Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the significance of rootstocks in fruit and nut trees?
What is the significance of rootstocks in fruit and nut trees?
Which rootstock provides trees that are typically dwarf in size?
Which rootstock provides trees that are typically dwarf in size?
How does the vigor of rootstock affect the ultimate size of a tree?
How does the vigor of rootstock affect the ultimate size of a tree?
What percentage size does the rootstock M.7, G.30 correspond to?
What percentage size does the rootstock M.7, G.30 correspond to?
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Which of the following rootstocks has the lowest growth size potential?
Which of the following rootstocks has the lowest growth size potential?
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What does a higher number associated with rootstocks indicate?
What does a higher number associated with rootstocks indicate?
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In the context of rootstock selection, what is primarily focused on?
In the context of rootstock selection, what is primarily focused on?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding planting a wide range of fruit varieties?
Which of the following statements is true regarding planting a wide range of fruit varieties?
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Which cherry varieties are known to be self-fruitful?
Which cherry varieties are known to be self-fruitful?
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Which apple variety does NOT set its own fruit with its own pollen?
Which apple variety does NOT set its own fruit with its own pollen?
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What is a common requirement for most apple varieties to set fruit?
What is a common requirement for most apple varieties to set fruit?
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Which of the following apple varieties is a known self-fruitful variety?
Which of the following apple varieties is a known self-fruitful variety?
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Which cherry variety requires pollen from another variety for successful fruit set?
Which cherry variety requires pollen from another variety for successful fruit set?
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Which of these peach varieties is known to mature in August?
Which of these peach varieties is known to mature in August?
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Which varieties of cherries are identified as tart (pie) cherries?
Which varieties of cherries are identified as tart (pie) cherries?
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Which of the following statements about apple pollination is accurate?
Which of the following statements about apple pollination is accurate?
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What is the main purpose of cutting a bouquet of blooms from another variety and placing it beside the tree?
What is the main purpose of cutting a bouquet of blooms from another variety and placing it beside the tree?
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What is the recommended spacing for apple trees in high-density planting?
What is the recommended spacing for apple trees in high-density planting?
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What can be a consequence of planting trees too closely together?
What can be a consequence of planting trees too closely together?
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Which soil condition is most conducive for orchard tree growth?
Which soil condition is most conducive for orchard tree growth?
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What is the minimum soil depth needed for proper root development in fruit trees?
What is the minimum soil depth needed for proper root development in fruit trees?
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Where should the graft union be positioned when planting a fruit tree?
Where should the graft union be positioned when planting a fruit tree?
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What is one potential problem caused by overapplication of nitrogen in fruit trees?
What is one potential problem caused by overapplication of nitrogen in fruit trees?
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What is a significant benefit of planting dwarf trees on trellises?
What is a significant benefit of planting dwarf trees on trellises?
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Which apple variety is described as having excellent applesauce quality but is not as tart as Lodi?
Which apple variety is described as having excellent applesauce quality but is not as tart as Lodi?
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What color are the skins of the Dayton apple variety?
What color are the skins of the Dayton apple variety?
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Which apple variety is noted for being extremely crisp and sweet-flavored, making it a favorite for children?
Which apple variety is noted for being extremely crisp and sweet-flavored, making it a favorite for children?
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Which variety of apple is characterized by a firm texture and being very susceptible to black rot?
Which variety of apple is characterized by a firm texture and being very susceptible to black rot?
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What is the primary characteristic of the Jonafree apple in comparison to Jonathan?
What is the primary characteristic of the Jonafree apple in comparison to Jonathan?
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Which apple variety has a high resistance rating across multiple disease categories?
Which apple variety has a high resistance rating across multiple disease categories?
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Which apple variety is characterized by its light to medium red skin and sprightly flavor?
Which apple variety is characterized by its light to medium red skin and sprightly flavor?
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Which apple variety is described as having a significant problem with corkspot?
Which apple variety is described as having a significant problem with corkspot?
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What is the primary harvest month for the Spartan apple variety?
What is the primary harvest month for the Spartan apple variety?
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Which variety stores well until March and is noted for its firm, crisp texture?
Which variety stores well until March and is noted for its firm, crisp texture?
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What is the purpose of painting the trunk with a white, water-based latex paint?
What is the purpose of painting the trunk with a white, water-based latex paint?
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How should the hole for planting a tree be prepared before placing the roots?
How should the hole for planting a tree be prepared before placing the roots?
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What is a common mistake home orchardists make regarding the application of phosphorus and potassium?
What is a common mistake home orchardists make regarding the application of phosphorus and potassium?
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What is one of the best methods to protect fruit trees from deer?
What is one of the best methods to protect fruit trees from deer?
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What is the significance of boron for fruit trees?
What is the significance of boron for fruit trees?
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Which method is suggested for applying boron to a fruit tree?
Which method is suggested for applying boron to a fruit tree?
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What effect can occur from too much phosphorus and potassium in the soil?
What effect can occur from too much phosphorus and potassium in the soil?
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What can be done to protect newly planted trees from small animals?
What can be done to protect newly planted trees from small animals?
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Dwarf rootstocks are typically selected by home orchardists to grow standard-sized trees.
Dwarf rootstocks are typically selected by home orchardists to grow standard-sized trees.
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Gisela rootstocks produce trees that are 50 percent the size of Mazzard seedlings.
Gisela rootstocks produce trees that are 50 percent the size of Mazzard seedlings.
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Cherry trees in Kentucky are primarily grown on new dwarf rootstocks that have been developed.
Cherry trees in Kentucky are primarily grown on new dwarf rootstocks that have been developed.
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MxM2 rootstock corresponds to 75 to 85 percent of the growth size of Mazzard.
MxM2 rootstock corresponds to 75 to 85 percent of the growth size of Mazzard.
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Dwarf trees grown on trellises should be supported by poles or stakes.
Dwarf trees grown on trellises should be supported by poles or stakes.
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High vigor apple varieties are generally not compatible with dwarf rootstocks.
High vigor apple varieties are generally not compatible with dwarf rootstocks.
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New research has provided more choices for growth-controlling rootstocks.
New research has provided more choices for growth-controlling rootstocks.
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Most of the Gisela rootstocks produce trees larger than Mazzard seedlings.
Most of the Gisela rootstocks produce trees larger than Mazzard seedlings.
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Apple trees should typically be spaced less than six feet apart in high-density planting.
Apple trees should typically be spaced less than six feet apart in high-density planting.
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Dwarf fruit trees can be planted closer together than standard-sized trees.
Dwarf fruit trees can be planted closer together than standard-sized trees.
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Soil needs at least six feet above an impenetrable layer for proper root development in orchard trees.
Soil needs at least six feet above an impenetrable layer for proper root development in orchard trees.
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Overapplication of nitrogen can cause excessive growth in fruit trees and lead to physiological problems.
Overapplication of nitrogen can cause excessive growth in fruit trees and lead to physiological problems.
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The graft union of a fruit tree should be planted below ground for optimal growth.
The graft union of a fruit tree should be planted below ground for optimal growth.
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Placing a bouquet of blooms from another variety next to a fruit tree can help with pollination.
Placing a bouquet of blooms from another variety next to a fruit tree can help with pollination.
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Tightly spaced trees do not require additional pruning to remain productive.
Tightly spaced trees do not require additional pruning to remain productive.
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It is generally beneficial for fruit trees to be planted in shaded areas to limit water loss.
It is generally beneficial for fruit trees to be planted in shaded areas to limit water loss.
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Thinning peaches to about ten to twelve inches from one another is ideal for their growth.
Thinning peaches to about ten to twelve inches from one another is ideal for their growth.
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The period of cell division for apples lasts five to six weeks after petal fall.
The period of cell division for apples lasts five to six weeks after petal fall.
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Early thinning of blossoms or fruit can discourage flower initiation for the next year’s crop.
Early thinning of blossoms or fruit can discourage flower initiation for the next year’s crop.
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Pears form flower buds earlier than apples and can be thinned within 30 days of full bloom.
Pears form flower buds earlier than apples and can be thinned within 30 days of full bloom.
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The best method to determine when fruit is ready to pick is by measuring its sugar content.
The best method to determine when fruit is ready to pick is by measuring its sugar content.
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Fruit continues to ripen after it has been harvested and placed in cold storage.
Fruit continues to ripen after it has been harvested and placed in cold storage.
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Cell division in pears lasts for a period of four to five weeks after petal fall.
Cell division in pears lasts for a period of four to five weeks after petal fall.
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Apples initiate flower buds for the next year’s crop within 60 days of full bloom.
Apples initiate flower buds for the next year’s crop within 60 days of full bloom.
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Peaches require winter sprays to control peach leaf curl.
Peaches require winter sprays to control peach leaf curl.
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The codling moth typically produces five generations per year.
The codling moth typically produces five generations per year.
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Chlorothalonil is effective against brown-rot blossom blight.
Chlorothalonil is effective against brown-rot blossom blight.
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Larvae of the codling moth can enter fruit within 20 days after eggs hatch.
Larvae of the codling moth can enter fruit within 20 days after eggs hatch.
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Fungal spores causing brown-rot blossom blight are primarily spread by animals.
Fungal spores causing brown-rot blossom blight are primarily spread by animals.
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Blossom sprays should be applied only at the full bloom stage.
Blossom sprays should be applied only at the full bloom stage.
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Fruit mummies are the source of fungal spores that affect fruit trees.
Fruit mummies are the source of fungal spores that affect fruit trees.
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Twigs can be infected by fungi traveling from infected blossoms.
Twigs can be infected by fungi traveling from infected blossoms.
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Fruit ripening occurs when the ground color of the fruit changes from green to blue.
Fruit ripening occurs when the ground color of the fruit changes from green to blue.
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Cell enlargement in fruit development occurs during the cell-division phase.
Cell enlargement in fruit development occurs during the cell-division phase.
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Thinning fruit can negatively influence fruit enlargement.
Thinning fruit can negatively influence fruit enlargement.
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Storing fruit at high temperatures helps extend its shelf life.
Storing fruit at high temperatures helps extend its shelf life.
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Bruises and wounds on fruit can allow pathogens to infect adjacent fruits.
Bruises and wounds on fruit can allow pathogens to infect adjacent fruits.
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The 'tight cluster' stage occurs after the 'white bud' stage in apple development.
The 'tight cluster' stage occurs after the 'white bud' stage in apple development.
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In the dormant stage, fruit trees like apples and pears have no cellular activity.
In the dormant stage, fruit trees like apples and pears have no cellular activity.
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A 90% kill of peach buds occurs at 23° F during the third stage.
A 90% kill of peach buds occurs at 23° F during the third stage.
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The bloom stage of fruit development is characterized by the fruit's petals falling off.
The bloom stage of fruit development is characterized by the fruit's petals falling off.
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Fruits can continue to enlarge throughout their entire growth period.
Fruits can continue to enlarge throughout their entire growth period.
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The 'fruit set' stage occurs after the 'bloom' stage in fruit development.
The 'fruit set' stage occurs after the 'bloom' stage in fruit development.
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The 'pink' stage signifies that the fruit is fully matured and ready for harvest.
The 'pink' stage signifies that the fruit is fully matured and ready for harvest.
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Apple buds can withstand lower temperatures compared to peach buds in terms of survival rate.
Apple buds can withstand lower temperatures compared to peach buds in terms of survival rate.
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In fruit development, sweet and tart cherries enter the dormant stage at the same time.
In fruit development, sweet and tart cherries enter the dormant stage at the same time.
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Growing tree fruits or nuts can provide a great deal of ______, but it requires year-round care.
Growing tree fruits or nuts can provide a great deal of ______, but it requires year-round care.
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When planning your orchard, choose varieties that not only are family favorites but are also easy to ______.
When planning your orchard, choose varieties that not only are family favorites but are also easy to ______.
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Researchers in England developed the ______ series of dwarf rootstocks.
Researchers in England developed the ______ series of dwarf rootstocks.
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The most vigorous apple rootstocks are ______, which are simply sprouted apple seeds.
The most vigorous apple rootstocks are ______, which are simply sprouted apple seeds.
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Dwarf trees are always the best choice for home ______.
Dwarf trees are always the best choice for home ______.
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Many apple varieties require good conditions for ______ to take place.
Many apple varieties require good conditions for ______ to take place.
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Dwarf rootstocks can help ______ trees that are easier to manage for home growers.
Dwarf rootstocks can help ______ trees that are easier to manage for home growers.
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Cold hardiness is an important characteristic for ensuring the survival of trees in ______ regions.
Cold hardiness is an important characteristic for ensuring the survival of trees in ______ regions.
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The ultimate size of a tree depends on the vigor of both the rootstock and the ______.
The ultimate size of a tree depends on the vigor of both the rootstock and the ______.
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Rootstock M.27 is expected to grow to ______ percent of a tree on seedling rootstock.
Rootstock M.27 is expected to grow to ______ percent of a tree on seedling rootstock.
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Each rootstock series is identified by the letter 'M' (for Malling) or 'MM' (for Malling ______).
Each rootstock series is identified by the letter 'M' (for Malling) or 'MM' (for Malling ______).
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The size of a tree could range from ______ (4 to 12 feet) to semidwarf (16 to 18 feet).
The size of a tree could range from ______ (4 to 12 feet) to semidwarf (16 to 18 feet).
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Higher numbers associated with rootstocks typically represent ______ trees.
Higher numbers associated with rootstocks typically represent ______ trees.
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Not all recommended varieties are included in the ______ in this chapter.
Not all recommended varieties are included in the ______ in this chapter.
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The vigor ratings can help determine how big a tree will ______.
The vigor ratings can help determine how big a tree will ______.
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Nearly all fruit- and nut-tree varieties are grafted to a genetically different ______, called a rootstock.
Nearly all fruit- and nut-tree varieties are grafted to a genetically different ______, called a rootstock.
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Megietsu, Lapins, Black Gold, and Sweetheart are self-fruitful sweet varieties of ______.
Megietsu, Lapins, Black Gold, and Sweetheart are self-fruitful sweet varieties of ______.
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Most varieties of ______ do not set fruit unless they are pollinated by another pollen-compatible variety.
Most varieties of ______ do not set fruit unless they are pollinated by another pollen-compatible variety.
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The variety Red Delicious does not set its own fruit with its own pollen but can set fruit on ______.
The variety Red Delicious does not set its own fruit with its own pollen but can set fruit on ______.
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Some sweet cherries do not set fruit unless they are pollinated by another ______ variety.
Some sweet cherries do not set fruit unless they are pollinated by another ______ variety.
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Glowing Star requires an early-blooming ______ such as Lodi for successful pollination.
Glowing Star requires an early-blooming ______ such as Lodi for successful pollination.
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Some apple varieties, such as ______ Beauty, are self-fruitful and can set fruit on their own.
Some apple varieties, such as ______ Beauty, are self-fruitful and can set fruit on their own.
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The variety called ______ is known to produce fruit on other apple varieties but does not set its own.
The variety called ______ is known to produce fruit on other apple varieties but does not set its own.
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Hedelfingen is pollinated by ______ or Sweetheart to ensure proper fruit set.
Hedelfingen is pollinated by ______ or Sweetheart to ensure proper fruit set.
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Most gardeners use a complete fertilizer that includes nitrogen, ______, and potassium.
Most gardeners use a complete fertilizer that includes nitrogen, ______, and potassium.
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To reflect sunlight and help prevent sunburn, paint the trunk with a white, water-based indoor latex ______.
To reflect sunlight and help prevent sunburn, paint the trunk with a white, water-based indoor latex ______.
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An easy source of boron for fruit trees is ______.
An easy source of boron for fruit trees is ______.
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Fencing is considered the best method for protection against ______.
Fencing is considered the best method for protection against ______.
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If fertilizers are used every year, phosphorus and potassium levels can build up far in ______ of the tree’s actual need.
If fertilizers are used every year, phosphorus and potassium levels can build up far in ______ of the tree’s actual need.
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Dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the tree's ______ system.
Dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the tree's ______ system.
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Roots should be placed over a low mound of soil in the ______.
Roots should be placed over a low mound of soil in the ______.
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Trees that are low in boron exhibit poor shoot growth and poor ______ set.
Trees that are low in boron exhibit poor shoot growth and poor ______ set.
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Pheromones are chemical messengers used by animals to ______ with each other.
Pheromones are chemical messengers used by animals to ______ with each other.
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Spray 15 to 21 days after ______ fall for the first generation.
Spray 15 to 21 days after ______ fall for the first generation.
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The level of damage considered acceptable can vary from one ______ to another.
The level of damage considered acceptable can vary from one ______ to another.
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Dormant (Winter) sprays are used to control overwintering ______, aphids, and scales.
Dormant (Winter) sprays are used to control overwintering ______, aphids, and scales.
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Most home orchardists try to control pests with a dormant oil spray, which essentially ______ the pests.
Most home orchardists try to control pests with a dormant oil spray, which essentially ______ the pests.
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The UK Cooperative Extension publication provides a more in-depth discussion of ______.
The UK Cooperative Extension publication provides a more in-depth discussion of ______.
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Use a sticker, unless the label says not to. Stickers improve the spray's ______ to leaves.
Use a sticker, unless the label says not to. Stickers improve the spray's ______ to leaves.
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Learning the life cycles of important insects and diseases that may ______ your orchard is part of IPM.
Learning the life cycles of important insects and diseases that may ______ your orchard is part of IPM.
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Study Notes
Rootstocks
- Fruit trees are generally grafted to a rootstock, a genetically different root system, for specific growth habits.
- Rootstocks are identified by letters “M” (Malling) or “MM” (Malling Merton) and a number.
- Higher numbers do not necessarily indicate taller trees.
- Rootstock vigor influences tree size, with lower numbers representing smaller trees.
- Example rootstock vigor percentages: MM.111 (90%), MM.106 (60-75%), M.7, G.30 (55-65%), M.26, G.11 (40-50%), M.9, Bud 9 (25-35%), M.27 (<25%).
Pollination
- Most apple varieties require pollination by another compatible variety for fruit set.
- Some varieties, like Rome Beauty, Newtown, and Transparent are self-fruitful.
- Red Delicious does not set fruit with its own pollen but sets fruit on Golden Delicious and vice versa.
- Gravenstein requires an early-blooming pollinizer like Lodi.
- To pollinate a single tree, graft a compatible variety or place a bouquet of blooms from another compatible variety near the tree during bloom.
Tree Spacing
- Apple trees are typically spaced from six feet apart for high density to over 20 feet apart.
- Other fruit trees have wider spacing (12-24 feet) due to lack of growth-controlling rootstocks.
- Dwarf trees trained on trellises have the closest spacing.
- Closer spacing may push trees into earlier production, but requires more pruning and increases disease risk due to less foliage drying.
- Spacing should consider available space and desired tree quantity.
Planting and Fertilizing
- Orchard trees thrive in deep, well-drained soils with at least four feet of soil above an impermeable layer or water table.
- Raised beds are beneficial in poor soil conditions.
- Plant trees at the same level they were growing in the nursery, ensuring the graft union is aboveground.
- Dig a wide hole to accommodate the root system, roughening the sides for root growth.
- Paint the trunk with white latex paint to reflect sunlight and prevent sunburn.
- Protect the trunk from damage using tree protectors or fencing.
- Use complete fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) but avoid over-application of nitrogen, which can lead to excessive growth and problems like bitter pit in apples.
- Apply boron, a micronutrient essential for fruit set, using Borax solution applied to the soil within the drip line.
Apple Varieties
- Hundreds of apple varieties exist
- Dwarf rootstocks are common for home orchardists
- Bud 9 rootstock is suitable for trellises
Cherry Rootstocks
- Most Kentucky cherries are grown on Mazzard rootstocks
- Gisela rootstocks offer different sizes and vigor levels
- Gisela 5, 6, and 12 produce trees at 50%, 70-90%, and 60% of Mazzard size respectively
- MxM2, MxM60, and MxM14 are new rootstocks, offering early bearing and disease resistance
- Pollination is essential for cherry trees, consider grafting or using bouquets of blooms
Tree Spacing
- Apple trees are spaced from 6 to 20 feet apart
- Other fruit trees need 12 to 24 feet spacing due to lack of rootstocks
- True genetic dwarf trees can be planted closer
- Trellised dwarf trees have the closest spacing
- Close spacing promotes early production, but requires more pruning
- Tightly spaced trees can experience disease problems due to less foliage drying
Planting & Fertilizing
- Orchard trees thrive in deep, well-drained soils with at least 4 feet of soil depth
- Ensure the graft union is above ground during planting
- Full sun exposure is essential
- Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can lead to excessive growth and fruit problems like bitter pit in apples
- Plant growth regulators help thin the crop in commercial orchards
Peach Thinning
- Thin peaches to 6-8 inches apart
- Early thinning stimulates flower initiation for the next year's crop
- Helps with biennial bearing varieties (fruit every other year)
- Thinning increases fruit size by encouraging cell division
Apple Fruit Thinning
- Flower buds for the next year's crop initiate within 40 days of full bloom
- Thinning within 40 days of full bloom improves the following year's bloom
- Cell division takes 4-5 weeks after petal fall
- Thinning increases fruit size by encouraging cell division and enlargement
Pear Fruit Thinning
- Cell division for pears takes 60 days after full bloom
- Continue thinning pears within 60 days of full bloom
- Pears continue cell division for 7-9 weeks after petal fall
- Thinning increases fruit size by encouraging cell division and enlargement
Fruit Ripening
- Ripening times vary by variety and weather
- Apples with codling moth damage fall earlier than a ripe crop
- Taste is the best method for judging ripeness
- Fruit continues to ripen in cold storage
- Harvest fruits before full ripeness if storage is desired
- Fruit color changes with ripeness: ground color turns green to yellow before maturity
Fruit Storage
- Cool fruits as soon as possible after picking to extend storage life
- Handle harvested fruit gently to prevent bruising and pathogen infection
- Pathogens from bruises can spread to other fruits
Fruit Development Stages
- Apple, pear, peach, tart cherry, plum, and prune development stages are charted
- Chart shows 10% and 90% kill temperatures at different stages for frost protection
Codling Moth
- Three generations per year
- Overwinters as a larva under loose bark, leaf litter, or protected places
- Pupates in spring, emerging as an adult in late May to early June
- Adults begin to deposit eggs 2-3 days after emergence
- Eggs hatch in 12-14 days and larvae enter fruits
Blossom Sprays
- Ideal blossom sprays are applied at pink, full bloom, and petal fall stages
- Refer to UK Cooperative Extension publication ID-21 for recommended fungicides and insecticides
Cherry, Peach, Plum Disease Control
- Prevent brown rot blossom blight by applying protective fungicides before, during, and after bloom
- Brown rot fungi overwinter on infected fruit, buds, and cankers
- Spores spread by wind and splashing rain
- Fungi can infect blossoms, twigs, and cause twig blight and cankers
Pruning
- Specific pruning techniques for fruit trees are discussed in Chapter 17
Fruiting Habits
- Fruiting habits vary by type of tree
- Some fruits bear on more than one type of wood
Orchard Planning
- Variety Selection: Choose varieties based on your preferences, but prioritize varieties that are easy to care for and dwarf trees for home orchards.
- Multiple Varieties: Consider growing multiple fruit varieties for greater diversity but be prepared for increased management complexity.
- Rootstock: Most fruit and nut trees are grafted to a rootstock for desired characteristics like size, disease resistance, and yield.
- Rootstock Vigor: Tree size is influenced by both the grafted variety and the rootstock vigor.
Rootstocks for Apples
- Apple rootstocks are categorized based on the "Maling" series, with letters and numbers representing each variety.
- Malling Series: Choose a rootstock based on your desired tree height, with numbers denoting different sizes.
- Rootstock Size: The size of a tree on a specific rootstock is expressed as a percentage of a tree on seedling rootstock.
- Apple Rootstock Examples: MM.111 (90%), MM.106 (60-75%), M.7 (55-65%), M.26 (40-50%), M.9 (25-35%), M.27 (<25%).
Fruiting Requirements
- Cherries: Some sweet cherries, such as Lapins, Black Gold, and Sweetheart, are self-fruitful, meaning they can produce fruit without cross-pollination.
- Tart Cherries: Tart cherries are self-fruitful.
- Apples: Some apple varieties, such as Rome Beauty, Newtown, and Transparent, are self-fruitful, but most require cross-pollination.
Planting
- Position: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the tree's root system, roughen the sides to promote root growth.
- Root Placement: Place the roots over a mound of soil to ensure proper anchoring.
- Trunk Protection: Protect the trunk from sunburn by painting it with white latex paint.
Fertilizer
- Fertilizer Use: Utilize a complete fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) for fruit trees, but avoid over-fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium.
- Boron: Boron is a micronutrient essential for fruit tree health and productivity. Use Borax as a boron source if necessary.
Pest & Disease Control
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implement IPM strategies to minimize pest and disease damage.
- Life Cycles: Understand the life cycles of common orchard pests and diseases.
- Dormant Sprays: Use dormant oil sprays in winter to control overwintering pests like mites, aphids, and scales.
- Disease Control: Dormant sprays also control diseases that enter the tree through buds.
### Pheromone-Based IPM
- Trapping: Female sex pheromones attract males to traps for monitoring and control.
- Confusion: Use pheromone-releasing devices to disrupt male mating behavior.
- Pesticide Attraction: Pheromones can be mixed with pesticides to attract pests to the chemical control.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential concepts of rootstocks and pollination specific to apple trees. Learn about various rootstock types, their impact on tree size, and the importance of compatible varieties for successful pollination. Test your knowledge on how to optimize fruit set for different apple varieties.
