ym.com/default.asp?page=ShortOrchardTours

I understand the hotels that are listed on the site are full, so you will
need to check with other hotels in Geneva.

Hope to see you there.

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA 01532
www.TougasFarm.com
-- 
Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
246 Ball St
Northborough, MA 01532
508-450-0844

[Apple-crop] IFTA seeking research proposals

[Maurice Tougas]

Apple croppers,

You are invited to submit research proposals to the International Fruit Tree 
Association (IFTA). Preference will be given to proposal for research in the 
following areas: fruit variety, rootstock, intensive orchard management 
systems, new technologies and additional horticultural issues.

 Proposals must be submitted no later than February 1, 2011 to Rick Dungey, 
Executive Director IFTA, at du...@ifruittree.org.

Please contact Rick at that address or at 636 449 5083 for further information 
and an application package.

Maurice (Mo) Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Ball St
Northborough,MA 01532
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Re: [apple-crop] Peach orchard

[maurice tougas]

The most important factor in determining the profitability of an orchard is
the price received for the fruit. This was take home message at IFTA meeting
in Pasco,WA a couple of weeks ago, and one that I've always maintained.
It's simple. Do your budgets with $10 bushel price vs $50 bushel and see
what happens!

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm

On Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 2:22 PM, Jerome Frecon wrote:

> This pdf on the crop alternatives site may help you with a small orchard.
> ON our state you cannot have a profitable peach orchard if you buying land
> for more than $8,000 per acre.
>
> http://agalternatives.aers.psu.edu/Publications/peachprod.pdf
>
>
>
> Jerome L. "Jerry" Frecon
> Agricultural Agent I (Professor 1)
> Gloucester County Extension Department Head
> 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
>
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net
> [mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Mark
> Angermayer
> Sent: Monday, March 21, 2011 11:02 PM
> To: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> Subject: [apple-crop] Peach orchard
>
> We currently have what I call a micro orchard of mostly peaches.  The
> planting is on basically 3/4 of an acre.  I sell part time to a farmers
> market and at roadside.  Demand is excellent in this area for local
> peaches.
> Farmer's markets do a brisk volume and there is only one other peach grower
> of any significance in the immediate area.
>
> We've been looking for some land to start a "real" orchard.  We've found
> some land for sale that we are considering making an offer on and have some
> questions before we do anything.  Here are a few for starters.
>
> In terms of the economics, what is a reasonable price/acre to pay for land
> and make a reasonable return selling most the crop retail?
>
> The land is 7 miles away from my home.  Is this too far?  Are there others
> out there who successfully manage orchards off their home site?  What are
> some of the problems associated with having an orchard several miles away?
>
> I'd appreciate any comments in this regard.
>
> Thanks,
> Mark Angermayer
> Tubby Fruits
>
>
> ___
> apple-crop mailing list
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>
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>



-- 
Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA 01532
508-450-0844
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Re: [apple-crop] Tree height v. row spacing

[maurice tougas]

I would agree with Jon, but add a couple of other considerations that I'd
use to fine tune your "rule".

The first would be row orientation. North / South oriented rows will receive
more uniform light exposure than trees  East / West, and so perhaps an extra
percentage of height could be added.

Second, training system  results in differing depth or density of canopy,
and so a system with wider row spacing may result in longer branches which
may result in greater shading in the interior of the tree. Systems such as
tall spindle, super spindle and maybe fruiting wall systems result in
narrower canopies and so there is less depth to the canopy resulting in less
distance sunlight must travel to trunk. That said, these systems may well
have a more dense canopy than more open, widely spaced trees when pruned
properly.
The narrower canopies I believe have the advantage, and so the ratio of
height to row spacing may again allow for a slightly taller tree.

Thirdly, consider hours of sunlight per growing season. I've never seen a
"zone chart" for this. Might be an interesting project for some statistician
(Wes!), but developing some sort of sunlight zone similar to traditional
hardiness zones should influence height/width ratio.
Certainly the number of hours of sunlight, and, it's intensity on average,
received in Pasco,WA or Hastings, NZ  is appreciably higher than
Northborough,MA or Acton,ME and has an influence on ideal height/row width
ratio.

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA

On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 11:50 PM, Jon Clements wrote:

> If you are growing hi-density apples, then tree height should be no
> greater than between-row width. Slightly less (0.9) is even better.
>
> Jon
>
> 2011/3/25 Arthur Kelly :
> > What do you all think about required row spacing for various tree
> heights?
> >  Should row width be 1.1, 1.3 or 1.5 X tree height?
> > Art Kelly
> > Kelly Orchards
> > Acton, ME
> > ___
> > apple-crop mailing list
> > apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> > http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> JMCEXTMAN
> Jon Clements
> cleme...@umext.umass.edu
> aka 'Mr Liberty'
> aka 'Mr Honeycrisp'
> IM mrhoneycrisp
> 413.478.7219
> ___
> apple-crop mailing list
> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>



-- 
Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA 01532
508-450-0844
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[apple-crop] "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"

[maurice tougas]

-- Forwarded message --
From: maurice tougas 
Date: Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 7:24 AM
Subject: "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"
To: Andre Tougas 


Croppers,

Does anyone know of a translated version of "Pommier, le Mur fruitier"?

I am intrigued by the concept of this system after having traveled to
Belgium last week scouting visits for the IFTA study tour this summer. We
saw example of orchards trated with this system, and will be visiting them
in July. The above publication appears to be the best coverage of the system
I've seen.

Alas, mon papa is no longer with me to help me with this.

Maurice Tougas


-- 
Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA 01532
508-450-0844



-- 
Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA 01532
508-450-0844
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Re: [apple-crop] "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"

[maurice tougas]

Hello Jean,

This must be my lucky day.
Je dois traiter ma femme à dîner ce soir!
I will soon develop a list of questions for you.
Thank you so much for your offer.

Maurice


2011/4/1 Jourdain Jean-Marc 
>
> Hi Maurice
>
> To my knowledge there is no translation of the book. Since the concept was 
> created in our orchards here in Lanxade Centre (near Bergerac South West of 
> France), I shall be able to answer all questions.
>
> The first rows of this training system were planted in 1995 for better access 
> to fruit, since we were hosting a robotic harvester program at that time. 
> Then the robotic program fell down, too much cost, too poor yield, then we 
> decided to go on with the orchard.
>
> Jean Marc Jourdain
> Ctifl
> Centre manager
> Jourdain(at)Ctifl.fr
>
> ------ Forwarded message --
> From: maurice tougas 
> Date: Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 7:24 AM
> Subject: "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"
> To: Andre Tougas 
>
>
> Croppers,
>
>
>
> Does anyone know of a translated version of "Pommier, le Mur fruitier"?
>
>
>
> I am intrigued by the concept of this system after having traveled to Belgium 
> last week scouting visits for the IFTA study tour this summer. We saw example 
> of orchards trated with this system, and will be visiting them in July. The 
> above publication appears to be the best coverage of the system I've seen.
>
>
>
> Alas, mon papa is no longer with me to help me with this.
>
>
>
> Maurice Tougas
>
> --
> Maurice Tougas
> Tougas Family Farm
> Northborough,MA 01532
> 508-450-0844
>
>
> --
> Maurice Tougas
> Tougas Family Farm
> Northborough,MA 01532
> 508-450-0844
>
> ___
> apple-crop mailing list
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> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>



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Re: [apple-crop] "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"

[maurice tougas]

Jean,

Please comment/correct my impressions of what principles are involved
with the le Mur fruitier system.

1) The tree form result is a wall which is 1 meter thick at the base,
1/2 meter wide at the top.

2) Mechanical pruning consists of a single annual shearing at 6 to
8/10 leaves upon the fruiting shoot. Exception being first year
conversion when a single shearing would additionally take place as
buds break in the spring.

3) That initial spring shearing stimulates numerous points of growth,
which will later be sheared at the 6-10 leaf shearing.

4) The shearing at 6-10 leaves is timed to coincide with a relatively
short period of time before summer solstice.

5) This shearing shortly before solstice allows for short extension of
growth. As solstice is passed, days begin to become shorter. As days
become shorter, tree is keyed to shift from vegetative growth to
reproductive, and so extension growth is limited and conversion of
growth to fruiting bud initiation begins.

6) With total width of no more than 1 meter, sunlight needs to travel
no more than 1/2 meter to reach trunk (assuming north/south
orientation), and so an adequate amount of sunlight exposure is
maintained though out  the canopy.

7) Depth or severity of pruning is determined by crop load. If crop is
heavy, then more severe, or deeper shearing is employed.

8) Tree planting distance is 80cm by 3 meters.

9) Conversion from axis, tall spindle and super spindle tree forms are possible.

10) Hedging must occur when dry weather is predicted and conditions
for fireblight infection are not high.

11) The year of conversion will result in significant yield reduction.

12) Initial spring shearing year of conversion should be at 40 cm from
the trunk at the base, tapering to 20 cm at the top.

13) Mechanical thinning of blossoms is encouraged by this system.

14) Mechanical thinning should take place at the pink bud stage.

15) Yield increase of 10% as compared to traditional hand pruned trees
is expected.

16) Increase in red color is expected.

17) Decrease in fruit sunburn is expected.

18) Total reduction in labor requirements is expected in the range of 10%.

You are most kind to comment on these impressions. If there are
additional points you believe I should consider, please feel free to
bring them into the discussion.

Thank you again,

Maurice Tougas
Fruit grower
Northborough, MA



On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 12:29 PM, maurice tougas
 wrote:
> Hello Jean,
>
> This must be my lucky day.
> Je dois traiter ma femme à dîner ce soir!
> I will soon develop a list of questions for you.
> Thank you so much for your offer.
>
> Maurice
>
>
> 2011/4/1 Jourdain Jean-Marc 
>>
>> Hi Maurice
>>
>> To my knowledge there is no translation of the book. Since the concept was 
>> created in our orchards here in Lanxade Centre (near Bergerac South West of 
>> France), I shall be able to answer all questions.
>>
>> The first rows of this training system were planted in 1995 for better 
>> access to fruit, since we were hosting a robotic harvester program at that 
>> time. Then the robotic program fell down, too much cost, too poor yield, 
>> then we decided to go on with the orchard.
>>
>> Jean Marc Jourdain
>> Ctifl
>> Centre manager
>> Jourdain(at)Ctifl.fr
>>
>> -- Forwarded message --
>> From: maurice tougas 
>> Date: Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 7:24 AM
>> Subject: "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"
>> To: Andre Tougas 
>>
>>
>> Croppers,
>>
>>
>>
>> Does anyone know of a translated version of "Pommier, le Mur fruitier"?
>>
>>
>>
>> I am intrigued by the concept of this system after having traveled to 
>> Belgium last week scouting visits for the IFTA study tour this summer. We 
>> saw example of orchards trated with this system, and will be visiting them 
>> in July. The above publication appears to be the best coverage of the system 
>> I've seen.
>>
>>
>>
>> Alas, mon papa is no longer with me to help me with this.
>>
>>
>>
>> Maurice Tougas
>>
>> --
>> Maurice Tougas
>> Tougas Family Farm
>> Northborough,MA 01532
>> 508-450-0844
>>
>>
>> --
>> Maurice Tougas
>> Tougas Family Farm
>> Northborough,MA 01532
>> 508-450-0844
>>
>> ___
>> apple-crop mailing list
>> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
>> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Maurice Tougas
> Tougas Family Farm
> Northborough,MA 01532
> 508-450-0844
>



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Re: [apple-crop] "Pommier, Le Mur Fruiter"

[maurice tougas]

Thank you Jean and Con,

You have made what on the surface appeared to be an easy transition,
into a most interesting, albeit time consuming, research project.

I assume now that when Jean states that he is "not confident with
conversions" in comment related to question two, having to do with the
timing of summer hedging, that you meant that you are not confident
with stating that we here in Massachusetts would find that the correct
timing for hedging would be 10 leaves, as opposed to not being
confident of the wisdom of conversion of training systems.

As you have both clearly stated that the single most critical aspect
of this system is determining the proper timing for summer hedging,
then proceeding with caution is advised.

Last summer the IFTA visited several NY orchards who were employing
modified summer hedging. Though they were not attempting to keep as
thin a wall as described, I believe they were performing the hedging
in August as suggested by Con.

Jean, would it be possible to receive the protocol you developed to
test for timing of summer pruning, or is it as simple as shearing at a
series of timings, and then watching for results?

Thanks again for your input.

Maurice

On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 6:38 AM, Con.Traas  wrote:
>
>
> Hello all,
> Point 5 is in my mind probably the most vital to get right. If this does
> not work the system will not work.
>
> Quote:
>
> "5) This shearing shortly before solstice allows for short extension of
> growth. As solstice is passed, days begin to become shorter. As days
> become shorter, tree is keyed to shift from vegetative growth to
> reproductive, and so extension growth is limited and conversion of
> growth to fruiting bud initiation begins.
>
> 5/ yes that's the explanation from Louis Lorette who did a theorization
> of summer pruning in early 20th. In our case I am afraid that we did a
> more empirical work, designing trials to find the best pruning date in
> our conditions. The 10 leaves date, seems to work for France."
>
> I have been looking at summer pruning for many years, and in our part of
> the World, a 10 leaves point of pruning, or just around June 21st, does
> not work. In fact, for most varieties, early August, perhaps even the
> second week of August, is the appropriate time. The date at which a
> shoot can be headed with reasonable expectation of forming a fruit bud
> on resultant brindle seems to depend on crop load, soil nutrition and
> soil type (which can vary across a field or orchard), water
> availability, apple variety, use of gibberellin inhibitor (like
> prohexadione calcium) and then something like an "Indian Summer" (an
> unusually warm spell in mid August) can cause re-growth of buds which
> you would expect to set fruit buds, resulting in turn in no shoot tip
> fruit buds.
>
> What I am attempting to put across is that using mechanical pruning with
> this system is not without difficulty, and what may work well in France
> may not work so well elsewhere.
>
> A most interesting conversation; many thanks.
>
> Con Traas
> The Apple Farm
> Cahir
> Ireland
>
>
>
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[apple-crop] IFTA Study Tour

[maurice tougas]

Apple croppers,

Registration for the IFTA Study Tour to England, Netherlands and Belgium is
now open. You may see information at
http://ifruittree.site-ym.com/?page=StudyTour11
The tour has a nice balance of cultural and technical visits, and so will be
enjoyed by you and your spouses. Due to logistical limitations, the trip is
currently limited to a total of 48 participants.  I hope you will take a
look at the itinerary, and give this informative tour a consideration.

Thanks,
Mo Tougas

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[apple-crop] IFTA 2012 Conference Registration

[maurice tougas]

Apple Croppers,

The 2012 IFTA Annual Conference to be held early January in Chile
information and registration are now live online at the IFTA website.

http://www.ifruittree.org/?page=Conference2012

The conference will be hosted in Santiago, Chile January 8th to the 11th,
 followed by post conference tour options to Central/Southern Chile,
Argentina and Brazil.

Mo Tougas


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[apple-crop] IFTA Chile Conference

[maurice tougas]

Apple Croppers,

Just a reminder that the IFTA Annual Conference will be taking place a good
month earlier than normal this coming year. The conference to be held in
Santiago, Chile January 8-11 with post tours to southern Chile, Argentina
and Brazil is an opportunity for those of us involved with apple production
to see first hand progressive fruit production in South America.

We're wrapping up harvest here this week, and if you've done so or are
about to, time time to take a look at the program at ifruittree.org

http://www.ifruittree.org/?page=Conference2012

Thanks,

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough,MA
508 450 0844

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[apple-crop] IFTA 2012 Conference presentations

[maurice tougas]

The majority of the power point presentations given in Santiago, Chile at
the 2012 IFTA Conference a couple weeks ago are now online on the IFTA
website (ifruittree.org).

They can be found in the "Research & Links" section, "Presentations"
subsection.

Hope to see you all at the Boston 2013 IFTA Conference next February!

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Re: [apple-crop] Hedging tall spindle trees

[maurice tougas]

Nick,

Yes, we've done some hedging as a trial. People are hedging at differing
times, in NY hedging is done by a couple of growers in August when branches
"turn" or drop under the weight of growing fruit.

We're trying several approaches as described a year ago or so here on Apple
crop and in French publication "Le Mur Fruitier".

You can do a site search of apple crop from the Virtual Orchard website to
find the discussion a year ago.

Best of luck,

Mo Tougas



2012/2/22 Nick Lucking 

> Here's the link to the video that Mo Tougas took.  Thanks Mo!
> *
> *
> *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SNxztQr-80&feature=related*
> *
> *
> *Nick Lucking *
> *Cannon Valley Orchard*
>
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Re: [apple-crop] Painting Trees

[Maurice Tougas]

Interesting observation, would be great to see some University trials.  Perhaps 
the silica acts as irritant? Do you still see borers laying eggs and larva not 
surviving? Also, which borers are targets?
I understand that there is work with pheromone confusion a la peach tee borer 
research going on. 

Do you need to repaint  every season?

Thanks

Mo tougas
Tougas Farm
Northborough, ma
Sent from my iPhone

On 6 Mar 2012, at 10:09 AM,  wrote:

> I've been using 1/3 paint, 1/3 water, 1/3 all-purpose drywall joint
> compound; this is still thin enough to brush on, but makes a pretty good
> crust.  I had "Gripper" white primer left over (Home Depot) and have been
> using it, despite dire warnings about not using exterior paint.  If it
> works again this year, I'm ready to declare victory as we've gotten
> hammered from borers over the last several years.
> 
> Kevin Hauser
> Kuffel Creek Apple Nursery
> Riverside, California
> 
> On Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:08:08 -0600, Randy Steffens Jr
>  wrote:
>> That's interesting - what's his ratio of plaster to paint?
>> 
>> Randy Steffens
>> Shepherd's Valley Orchards 
>> Tennessee
>> On Mar 6, 2012, at 3:54 AM, kuffelcr...@kuffelcreek.com wrote:
>> 
>>> Add a slug of drywall mud to the mixture and you'll have borers covered
>>> too!  This is John Bunker's recipe at Fedco Trees in Maine and was
>>> effective last year in reducing borer damage here.
>>> 
>>> Kevn Hauser
>>> Kuffel Creek Apple Nursery
>>> Riverside, California
>>> 
>>> On Tue, 6 Mar 2012 03:48:36 -0600, Nick Lucking
>>>  wrote:
 Randy,
 
 I've noticed on mature trees where I had yellow belly sapsucker  
 (woodpecker) damage and I've painted them, the birds do not return to 
> 
 peck.  I had quite a bit of vole damage last year where I had painted 
> 
 trunks but no guards.  I have started to add hot pepper sauce to the  
 latex paint should the critters make it though the guard.
 
 Nick Lucking
 Cannon Valley Orchard
 
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Re: [apple-crop] How to deal with field mice

[maurice tougas]

We have similar mouse concerns with much forest nearby and stonewalls. I've
found not much beats good orchard sanitation. Keeping row middles mowed and
tree rows clean. We rake all debris out from under trees in fall and remove
any root suckers. Mice need a place to hide, they love weeds and leaf
litter. Of course any dropped fruit or trash of any kind needs to be kept
out of orchard. Owls, hawks, coyotes, and wild cats seem to also enjoy
hunting where there are few places for mice to find cover.

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA

2012/3/24 Alberto Da Silva Alvares Dos Santos 

>  Hi All !
> Fruit growers in this region often have problems with field mice (Microtus
> lusitanicus), which seriously damage the roots of the trees. In an attempt
> to control this pest using biological means:
> 1 • The presence of wild ferrets may be a good method, but we need know
> how to create safe havens for them. Which size (diameter) should be a
> plastic tube to be used as protection against its predators?
> 2 • Are there any other effective biological means of struggle against
> field mice?
> Sincerely,
>
> Alberto Santos
> Agronomy Departament
> University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD)
> Tel.: + 351 259 350 447
>
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Re: [apple-crop] ledge in tall spindle planting

[Maurice Tougas]

Quarter stick dynamite.

Sent from my iPhone

On 23 May 2012, at 01:35 PM, "Frank Carlson"  
wrote:

> Michael:
> Thanks for the reply.  What we have hit is granite ledge, which is non 
> poundable.  I think the boring machine will be needed.
> Frank Carlson
> From: apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net 
> [mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Michael Vaughn
> Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 1:27 PM
> To: Apple-crop discussion list
> Subject: Re: [apple-crop] ledge in tall spindle planting
>  
> FrANKLYN,
>  
> I have a 4 acre planting that has a layer locally called a "Hardpack"that 
> occurs about 12 to 18 inches down.
> I used a skid steer with a hydraulic Ram for pounding/driving posts.  I drove 
> 5-6" treated southern pine posts 4 feet down
> with little trouble. Beside the End posts/anchors there is another post every 
> 30 ft or so.
> In between the posts I planted 10 to 11 Tall spindle trees all secured to 4 
> layers of High tensile wire spaced every 2 ft.
> This anchoring has been in the ground for 4 years now and is quite stable. 
> 
> On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 10:20 AM, Frank Carlson 
>  wrote:
> We are inquiring if anyone else has hit unexpected ledge in anchoring a tall 
> spindle planting?  We are hitting it 18inches down, surely not enough to 
> anchor a post in the soil.
> One idea we have is to drill a 1&3/4 inch hole in the ledge and put a 12 foot 
> galv steel fence post in, but it is only good for every other one because of 
> its strength to bend when you use more than one.
> Experience or ideas ?
> Thanks,
> Frank  & Bruce Carlson
>  
> Franklyn W. Carlson, Pres.
> Carlson Orchards, Inc.
> 115 Oak Hill Road
> P.O.Box 359
> Harvard, MA. 01451
> 617-968-4180 cell
> 978-456-3916 office
>  
> 
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> 
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> 
> 
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Re: [apple-crop] Tree Row Volume and newer pesticide chemistries?

[maurice tougas]

That said, we've always been told "the label is the law", and when you
apply materials below labeled rate, you are on your own in terms of
efficacy. Assume that manufacturer will assume no responsibility for damage
if rate applied is below minimum stated on label.


I'm confident that we are close to having the technology available to
deliver an accurate dose to our trees that will take account of the many
factors that influence the effectiveness of our production enhancing
materials. Tree row volume being one component. Past, current and predicted
weather, stage of growth, pest density, intended market, etc, etc, all
influence optimal target rate of material per acre to be applied.

Maurice Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA 01532

On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 8:36 PM, Arthur Kelly wrote:

> My understanding is it is both.  X ounces of pesticide per 100 gal of
> water and then TRV calculation and # of gals per acre.
>
> Art Kelly
> Kelly Orchards
> Acton, ME
>
> On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 12:21 PM, Peter Werts wrote:
>
>>  Hi All, 
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Has anyone come across Extension articles or peer reviewed work which
>> discuss the use of Tree Row Volume (TRV) applications and this age old
>> question: is it the amount of pesticide or water that changes when using
>> TRV, especially where TRV application rates are below manufacture labeled
>> rates for neonicotinoids, diamides, spinosyns and etc? 
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Peter
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> =
>>
>> Peter Werts
>>
>> Project Coordinator
>>
>> Specialty Crop IPM
>>
>> IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
>>
>> 4510 Regent St. 
>>
>> Madison WI 53705
>>
>> Office: 608 232-1410
>>
>> Cell: 612 518-0319
>>
>> Fax: 608 232-1440
>>
>> pwe...@ipminstitute.org
>>
>> www.ipminstitute.org
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> ** **
>>
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>
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Re: [apple-crop] EverCrisp

[maurice tougas]

In the 31 years I've been growing and marketing apples PYO, I've never seen
the excitement that Honeycrisp has generated with my customers. I'll take a
dozen more if they will build on that excitement (= increase in demand).
We'll plant EverCrisp in the hope that it may be one of the dozen.

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm
Northborough, MA 01532


On Thu, Nov 8, 2012 at 6:41 PM, Tommy and Sandy  wrote:

> **
> Exactly what we need a new apple variety.  We already have enough.  We
> don't know what to plant for our area, will it sell, can you grow it
> everywhere.
> We have a lot of good apples now, why not concentrate on raising good
> quality apples from the ones we have now.
>
> Tommy Bruguiere
> Dickie Bros. Orchards
>
> - Original Message -
> *From:* david_d...@me.com
> *To:* Apple-Crop 
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 08, 2012 10:49 AM
> *Subject:* [apple-crop] EverCrisp
>
> A new apple available to everyone - the first story about it is in this
> month's Fruit Growers News -
>
> http://fruitgrowersnews.com/index.php/news/release/19002
>
> It's excellent -
>
> David Doud
> grower - Indiana
>
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Re: [apple-crop] Removing Flowers by hand

[maurice tougas]

You're doing fine Rye. You will encourage growth and do no harm. You'll
also reduce the potential for fireblight infections. We simply pinch the
buds at or as they break "tight cluster". Prefer not removing entire spur
as we may want fruit there next year. It's time consuming, but for
fireblight reduction and increased growth response, worth it.

Mo Tougas
Grower, Tougas Family Farm


On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 6:38 PM, Rye Hefley  wrote:

>
> I am removing flowers by hand this year to promote scaffolding growth.
> When I see a flower that is protruding from the bud (before it is open), I
> grab the whole bud and pull it off. I started to wonder if this is in any
> way harmful to my goal of scaffold growth. Is there a "right time" and
> "right way" to manually remove flowers?  I'm not looking to grow any fruit
> this year just scaffolding.
>
> Thanks,
> Rye Hefley
> So Cal
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>



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508-450-0844
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Re: [apple-crop] Removing Flowers by hand

[maurice tougas]

Rye,

I'm going to assume you won't be able to do 100% flower removal, and I'm
told there is nearly 0zero chance of resistance developing if you spray
strep ONLY during bloom, I would. With you already having FB in the
orchard, don't risk it! My opinion. Good luck,

Mo


On Sat, Feb 2, 2013 at 11:35 AM, Rye Hefley  wrote:

>
> Hi Mo,
>
> Thank you for your response and confirmation to continue that way.
>
> Yes there was fireblight last year and now will be "forevermore". Was
> thinking that also would be a fringe benefit of removing flowers.
>
> After pruning and flower removal, is it still necessary to spray this year?
>
> Thanks again Mo!
>
> Rye Hefley
> So Cal
> --
> On Sat, Feb 2, 2013 3:09 AM PST maurice tougas wrote:
>
> >You're doing fine Rye. You will encourage growth and do no harm. You'll
> >also reduce the potential for fireblight infections. We simply pinch the
> >buds at or as they break "tight cluster". Prefer not removing entire spur
> >as we may want fruit there next year. It's time consuming, but for
> >fireblight reduction and increased growth response, worth it.
> >
> >Mo Tougas
> >Grower, Tougas Family Farm
> >
> >
> >On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 6:38 PM, Rye Hefley  wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> I am removing flowers by hand this year to promote scaffolding growth.
> >> When I see a flower that is protruding from the bud (before it is
> open), I
> >> grab the whole bud and pull it off. I started to wonder if this is in
> any
> >> way harmful to my goal of scaffold growth. Is there a "right time" and
> >> "right way" to manually remove flowers?  I'm not looking to grow any
> fruit
> >> this year just scaffolding.
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Rye Hefley
> >> So Cal
> >> ___
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> >> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> >> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >--
> >Maurice Tougas
> >Tougas Family Farm
> >Northborough,MA 01532
> >508-450-0844
>
> ___
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>



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Re: [apple-crop] Removing Flowers by hand

[maurice tougas]

Rye,

We remove the actual flower buds only, leaving the spur leaves behind. My
understanding is that Fireblight is not a problem until flower is open, but
I could be wrong about that. I leave the leaves only because I suspect that
doing so there is a better chance of that spur flowering again next year
that way and I also suspect that those spur leaves will add somewhat to the
vigor of the tree that first year. So I am waiting a bit longer than you
suggest you have been. Often a number of the flowers are open, many at pink
as well. This means you may need to pass through a couple of times as often
it's those last few open flowers that end up being your FB headache.

Of course the added benefit in doing so will prevent danger of internal
leps being a problem, as well as fruit scab and a host of other maladies.
For those customers who don't want us to spray anymore, flower removal is
their ultimate dream :-)

Mo Tougas


On Sun, Feb 3, 2013 at 5:54 PM, Rye Hefley  wrote:

> Hi Mo,
>
> Another question about flower thinning:  I guess in my first writing I
> should have said I have been removing the whole blossom.  Should I keep or
> remove the small leaves that were around the buds?
>
> I have been removing the whole cluster, leaves and all and still not
> confident if I'm doing it right.  Should I let the cluster open up more and
> just grab the flower buds?  Too many variances in the images of what is
> labeled "tight cluster" on the web.  Some images show the leaves completely
> unfurled where you could just grab the flower buds,and others show the
> leaves still mostly wrapped around the buds such that you'd have to remove
> the leaves with the buds.  Or if it doesn't matter either way.
>
> Thanks,
> Rye Hefley
> So Cal
>
>   --
> *From:* maurice tougas 
> *To:* Apple-crop discussion list 
> *Sent:* Saturday, February 2, 2013 3:09 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [apple-crop] Removing Flowers by hand
>
> You're doing fine Rye. You will encourage growth and do no harm. You'll
> also reduce the potential for fireblight infections. We simply pinch the
> buds at or as they break "tight cluster". Prefer not removing entire spur
> as we may want fruit there next year. It's time consuming, but for
> fireblight reduction and increased growth response, worth it.
>
> Mo Tougas
> Grower, Tougas Family Farm
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 6:38 PM, Rye Hefley  wrote:
>
>
> I am removing flowers by hand this year to promote scaffolding growth.
> When I see a flower that is protruding from the bud (before it is open), I
> grab the whole bud and pull it off. I started to wonder if this is in any
> way harmful to my goal of scaffold growth. Is there a "right time" and
> "right way" to manually remove flowers?  I'm not looking to grow any fruit
> this year just scaffolding.
>
> Thanks,
> Rye Hefley
> So Cal
> ___
> apple-crop mailing list
> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>
>
>
>
> --
> Maurice Tougas
> Tougas Family Farm
> Northborough,MA 01532
> 508-450-0844
>
> ___
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> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>
>
>
> ___
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>
>


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[apple-crop] IFTA Boston Conference

[maurice tougas]

There's still time to register for the International Fruit Tree Association
annual conference! The meeting, intensive workshop and tour will be based
in Boston Feb 23 thru the 27th at the Marriott Copley. Last day to book
rooms at conference rate is Feb 8.  For more information visit
https://ifruittree.site-ym.com/?page=AnnualConference2013

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Re: [apple-crop] native pollinators

[maurice tougas]

 thinners are effective....
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ___
> >> apple-crop mailing list
> >> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> >> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
> >
> >___
> >apple-crop mailing list
> >apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> >http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
> >
>
>
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>
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Re: [apple-crop] Bitter pit? Stink bug?

[maurice tougas]

Well Jon, I guess now we know!


On Tue, Oct 8, 2013 at 1:18 PM, Jon Clements  wrote:

> A little more info, I have been struggling for awhile now to attempt to
> identify similar symptoms. We do of course have brown and green stink bug
> here, and apparently increasing signs of BMSB activity. (But not
> necessarily in orchard.) I have been told that bitter pit is typically more
> superficial and shallow under the skin. On Honeycrisp, greenish sunken
> spots have fairly deep brownish flesh discoloration below the spots. I have
> some pictures of that too:
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmcextman/sets/72157636328915735/
>
> The previously attached pictures of the yellow apple are a numbered
> selection, that I could have sworn was relatively clean just a few weeks
> ago and now I am seeing this show up. (Dave R., there was some hail here
> earlier (like June/July), but that damage was pretty easily identified
> earlier and that does not appear to be the cause of this.)
>
> I would presume that with some sort of microscope the best way to confirm
> stink bug or not would be to look for a puncture hole? Yes, no? I will
> slice some fruit later and send picts of that to the list. Thanks all for
> your feedback.
>
> Jon
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 8, 2013 at 10:53 AM, David A. Rosenberger 
> wrote:
>
>> Hail injury from at storm in early to mid-season?  What are the internal
>> symptoms when cut perpendicularly through the lesions?
>>
>> On Oct 7, 2013, at 3:18 PM, Jon Clements 
>>  wrote:
>>
>> > See attached...
>> >
>> > 
>> >
>> >
>> > 413-478-7219___
>> > apple-crop mailing list
>> > apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
>> > http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>>
>> **
>>Dave Rosenberger, Professor of Plant Pathology
>>   Cornell University's Hudson Valley Lab
>>   P.O. Box 727, Highland, NY 12528
>>   Office:  845-691-7231
>>   Fax:845-691-2719
>>   Cell: 845-594-3060
>> http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/faculty/rosenberger/
>>
>>
>> ___
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>> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jon Clements
> aka 'Mr Honeycrisp'
> UMass Cold Spring Orchard
> 393 Sabin St.
> Belchertown, MA  01007
> 413-478-7219
> umassfruit.com
>
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>
>


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Re: [apple-crop] Late summer drop and fruit size

[maurice tougas]

Jon, google translate est votre meilleur femme de chances de Québec!


On Fri, Jan 17, 2014 at 5:02 PM, Vincent Philion  wrote:

> For once, I actually agree with you Jon. ;-)
>
> I don’t have your skills and talent, so I know I should stick to the easy
> topics like pathology that my simple mind can understand.
>
> So from your friendly comment I conclude that all this was all quite
> predictable? Good.
>
> My only goal here was to confirm that this data made sense. If it does,
> I’m happy.
>
> I don’t intend to publish in Nature.  I rely on you for that. ;-)
>
> have a nice weekend!
>
>
> PS = You should come up here and teach us. Your French level is not bad!
> Enough to flirt with the women and order beer. The essential stuff.
>
> Vincent
>
>
> On 17janv., 2014, at 15:21, Jon Clements  wrote:
>
> Bonjour Vincent! Désolé, mais peut-être que vous devriez vous en tenir à
> l'entomologie et de la pathologie et de laisser la recherche horticole très
> dur très important pour les vrais experts! :-)
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 16, 2014 at 9:34 PM, Vincent Philion <
> vincent.phil...@irda.qc.ca> wrote:
>
>> Hello, sorry for the delay.
>>
>> Yes, correct. Crop load influenced fruit weight notwithstanding ReTain.
>> Fruits left on tree at harvest were more numerous and larger when treated
>> with Retain. Fruits were up to 56g larger (148g vs 92g) depending on the
>> specifics of the ReTain application.
>>
>> What I also found interesting was that the average fruit pressure of
>> retain treated fruit significantly dropped for fruit left on the trees. As
>> if the fruit stuck to the tree with Retain, and continued to grow but got
>> softer.
>>
>>  The Brix index was also influenced by the number of fruits on the tree:
>> lower Brix on trees with more fruit. Retain also increased sugar content.
>>
>> Not much else to report.
>>
>> I’m not usually into physiology. This was a “accidental” project for us!
>>
>> Vincent
>>
>> On 14janv., 2014, at 16:41, David Kollas  wrote:
>>
>>
>> Vincent:
>>
>> As I understand your most recent explanation, both the untreated and the
>> ReTain-treated trees
>> produced greater fruit size at harvest if they were borne on trees most
>> heavily-set at start of
>> experiment. And that the ReTain treated trees showed a greater
>> size/initial number of fruit than did the
>> untreated.  If the difference in fruit size for treated versus untreated
>> is small, I would not be much
>> bothered by it. Can you tell us how much different they were?
>>
>> David Kollas
>>
>> On Jan 14, 2014, at 12:26 PM, Vincent Philion 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hello!
>>
>> Thank you all for your input!
>>
>> I did not explain why I was looking at drop and fruit size: it was an
>> experiment on the use of ReTain.
>>
>> In the end I’m not sure I can pinpoint the reason this increased fruit
>> size on trees with more apples (notwithstanding ReTain), but your input
>> underlined that a number of variables can be involved! I liked Duane’s idea.
>>
>> If you’re curious, the report will read: ReTain Treatments significantly
>> increased harvested McIntosh yield as compared to the control (p<0.0001).
>>  Average fruit size at harvest was proportional to the total number
>> of fruits on the trees present at the start of the experiment (p=0.01) and
>> fruits treated with ReTain were larger than in the control (p=0.02).
>>
>> The effect of ReTain on harvest was expected (drop prevention) but the
>> effect on fruit size was undetectable if the model was not adjusted to the
>> initial crop load (thus my question)
>>
>> So the next question is now: why are ReTain treated fruits bigger than
>> untreated fruit at harvest?
>>
>> bye for now,
>>
>> Vincent
>>
>>
>> On 14janv., 2014, at 10:06, Duane Greene  wrote:
>>
>>
>> ___
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>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Jon Clements
> aka 'Mr Honeycrisp'
> UMass Cold Spring Orchard
> 393 Sabin St.
> Belchertown, MA  01007
> 413-478-7219
> umassfruit.com
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>
>
>
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>


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Re: [apple-crop] back up cameras for spray rig

[maurice tougas]

Russell,
I tried doing just what you suggest several years ago and found it not
terribly useful. The clarity of the picture with all of the bouncing around
proved to make the view not useful. I did not buy a top o the line unit (I
am a new englander after all!) and so perhaps with improvements in
technology and your willingness to shell out more $ than I was would prove
more success. I would agree that you would need as large a screen as you
could fit and that would be helpful. I'd be inclined to try Evan's idea
first though.

Mo Tougas


On Wed, Jan 22, 2014 at 7:37 AM,  wrote:

> I'm looking for other members input/experience with the use of remote
> "back-up" type cameras for monitoring a sprayer from inside a cab.  I have
> seen youtube videos from europe with orchard rigs using cameras and a quick
> google search turned up several options designed for ag use that cost
> between $400 and $900.  My concerns with regard to orchard use are:
>
> 1. Whats the minimum screen size required to get clarity?
> 2. How well do they work at night?
> 3. Does the screen create too much reflected light in the cab at night?
>
> If anyone can answer these questions or has anything to else to add, it
> would be appreciated.
>
> Russell Holmberg
> Holmberg Orchards
> Gales Ferry, CT
> www.holmbergorchards.com
> cell 860 575 2888
>
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>


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Re: [apple-crop] back up cameras for spray rig

[maurice tougas]

Now you've got my attention! Sister a pellet gun on that bird and PYO would
be great fun!


On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 7:21 PM, Hugh Thomas  wrote:

> You guys must have plenty of dough. Another way is to employ a camera on a
> remote controlled helicopter. This can be controlled by a smart phone. Some
> of these have GPS and I assume can be programed with a route. SEE:
> http://www.atlantahobby.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=18034&idcategory=
>
>
> On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 2:40 PM, maurice tougas <
> appleman.maur...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Russell,
>> I tried doing just what you suggest several years ago and found it not
>> terribly useful. The clarity of the picture with all of the bouncing around
>> proved to make the view not useful. I did not buy a top o the line unit (I
>> am a new englander after all!) and so perhaps with improvements in
>> technology and your willingness to shell out more $ than I was would prove
>> more success. I would agree that you would need as large a screen as you
>> could fit and that would be helpful. I'd be inclined to try Evan's idea
>> first though.
>>
>> Mo Tougas
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Jan 22, 2014 at 7:37 AM,  wrote:
>>
>>> I'm looking for other members input/experience with the use of remote
>>> "back-up" type cameras for monitoring a sprayer from inside a cab.  I have
>>> seen youtube videos from europe with orchard rigs using cameras and a quick
>>> google search turned up several options designed for ag use that cost
>>> between $400 and $900.  My concerns with regard to orchard use are:
>>>
>>> 1. Whats the minimum screen size required to get clarity?
>>> 2. How well do they work at night?
>>> 3. Does the screen create too much reflected light in the cab at night?
>>>
>>> If anyone can answer these questions or has anything to else to add, it
>>> would be appreciated.
>>>
>>> Russell Holmberg
>>> Holmberg Orchards
>>> Gales Ferry, CT
>>> www.holmbergorchards.com
>>> cell 860 575 2888
>>>
>>> ___
>>> apple-crop mailing list
>>> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
>>> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Maurice Tougas
>> Tougas Family Farm
>> Northborough,MA 01532
>> 508-450-0844
>>
>> ___
>> apple-crop mailing list
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>> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>>
>>
>
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>
>


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Re: [apple-crop] Sprayer Calibration Between Training Styles

[maurice tougas]

Nick,

We use a TeeJet sprayer controller which allows us to change flow/pressure
based on tree density. At times this requires a change in travel speed and
or tractor rpms as well. Cost was about $1500, and at times the unit is a
bit of a headache.

Mo Tougas


On Thu, Jun 5, 2014 at 1:47 AM, Nick Lucking 
wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Just curious as to how you guys with larger orchards spray blocks in your
> orchards when some might be high density and others free standing.  Do you
> do a couple of calibrations with different gear/pressure settings or just
> do all of one style block at a time?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Nick Lucking
> Cannon Valley Orchard
> Cannon Falls, MN
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Re: [apple-crop] PYO

[maurice tougas]

Evan, you are correct in my humble opinion. Charge what makes you
comfortable, watch your customers eat 'till they can't make it to the
restroom, then smile on your way to the bank ;-)

On Tue, Oct 7, 2014 at 1:34 PM, Kurt W. Alstede 
wrote:

> Hello Fellow Growers,
>
>
>
> We have found that drastically changing customer demographics have forced
> changes upon us that we never could have dreamed of even 10 years ago.  I
> believe that the region of the country that you are in largely dictates the
> PYO rules that you need to have.  35 years ago we encouraged sampling while
> you were picking, then we evolved into not encouraging it, now we don’t
> allow it.  We discovered that PYO largely became TYO or EYO (Take Your Own
> and Eat Your Own).  We have responded by creating an admission system and
> not allowing eating until the crops have been paid for.  We enforce the
> eating rule much as the state police do the speed limit on the
> interstates…if you are only 10 over no problem.  If you are really speeding
> then we enforce.  Indeed we all want to provide an inviting environment for
> our customers.  There are a lot of different ways to accomplish that
> depending upon where you are located.  What works for you where you are
> located is what is most important.
>
>
>
> Best wishes for a successful fall PYO season!
>
>
>
> Farmer Kurt
>
>
>
> *Kurt W. Alstede*
>
> General Manager,
>
> Alstede Farms, LLC
>
> P.O. Box 278
>
> 1 Alstede Farms Lane,
>
> Corner 84 County Route 513 S. (Old Rt. 24)
>
> Chester, New Jersey 07930
>
> United States of America
>
>
>
> Tel:  908-879-7189
>
> Fax: 908-879-7815
>
> www.alstedefarms.com
>
>
>
> [image: cid:image001.jpg@01CFB1AF.83320400][image: Picture1]
>
>
>
> *From:* apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [mailto:
> apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] *On Behalf Of *Evan B. Milburn
> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 07, 2014 1:04 PM
> *To:* Apple-Crop
> *Subject:* [apple-crop] PYO
>
>
>
>   Our operation sets aside 30 acres plus of apples, 21 plus acres of sweet
> cherries
>
>  plus blueberries ,raspberries ,table grapes and blackberries.
>
>  All sold by the pound.
>
>   Come on guys, we all know darn well EVERYONE is going to eat them  while
> picking
>
>  Of all our types of sale,  retail or wholesale, PYO is easily the most
> profitable. Are we to hire security guards to stop the eating?
>
>  That would make for a family fun time in the country.
>
>   We simply charge a HIGH  price (although not as high as some MA or NJ
> growers) and actually TELL them to eat while picking. They are going to
> anyway!
>
>  That makes you and your farm the GOOD guys and still making a huge profit.
>
>
>
>
>
>   Evan Milburn
>
>
>
>     www.milburnorchards.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ___
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>
>


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Re: [apple-crop] More GMO fears

[maurice tougas]

Why am I not at all surprised?

Maurice Tougas
Tougas Farm
Northborough, MA

On Sun, Mar 15, 2015 at 7:06 PM, David A. Rosenberger 
wrote:

>  In case you missed it, you may want to read the following article which
> was forwarded thousands of times last week by folks concerned about GMOs,
> including some of my extended family.
>
>
> http://worldnewsdailyreport.com/doctors-confirm-first-human-death-officially-caused-by-gmos/
>
>
>  The report didn’t sound credible to me, and it was not as you will learn
> by reading the follow-up by a fact-checking website:
> http://www.inquisitr.com/1899679/did-gmo-tomatoes-kill-juan-pedro-ramos/
>
>  Nevertheless, given the recent discussion about GMO apples, some of you
> will probably encounter apple customers with questions about why GMO
> tomatoes were reported to have killed someone in Spain.
>
> 
> Dave Rosenberger, Professor Emeritus
> Dept. of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
> Cornell’s Hudson Valley Lab, P.O. Box 727, Highland, NY 12528
>Office:  845-691-7231Cell: 845-594-3060
> http://blogs.cornell.edu/plantpathhvl/blog-2014/
> 
>
>
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Re: [apple-crop] Kasugamycin for fire blight

[maurice tougas]

Would oxytetracycline be an effective economical alternative in those
"borderline" instances?

Mo Tougas

On Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 10:18 PM, Smith, Timothy J  wrote:

>  HI Brian,
>
>
>
> Yes, that would work well.   Kasumin has worked well in Michigan.
>
>
>
> Tim
>
>
>
> *From:* apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [mailto:
> apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] *On Behalf Of *Brian Heatherington
> *Sent:* Thursday, March 19, 2015 1:29 PM
> *To:* Apple-Crop
> *Subject:* [apple-crop] Kasugamycin for fireblight
>
>
>
> Planning ahead for bloom:
> In an area where fireblight is still effectively controlled by
> streptomycin, would it be advisable to rotate to kasugamycin for one or
> more sprays, purely for resistance management? Perhaps when models show a
> borderline need for application? How effective has Kasumin been in
> Michigan?
>
>
>  --
>
> Brian Heatherington
>
> Beech Creek Farms and Orchards
>
> 2011 Georgia Highway 120
>
> Tallapoosa, GA  30176
>
> 770-714-8381
>
>
> _______
> apple-crop mailing list
> apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
>
>


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Re: [apple-crop] Airblast Sprayer for Tall Spindle?

[maurice tougas]

yard
> Spraying”, http://effectivespraying.com/.  This publication offers an
> in-depth review of all sorts of sprayer technology and how to select for
> your production system.
>
> A couple considerations could include:
> 1. Look for an airblast sprayer with an adjustable fan speed or a lower
> fan speed.  Reducing the fan speed will help you keep your sprays on
> target!  I know AgTec makes a vineyard sprayer with a lower fan speed.  The
> AgTec’s have been real popular in the upper Midwest, though I don’t think
> they are the standard in New England or Mid Atlantic.  This sprayer from
> Durand Wayland is an example of a rig with a multi-speed gear box for the
> fan and the option for a tower attachment,
> http://durand-wayland.com/spraying/redline_600HP.html
>
> 2.  Buy a sprayer that will allow you to use air-induction nozzles.
> Air-induction nozzles encapsulate little bubbles of air inside the droplet,
> creating a larger droplet less prone to drift.  When this larger droplet
> makes contact with the plant surface, it breaks into smaller droplets.
>
> 3.  Regarding your concerns for pesticide drift to neighboring organic
> farms, proper calibration is essential regardless of what sprayer you
> purchase.  Additionally, documenting your air temperature, wind speed and
> direction, on days you spray will demonstrate your awareness of this risk
> to the neighbors and may help mitigate accusations of drift, if such
> unfortunate events occur.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Peter
>
>
> =
> Peter Werts
> Project Manager
> Specialty Crops
> IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
> 1020 Regent St.
> Madison WI 53715
> Office: 608 232-1410
> Cell: 612 518-0319
> Fax: 608 232-1440
> pwe...@ipminstitute.org
> www.ipminstitute.org
>
>
>
> *From:* apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [
> mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net
> ] *On Behalf Of *Tatum Stewart
> *Sent:* Thursday, March 26, 2015 3:07 PM
> *To:* apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
> *Subject:* [apple-crop] Airblast Sprayer for Tall Spindle?
>
>  I have a small (3 acres) established orchard on M7 that I have worked
> for about 10 years.  I have some new land about 15 miles away that I have
> began planting a new orchard using the Tall Spindle method.  I only have
> about one acre planted now, but it will end up being about 5 acres of
> apples as PYO.  I also have peaches and blackberries.
>
>  I have been planning on purchasing a new airblast sprayer for the new
> orchard in the future so that I don't have to haul it and my tractor back
> and forth from each place.  And it is hard to get good spray timing when
> the sprayer is at the other orchard.
>
>  However, do I need an airblast with the tall spindle system?  With the
> M7 trees and bigger you need the air to push through the tree to ensure
> good coverage, but with the M9s the canopy is so much smaller.  Could you
> not use a tower type sprayer with-out the airblast? Drift would be greatly
> reduced (a big deal with organic farms on surrounding my property), Tractor
> requirements would be less allowing for tighter row spacing, and obviously
> the cost would be less.
>
>  What would be the down side? Poor coverage of the underside of the
> leaves due to no swirling air?  Droplet size too large?
>
>  Thanks
>
>  Tatum Stewart
>  Stewart Orchard
>  Ashland City and Nashville, TN
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>
>
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>


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Re: [apple-crop] Arctic Apples again -

[maurice tougas]

 fresh when they are
> actually decaying. In fact, scientists believe apples’ natural browning
> enzyme may help fight diseases and pests.
>
> In other words, if farmers grow these new apples, they may have to
> increase their pesticide use. And since they won’t be labeled, we won’t
> even know if the apples we’re buying are pesticide-doused GMOs!
>
> The evidence is clear: this experiment is all risk, no reward.  Fast food
> restaurants have no excuse -- they must say NO to GMO apples!
>
> Tell fast food companies that their customers don’t want GMO apples!
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-i/>
>
> Like other GMOs, this apple won’t be labeled and didn’t undergo
> independent safety testing -- the USDA relied on the company’s own
> assessment that it is safe for human consumption. Worse yet, this GMO apple
> was genetically engineered via a new, virtually untested experimental
> technique called RNA interference -- which many scientists are concerned
> may have unintended negative impacts on human health and the environment.
>
> So who stands to benefit from the GMO apple? Not consumers. Definitely not
> apple growers, who have been opposing this apple all along. The only
> benefits will go to Okanagan Specialty Fruit -- the biotech company that
> produces the Arctic Apple®.
>
> Now that the USDA has approved the apple, it could end up in everything
> from school lunches to fast food, kids’ meals and grocery produce aisles.
> The risks to our health, our environment and apple farmers across the U.S.
> could be enormous.
>
> Fast food restaurants are increasingly trying to provide healthier options
> and are among the biggest potential buyers of these GMO apples -- so if we
> can stop them from buying the Arctic Apple®, we can send a strong signal
> that there is no market for it.
>
> It’s not too late to keep GMO apples off our plates -- tell fast food
> restaurants to say no to this rotten idea.
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-d/>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Pedram Shojai, OMD
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-h/>
>   <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-u-thbijk-illrihdyd-r/>
><http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-k/>[image:
> Youtube]
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-u/>[image:
> Facebook]
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-o/>[image:
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> Pinterest]
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-l-thbijk-illrihdyd-c/>
>   COPYRIGHT © 2015 VITAL ORIGINS, LLC/WELL.ORG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE
> INFORMATION INWELL.ORG IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE
> CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. READERS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT A QUALIFIED
> PROFESSIONAL ABOUT ANY ISSUE REGARDING THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.
>
>  *Unsubscribe*
> <http://vitaloriginswellorgllc.cmail2.com/t/t-u-thbijk-illrihdyd-y/>
> Vital Origins, LLC 13 Orchard #108 Lake Forest, CA 92630 United States
>
>
>
>
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Re: [apple-crop] MAIA newsletter

[maurice tougas]

Fabulous inaugural issue David! I look forward to the opportunity to work
with you guys in the future.

Mo Tougas
Tougas Family Farm,LLC
Northborough,MA 01532

On Wed, Dec 16, 2015 at 11:16 PM, David Doud  wrote:

> An autumn 2015 edition of the Midwest Apple Improvement Association
> newsletter has been published and is available online at
> http://midwestapple.com/_PDF/_Newsletters/MAIA_Autumn2015Newsletter.pdf
>
> 6000 consumer evaluations were carried out this past fall with standard
> varieties and MAIA elite selections - direct marketers should find the
> report interesting reading -
>
> David  Doud - grower, IN
> I cannot remember a year with warmer late fall/early winter weather
>
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Re: [apple-crop] apple size

[maurice tougas]

"JuicyGold".

On Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 8:18 PM, Shoemaker, William H  wrote:

> What region did you observe the Morren's Jonagored Supra on B9 Jon? Can
> you say something about chilling requirement for that cultivar? I think
> Jonagold is an excellent apple for fresh eating. If the New England Apple
> Association wants to brand it, I think they are making a good choice.
>
> Bill
>
> *William H. Shoemaker *
>
> *Retired fruit and vegetable horticulturist*
>
> *University of Illinois*
>
> wshoe...@illinois.edu
> --
> *From:* apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [
> apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] on behalf of Jon Clements [
> jon.cleme...@umass.edu]
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 10, 2016 4:56 PM
> *To:* Apple-crop discussion list
> *Subject:* Re: [apple-crop] apple size
>
> Root pruning: YES
> Withhold nitrogen: YES
> Minimize dormant pruning, do some summer pruning (but don't remove fruit):
> YES
> Use Apogee: YES
> Over-crop: YES maybe, but use NAA and/or Ethrel to promote return bloom
> development
> Use B.9 rootstock (as opposed to M.9): YES
> Make sure you have enough variety to pollinate: YES
>
> I found Morren's Jonagored Supra (Willow Drive) grown on B.9 rootstock to
> be a very nice Jonagold strain. Good crops without too many large fruit.
> Still have to watch biennial bearing. I would plant that strain in a
> heartbeat if I want Jonagold.
>
> Did you hear New England Apple Association is going to brand Jonagold
> apples grown in New England? Not sure, however, what they are calling it?
>
> Any other ideas out there?
>
> Jon
>
> On Sat, Jan 9, 2016 at 10:18 PM, Hugh Thomas 
> wrote:
>
>> I've always wondered about root pruning with a deep running and large
>> disk. Just a thought...
>>
>> On Sat, Jan 9, 2016 at 11:48 AM, David Kollas 
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Art:
>>>
>>> I don’t know whence the observations or measurements
>>> have come, but I saw a rootstock comparison
>>> in which G202 was said to produce “smaller fruit size.”   For
>>> the reason you mention, I hope this is true, and of
>>> more than just statistical significance.  I suspect that if it
>>> were a practical difference, we would have heard more
>>> about it.
>>>
>>> David Kollas
>>> Kollas Orchard, Connecticut
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jan 9, 2016, at 12:01 PM, Arthur Kelly 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> > Any suggestions out there for how to reduce fruit size without getting
>>> into biennial bearing as in not thinning?  Some varieties (Jonagold) would
>>> be more marketable if they were 2.75 - 3.0" instead of all more than 3.0".
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Art Kelly
>>> > Kelly Orchards
>>> > Acton, ME
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>>>
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>>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Jon Clements
> aka 'Mr Honeycrisp'
> UMass Cold Spring Orchard
> 393 Sabin St.
> Belchertown, MA  01007
> 413-478-7219
> umassfruit.com
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>
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Re: [apple-crop] Freeze/Frost Damage

[maurice tougas]

We will know better in a few days Christina. Wish I could sleep better!
Mo

On Mon, Apr 4, 2016 at 10:13 AM, Christina M. Herrick <
cmherr...@meistermedia.com> wrote:

> Does anyone have any losses from the latest cold snap? Dave and Christina
> from *American Fruit Grower* would like to talk to you about it. Send
> Dave Eddy (de...@meistermedia.com) or Christina Herrick (
> cmherr...@meistermedia.com) a note.
>
>
>
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Re: [apple-crop] Paulared

[maurice tougas]

With a chainsaw Art!

On Thursday, May 26, 2016, kellyorchards  wrote:

> Has anyone ever overthinned Paulared?
>
>
>
> Art Kelly
> Kelly Orchards
> Acton, Maine
>


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