Abstract
Apple replant disease (ARD) adversely affects development and performance of apple trees planted in old orchard soils; it is characterized by stunted tree growth, which reduces orchard profitability (Hoestra and Oostenbrink, 1962; Mai and Parker, 1967). The probable cause of ARD is a complex of soil-borne microorganisms, including parasitic nematodes. The lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans is a component of ARD in some soils. Preplant soil fumigation improves root system development, tree growth, and cropping in some orchard sites (Hoestra and Oostenbrink, 1962; Jaffee and Mali, 1979; Mai and Parker, 1970). We examined the effects on tree performance of preplant soil fumigation, a postplant nematicide treatment, and rootstock at the Univ. of Vermont Horticultural Research Center in 1983. Results for 1983–1985 were reported by Costante et al. (1987). We now present results for the final 4 years of the experiment (1986-1989). Trees were on a well-drained Adams loamy sand (pH 6.2) on a 20-year-old orchard site infested with P. penetrans and with a diagnosed replant” disease problem (Costante et al., 1987). Eighty ‘Rogers Red McIntosh’ trees each on semi-dwarfing MM.111, MM. 106, M.7a, or dwarfing M.26 rootstock were planted on 2 May 1984 at 2.4 x 5.5 m spacing, including appropriate buffer areas.
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