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NC-140 New Jersey, 1994 Peach Rootstock Planting
Pittstown and Cream Ridge, New Jersey


1999 ANNUAL REPORT OF COOPERATIVE REGIONAL PROJECTS


Cooperating Agencies and Principal Leaders:

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freehodlers

Objective 1. To evaluate rootstocks and multiple genetic systems in different environments.

1999 Progress of Work and Principal Accomplishments

Two plantings were established in 1994, one at the Rutgers, Snyder Research and Extension Farm in
North Jersey and the second larger planting at the Cream Ridge Fruit Station.

Report is based on the management and observation of the Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ site.

Excellent growth was attained this year, as a result of proper nutrient maintenance and weekly
irrigation.

All nutrients were applied as per 1998 foliar and soil test results.
Soil applied nutrients consisted of only of an N source fertilizer being used this year. 3.8 lb/tree of
15.5-0-0 in split applications was applied to the dripline of each tree. Also applied were 2 foliar
applications of Zinc Chelate (1qt./100).

Due to a severe regional drought, no measurable amounts of rainfall occurred between the end of May
and the end of August. Irrigation was applied on a weekly basis beginning 18 May and continuing on
a 7 day schedule until 30 August. A heavy crop and dry weather warranted a precise irrigation
schedule this year, with the stage of fruit development influencing management decisions.

Trees received dormant pruning in the pink to bloom stage as per the established protocols. No
summer pruning was necessary this season.

The block was maintained following New Jersey's IPM spray schedule utilizing weekly scouting,
pheromone traps, onsite weather and Skybit predictions. Rusty Spot and Catfacing were two
problems we encountered this year. Bacterial spot was well controlled.
A handgun application of Lorsban 4E (3 qt/100) was made on 22 Sept. for Peach Tree Borers and
Lesser Peach Tree Borers.

Fruit maturity was uneven, and the trees needed to be harvested five times in order for optimum quality
to be attained.

All data has been collected for 1999. Leaf and soil samples were collected for analysis.

There was no tree mortality this year although five trees incurred some degree of trunk split due to
weak crotches and a heavy fruit load. (2) Lovell began to slightly split, (2) Montclair suffered canopy
loss due to moderate trunk splitting and (1) Guardian (GF 305) sustained severe tree damage due to a
massive 3 way split of the trunk.

Yield Data has not yet been compiled for the 1999 growing season.


1999 North Jersey Tree Fruit Annual Report

48