BUYING RIGHT FRUIT TREE CRITICAL TO GOOD HARVEST

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 27, 1993                   TAG: 9301270064
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-10   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: JOE HUNNINGS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long
BUYING RIGHT FRUIT TREE CRITICAL TO GOOD HARVEST
Growing fruit in the home garden is a rewarding hobby, but it can also be a challenge, particularly for new growers. Browsing through a fruit-tree catalog, most of us would be overwhelmed by the number of varieties to choose from. This week we will look at variety selection and tips on buying fruit trees.
\ VARIETY SELECTION: Fruit trees must be adapted to your soil and climatic conditions. If possible, without sacrificing too much yield or quality, select varieties with the fewest insect and disease problems.
Some varieties of fruit trees suitable for planting in the New River Valley are listed below. They are listed in the order of ripening, and the list includes only those varieties of proven merit under Virginia conditions.
Several varieties of the same fruit, maturing at different times, may be planted to prolong the season. The value of certain varieties for special uses such as freezing, canning and preserving should be considered. Some varieties may be purchased in season from commercial growers more economically than you can grow them yourself.
Cross-pollination is necessary for satisfactory fruit set in many trees. Varieties that are cross-fruitful and have overlapping bloom dates should be selected.\ \ SUGGESTED VARIETIES FOR THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN (Listed in order of ripening)
\ Apples: Lodi c; Jerseymac c, d; Paulared c, d; Summer Rambo c, d; Grimes Golden c, d; Jonathan (red strain) c, d; Golden Delicious c, d; Delicious (red strain) c, d; Winesap c, d; Stayman (red strain) c, d; Rome Beauty (red strain) c, d; Granny Smith c, d.
\ Scab-immune apples: Redfree d, Prima d, Liberty d, Priscilla d.
\ Pears: Harrow Delight c, d; Moonglow c, d; Harvest Queen c, d; Maxine c, d; Seckel c, d; Orient c, d; Kieffer c, d.
\ Plums (European): Earliblue c, d; Blue Bell c, d; Stanley c, d; Shropshire (Damson) c.
\ Plums (Japanese): Early Golden c, d; Methley c, d; Shiro c, d.
\ Nectarines: Jonafree d, Sir Prize d.
\ Cherries (Sweet): Viva c, d; Valera c, d; Hardy Giant c, d; Schmaidt c, d; Hedelfingen c, d; Napoleon (Royal Anne) c, d.
\ Cherries (Sour): Montmorency c, f; Redgold d; Flavortop d; Fantasia d.
\ Peaches: Jerseydawn d; Redhaven c, d, f; Loring c, d, f; Redkist c, d, f; Madison c, d, f; Cresthaven c, d, f; Biscoe c, d, f; White Hale d; Summer Pearl d; Raritan Rose d.
\ Principal Uses: c-cooking, d-dessert, f-freezing.)
To be certain of adequate cross-pollination, plant at least three varieties of apples. Don't confine your selections to Summer Rambo, Winesap and Stayman. These varieties will not cross-pollinate. Golden delicious is used by many commercial growers as a pollinizer for other varieties of apples.
At least two of the recommended pear, plum and sweet cherry varieties should be planted. Inasmuch as Japanese and European-type plums are not generally effective as pollinizers for each other, two varieties of the same type should be planted.
Sour cherries cannot be used to pollinate sweet cherries because they do not overlap in bloom. All of the sour cherry, peach and nectarine varieties listed are sufficiently self-fruitful to set satisfactory crops with their own pollen.
Apricots are not recommended for planting in Virginia. The buds of currently available varieties respond to the first warm days of early spring and are usually killed by frost or low temperature common to most areas. Unless protection can be provided, a crop can be expected no more frequently than once every four or five years.
\ BUYING TREES: Obtain the best nursery stock available. Buy only from reputable nurseries that guarantee their plants to be true to name, of high quality, and packed and shipped correctly. Beware of "basement bargains." High prices do not necessarily mean high quality, but good, well-grown nursery stock is not cheap.
One-year-old trees are usually preferred. A common mistake made by many homeowners is to select over-sized or ready-to-bear nursery trees. Experience has shown that younger trees bear almost as soon, are easier to keep alive and develop into healthier trees than do the oversized stock. The older trees cost nurseries more to grow and are sold for higher prices, but are usually worth less.
For peaches, nectarines and apricots, a 4-foot tree, 1/2-inch in diameter, is considered the ideal size for planting. Vigorous, 4- to 7-foot, 1-year-old whips about 3/4-inch in diameter are preferred for apples. Pears, quince, plums, cherries and apples may be planted as 1- or 2-year old trees. Either will be satisfactory as long as the trees have attained sufficient size and have good root systems.
When purchasing apple trees on dwarfing rootstock, be sure to specify the rootstock desired. Three are suggested for planting in Virginia. M9 or M9A is very dwarfing, has a rather weak root system and must have mechanical support. Trees on M7A attain a size about two-thirds that of the same variety on seedling rootstock. MM111 attains a size about 90 percent that of the same variety on seedling rootstock and should be used for nonvigorous varieties.
Dwarf peach and nectarine trees are not normally recommended because these trees can easily be held at 8 feet with annual pruning. The dwarf rootstocks are not compatible with many varieties and the trees may die.

Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture in Christiansburg. If you have questions call the Montgomery County extension office at 382-5790.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB