My favorite hometown coffee shop hosts a number of interesting people with their stories. This January had some of my regulars hanging out at their regular times.
The minister with his community leadership connections was deep in production with his calender and his ears plugged into his music.
My first boss in Merced was there too. We often talk fly fishing and sometimes watercolor painting. He comes to read his book and drink a cup of coffee. He displays half of the paintings on the wall at this Starbucks on display. My watercolor mentor, although I do not ever see her there, hangs out with her representative and massive "pour" collection paintings with other half of the wall space. Both allow their paintings to be purchased. They are not prints, they are the originals.
My handyman contractor stopped by and we talked about his current project. He is working on rebuilding a fence nearby. He left his able assistant to dig the holes while he went to get coffee and stay out his way. Its good chit chat and we all bemoan the forty niner's loss in the championship game on Sunday.
The coffee shop fills up early with students and students with their parents headed for school. The junior high/middle school is nearby. Nurses off shift from the hospital stop by and nurse and medical students assistant students stop by on their way to class or to study in groups for and up coming exam. Students from the UC are their to drink some coffee and use the internet wifi connection establish themselves at tables close to AC power plugs on the perimeter. They usually spread out and stay longer then most other customers.
Today I was sitting in the upholstered chair by the window. I grabbed a section or three of a discarded New York Times and Wall Street Journal sections. There was a pretty interesting article on the Target credit card fraud. The article lined up the scenario timeline of the events and the reaction of Target to the knowledge that became available. Apparently the cards owners pin numbers and names and addresses were captured on Point of Sale (cash registers) and stored with infected servers at each site. When requested the servers would yield their info and the result could be sold to nefarious wholesalers that would make new cards or use the info for data transfer money exchanges. It came to light as a couple from the US who shopped at Target were suddenly buying 1200+ dollar airfare tickets for people in Africa to travel within their continent. This occurred with massive numbers of people during the holiday season that started on Black Friday after Thanksgiving and continued with Target customers into the Christmas season. What really drew the red flag was the bragging on some of the outside channels that deal with stolen credit card number of the numbers and the sales that they had accomplished. Investigation proved that the issue was pretty widespread.
There is always a good chance to have a conversation and a good read at my local Starbucks.
: ) Pat
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Girdling Peaches
Girdling is the process of removing a circle of bark around the fruiting branches. It allows for the fruit to ripen uniformly and doesn't allow the energy from the leaves to head back down the plant and nourish the roots. I have noticed that this is often done with grapes. To do the same thing with early peaches is another use. This use is outlined in the following article.
GIRDLING PEACHES FOR PROFIT - A REVIEW OF THE PRACTICE
Girdling (removal of a strip of bark tissue) is a practice that has been used on fruit plants for centuries. California as well as the countries of Israel and South Africa utilize girdling as a regular part of their cultural program on peaches and nectarines. Following years of experience, growers in California have ably mastered the art of girdling to accomplish two primary goals, namely to increase fruit size and earliness of harvest. They presently girdle practically all early peach varieties through the Coronet season. Their early nectarine varieties are handled in a similar fashion. California's Marketing Order usually imposes a minimum 2 1/4 inch (88 count) size (for shipping) on their earliest peach varieties. Girdling is one of the main tools that enables California growers to ship such a large minimum size so early in the season.
Before 1979 no girdling was being done in the Southeast. As a result of some preliminary studies we conducted in 1978 and 1979 in south Georgia and north Florida, girdling became a recommended practice (on trial basis) in commercial plantings in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
To further determine how well girdling would work under southeastern conditions, studies were conducted in commercial plantings in Alabama from 1979 through 1984. The results of these studies were very promising and indicated that girdling of early peach varieties could prove safe and quite profitable for growers when the practice is properly used. After several years of girdling trees in commercial plantings (especially in Georgia and Alabama) during the early 80's, this practice has become well accepted and utilized across the southeastern peach belt.
Although an increase in fruit size (by 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter) and greater earliness of harvest are two of the most important benefits of girdling, several other valuable benefits may be gained from this practice. Among the most noteworthy are: (1) an increase in yield by 1/4 to 1/2 bushel per tree, (2) fewer pickings (usually 2 to 4 compared to the normal 3 to 5) and a greater percentage of crop is harvested during the first picking (an enhanced concentration of ripening), (3) an increase in red skin color (helps in meeting USDA color standards), (4) use of an outstanding variety to partially or completely replace (by moving harvest season forward) an earlier poorer performing variety, (5) where desirable, the harvesting period for a large block of a single variety may be split, and (6) provides a fruit sizing benefit generally equal or superior to that realized from extensive and costly bloom thinning of early varieties. This permits the grower to adequately size early peaches without risking an increased crop loss from freeze damage following bloom thinning. But with all practices, the bottom line is profit, and our demonstration studies in Alabama have shown that girdling can increase gross income per acre by several hundred dollars (about $250 to $800 per acre).
Girdling has primary value for early varieties which characteristically have smaller fruit size and lower yields than mid and late-season varieties. Varieties vary somewhat in their response to girdling (some give more fruit size and yield increase than others, etc.). However, all of the early varieties we have studied thus far have responded quite well to the treatment.
Earliness of harvest is very important to growers because prices usually start high at the beginning of the season and steadily fall until they "bottom out" in early to mid July. Some recovery in price usually occurs after this date. Through the use of girdling we have been able to consistently advance the first harvest date of very early varieties such as Camden and Springold by at least 3 to 4 days, Rubired by 7 days, while harvest of the later maturing Redhaven is advanced by nearly 10 days. It should be obvious that the harvest dates of later maturing varieties are advanced much more than for early varieties. In general, the following chart applies to how much the harvest date can be advanced by girdling:
Recommendations on Using Girdling
Definition of terms is very important in understanding the difference
between girdling and scoring. Both of these practices have been evaluated
in our demonstration work. Girdling refers to the cutting and removal of
a strip of bark tissue from the trunk or scaffold branch (Figure 1). This
is achieved with a specially designed girding knife (Figure 2). Scoring
involves the severing of bark tissue (to the wood) with a knife, but no
bark tissue is removed (Figure 3). A large-bladed knife of any type is
satisfactory for scoring but a tile knife is ideal (Figure 4). For optimum
results with the least detrimental effect, girdling (or scoring) must be
done correctly. The following are suggestions for growers who wish to use
the practice in their orchards:
Type of Trees and Varieties to Girdle
Generally only early season varieties need girdling (those ripening 30 or more days ahead of Elberta). This includes varieties ripening as early as Goldcrest and Camden and as late as the Maygold-Sentinel season. Girdling will work quite well on later maturing varieties but generally is not needed for adequate sizing. An exception would be a variety like Redhaven which has a sizing problem. Also, if there is a need to ripen part of a block of trees earlier, girdling could be used.
Girdle trees in their 5th leaf or older. Trees in 4th leaf may be girdled if they have attained good size and base of scaffold branches are at least 2 inches in diameter. Please note that trees in their 3rd and 4th leaf may be scored (preferably branches only) to enhance fruit size and earliness. Scoring is as good as girdling on some varieties but not as good on others. One of the main limiting factors in using scoring is the problem of growers being able to inspect trees to make certain cuts are being properly made (very difficult to see cuts and also know if they are deep enough).
Use only vigorous, healthy trees for girdling. Avoid girdling trees which appear weak and are under stress of any kind. This includes trees with gummosis or insect damage.
Only girdle trees which have full fruit crops. Girdling trees which have reduced crops because of poor set or damage by freezes and hail is not advisable. This could result in excessive sizing in some varieties and increased fractured or split pit problems.
Description of the Girdling/Scoring Process
There are at least three sizes of girdling knives available based on the width of cut, 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch. The 1/8 inch knife is recommended for younger, thinner barked trees (4th to 8th leaf) because complete healing of the cut area is realized quicker and with less difficulty. However, if properly used the 3/16 inch knife also works well. The use of a 3/16 inch knife should be restricted to 9th leaf trees and older having large scaffold limbs with thicker bark. It is easier to cut thicker bark with a wider blade. The wider the cut, the longer the time required for healing. In the case of very vigorous varieties such as Bicentennial and Springcrest, a wider cut might prove of value in allowing for more time for sizing of fruit. It is suggested, however, that growers learn the "art" of girdling first using the 1/8 inch knife. The 1/4 inch knife as used in California is not recommended.
Girdle the lower portions of the primary scaffold branches (Figure 5). Do not girdle trunks. Only girdle branches 2 inches in diameter and larger. The greater the diameter of the branch generally the more rapid and complete is the recovery process. Girdling of small branches can result in limited recovery and death. Girdling of trunks is not recommended.
Use an "S" (spiral) girdle rather than a complete girdle. A complete girdle is one in which the beginning and ending portions of the cut are brought together at the same point. An "S" girdle involves starting the cut at one point on the branch and ending the cut in line with the beginning cut but 1 to 2 inches above or below it (Figure 1). Thus the two ends of the cut forming the "S" girdle are separated by 1 to 2 inches of bark. Both types of girdling give the same results in terms of fruit size increase, etc., but the "S" girdle provides a higher degree of safety and recovery of the tree.
If scoring is used, it should be done at the recommended time for girdling. Two parallel cuts should be made about 1 inch apart on each scaffold branch with a tile knife (or equivalent) that has about 1/16 inch blade. Each of the two cuts should connect making a complete circle (Figures 3 & 4). It seems that the effectiveness of scoring may vary among varieties more so than girdling (scoring effect may not be as pronounced as girdling). For example, scoring has worked equally as well as girdling in sizing JuneGold fruits, but not quite as good as girdling with the Camden variety.
Proper Timing of Girdling
Girdling should be done approximately 4 to 8 weeks before normal harvest time. The final 10 to 20 days just ahead of complete pit hardening is ideal. For very early varieties such as Springold and Camden, this means girdling should be done about 4 weeks after bloom, which is about 4 weeks ahead of normal harvest. Where necessary these varieties may be girdled 2 1/2 to 3 weeks after bloom.
It is important that fruit thinning and girdling not be done at the same time because of the excessive shock to the tree and remaining fruit. This could cause an undesirable increase in the number of fruits with split pits. Ideally, trees should be thinned and then girdled several days later (allow at least 4 to 5 days between thinning and girdling). However, if it becomes necessary, trees may be girdled first and fruit thinning completed several days later. If a little follow up thinning is needed (after bulk of thinning is completed) this may be done within 2 days after girdling with no problem.
Special Precautions/Suggestions
Girdling trees twice during the same season is not advised. Some growers have tried this approach because of serious problems in sizing fruits of certain varieties. Reportedly, some growers in California utilize this practice on one or more extremely vigorous varieties.
If a particular orchard is being girdled it is generally not necessary to bloom thin in order to produce adequate fruit size. However, with a real problem variety both practices could be combined to maximize fruit size. If this approach is followed the grower may observe some increase (though usually tolerable) in the level of visible split pits as compared to a tree that was bloom thinned only.
Callousing and complete healing of wounds normally takes only 3 to 4 weeks but may require another week or two in some cases (Figure 7). During the healing period, the girdling wounds are sometimes infested by lesser peach tree borer. Thus, during the period from girdling until harvest (4 to 7 weeks) attention should be given to directing the normal cover sprays to provide reasonable control of borers during this period. Once harvest is completed, a borer spray should be applied to lower portions of branches and trunk for season long control. This spray will normally be applied during June.
Trees under drought stress will fail to size their fruit adequately even if girdled. Irrigation (or rainfall) is essential in realizing the maximum effect from girdling. Where only periodic irrigation is being used, try to complete final irrigation no closer than 8 to 10 days before harvest.
Girdling does not replace the need for proper fruit thinning. Both practices are essential for developing optimum fruit size of early varieties.
Girdling places trees under considerable stress while they are maturing their crop. Therefore, it is recommended that mature, bearing trees receive at least 60 to 75 pounds of nitrogen per acre (such as 600 to 750 pounds of 10-0-10) during late January- February. Following harvest, girdled trees should receive an additional 20 to 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre such as 200 lbs./acre of calcium nitrate or 100 lbs./acre of ammonium nitrate (or other equivalent nitrogen source). A postharvest application of nitrogen is a part of the ten-point program for managing peach tree short life. The above fertilizer rates are provided as general guidelines and may be adjusted upward or downward based on previous fertilization experience, tree size, crop load and type soil involved. Maintaining good vigor is especially important for varieties susceptible to bacterial spot.
In result demonstration studies conducted since 1979, no problems with girdling the same trees in successive years were observed so long as good tree vigor was maintained and lesser borers were controlled. Thus, where proper nutrition and pest management are maintained, annual girdling of the same blocks works well.
Because of potential disease problems in all peach orchards, girdling knives should be dipped in a chlorine solution (9 parts water plus 1 part liquid chlorox) between blocks or rows of trees as conditions dictate. Although diseased trees should not be girdled, there is always the possibility a given block may have some diseased trees that are cut. If an area is free of gummosis, be certain all tools are treated before use in that block to avoid introducing the problem. After chlorine treatment, spray with an oil (such as WD-40 or equivalent) and wipe clean, otherwise the blade will corrode.
For growers who are interested in girdling but have never used the practice, it is suggested that only small blocks of trees of early varieties be used in initial testing. Only after having gained experience and confidence in using girdling on a few trees should growers consider extensive use of this practice.
Special Considerations at Harvest Time
Special attention should be paid to harvesting of blocks which have been girdled. Ripening of fruits on girdled trees occurs appreciably faster and must be more closely monitored by the grower. This greater speed of ripening is not as obvious in extremely early varieties such as Camden. However, it is definitely more noticeable with later ripening varieties such as Rubired and Redhaven (Figure 6).
The key in maintaining good firmness in fruit on girdled trees is to harvest at normal shipping maturity. Don't allow fruit to hang too long. Fruits do not have to be harvested every day but the grower should never allow more than one or two days between individual pickings. The grower who has a roadside market and wants to sell only tree-ripened fruit will have to harvest at least every other day.
Costs of Girdling Trees
Custom girdling costs usually vary from $.20 to $.75 per tree depending on difficulty of job. Young trees with only 3 to 5 properly arranged scaffold branches may only cost $.20 to $.30 per tree (Figure 8). Experienced workers can girdle about 100 trees or nearly an acre per 8-hour day. However, in some orchards workers may double this rate. Older, poorly trained trees are more difficult and costly to girdle (may cost $.50 to $.75 per tree).
Sources For Girdling Knives
The best and most economical source of girdling knives is VACA Shears, Fresno CA. This used to be part of Malaga Maid Manufacturing, the company that supplied knives in the past. Other companies such as Farmer's Buying Service, Fresno CA, Growers Supply, Reedley, CA and Michigan Orchard Supply Co., South Haven, MI, sell girdling knives to growers which they apparently purchase from VACA or other sources. For obvious reasons it is usually more economical for growers to obtain knives from a basic manufacturer than from a retailer, although they may be purchased from any of these companies.
It is recommended that growers purchase girdling knives without a scraper. These knives retail for around $24.00 each, but growers may be able to order them directly from the company at about a 40% discount. To order, growers should phone the company and ask about the shipping charge. Once this is determined they may forward their check for the total amount and the shipment should be received in a few days. The other method of ordering is to call the company, place the order and pay for the shipment C.O.D.
GIRDLING PEACHES FOR PROFIT - A REVIEW OF THE PRACTICE
Girdling (removal of a strip of bark tissue) is a practice that has been used on fruit plants for centuries. California as well as the countries of Israel and South Africa utilize girdling as a regular part of their cultural program on peaches and nectarines. Following years of experience, growers in California have ably mastered the art of girdling to accomplish two primary goals, namely to increase fruit size and earliness of harvest. They presently girdle practically all early peach varieties through the Coronet season. Their early nectarine varieties are handled in a similar fashion. California's Marketing Order usually imposes a minimum 2 1/4 inch (88 count) size (for shipping) on their earliest peach varieties. Girdling is one of the main tools that enables California growers to ship such a large minimum size so early in the season.
Before 1979 no girdling was being done in the Southeast. As a result of some preliminary studies we conducted in 1978 and 1979 in south Georgia and north Florida, girdling became a recommended practice (on trial basis) in commercial plantings in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
To further determine how well girdling would work under southeastern conditions, studies were conducted in commercial plantings in Alabama from 1979 through 1984. The results of these studies were very promising and indicated that girdling of early peach varieties could prove safe and quite profitable for growers when the practice is properly used. After several years of girdling trees in commercial plantings (especially in Georgia and Alabama) during the early 80's, this practice has become well accepted and utilized across the southeastern peach belt.
Although an increase in fruit size (by 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter) and greater earliness of harvest are two of the most important benefits of girdling, several other valuable benefits may be gained from this practice. Among the most noteworthy are: (1) an increase in yield by 1/4 to 1/2 bushel per tree, (2) fewer pickings (usually 2 to 4 compared to the normal 3 to 5) and a greater percentage of crop is harvested during the first picking (an enhanced concentration of ripening), (3) an increase in red skin color (helps in meeting USDA color standards), (4) use of an outstanding variety to partially or completely replace (by moving harvest season forward) an earlier poorer performing variety, (5) where desirable, the harvesting period for a large block of a single variety may be split, and (6) provides a fruit sizing benefit generally equal or superior to that realized from extensive and costly bloom thinning of early varieties. This permits the grower to adequately size early peaches without risking an increased crop loss from freeze damage following bloom thinning. But with all practices, the bottom line is profit, and our demonstration studies in Alabama have shown that girdling can increase gross income per acre by several hundred dollars (about $250 to $800 per acre).
Girdling has primary value for early varieties which characteristically have smaller fruit size and lower yields than mid and late-season varieties. Varieties vary somewhat in their response to girdling (some give more fruit size and yield increase than others, etc.). However, all of the early varieties we have studied thus far have responded quite well to the treatment.
Earliness of harvest is very important to growers because prices usually start high at the beginning of the season and steadily fall until they "bottom out" in early to mid July. Some recovery in price usually occurs after this date. Through the use of girdling we have been able to consistently advance the first harvest date of very early varieties such as Camden and Springold by at least 3 to 4 days, Rubired by 7 days, while harvest of the later maturing Redhaven is advanced by nearly 10 days. It should be obvious that the harvest dates of later maturing varieties are advanced much more than for early varieties. In general, the following chart applies to how much the harvest date can be advanced by girdling:
| Days Variety Ripens Before Elberta | Number of Days1 Ripening is Advanced |
| 50 to 60 | 3 to 5 |
| 35 to 45 | 6 to 8 |
| 30 and earlier | 9 to 12 |
Type of Trees and Varieties to Girdle
Generally only early season varieties need girdling (those ripening 30 or more days ahead of Elberta). This includes varieties ripening as early as Goldcrest and Camden and as late as the Maygold-Sentinel season. Girdling will work quite well on later maturing varieties but generally is not needed for adequate sizing. An exception would be a variety like Redhaven which has a sizing problem. Also, if there is a need to ripen part of a block of trees earlier, girdling could be used.
Girdle trees in their 5th leaf or older. Trees in 4th leaf may be girdled if they have attained good size and base of scaffold branches are at least 2 inches in diameter. Please note that trees in their 3rd and 4th leaf may be scored (preferably branches only) to enhance fruit size and earliness. Scoring is as good as girdling on some varieties but not as good on others. One of the main limiting factors in using scoring is the problem of growers being able to inspect trees to make certain cuts are being properly made (very difficult to see cuts and also know if they are deep enough).
Use only vigorous, healthy trees for girdling. Avoid girdling trees which appear weak and are under stress of any kind. This includes trees with gummosis or insect damage.
Only girdle trees which have full fruit crops. Girdling trees which have reduced crops because of poor set or damage by freezes and hail is not advisable. This could result in excessive sizing in some varieties and increased fractured or split pit problems.
Description of the Girdling/Scoring Process
There are at least three sizes of girdling knives available based on the width of cut, 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch. The 1/8 inch knife is recommended for younger, thinner barked trees (4th to 8th leaf) because complete healing of the cut area is realized quicker and with less difficulty. However, if properly used the 3/16 inch knife also works well. The use of a 3/16 inch knife should be restricted to 9th leaf trees and older having large scaffold limbs with thicker bark. It is easier to cut thicker bark with a wider blade. The wider the cut, the longer the time required for healing. In the case of very vigorous varieties such as Bicentennial and Springcrest, a wider cut might prove of value in allowing for more time for sizing of fruit. It is suggested, however, that growers learn the "art" of girdling first using the 1/8 inch knife. The 1/4 inch knife as used in California is not recommended.
Girdle the lower portions of the primary scaffold branches (Figure 5). Do not girdle trunks. Only girdle branches 2 inches in diameter and larger. The greater the diameter of the branch generally the more rapid and complete is the recovery process. Girdling of small branches can result in limited recovery and death. Girdling of trunks is not recommended.
Use an "S" (spiral) girdle rather than a complete girdle. A complete girdle is one in which the beginning and ending portions of the cut are brought together at the same point. An "S" girdle involves starting the cut at one point on the branch and ending the cut in line with the beginning cut but 1 to 2 inches above or below it (Figure 1). Thus the two ends of the cut forming the "S" girdle are separated by 1 to 2 inches of bark. Both types of girdling give the same results in terms of fruit size increase, etc., but the "S" girdle provides a higher degree of safety and recovery of the tree.
If scoring is used, it should be done at the recommended time for girdling. Two parallel cuts should be made about 1 inch apart on each scaffold branch with a tile knife (or equivalent) that has about 1/16 inch blade. Each of the two cuts should connect making a complete circle (Figures 3 & 4). It seems that the effectiveness of scoring may vary among varieties more so than girdling (scoring effect may not be as pronounced as girdling). For example, scoring has worked equally as well as girdling in sizing JuneGold fruits, but not quite as good as girdling with the Camden variety.
Proper Timing of Girdling
Girdling should be done approximately 4 to 8 weeks before normal harvest time. The final 10 to 20 days just ahead of complete pit hardening is ideal. For very early varieties such as Springold and Camden, this means girdling should be done about 4 weeks after bloom, which is about 4 weeks ahead of normal harvest. Where necessary these varieties may be girdled 2 1/2 to 3 weeks after bloom.
It is important that fruit thinning and girdling not be done at the same time because of the excessive shock to the tree and remaining fruit. This could cause an undesirable increase in the number of fruits with split pits. Ideally, trees should be thinned and then girdled several days later (allow at least 4 to 5 days between thinning and girdling). However, if it becomes necessary, trees may be girdled first and fruit thinning completed several days later. If a little follow up thinning is needed (after bulk of thinning is completed) this may be done within 2 days after girdling with no problem.
Special Precautions/Suggestions
Girdling trees twice during the same season is not advised. Some growers have tried this approach because of serious problems in sizing fruits of certain varieties. Reportedly, some growers in California utilize this practice on one or more extremely vigorous varieties.
If a particular orchard is being girdled it is generally not necessary to bloom thin in order to produce adequate fruit size. However, with a real problem variety both practices could be combined to maximize fruit size. If this approach is followed the grower may observe some increase (though usually tolerable) in the level of visible split pits as compared to a tree that was bloom thinned only.
Callousing and complete healing of wounds normally takes only 3 to 4 weeks but may require another week or two in some cases (Figure 7). During the healing period, the girdling wounds are sometimes infested by lesser peach tree borer. Thus, during the period from girdling until harvest (4 to 7 weeks) attention should be given to directing the normal cover sprays to provide reasonable control of borers during this period. Once harvest is completed, a borer spray should be applied to lower portions of branches and trunk for season long control. This spray will normally be applied during June.
Trees under drought stress will fail to size their fruit adequately even if girdled. Irrigation (or rainfall) is essential in realizing the maximum effect from girdling. Where only periodic irrigation is being used, try to complete final irrigation no closer than 8 to 10 days before harvest.
Girdling does not replace the need for proper fruit thinning. Both practices are essential for developing optimum fruit size of early varieties.
Girdling places trees under considerable stress while they are maturing their crop. Therefore, it is recommended that mature, bearing trees receive at least 60 to 75 pounds of nitrogen per acre (such as 600 to 750 pounds of 10-0-10) during late January- February. Following harvest, girdled trees should receive an additional 20 to 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre such as 200 lbs./acre of calcium nitrate or 100 lbs./acre of ammonium nitrate (or other equivalent nitrogen source). A postharvest application of nitrogen is a part of the ten-point program for managing peach tree short life. The above fertilizer rates are provided as general guidelines and may be adjusted upward or downward based on previous fertilization experience, tree size, crop load and type soil involved. Maintaining good vigor is especially important for varieties susceptible to bacterial spot.
In result demonstration studies conducted since 1979, no problems with girdling the same trees in successive years were observed so long as good tree vigor was maintained and lesser borers were controlled. Thus, where proper nutrition and pest management are maintained, annual girdling of the same blocks works well.
Because of potential disease problems in all peach orchards, girdling knives should be dipped in a chlorine solution (9 parts water plus 1 part liquid chlorox) between blocks or rows of trees as conditions dictate. Although diseased trees should not be girdled, there is always the possibility a given block may have some diseased trees that are cut. If an area is free of gummosis, be certain all tools are treated before use in that block to avoid introducing the problem. After chlorine treatment, spray with an oil (such as WD-40 or equivalent) and wipe clean, otherwise the blade will corrode.
For growers who are interested in girdling but have never used the practice, it is suggested that only small blocks of trees of early varieties be used in initial testing. Only after having gained experience and confidence in using girdling on a few trees should growers consider extensive use of this practice.
Special Considerations at Harvest Time
Special attention should be paid to harvesting of blocks which have been girdled. Ripening of fruits on girdled trees occurs appreciably faster and must be more closely monitored by the grower. This greater speed of ripening is not as obvious in extremely early varieties such as Camden. However, it is definitely more noticeable with later ripening varieties such as Rubired and Redhaven (Figure 6).
The key in maintaining good firmness in fruit on girdled trees is to harvest at normal shipping maturity. Don't allow fruit to hang too long. Fruits do not have to be harvested every day but the grower should never allow more than one or two days between individual pickings. The grower who has a roadside market and wants to sell only tree-ripened fruit will have to harvest at least every other day.
Costs of Girdling Trees
Custom girdling costs usually vary from $.20 to $.75 per tree depending on difficulty of job. Young trees with only 3 to 5 properly arranged scaffold branches may only cost $.20 to $.30 per tree (Figure 8). Experienced workers can girdle about 100 trees or nearly an acre per 8-hour day. However, in some orchards workers may double this rate. Older, poorly trained trees are more difficult and costly to girdle (may cost $.50 to $.75 per tree).
Sources For Girdling Knives
The best and most economical source of girdling knives is VACA Shears, Fresno CA. This used to be part of Malaga Maid Manufacturing, the company that supplied knives in the past. Other companies such as Farmer's Buying Service, Fresno CA, Growers Supply, Reedley, CA and Michigan Orchard Supply Co., South Haven, MI, sell girdling knives to growers which they apparently purchase from VACA or other sources. For obvious reasons it is usually more economical for growers to obtain knives from a basic manufacturer than from a retailer, although they may be purchased from any of these companies.
It is recommended that growers purchase girdling knives without a scraper. These knives retail for around $24.00 each, but growers may be able to order them directly from the company at about a 40% discount. To order, growers should phone the company and ask about the shipping charge. Once this is determined they may forward their check for the total amount and the shipment should be received in a few days. The other method of ordering is to call the company, place the order and pay for the shipment C.O.D.
W Mountain
Over the last 6 months I have been collecting photos from the web regarding the famous W mountain 2 miles out of Gunnison, Colorado. Mom had taken a beautiful fall photo of the mountain in panorama form. Below is a run down form the Alumni letter update from Western State regarding the archeological implications of Tenderfoot mountain.
A
broad ranging group of people, including representatives from Western
State Colorado University, archeologists, local TV and radio stations
and telecommunications companies, reached an important agreement this
month to preserve one of Colorado’s most important archeological sites
while preserving access for organizations that maintain equipment on the
site.
Tenderfoot Mountain, otherwise known as “W Mountain,” towers above Gunnison just 2 miles from downtown. Its iconic W symbol is the largest collegiate symbol in the world. But atop this 8,625 foot peak is a rare and precious window back to life in the Gunnison Country more than 10,000 years ago, when prehistoric hunter-gatherers perched high above what is now the city of Gunnison.
The entire summit of Tenderfoot Mountain is closed to the general public. The property, which is owned by the State of Colorado and managed by Western State Colorado University, comprises a delicate cultural resource that archeologists refer to as the “Mountaineer Site.” Researchers from Western and elsewhere continue to uncover information and artifacts that have dramatically changed the way archeologists understand life during what is called the Folsom period.
“The significance here is that the site represents one of the oldest structures ever recorded in North America,” says Thomas Carr, Staff Archeologist in the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation with History Colorado. Archeologists, led by Western State Colorado University professor Dr. Mark Stiger, have uncovered the remains of 8 structures buried just beneath the surface of Tenderfoot Mountain’s summit. The discoveries on the mountain were so significant that they have made headlines in the archeology community.
Tenderfoot’s summit is also the site of several telecommunications and radio towers. Over the decades, workers who have needed to access the towers risked damaging delicate archeological sites. Because these sites are difficult to see until they have been uncovered by researchers, the university has struggled with how to balance access to the site by telecommunications workers with the need to protect precious cultural artifacts buried just below the surface. Furthermore, the Mountaineer Site is protected under both Federal and State law and the university is required to take action to protect the property. “Sites like this need to be protected and they’re not always well understood,” Carr says. Many of the artifacts that have been uncovered were located just centimeters beneath the surface, which means they’re vulnerable to being disturbed or broken. “There’s so much more to learn, only a fraction of it is excavated,” Carr says.
During the summer, representatives from Western, telecommunications firms, radio stations and the state archeologist met to create a Cultural Resource Management Plan to protect the Mountaineer Site. The plan is designed to ensure that Western and the State of Colorado comply with state and federal laws requiring protection of the archeological resources. The plan also strives to provide appropriate access to the site for the operators of telecommunications and radio towers on the property. The plan was approved by the state last week.
The Cultural Resource Management Plan will restrict access by telecommunications firms to designated roads and parking areas. Along with FCC and other regulatory agencies, the plan sets guidelines for how roads to the property should be gated, how tower construction and maintenance will be approved, and how the university should lease property for telecommunications and radio towers.
“The completion of the cultural resource management plan is a fantastic example of a diverse group of stakeholders getting together and agreeing to a set of guidelines that protects this priceless cultural landmark,” says Western State Colorado University Interim President Brad Baca. “This type of cooperation is commendable and will ensure that Tenderfoot Mountain will continue to be a place of archeological discovery for years to come.”
“History Colorado applauds Western and the rest of the stakeholders involved for taking these vital steps to protect an archeological landmark,” says History Colorado archeologist Thomas Carr. “The Cultural Resource Management Plan is a great example of best practices for maintaining sites of historic cultural importance.”
Western State Colorado University provides scheduled tours of the site during the summer months. For information on upcoming opportunities to visit the Mountaineer Site, look for announcements on western.edu
An Archeological Gem on Tenderfoot Mountain
A
broad ranging group of people, including representatives from Western
State Colorado University, archeologists, local TV and radio stations
and telecommunications companies, reached an important agreement this
month to preserve one of Colorado’s most important archeological sites
while preserving access for organizations that maintain equipment on the
site.
Tenderfoot Mountain, otherwise known as “W Mountain,” towers above Gunnison just 2 miles from downtown. Its iconic W symbol is the largest collegiate symbol in the world. But atop this 8,625 foot peak is a rare and precious window back to life in the Gunnison Country more than 10,000 years ago, when prehistoric hunter-gatherers perched high above what is now the city of Gunnison.
The entire summit of Tenderfoot Mountain is closed to the general public. The property, which is owned by the State of Colorado and managed by Western State Colorado University, comprises a delicate cultural resource that archeologists refer to as the “Mountaineer Site.” Researchers from Western and elsewhere continue to uncover information and artifacts that have dramatically changed the way archeologists understand life during what is called the Folsom period.
“The significance here is that the site represents one of the oldest structures ever recorded in North America,” says Thomas Carr, Staff Archeologist in the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation with History Colorado. Archeologists, led by Western State Colorado University professor Dr. Mark Stiger, have uncovered the remains of 8 structures buried just beneath the surface of Tenderfoot Mountain’s summit. The discoveries on the mountain were so significant that they have made headlines in the archeology community.
Tenderfoot’s summit is also the site of several telecommunications and radio towers. Over the decades, workers who have needed to access the towers risked damaging delicate archeological sites. Because these sites are difficult to see until they have been uncovered by researchers, the university has struggled with how to balance access to the site by telecommunications workers with the need to protect precious cultural artifacts buried just below the surface. Furthermore, the Mountaineer Site is protected under both Federal and State law and the university is required to take action to protect the property. “Sites like this need to be protected and they’re not always well understood,” Carr says. Many of the artifacts that have been uncovered were located just centimeters beneath the surface, which means they’re vulnerable to being disturbed or broken. “There’s so much more to learn, only a fraction of it is excavated,” Carr says.
During the summer, representatives from Western, telecommunications firms, radio stations and the state archeologist met to create a Cultural Resource Management Plan to protect the Mountaineer Site. The plan is designed to ensure that Western and the State of Colorado comply with state and federal laws requiring protection of the archeological resources. The plan also strives to provide appropriate access to the site for the operators of telecommunications and radio towers on the property. The plan was approved by the state last week.
The Cultural Resource Management Plan will restrict access by telecommunications firms to designated roads and parking areas. Along with FCC and other regulatory agencies, the plan sets guidelines for how roads to the property should be gated, how tower construction and maintenance will be approved, and how the university should lease property for telecommunications and radio towers.
“The completion of the cultural resource management plan is a fantastic example of a diverse group of stakeholders getting together and agreeing to a set of guidelines that protects this priceless cultural landmark,” says Western State Colorado University Interim President Brad Baca. “This type of cooperation is commendable and will ensure that Tenderfoot Mountain will continue to be a place of archeological discovery for years to come.”
“History Colorado applauds Western and the rest of the stakeholders involved for taking these vital steps to protect an archeological landmark,” says History Colorado archeologist Thomas Carr. “The Cultural Resource Management Plan is a great example of best practices for maintaining sites of historic cultural importance.”
Western State Colorado University provides scheduled tours of the site during the summer months. For information on upcoming opportunities to visit the Mountaineer Site, look for announcements on western.edu
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
January in California's Central Valley
It is January in California's Central Valley. A new year has started. The weather continues to be pretty balmy. A week a go I was out with gloves on to do my 2.5 mile walk in the morning. This week there really isn't that much cold.
I feel for the folks on the East Coast. Many had hoped for a white Christmas and got much more. Their intense cold harkens back to time I have spent in the snow in the winter. I was skiing at 20 degrees and below and realized that I was creating my own wind chill as I scooted down the slope.
The 49ers are once again in the playoffs and had to tolerate the Green Bay weather conditions. Even their fan base did not jump at a chance to "be" there when their team played. The NFL in its rules almost block out the local TV coverage to their playoff game.. reason... those legendary fans whose season tickets are handed down through families did not want to suffer the pain of such extreme cold when they could see it at home in the company of brews and brats. It was really too cold to have a championship game held under those conditions.
Sue and I met when we went to school in Gunnison, Colorado. The new name that they have picked out for the school is Western State Colorado University. It often has the lowest temperatures in the nation. While attending there was one year that it was minus 40 degrees for a couple of days. It was minus 30 degrees for a couple of weeks and below minus 20 degrees for about a month. Snow had to be shoveled to get our car out of is parking place at the trailer park. We had to close off part of the trailer because heat did not reach the back. Our first years of married life were spent in the 8x30 single wide trailer which we rented the space for 27.50 per month. Before Sue, my roommate had a Karman Gia sports car VW that had an air cooled engine. The only way it would start was if we plugged in a heat lamp that shown on the engine block an hour before we wanted to travel. The trailer court was 11 blocks from the campus. If we walked it in such extreme cold, we would layer our clothes on and stop at the drug store 5 blocks in and take off as many layers as we could inside the store. Once we recaptured the heat, we would walk the next 5 blocks to the first dorm on campus and do the same thing again. As heat recirculated in our system it was easy to walk around campus to get to our classes or the library. Prized study spots were on the upper floor of the Savage Library where the sun streamed in and students would bask in the glory of winter sunlight like cat that had found the secret to solar gain.
So in contrast our central valley weather shows significant moderation, We have nights that get down to 35 degrees and the days seem to warm up into the middle sixties.... not exactly Hawaii but not bad all things considered. We all wish for some rain.. but you have be careful about what you wish for....
: ) Pat
I feel for the folks on the East Coast. Many had hoped for a white Christmas and got much more. Their intense cold harkens back to time I have spent in the snow in the winter. I was skiing at 20 degrees and below and realized that I was creating my own wind chill as I scooted down the slope.
The 49ers are once again in the playoffs and had to tolerate the Green Bay weather conditions. Even their fan base did not jump at a chance to "be" there when their team played. The NFL in its rules almost block out the local TV coverage to their playoff game.. reason... those legendary fans whose season tickets are handed down through families did not want to suffer the pain of such extreme cold when they could see it at home in the company of brews and brats. It was really too cold to have a championship game held under those conditions.
Sue and I met when we went to school in Gunnison, Colorado. The new name that they have picked out for the school is Western State Colorado University. It often has the lowest temperatures in the nation. While attending there was one year that it was minus 40 degrees for a couple of days. It was minus 30 degrees for a couple of weeks and below minus 20 degrees for about a month. Snow had to be shoveled to get our car out of is parking place at the trailer park. We had to close off part of the trailer because heat did not reach the back. Our first years of married life were spent in the 8x30 single wide trailer which we rented the space for 27.50 per month. Before Sue, my roommate had a Karman Gia sports car VW that had an air cooled engine. The only way it would start was if we plugged in a heat lamp that shown on the engine block an hour before we wanted to travel. The trailer court was 11 blocks from the campus. If we walked it in such extreme cold, we would layer our clothes on and stop at the drug store 5 blocks in and take off as many layers as we could inside the store. Once we recaptured the heat, we would walk the next 5 blocks to the first dorm on campus and do the same thing again. As heat recirculated in our system it was easy to walk around campus to get to our classes or the library. Prized study spots were on the upper floor of the Savage Library where the sun streamed in and students would bask in the glory of winter sunlight like cat that had found the secret to solar gain.
So in contrast our central valley weather shows significant moderation, We have nights that get down to 35 degrees and the days seem to warm up into the middle sixties.... not exactly Hawaii but not bad all things considered. We all wish for some rain.. but you have be careful about what you wish for....
: ) Pat