Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/728583
www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower OCTOBER 2016 37 They also applied the Darwin thinner closer to the trunk so that when its cords hit the canopy, some also hit the trunk or the wire, retracting when they struck those surfaces. "They were much less invasive in the canopy that way," he said. Thus far, they have determined the optimal operational speeds in super spindles lie within the 180- to 200-rpm range. "In a heavier canopy, you could go to 220, but in this one, it would have been too invasive," said Miranda Sazo. Follow with MaxCel In 2014, they ran the string thinner through the rows on May 17 and applied MaxCel (benzyladenine) on June 1 at one gallon per acre. The results were very disappointing, with a 30- to 40-gram decrease in fruit weight in Galas, largely attributable to the string thinning treat- ments at high rpm. Last year, in addition to dropping the Darwin's speed, they applied MaxCel at the same rate when fruit measured 7 to 9 millimeters. The change in speed reduced tree damage, and fruit regained the weight that had been lost in the 2014 trial, which is the result they wanted. This year, Miranda Sazo is doubling down on the MaxCel applications. He's repeating the Darwin thinning followed by a single MaxCel treatment on some rows, while on others, he's following with a second MaxCel application seven days after the first one. "We expect to see an even better improvement on fruit size from the second application on Gala at harvest," he said. Getting there At a stop on the IFTA summer tour in July, Farrow related how he and his part- ners have built the farm's success by pro- ducing and marketing fruit of a consistent size and quality. "We like to peak in 88s," he said, "but we target the sizes where the greatest value lies in each variety." So far, he likes what he sees in Miranda Sazo's trial, though there is one last glitch he'd like solved. "The apples tend to clump on the branches," he said, "which means they don't color as well." In mid-June, Lamont Farms personnel laid reflective mulch material down along the rows, thinking it might improve fruit set and color, at a cost of $600 per acre. "You can get 10 years of use if you don't drive on it," Miranda Sazo said. He said they initially placed it between the rows and then, three years ago, moved it within the rows. "Color is improved easily by 20 to 30 percent minimum, if not more, in the lower part of the canopy," he said. • 120 N. Naches Avenue | Yakima, WA 98901 | 509.853.3000 1420 Fifth Avenue | Suite 3000 | Seattle, WA 98101 | 206.626.6000 stokeslaw.com/agriculture At Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore, we take the time to understand what's important to you. We have decades of experience working with agricultural clients and deep knowledge of the business and legal issues they face. Let's reach your goals together. Realizing Your Vision Estate/Succession Planning George Velikanje Garon Jones Ellen Jackson Business/Real Estate Morrie Shore Dustin Yeager Charissa Johnston Litigation/Employment Brendan Monahan Sarah Wixson Sean Russel Erika Hartliep Jaime Cuevas, Jr. WE KNOW TRELLIS! Oregon & Washington's FIrst Choice for Quality Trellis Supplies! • Domestically manufactured premium wood and steel posts • In-stock inventory with convenient delivery • Quick turnaround on project orders • Variety of wire options • Cross arms, stakes, anchors, tensioners, clips, grow tubes and milk cartons • Wind screen, landscape fabric and shade cloth Proudly offering the highest quality trellis supplies and customer service in Oregon & Washington for over 30 years! (800) 653-2216 • www.ovs.com ML910-21-129843-10 100% Employee Owned & Operated Convenient Oregon & Washington Locations Aurora - McMinnville - Medford - Salem, OR Lynden - Pasco, WA