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Mimi-gen State

2 University _.

This is to certify that the
thesis entitled
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN, POTASSIUM AND SADH ON
YIELD, QUALITY AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH
OF SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L., var.

Mont omorency)
presented by

Thomas Floyd Crocker

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

Ph . D. degree in Horticulture

fiffi/W

Major professor

 

Date April 16, 1911

0-7639

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN, POTASSIUM AND SADH
ON YIELD, QUALITY AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH
OF SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L.,
var. Montmorencyi
BY

Thomas Floyd Crocker

Field plots to establish nitrogen levels for sour
cherry were initiated in the spring of 1967. Initial rates
4NO3 per tree were applied around

the periphery. Nitrogen rates were increased each year until

of 0, 1.5 and 3 pounds of NH

1970 when 0, 3 and 9 pounds of NH4NO3 per tree were applied.
These differential nitrogen plots were split with a potassium
application as 0 or 2 pounds KCl per tree in 1968. These
potassium rates were reapplied annually through 1970. At
two weeks after full bloom in 1969 and 1970, the nitrogen and
potassium plots were split with a SADH application of 4000 ppm.
Total yield was increased by 25 pounds per tree with
nitrogen application in 1968 and by 35 pounds per tree in

1969. No yields were recorded in 1970. Increased nitrogen

had no significant affect on fruit color, did not result in

a softer cherry nor did it increase size. There was a signifi-.

cant increase in leaf nitrogen for high nitrOgen application in

Thomas Floyd Crocker

both 1969 and 1970. In 1970 a leaf nitrogen value of 2.65%
was found for the low and 2.83% for the high nitrogen applica-
tion rate.

Fruit removal force, size, yield or firmness was not
effected by potassium treatments. A leaf potassium value of
1.13% was found for non—treated and 1.31% for potassium treated
trees.

Fruit color and firmness was increased early in the
season with SADH treatment in both years. The increased cherry
firmness was maintained in a processed product in 1970, how-
ever, increased fruit color did not.

SADH treatment showed an apparent decrease in terminal
growth on lower branches. However, trunk circumference
measurements showed no decrease resulting from SADH treatment.
A three—fold increase in SADH fruit residue was found with
two years application. However, the average 11 ppm SADH
residue from fruit that received SADH for two years was far
below the 50 ppm tolerance set by FDA.

A firmer processed product was obtained with a .2%
calcium chloride solution plus a precook at 140 F for 10
minutes. SADH treated fruit also resulted in a firmer processed

product.

 

THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN, POTASSIUM AND SADH
ON YIELD, QUALITY AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH
OF SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L.,

var. Montmorency)

BY

Thomas Floyd Crocker

A THESIS

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Department of Horticulture

1971

 

/ 7/; 241/
U— 1’ L,’ \J 1‘ (\\

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author wishes to express his sincere thanks and
appreciation to Dr. A. L. Kenworthy for his assistance and
guidance throughout this research program and graduate studies;
to Dr. C. L. Bedford for his assistance in processing and
evaluation of experimental plots and preparing the manuscript;
and to Drs. A. E. Mitchell (deceased), J. Hull and C. M.
Harrison for their suggestions in editing the manuscript and
for serving on the guidance committee.

Special appreciation is expressed to my wife, Jane,
for her encouragement and help during the course of graduate
study.

Appreciation is expressed to Raymond Alpers, Leelanau
County for the use of his orchard and equipment and to the

UNIROYAL Company for supplying the SADH used in this research.

ii

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V
LIST OF FIGURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . viii
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Sour Cherry Industry 3
Mineral Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fruit Removal Force (FRF) . . . . . . . . 9
SADH (Succinic Acid 2, 2— —Dimethyl Hydrazide) . . . 10
Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . ll
METHODS AND MATERIALS. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Location of Field Plots . . . . . . . . . . 14
Experimental Design . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Treatment Applications . . . . . . . . . . 14
Harvest Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Growth Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Processing Studies. . . . . . . . . . . 19
Calcium Chloride Treatment . . . . . l9
Evaluations of Processed Fruit after Storage . . . 20
Residue Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SADH Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Total Yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Mineral Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Growth Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Harvest Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SADH Residue. . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Processed Evaluations. . . . . . . . . . . 51

Spectrographic Analysis

SADH Residue Survey
Related Responses .
Future Research. .
SUMMARY . . . .
LITERATURE CITED . .

APPENDIX TABLES. .

 

of

Leaf

iv

Samples

 

10.

11.

LIST OF TABLES

Yield of Cherries from Nitrogen, Potassium and
SADH Treatments in 1968 and 1969 . . . .

Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH Effect on Leaf
Nitrogen 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970. . . .

Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH Effect on Leaf
Potassium 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970 . . .

Terminal Growth Measurements for Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments in 1967,
1968, 1969 and 1970 . . . . . . . .

Trunk Circumference Measurements for Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments in 1967, 1968,
1969 and 1970. . . . . . . . . . .

Fruit Firmness as Related to Nitrogen and
Potassium Treatment in 1968 . . . . . .

Fruit Firmness as Related to Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments. Three Weekly
Periods in 1969 . . . . . . . . . .

Fruit Firmness as Related to Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments Two Weekly
Periods in 1970 . . . . . .

Fruit Color of Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH
Treated Fruit at Three Weekly Periods in
1969 and Two in 1970 . . . . . .. . .

Processed Fruit and Juice Color from Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments 1970. . . .

Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Fruit Removal
Force at Three Weekly Periods in 1969 and
Two Weekly Periods in 1970 . . . . . .

Page

24

26

28

30

33

34

35

36

38

41

42

Table Page

12. Effect of Potassium and SADH on Fruit Removal
Force at Three Weekly Periods in 1969 and
Two Weekly Periods in 1970 . . . . . . . 43

13. Fruit Size as Influenced by Nitrogen Treat— ‘
ments for 1968, 1969 and 1970 . . . . . . 45

14. Potassium and SADH Effect on Size 1968,1969
and 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . 47

15. Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Soluble Solids
of Sour Cherries at Five Weekly Periods in
1969 and 1970. . . . . . . . . . . . 48

16. Effect of Potassium and SADH on Soluble Solids
at Three Weekly Periods in 1969 and Two in
1970. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

17. SADH Residue from Nitrogen and Potassium
Treatment in 1969 and 1970 . . . . . . . 50

18. Processed Cherry Evaluations from Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments 1970. . . . . 52

19. Processed Cherry Evaluations from Calcium
Treatment in 1970 . . . . . . . . . . 54

20. Leaf Manganese from Various Nitrogen Levels for
1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970. . . . . . . . 56

21. Leaf Values from SADH Treated Plots for Calcium
and Magnesium in 1969 and 1970 . . . . . 57

vi

 

 

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1. Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to
Terminal Growth-1970 . . . . . . . . . . 32

2. Potassium x SADH Interaction in Relation
to Fruit Removal Force Harvest 3, 1969 . . . 44

3. Potassium x SADH Interaction in Relation
to Fruit Removal Force Harvest 2, 1970 . . . 44

 

 

Table

A1.

A2.

A3.

A4.

A5.

A6.

A7.

A8.

A9.

A10.

LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES

Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to
Yield. Pounds per Tree, 1969 . . .

Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to
Percent Leaf Nitrogen . . . . . .

Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to
Fruit Color. . . . . . . . . .

Processed Cherry Juice Color as Related to
Treatments 1970 . . . . . . . .

The Effect of Added Calcium Before Proces-
sing on Fruit and Juice Color 1970 . .

Leaf Analysis as Related to Nitrogen Appli—
cations 1967 . . . . . . . .

Leaf Analysis as Related to Nitrogen and
Potassium Applications 1968 . . . .

Leaf Analysis as Related to Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Application 1969. .

Leaf Analysis as Related to Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Application 1970. .

SADH Survey/Residue and Leaf Analysis 1970

viii

Page

72

72

73

74

75

75

76

77

78

79

INTRODUCTION

Michigan produces over 65% of the national tonnage
of sour cherries. Nearly the entire crop is processed as
frozen, hot-pack (canned) or brined cherries. It is essentially
of one variety-~Montmorency--which has a prime harvest period
of two or, at most, three weeks depending on climate.

Mechanization of harvesting and field handling of
sour cherries has made it possible to harvest the crop during
the short period of desirable quality. However, processing
plants do not have the capacity to handle above average crops.
As a result, the harvest period may be extended in many years.
This extension of the harvest period results in overmature
fruit that may be too large and soft and result in a poor
quality processed product. '

Although it is normal for a cherry to continue enlarge—
ment and softening with delayed harvest, the use of nitrogen
fertilizers are often given credit for this. Also, a cherry
tree will normally have some light colored fruit which is
associated with the use of nitrogen fertilizers. Low levels
of potassium have been, likewise, reported to influence size

and color of cherries.

 

 

Recent studies (11,44,48) of SADH* applications have
reported alleviation of many of these factors (size, soft-
ness, color) associated with poor quality. Commercial use
of SADH was initiated in 1970.

This study was to determine (1) if high nitrogen
application would produce poorly colored, large, soft cherries,
(2) if added nitrogen would enhance or reduce the response
of sour cherries to SADH (3) to determine if added potassium
would affect fruit quality and (4) to evaluate the influence

of these factors on processed cherry quality.

 

*

SADH — (Succinic acid 2, 2-dimethyl hydrazide) A
product of UNIROYAL Chemical Company, Division of UNIROYAL,
Inc., Naugatuck, Connecticut marketed as Alar 85.

 

 

 

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Sour Cherry Industry
(Prunus cerasus L., var. Montmorency)

 

 

In Michigan, sour cherry is exceeded only by apple
in acreage, yield and dollar value. However, the industry
has been severely depressed in terms of grower profits in
recent years. The depression of grower profits has been
attributed to many causes mainly--spring frost damage plus
other climatic factors-~wind, hail, etc.—-which lead to
extremely wide production fluctuations (38,39).

Many feel (15,18,39) that a sour cherry market
potential exists if the average annual crop of 200 million
pounds is continuous. The industry can not endure two years
like 1964 and 1965 when there was a full crop each year and
20% of the cherries were not harvested in 1964 and 10% in
1965. More uniform annual production is needed to provide
better competition with other fruits plus building confidence
in the industry.

Proper sour cherry maturity and quality are very
important to the processor (18). Proper fruit maturity in
any given orchard is optimum for only ten to fourteen days.
With production limited to the Montmorency variety, growers

are required to harvest their total crop in two weeks or

 

 

 

less (22). When cherries are harvested immature, the stem
remains firmly attached or the pit pulled at harvest and

the fruits are low in color. When harvested overmature,

the cherries are soft and do not pit properly causing assorted
problems in the processing plant (18).

‘ Mechanical harvesting and field handling has enabled
the grower to harvest the crop in the desired period. How—
ever, processing plant capacity is not sufficient to handle
the volume of cherries from a full crop in such a short
period of time. This problem has been greatly aggravated in
recent years with the widespread use of mechanical harvesting.

Adding to these problems are variations in fruit
color, firmness and size due to year to year variations in
climatic conditions, normal characteristics, plus over
vigorous trees (17,18).

The future of the sour cherry industry rests on its
ability to alleviate wide production and price fluctuations
(38) plus increased efficiency to maintain annual production
to satisfy or increase the demand of 1.3 pounds per capita

consumption (15,40).

Mineral Nutrition

 

Research to establish the nutritional requirement
of sour cherries is quite limited, when compared to investi-

gations of other fruit tree crops. There is evidence to

 

 

indicate (7,8,56) that the sour cherry tree probably has
the same nutritional requirements with similar limits as
other tree fruit crops.

Early work (7) showed little response to added
fertilizer applications in particularly potassium and phose
phorus. Later, other investigators (8,12,13) have found some
responses to potassium and phosphorus after the trees are
mature.

>Leaf analysis has come into widespread use as a
method of expressing nutritional requirements of tree fruits
as a leaf nutrient composition value. Kenworthy (30) has

advanced standard leaf composition values for cherries as:

Nitrogen — 2.95%, Potassium — 1.67%, Phosphorus - .25%,

Calcium — 2.09%, Magnesium — .68%. Cain (8) reported standard
values of Nitrogen - 3.0%, Potassium — 1.50%, Phosphorus - .20%,
Calcium - 1.0%, Magnesium — .40%. The above values are for

optimum performance if all other factors are adequate and

favorable for growth.

Nitrogen

Many visual symptoms of nitrogen supply have been
advanced by Kenworthy (26) and Gilbert (19); i.e. spur forma-
tion, terminal growth, branching and general growth habit of

the tree.

 

 

 

Gilbert (19) suggested terminal growth of 18 inches
with a diameter of 18 mm as typical for a healthy cherry
tree. Kenworthy (26) indicated that growth of 10 to 20 inches
was adequate for terminal growth with over 20 inches being
too vigorous with few spurs and no fruit buds initiated.
Several methods of determining tree vigor have been advanced
by Wilcox (53,54,55). His studies suggest that terminal shoot
growth plus trunk circumference could be used to obtain a
reliable indication of tree vigOr.

Tukey and Tukey (46) reported that size of spur leaves
could be increased with nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen also
delayed maturity about ten days with no detriment to color.
They also stated that high nitrogen tended to reduce sugar
accumulation as does heavy pruning and this resulted in poorly
colored cherries. Curwen (13) also, reported that high nitrogen
delayed maturity.

Kennard (23) found that nitrate of soda in quantities
up to 350 pounds per acre applied on or before August lst
did increase low temperature injury to trees. Nitrogen has
been found to give the greatest increases in yield of any
element (7,8,19,25). Drake (17) and Mitchell et_§l. (41)
stated that excessive pruning led to excess vigor and soft

fruit.

Cain (8) increased nitrogen applications as NH4NO3
from 2 to 6 pounds per tree from 1954—1960 and increased.
production 44%. In 1961 Cain (9) stated that perhaps some
manipulation of the harvest schedule could be achieved by
differential nitrogen fertilization or schedule harvest
according to fertility level, i.e. harvest high nitrogen
trees last.

Harrington (29) found that fruit size was larger on
sudangrass covercrop plots that ryegrass—vetch plots, and
that low nitrogen produced slightly larger cherries than
medium or high nitrogen. Kenworthy (28,29) found no effect
of nitrogen carriers on size of cherry fruit. He found,
also, that size was not consistently related to any one
nutrient element. Mitchell, e£_al. (41) stated that exces-
sive nitrogen caused large, soft cherries which were difficult
to pit. Taylor and Mitchell (45) reported that sprays of
fixed copper and hydrated lime increased fruit size at first
harvest and that ferbam plus parathion increased fruit size
at the last sampling date. Bryant (7) found that nitrogen
gave no significant increase in fruit size at rates of 80
pounds of actual nitrogen per acre.

Kenworthy (25,29) stated that nitrogen and complete
fertilizers with straw mulches reduced soluble solids of
cherries. This decrease was associated with an increase in

leaf nitrogen. Taylor (45) found a significant correlation

between soluble solids and total solids of the cherry fruit.
Soluble solids and total sugar, also, increased during the
first 14 days of the 29 days of the commercial harvest
period. Kenworthy and Mitchell (24) suggested that soil
management practices, such as mulching and applying nitrogen,
increase available moisture and nitrogen may be expected to

reduce soluble solids of the fruit at harvest.

Potassium

Kwong §E_al. (33) found that potassium had no effect
on soluble solids of sweet cherries and that fruit size was
improved as leaf potassium approached 1.25%. Parups, et al.
(43) reported that high levels of sulfate or chloride reduced
dry weight and shorten growth of sour cherry. Dilley, gt_al.
(16) also found that increasing the supply of chloride or
sulfate depressed growth of young cherry trees. Increasing

the level of chloride in the nutrient solution increased

 

manganese in cherry leaves.

Mulching was shown to increase potassium in the leaves
of trees when compared to unmulched trees (25). Cline (12)
reported that potassium did not increase growth or yield even
though an increase in leaf potassium was reported. Cain (8),
however, did find an increase in yield with increased potassium.
Gilbert and others (8,19) have shown that increasing potassium

increased the yield of cherries.

Baker (2), Cline (12) and Gilbert (19) reported that
potassium deficiency resulted in lower yields with reduced
terminal growth and small leaves. Zubriski, et a1. (56), in
a study of potassium content of sour cherry leaves in relation
to leaf curl and to exchangeable potassium in the surface soil,
found leaf curl when soil potassium was below 200 pounds per
acre. A correlation coefficient of .936 for a linear rela—
tionship was found between leaf potassium and soil potassium.

Curwen (13) reported that increasing leaf potassium
resulted in soft cherries with higher juice loss upon pitting
and a reduced content of water insoluble pectic substances.

A reduced fruit calcium was associated with high potassium
levels. It is suggested that high potassium induced calcium
deficiency in the fruit, resulting in less water insoluble
pectic content; therefore, softer fruit.

Fruit color was shown to decrease with added potas-
sium and nitrogen treatments by Kenworthy (29). Cline (12)
and Archibald reported that fruit from potassium treated

trees were darker in color and larger than non-treated fruit.

Fruit Removal Force (FRF)

 

Cain (10) studing mechanical harvesting of cherries,
has related harvesting effeciency to fruit retention force
(FRF) of the pedicel. His studies indicated that cherries
with a FRF of 368 grams or greater could not be easily

harvested with mechanical harvesters. Unrath (47), after

 

 

10

comparison of FRF with observed case of mechanical harvesting
suggested that the maximum force for commercial harvesting

would be 500 grams.

SADH (Succinic Acid 2,2-Dimethyl Hydrazide)

 

Unrath, et_al. (48) studied the effect of SADH on
cherry fruit maturation, fruit quality and vegetative growth.
He found that SADH applied two weeks after full bloom at
4000 ppm gave the most desirable response. SADH was reported
to decrease FRF sufficiently to start commercial harvest one
week early. Fruit color and firmness also were enhanced by
the SADH application and this enhancement of fruit color and
firmness was carried over in both a canned and frozen product.

Dekazos, et_al. (14) showed that SADH treated fruit
had an increase in total anthocyanin pigment and that anthocyanin
biosynthesis was altered by the treatment. The most evident
effect of SADH on cherry fruit color was a change in the ratio
of two pigments. Chaplin, et_al. (ll) determined that SADH -
promoted anthocyanin development of sweet cherries and pos—
tulated that SADH acted directly on the anthocyanin and sugar
biosynthesis enzyme systems.

SADH has been reported to reduce internode length
and terminal growth of cherries at 4000 ppm and increase
flower bud initiation (11,31,48). Unrath (47) suggested that

there was a trend toward increasing leaf nitrogen as SADH

 

11

concentrations increased. This effect could be the result
of reduced nitrogen utilization because of growth reduction
by SADH. He, also, found a reduction in fruit size at har-
.vest with SADH application.

Ryugo (44) and others (11,48) have shown, through
SADH residue analysis, that fruit residue values were linear

to concentrations applied.
Processing

Bruising has been one of the foremost problems in har-
vesting and marketing of sour cherries (51,52) even before the
advance of mechanical harvesting. Water cooling and handling
of cherries has been used effectively to reduce bruise damage
of mechanically harvested cherries. When harvesting was
carried out with proper equipment and handling procedures,
bruising was minimized and a quality product was maintained
(18). Marshall, gt_al. (40) reported that soaking cherries
in running tap water for more than twelve hours at 57 F
resulted in considerable loss of fruit due to cullage, loss
of soluble solids, color and an increase in skin toughness.
Whittenberger and Hills (50) using unbruised cherries in
water soak reported an increase in weight and firmness with
a decrease in soluble solids. Bruised cherries did not gain
in weight. Both bruised and unbruised cherries became firmer

with loss of soluble solids when soaked at temperatures of

 

12

34 F and 70 F. Hills, et al.(21) found that unbruised

 

cherries gained weight during the cold water soak, but the
final yield of the canned fruit from both bruised and unbruised
samples was not statistically different. The gain of the
unbruised cherries was lost during processing.

LaBelle and Mayer (34) and LaBelle (36) reported
that the degree of bruising, increased maturity and lapse
time between harvesting and processing tended to decrease
firmness and drained weight. No difference was found between
the firming effect of holding in 40 F or 80 F air or soaking
in 40 F or 80 F water. However, when the higher temperatures
were used, there was an increase in scald. Floate (18)
reported preliminary work that showed specific temperature
range of 50 F to 55 F for firmness development with colder
temperatures inhibiting chemical reactions necessary for
firming.

Bedford and Robertson (6) also showed that delaying
harvest resulted in softer fruit, lower processed yield with
an increase in water and juice loss. Soluble solids and
color were increased by the late harvest. In other work (3)
they found no significant differences in drained weights
between orchards or years with spray treatments, fungicidal
mixtures, and wax emulsion. Copper sprays resulted in cherries
of slightly higher drained weight. In a later study of factors

affecting the drained weight of canned cherries, Bedford and

 

 

f__ , . |
13 I

Robertson (34) could find no relationship between soluble
solids, temperature of soak water and drained weight of the
cherries. Soak time varied from 0 to 48 hours.

The effect of calcium on firming of plant tissue
has been reported by Kertesz as early as 1939 (32). Bedford
and Robertson (5) could find no effect of calcium on drained
weight of canned cherries. The calcium treatments were .05,
.10 and .15 percent calcium chloride solutions with soaking
at 2 C for 6 to 24 hours and addition of calcium chloride to
the pitted cherries before canning. However, tenderometer
values of the canned cherries increased with greater calcium
concentrations. LaBelle (37) with a preheat treatment at
140 F for 5 to 20 minutes plus addition of calcium up to
.04% of final product reported 50 percent greater firmness.
However, he reported a superior drained weight with the
conventional cold-fill process with no calcium addition.

Whittenberger (49) suggested that the processed
cherry may be looked upon as a cellular sponge, whose hold—
ing capacity is dependent upon the maintenance of the cell
structure. Therefore, factors which weaken the cell walls
would decrease drained weight and factors which strengthen
the cell wall would increase drained weight. Factors in the
latter group would include bruising, aging, and calcium

treatments in both soak water and pitted fruit.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Location of Field Plots

 

Experimental plots were located in Northern Michigan's
fruit belt on Leelanau Penninsula. The orchard belonged to
Mr. Raymond Alper of Lake Leelanau, Michigan. Prior to
initiation of the experiment in 1967 the twelve-year-old

trees had not been pruned for mechanical harvesting.

Experimental Design

 

The experimental design was a split—split plot with
nitrogen application being split for potassium in 1968—1970
and SADH in 1969 and 1970. All sub-sub plots consisted of
three tree treatments with four replications. Statistical
significances between means was tested by use of Duncan's

Multiple Range Test.

Treatment Applications

 

Nitrogen applications were started in the spring of
1967 at 0, 1.5 and 3 pounds of NH4NO3 per tree applied around
the periphery of the tree. These rates were increased each

year until the spring of 1970, when the rates were 0, 3 and

14

 

15.

9 pounds of NH4NO applied to each treated tree. Each replicate

3
contained fourteen trees. These rates will be referred to as
low, medium and high application rates.

In the spring of 1968, the plots of 14 trees receiv-
ing nitrogen were split with KCl treatments of 0 or 2 pounds
of KCl spread around the periphery of the treated trees. A
border tree was left between the potassium rates. Thus, each
sub plot contained six trees. These same rates of potassium
were reapplied annually through the spring of 1970.

Two weeks after full bloom in 1969 the nitrogen and
potassium treatments were split with an application of 4000
ppm SADH, (250 gallons per acre) applied with a high pressure
sprayer mounted on the back of a truck. This treatment was
repeated the following spring with the dilute application
being made by the grower with an air blast orchard sprayer.

Each sub-sub plot contained three trees.

Harvest Measurements

 

No harvest measurements were made in 1967 because
of spring frost. Beginning at harvest in 1968, two weeks
before harvest in 1969 and one week before harvest in 1970,
several parameters of maturity were measured at weekly inter-

vals. FRF and firmness measurements were taken in the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

Fruit Removal Force (FRF)

 

The FRF was measured in 1969 starting at two weeks
before harvest, and one week before harvest in 1970. Twenty
fruit were selected randomly around the outer edge of the
tree at a 4—to 7—foot height. A model L-lOOO-M, Hunter push-
pull mechanical force gauge,1 was used for all FRF measure-
ments. A claw was fitted to the gauge so that the fruit
could be pulled from the pedicel and this separation force

was recorded.

Fruit Firmness
Twenty fruits were selected in the same manner as
for FRF. Fruit firmness was determined by taking one read—
ing on the cheek of each fruit with a type 00 Durometer.2
The Durometer had a 2.5 mm diameter plunger, which
extended 3.0 mm from the base of the instrument. This plunger
was pressed against the fruit until the cheek and base of
the instrument were in contact. The degree of retraction
of the plunger into the base was read on a scale of 0 to
100, with a reading of 100 being equal to 4 ounces of force.
After recording FRF and firmness of the fruit, a
pint sample of fruit was picked at random around the outside
of the tree. These samples were used to evaluate the follow-

ing parameters:

 

1Manufactured by: Hunter Spring, Division of Ametek,
Inc., Hatfield, Penn.

2Manufactured by: Shore Instrument and Mfg. Co.,
Inc., Jamaica, N.Y.

17

Fruit Color

Fruit color was determined by randomly selecting
20 fruits and taking a % inch disc of epidermal tissue from
the cheek of each fruit. These 20 disc were placed in
25 m1 of 0.5% oxalic acid solution. After storage at 40 F
for one week or longer so that color equalization could be
completed, the samples were brought to 50 ml with 0.5% oxalic
acid and filtered. The absorbance of the solutions were

read at 515 nm with a Beckman B Spectrophotometer.

Size of Fruit
Size of fruit was taken in 1968 by counting the
number of fruit in a 50 gram sample. In 1969 and 1970 fruit

size was determined by weighting a 50—fruit sample.

Soluble Solids
Soluble solids were taken by crushing ten randomly
selected cherries from the color sample. Readings were made

with a hand refractometer.

Total Yield

Total yields were taken in 1968 and 1969 by weighing
all fruit from each tree at harvest. All Weekly parameters
were taken at harvest. All plots were mechanically har-

vested with a self—propelled Friday Harvester.3

 

3Manufactured by: Friday Tractor Co., Hartford,
Michigan.

 

18

Yield data was not obtained in 1970 because of the
light crop and adverse weather conditions——wind damage late

in the season.

Growth Measurements

 

Terminal Growth

The length of ten randomly selected shoots was
recorded with selection being at a height of four to seven feet
on the tree. These measurements were made during the dormant

season starting in 1967 and continuing through 1970.

Trunk Circumference

 

Starting in the fall of 1967, trunk circumference of
each tree was measured at a height of two feet and marked
with yellow paint. This measurement was taken each year

through 1970 using the same location.
Leaf Analysis

Leaf samples were taken in mid—July each year from
1967-1970. Nitrogen was determined by modified Kjeldahl;
potassium by flame photometer; phosphorus, sodium, calcium,
magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, boron, zinc and aluminum
were determined spectrographically by use of a photoelectric
spectrometer in accordance with procedures described by

Kenworthy (27).

 

19

Processing Studies

 

At harvest in 1970, a 20 pound sample of each treat-
ment was picked from each of two reps two days apart. These
samples were placed in a 12—hour cold water soak prior to
processing.

After the soak period, all fruit was passed over a
sorting belt where culls, stems and debris were removed and
weighed. Sorted fruit was weighed before pitting. The pitted
fruit was allowed to drain five minutes and weighed. The
pits were drained for ten minutes and then weighed. From
these measurements juice loss during pitting was calculated.

Four No. 303 and two No. 10 cans were filled with
12 ounces and 88 ounces of pitted cherries respectively.

The No. 303 cans were covered with hot water,
exhausted for seven minutes, sealed and processed for eight
minutes at 210 F. After processing the filled cans were
rapidly cooled in cold—water and then stored at 50 F for
later evaluation.

The No. 10 cans were filled with hot water and
exhausted to a center temperature of 150 F sealed, processed

in 210 F water for 20 minutes, cooled and stored.

Calcium Chloride Treatment

 

The effect of adding calcium chloride to pitted

cherries was studied as follows:

 

 

20

Control

(A) Eight 12 ounce lots of SADH treated and non-
treated pitted cherries were placed in No. 303 cans, covered
with hot tap water, exhausted to 180 F in seven minutes,
sealed and processed for ten minutes at 210 F. The cans
were then cooled and stored.

(B) Same as above except hot distilled water was

used to cover the cherries.

Treated

(A) Two ounces of hot 0.2% calcium chloride solution
was placed in the bottom of eight No. 303 cans for both SADH
treated and non-treated fruit. Twelve ounces of pitted
cherries were added and covered with hot 0.2% calcium chloride.
The cans were then maintained at 140 F for ten minutes,
exhausted for seven minutes, sealed and processed as above.

(B) Eight 12 ounce samples of pitted cherries from
each treatment were weighed in sauce pans and nine ounces
of hot 0.2% calcium chloride was added. Temperature was
brought to 140 F while stiring the sample, this temperature
being held for ten minutes. The fruit was then transferred
to No. 303 cans, exhausted, sealed and processed as above.

Evaluations of Processed
Fruit after Storage

 

 

Both the No. 303 and No. 10 cans were stored for
four months at 50 F. After four months two cans of each

treatment were evaluated as follows:

 

21

Drained Weight
The cans were opened, the contents placed on 8—mesh
screen and allowed to drain for two minutes. Weight of

drained cherries was recorded.

Juice Color

A 25 ml aliquot of the drained juice was placed in
a bottle containing 25 ml of 0.5% oxalic acid. This solution
was allowed to settle, filtered and 10 ml diluted with 50 ml
of 0.5% oxalic acid and absorbancy at 515 nm recorded using

a Beckman B Spectrophotometer.

Fruit Color
Color of the drained fruit was determined using a
Hunter Lab Color and Color Difference Meter, Model D254,

with a 4—inch aperture.

Firmness
Firmness of the drained fruit was determined with

5

a L.E.E. Kramer Shear Press Model SP—lZ IMP , using a 150

gram sample of cherries.

Residue Analysis

Residue analysis for SADH in fresh fruit were deter—

mined on all SADH treatments in 1969 and 1970. The procedure

 

4Manufactured by: Hunter Associates Laboratory,
Fairfax, Va.

5Manufactured by: L.E.E. 625 N.Y. Ave. N.W.,
Washington, D.C.

 

 

 

 

22

described by Ryugo (44) was used. Samples were taken at

the last weekly sampling date.

SADH Survey

In 1970 a survey was made of 25 Michigan growers
that had applied SADH during the 1970 season. Fruit and
leaf samples were taken at harvest for residue and mineral
analysis respectively. At the time of sampling, information
was obtained as to time of application, rate of application,
weather conditions and any pesticides applied in combination

with the SADH.

 

 

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Total Yield

Total yields were taken in 1968 and 1969 by weighing
all mechanically harvested fruit from each tree. High nitrogen
applications in 1968 increased yield by 26 pounds per tree
over trees receiving the low level of nitrogen (Table 1). In
1969, high nitrogen increased yield by 35 pounds per tree.

Both of these increases were highly significant and are
supported by many other workers (8,19,25). The added income
resulting from high nitrogen indicated that the point of
diminishing returns had not been reached at 900 pounds of
NH4NO3 per acre.

Potassium applications did not result in increased
yields in either 1968 or 1969 (Table l). SADH application
resulted in an increase of 7.3 pounds of fruit per tree com-
pared to non—treated trees (Table 1). This was not significant
at the 5% level. However, if a standard minimum Shaking
force had been used when harvesting there may have been a
much greater recovery of SADH treated fruit because of the
decreased fruit removal force (Table 12). The operators of
the equipment could easily distinguish the SADH treated trees
because of the ease of removal of the fruit.

23

 

 

24

TABLE l.--Yield of Cherries from Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH
Treatments in 1968 and 1969.

 

 

 

 

Yield Pounds Per Tree1
1968 1969 SADH 1969
ppm
. 2
Nitrogen
N0 91.6a 96.0a
Nl 102.1ab 113.0b 0 109.9
N2 117.5b 131.6C 4000 117.2
'k * NS
. 3
Pota881um
K0 111.6 112.7
Kl 95.9 114.3
NS NS

 

lHarvest with Friday Mechanical Harvester.

20, 1.5, 3 pounds in 1968; 0, 3, 6 NII4NO3 in 1969.

3O, 2 pounds KCl in 1968 and 1969.

*Significant at 5% level.
NS Values not significantly different.
Values followed by unlike letters significant at 5% level.
The interactions of nitrOgen x potassium and nitrogen
SADH were not significant. However, the interaction between
nitrogen and SADH suggested that SADH was more effective at

low levels of nitrogen than at the higher rates (Table A1).

 

 

25

Mineral Nutrition

 

Leaf Nitrogen

When differential rates of nitrogen were initiated in
the spring of 1967, there was no difference in nitrogen con—
tent of leaf samples taken in July of that year (Table 2).
Leaf samples in 1968 again indicated no significant differ-
ence in nitrogen composition. Rates of nitrogen application
were increased in 1969 and leaf nitrogen was increased signi-
ficantly in medium and high rates of nitrogen application
over low nitrogen. Rates were increased again in 1970 and
a significant differential in leaf nitrogen was established
for the three rates. This indicates that responses to
increased nitrogen may not be reflected immediately unless
the increase is greater than normally used. In 1970, high
nitrogen resulted in a leaf nitrogen value of 2.83% which
is the optimum reported by Kenworthy (26).

Potassium levels had no effect on leaf nitrogen
values in 1968, 1969 or 1970 (Table 2). The same was true
for SADH at 4000 ppm applied in 1969 and 1970.

There were no significant interactions of nitrogen x
SADH or nitrogen x potassium. Interactions of nitrogen x
SADH (Table A2) do not suggest that SADH increased leaf

nitrogen as reported by Unrath et al. (47).

 

 

 

 

26

TABLE 2.—-Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH Effect on Leaf Nitrogen‘
1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

 

 

 

 

Leaf N%
1967 1968 1969 1970
Nitrogen1
N0 2.71 2.61 2.62a 2.65a
N1 2.75 2.57 2.77ab 2.73b
N2 2.71 2.64 2 77b 2.83c
NS NS * **
Potassium2
KO —- 2.64 2.73 2.74
Kl —- 2.58 2.72 2.74
NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 —- -- 2.73 2.72
4000 -— —- 2.71 2.75

 

10, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 in 1967, 1968; 0, 3, 6 pounds in
1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in 1970.

20, 2 pounds KCl in 1968, 1969 and 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.
**
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

Values followed by unlike letters significant at 5% level.

 

 

27

Leaf Potassium

Potassium treatments were started in the spring of 1968
with two pounds of KCl applied to each treated tree. As indi-
cated in Table 3, nitrogen levels had no effect on leaf
potassium. There was no difference in uptake of potassium
for the different application rates of nitrogen. The inter—
action between nitrogen and potassium applications was not
significant.

The first two years of potassium treatment did not

significantly increase leaf potassium (Table 3). However,

 

there was a significant increase in 1970. The level of
potassium (1.31%) associated with potassium application is
adequate, but Kenworthy recommends a leaf potassium of 1.50%
for optimum growth. This indicates that potassium should be
increased even more to provide an adequate evaluation of
response.

SADH application in 1969 and 1970 did not enhance
or reduce leaf potassium (Table 3). There were no significant
interactions of SADH, nitrogen or potassium levels in relation

to leaf potassium.

Growth Measurements

 

Terminal Growth
Terminal growth measurements from randomly selected

branches were taken during the dormant season for each year

28

TABLE 3.--Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH Effect on Leaf Potassium
1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

w
1967 1968 1969 1970
Nitrogen1 _
N0 1.05 1.08 1.25 1.17
Nl 1.07 1.00 1.20 1.23
N2 1.06 1.03 1.18 1.26
NS NS NS NS
Potassium2
K0 --. 1.00 1.19 1.13
Kl —- 1.07 1.23 1.31
NS NS **
SADH ppm
0 —— -— 1.22 1.25
4000 -- -- 1.20 1.19
NS NS
1

0, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 in 1967, 1968; 0, 3, 6 pounds in
1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in 1970.

0, 2 pounds KCl in 1968, 1969, 1970.
**
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

 

29

from 1967-1970. Measurements made after one year of nitrogen
application (Table 4) showed that low nitrogen treatments

had the most terminal growth. The amount of terminal growth
decreased each year for low nitrogen thereafter. High and
medium nitrogen applications did not show an increase in
terminal growth over low nitrogen rates in any of the four
years. However, the decrease in terminal growth from 1967-
1970 was 5.5 inches for low nitrogen, 3.32 inches for medium
nitrogen and only 2.50 inches for high nitrogen. This may
reflect inadequate sampling. However, cherry trees usually
show a decrease in terminal growth on lower branches as they
become older. Kenworthy (26) and Gilbert (19) suggest ten

to twenty inches of growth typical; however, no terminal
growth measurements in any of the four years approached these
figures. If measurements had been made on branches in the
top of the tree instead of from the ground, a closer relation-
ship to desired rate of growth may have been possible.

Measurements for potassium treatments showed no
difference in terminal growth due to potassium applications.
The amount of growth was of the same magnitude as the nitrogen
treatments.

SADH application at 4000 ppm in 1969 and 1970 resulted
in a significant decrease in terminal growth (Table 4). The
first year of application there was a 25.5% reduction in
terminal growth. There was a 55% reduction in terminal growth
when SADH was applied for two years indicating a carry over

effect of SADH.

 

 

 

.0 1

TABLE 4.--Terminal Growth Measurements for Nitrogen, Potassium
and SADH Treatments in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

 

Terminal Growth (Inches)l

 

 

 

 

 

 

1967 1968 1969 1970
Nitrogen2
N0 8.30a 7.61 5.02 2.79
N1 6.20ab 7.27 4.74 2.88
N2 6.82b 6 88 4.13 3.32
* NS NS NS
Potassium3
K0 —— 7.40 4.50 3.00
Kl -- 7.03 4.75 2.99
NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 —— —— 5.30 4.13
4000 -— -- 3.95 1.86
** **

 

10, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 in 1967, 1968; 0, 3, 6 pounds in
1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in 1970.

20, 2 pounds KCl in 1968, 1969, 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.

**
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

—>—W"
31

A significant nitrogen x SADH interaction was apparent
in 1970 (Fig. 1). Two yearly applications of SADH at 4000 ppm
prevented the increase in terminal growth expected from an

increase in nitrogen levels.

Trunk Circumference

 

Nitrogen levels were started in 1967 at the rate of

O, 1.5 and 3 pounds NH NO per tree and increased to 0, 3,

4 3
and 9 pounds per tree by 1970. Table 5 indicates that high
nitrogen did not result in a significant increase in trunk
circumference until 1970. Only after four years of high rates

of nitrogen was there a significant response in trunk circum—

ference reflecting an increase in Vigor. This increase in

 

vigor was not evident in terminal growth measurements.
Neither potassium nor SADH had a significant effect
on trunk circumference. No significant interactions were

apparent.
Harvest Measurements

Fruit Firmness

Fresh fruit firmness measured on the tree at harvest
in 1968, showed no increase or decrease in firmness due to
nitrogen or potassium treatments (Table 6). Firmness at three
weekly periods starting two weeks before harvest in 1969 again

indicated that nitrogen and potassium treatments had no effect

 

32

TERMINAL GROWTH

”I

45-
4o-
35,
3o

25

INCHES

2D -

05

 

000..
o'ooo.....
.....'.Oocooloooooluooooooooo

O—SADH 0 PPm

Oooooooooou SADH 4°00 Ppm

NITROGEN

FIGURE 1.-—Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to Terminal

Growth 1970.

 

 

33

TABLE 5.—-Trunk Circumference Measurements for Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

 

Trunk Circumference (Inches)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1967 1968 1969 1970
Nitrogen1
NO 16.75 16.96 18.10 18.98a
Nl 16.60 17.09 18.60 20.52b
N2 16.91 17.73 19.55 20.39b
NS NS NS *
Potassium2
K0 -- 17.76 18.96 19.93
Kl -- 16.75 18.53 19.98
NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 —— —- 18.91 20.19
4000 —— —— 18.59 19.74
NS NS
1

0, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO in 1967, 1968; 0, 3, 6 pounds
in 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in l 70.

20, 2 pounds of KCl in 1968, 1969 and 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

34

TABLE 6.-—Fruit Firmness as Related to Nitrogen and Potassium
Treatment in 1968.

 

 

 

Nitrogen2 Firmnessl Potassium3 Firmnessl
NO 44.28
Nl 46.25 K0 46.59
N2 45.20 Kl 45.20
NS NS
lFirmness readings on a scale of 0 to 100, 100 = 4 oz.
of force.
20, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
3

O, 2 pounds KCl per tree.

NS Values not significantly different.

on firmness of the fruit (Table 7). The same results were
obtained for two weekly periods in 1970 (Table 8). High
rates of nitrogen apparently did not produce soft cherries
that reportedly interfered with pitting. Firmness meaSure-
ments taken at harvests during the three seasons had very
little variation between nitrogen and potassium levels.
There was a decrease in firmness as the season progressed,
but this has been well documented by others (12,56).

SADH treated fruit were significantly firmer at all
weekly measurements in 1969 (Table 7) and in 1970 (Table 8).
The SADH treatment maintained firmness as maturity advanced.
In 1969 when the trees were mechanically harvested, one
could easily distinguish the SADH fruit by use of a manual

pressure test of the fruit prior to soaking.

 

 

35

TABLE 7.—-Fruit Firmness as Related to Nitrogen, Potassium
and SADH Treatments. Three Weekly Periods 1969.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treatment Eiéggfiéil
1 2 3
Nitrogen2
N0 53.4 51.9 51.8*
Nl 53.4 52.1 51.4*
N2 53.0 52.1 51.4*
NS NS NS
Potassium3
K0 53.2 51.1 51.7*
Kl ‘ 53.4 53.1 51.4*
NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 52.7 51.1 51.0*
4000 53.8 53.1 52.0*
** ‘k* **
1Scale of 0 to 100, 100 = 4 oz.
20, 3, 6 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
3

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
*

Significant at 5% level.
**

Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

36

TABLE 8.--Fruit Firmness as Related to Nitrogen, Potassium
and SADH Treatments Two Weekly Periods 1970.

 

 

 

 

Treatments Firmnessl
Weeks
1 2
. 2
Nitrogen
N0 59.0 57.9 NS
Nl 58.8 58.1 NS
N2 58.4 58.1 NS
NS NS
. 3
Pota551um
*
K0 58.9 57.9
*
K 58.6 58.1
1
NS NS
SADH ppm
*
0 58.0 57.2
*
4000 59.1 58.8
** **

 

1Scale of 0 to 100, 100 = 4 oz.

20, 3, 9 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.

30, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
'1:
Significant at 5% level.

~k'k
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values no significantly different.

37

The SADH firming effect carried over in the processed
product as indicated by (Table 18). SADH maintained firmness
in both the No. 303 and the No. 10 can. Unrath (48) reported
this and attributed the effect to increased resistance of the

SADH treated fruit to softening.

Fruit Color

Fruit color of sour cherries at three weekly periods
in 1969 showed no significant increase or decrease in color
due to nitrogen levels (Table 9). The same was true for two
weekly periods in 1970 when there was much more fruit color
due to the season and other factors (Table 9). High nitrogen
in both 1969 and 1970 resulted in slightly more fruit color
at all weekly periods than low nitrogen. This would tend to
disprovethat.high nitrogen applications necessarily resulted
in poorly colored cherries as indicated by Mitchell and
others (29,39).

An increase in potassium application did not increase
fruit color for the first two weekly periods of 1969 (Table 9)
but did significantly increase color at harvest (period 3).
This increase in fruit color had been reported also by Cline
(12). In 1970, just the reverse was true, except that the
data wasnot significant. Potassium application caused a
slight reduction in fruit color at both periods in 1970

(Table 9) and agreed with the results reported by Kenworthy (29).

 

38

TABLE 9.-—Fruit Color of Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH Treated
Fruit at Three Weekly Periods 1969, and Two in 1970.

 

Fruit Color
(Absorbance, 515 nm)

 

 

 

 

1969 1970
Week Week
1 _2—_ 3 1 2
Nitrogenl
N0 .348 .461 .569* .831 .811 NS
N1 .372 .459 .583* .862 .827 NS
N2 .371 .491 .597* .849 .859 NS
NS NS NS NS NS
Potassium2
KO .369 .475 .567* .859 .842 NS
Kl .358 .465 .599 835 .822 NS
NS NS ** NS NS
SADH ppm
0 .328 .446 .567* .817 .818 NS
4000 .399 .494 .599* .877 .847*
** *‘k * ‘k *
l0, 3, 6 pounds of NH4NO3 per tree.
2

O, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
*

Significant at 5% level.
**

Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

39

In 1969, potassium applications resulted in fruit with less
color than non-treated at the first two periods, but color
was greatly enhanced during the last weekly period of harvest.

SADH significantly enhanced fruit color in 1969 and
1970 except the last weekly harvest in 1970 when color
equalization had occurred (Table 9). At first period in 1970
the fruit from the high nitrogen, potassium and SADH treat-
ments had approximately the same amount of color indicating
that these treatments had resulted in maximum color develop-
ment.

SADH increased color over all treatments at the
first sampling period in 1969. This increase in color
development would allow harvest to be advanced five to seven
days. Unrath (48) reported this advancement in color develop—
ment.

In 1969, SADH application showed a significant increase
in color as the season advanced. In 1970, however, color
development was extremely rapid and there was no significant
increase from one weekly measurement to the next.

Nitrogen x SADH interactions were not significant
for either year. However, the interaction data (Table A3)
suggest that SADH enhanced color development to a specific
level but not in addition to other treatments (i.e. nitrogen)

that might increase color.

 

 

 

40

Data from cherries processed in 1970 showed no
significant difference between any of the treatments in
retention of color in the processed (hot pack) cherry
(Table 18). As shown (Table 10) high nitrogen application
iresulted in a slightly higher color of cherries in both the
No. 303 and No. 10 cans and that low potassium also resulted
in slightly more color than potassium treated fruit. SADH
resulted in a slight increase in color. However, no treat—
ment (nitrogen, potassium or SADH) caused a significant

change in color (Table 10).

Fruit Removal Force (FRF)

 

Nitrogen applications, in 1969 did not affect FRF
at the first two weekly periods (Table 11). However, at
harvest there was a decrease in FRF required to separate the
fruit frOm it's pedicel with the high level of nitrogen
application. This decrease was significant at the 1% level.
For all weekly periods in both 1969 and 1970, high nitrogen
resulted in somewhat lower FRF than either low or medium
nitrogen, In 1970, there was no statistically significant
difference in FRF (Table 11). As indicated, there was a
decrease in FRF as the season progressed for both years.

Levels of potassium had no effect on FRF at any of
the three weekly periods in 1969 or at either of the two
weekly periods in 1970 (Table 12). There was a decrease in

FRF as maturity advanced.

 

 

41

TABLE 10.--Processed Fruit and Juice Color from Nitrogen,
Potassium and SADH Treatments 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fruit Color Fruit Color
(Absorbance, 515 nm) (aL/bL Ratio)
#303 Can #10 Can #303 Can
Nitrogenl
N0 .209 .211 1.50
N1 .211 .207 1.52
N2 .217 .219 1.53
NS NS NS
Potassium2
KO .215 .214 1.57
Kl .209 .210 1.47
NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 .211 .217 1.46
4000 .213 .208 1.57
NS NS NS
10, 3, 9 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
2

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

42

TABLE ll.-—Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Fruit Removal Force
at Three Weekly Periods in 1969 and Two Weekly Periods in
1970.

 

Fruit Removal Forcel

 

 

 

 

1969 1970
Week Week
1 2 3 l 2
. 2
Nitrogen
*a *
N0 437 367 394 290 227
*ab *
N1 443 363 281 268 226
*
N2 434 340 267 b 280 225
NS NS ** NS NS
1
Grams
2

0, 3, 6 pounds NH4NO3 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.
**
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

At period one and period three in 1969, SADH at 4000
ppm, significantly reduced FRF over non-sprayed fruit. FRF
was decreased, also, in 1970 by the SADH treatment (Table 12).
The ease of removal of cherries from the SADH treatments
would indicate that harvest could be advanced by three to
five days as reported by Unrath (48).

There was a significant potassium x SADH interaction
at harvest in relation to FRF in both 1969 and 1970 (Fig. 2,

3). This interaction indicates that SADH reduced FRF at the

 

 

43

TABLE 12.——Effect of Potassium and SADH on Fruit Removal
Force at Three Weekly Periods in 1969 and Two Weekly Periods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in 1970.
Fruit Removal Force1
1969 1970
Week Week
1 2 3
. 2
Pota551um
* *
KO 431 362 281 280 226
Kl 446 349 280 278 226
NS NS NS NS NS
SADH ppm
* *
0 453 336 290 287 234
* *
4000 423 345 271 270 218
* NS * * **
lGrams
2

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree in 1969, 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.
'k*
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

lower potassium level but not at the higher level. Higher

potassium seemed to reduce the effect of SADH on FRF.

Fruit Size
Data collected in 1968, 1969, and 1970 indicated that
there was no difference in size due to nitrogen treatments

(Table 13).

44

FRUIT REMOVAL FORCE

 

 

300 P .— SADH 0 ppm
000.. SADH 4000 PPI'I‘I
290 _
2 280 _
E .o
o
0 27° - ....0000
00"...
0".
260 _
‘s' . .
O
POTASSIUM 1

FIGURE 2.--Potassium x SADH Interaction in Relation to Fruit
Removal Force Harvest 3, 1969. ‘

 

FRUIT REMOVAL FORCE

 

 

300 __ .—-— SADH 0 ppm
0000. SADH 4000 ppm
290 _
m 2
E 80 _
00
0..
0 270 - ......oo
0......
o"
269)“
i l I
0 1
POTASSIUM

FIGURE 3.——Potassium x SADH Interaction in Relation to Fruit
Removal Force Harvest 2, 1970.

45

Data for 1969 at three weekly periods indicate that high
nitrogen resulted in a slightly smaller fruit than low
nitrogen. The difference was not significant. This effect

was shown also in 1970 at both periods. Harrington (29)

 

found that low nitrogen produced larger cherries than higher
nitrogen. This would suggest that high nitrogen levels are
not responsible for large cherries.

There was a significant increase in fruit size as

maturity progressed.

 

TABLE 13.--Fruit Size as Influenced by Nitrogen Treatments for
1968, 1969 and 1970.

 

 

1968 1969 1970
Week Week Week
1 l 2 3 l 2
Nitrogen2
* *
N0 4 29 4 0 4.5 4 8 4.6 4.9
* 16
Nl 4.64 4.8 4.6 4.9 4.5 4.9
* *
N2 4 38 3 7 4.3 4.6 4.5 4.7
NS NS NS NS NS NS

 

lGrams per fruit.

20, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NOg per tree 1968; 0, 3, 6 pounds

NH4NO3 per tree 1969; 0, 3, pounds NH4NO3 per tree 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

46

Potassium treatments did not significantly affect

fruit size (Table 14) in any of the three years. There was

a trend at harvest in both 1969 and 1970 for fruit from the

potassium treatment to be larger than non-treated fruit.

Kwong (32) reported an increase in fruit size as leaf potas—

sium levels approached 1.25%. In this study values

of 1.31%

(Table 3) leaf potassium for treated trees in 1970 showed no

significant fruit size increase.

SADH sprays applied two weeks after full bloom at 4000

ppm in 1969 and again in 1970 showed no significant
in fruit size (Table 14). No reduction in size was
with one or two years application. The second year
application resulted in the same average size fruit
grams as the one year application. No interactions

significant.

Soluble Solids

difference
found

of SADH

of 4.8

were

There was no statistical difference in soluble solids

due to nitrogen treatments in 1969 and 1970 (Table 15). High

nitrogen applications resulted in slightly higher soluble

solids than low nitrogen in 1969 and 1970. This would indicate

that higher nitrogen may have increased soluble solids. There

was an increase in soluble solids as the season progressed in

both 1969 and 1970 with the 1970 values being slightly higher

than 1969.

 

47

TABLE l4.——Potassium and SADH Effects on Fruit Size 1968,

1969 and 1970.

 

 

 

'SiZel
1968 ‘ 1969 1970
Week Week Week
1 l 2 3 l 2
Potassium
* *
KO 4.5 3.9 4.5 4.7 4.5 4.8
'k *
K1 4 3 4.0 4.5 4.8 4.5 4.9
NS NS NS NS NS NS
SADH ppm
*
0 -- 3.9 4.5 4.7 4.6 4.8
*
4000 ~— 4.0 4.4 4.8 4.5 4.8
NS NS NS NS NS

 

lGrams per fruit.

*
Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

Potassium applications showed no effect on soluble

solids in 1969 or 1970 (Table 16). The potassium treatment

did show a slight increase in soluble solids in 1969 and 1970.

 

 

 

IEII:f_________________________________—“gm'_7t7
48

TABLE 15.——Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Soluble Solids of
Sour Cherries at Five Weekly Periods in 1969 and 1970.

 

 

 

%Soluble Solids1
1969 1970
Week Week
1 2 3 l 2
I . 2
Nitrogen
*
N0 11.4 11.4 12.3 12.1 12.5
*
Nl 11.4 11.7 12.4 12.3 13.0
N2 11.8 11.8 12.9* 12.6 13.1
NS NS NS NS NS

 

1Measured by hand refractometer.
20, 3, 6 pounds NH4NO3 in 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in 1970.
*

Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

Soluble solids were not significantly changed with the
4000 ppm SADH treatment in 1969 or 1970 (Table 16). Unrath
et a1. (47), also, reported that SADH concentrations up to

8000 ppm did not increase or decrease soluble solids.
SADH Residue

Residue samples were taken from each treated tree at
harvest in 1969 and 1970. In 1969 there was a range of 3.2
to 3.8 ppm residue. However, there was no difference between

nitrogen treatments (Table 17). Data in 1970 indicated that

 

 

If—'_j‘" " ”I '7

49

TABLE l6.-—Effect of Potassium and SADH on Soluble Solids at
Three Weekly Periods in 1969 and Two in 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

'%Soluble'Solidsl
1969 1970
Week Week
1 2 3 l 2
. 2
Pota551um
* *
K0 11.3 11.6 12 4 12.5 12.8
* *
Kl 11.7 11.7 12.7 12.2 12.9
NS NS NS NS NS
SADH ppm
* *
0 11.5 11.8 12.4 12.4 13.0
* *
4000 11.6 11.5 12.6 12.3 12.8
NS NS NS NS NS

 

1Measured by hand refractometer.
20, 2 pounds KCl per tree.

*

Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

there was a three—fold increase in fruit residue when the same
trees were sprayed two consecutive years. There was still no
influence of nitrogen treatments on fruit residue.

Data from the potassium treatment indicated that there
was no effect of potassium on the residue content of the fruit

in either year (Table 17). All determinations suggested an

 

50

TABLE l7.--SADH Residue from Nitrogen and Potassium Treat—
ments in 1969 and 1970.

 

’SADH Residue‘ppml

 

 

1969 1970
. 2
Nitrogen
**
NO 3.8 12.0
0 8**
N1 3.2 1 .
**
N 3.7 11.9
2
NS NS
. 3
PotaSSium
**
KO 3.6 11.1
**
K1 3.4 11.5
NS NS

 

lProcedure as described by Ryugo (44).

0, 3, 6 pounds NH4NO3 per tree in 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree in 1969 and 1970.
**
Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

increase in fruit residue after the second year of application

which may be, in part, a carry over from the previous years
application. However, residue values could be expected to
vary from year to year depending upon climatic factors not

studied. Many climatic factors, both at time of application

51

and during the growing season, may have influenced the residue
values.

The typical SADH response was evident both in 1969 with
an average residue of 4 ppm and in 1970 with a fruit residue
average of 11.5 ppm.

No significant nitrogen x potassium interactions in

relation to SADH residue were observed.

Processed Evaluations

 

Nitrogen, Potassium and SADH

 

In 1970 the processed fruit was stored for four months
and then evaluated for drained weight, shear force, juice
and fruit color.

Nitrogen treatments had no affect on drained weight
of the processed cherries in either the No. 303 or No. 10 can.
These treatments also had no influence on shear force (Table
18).

Potassium treatments had little or no effect on
drained weight or shear force (Table 18). Potassium and
nitrogen levels had no affect on fruit or juice color of the
processed cherries (Table A4). In 1970 SADH treatment resulted
in a decrease in drained weight of treated cherries in the
No. 303 cans and an increase in drained weight in the No. 10
cans (Table 18). This discrepancy may be justified when the

shear force data is examined. The force required to shear

 

52

TABLE 18.--Processed Cherry Evaluations from Nitrogen, Potas-
sium and SADH Treatments in 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drained Weight Shear Force3 COIOr Pits
#303 #10 #303 #10 aL/bL %
Nitrogenl
NO 10.62 114.80 37.56 24.47 1.50 7.1
Nl 10.60 113.39 34.00 23.00 1.52 7.0
N2 10.62 115.27 38.81 25.66 1.53 7.1
NS NS NS NS NS NS
. 2
Pota551um
K0 10.59 114.30 36.96 23.42 1.57 7.0
Kl 10.65 114.67 36.63 25.33 1.47 7.1
NS NS NS NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 10.68 113.94 30.79 19.39 1.46 7.2
4000 10.55 115.04 42.79 29.35 1.57 6.9
* * * *9: NS *
l0, 3, 9 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
2

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
3Scale of 0 to 100 with 100 = 30 pounds force.
*Significant at 5% level.
**Significant at 1% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

53

the SADH treated fruit was much higher than untreated

(Table 18). Therefore, the firmer fruit in the small No.

303 can may have retained its shape and drained more completely

than the non-treated fruit, thus giving a lower drained weight

than the control. The higher drained weight of the non-

treated fruit could be due to the softer fruit with greater

contact between the collapsed cherry surfaces. These sur—

faces may trap a greater percentage of liquid by adhesion than

the firmer SADH treatment, thus higher drained weight. This

factor may have been overcome in the larger sample of the

No. 10 can and resulted in an increase in drained weight.

The fruit in the No. 10 can was less firm than that in the

small can. This may have been due to over cooking of the

large units because of time required in heating and cooling.
SADH had no influence on color of the fruit as

indicated by the Hunter aL/bL ratio (Table 18) or juice color

(Table A4). Percent of pits was reduced by SADH treatment

(Table 18).

Calcium Treatments

 

Drained weights for the three treatments; tap water,
.2% calcium chloride and .2% calcium chloride plus ten minute
cook at 140 F, were statistically lower than the distilled
water treatment (Table 19). A partial explanation can be
obtained for this decrease in drained weight by the shear

force data (Table 19). Both of the .2% calcium chloride

 

54

treatments resulted in statistically firmer cherries than the
-disti11ed water treatment. The calcium chloride-plus cook
treatment gave firmer cherries than both the distilled and
tap water treatments. This would suggest that these treat-

ments may have made cell walls more rigid.

TABLE l9.--Processed Cherry Evaluations from Calcium Treat—
ment in 1970.

 

 

Calcium Drained Shear (a)l aL/bLl

Salts Weight Force
Distilled H20 10.79a 29.56a 18.81 1.67
Tap H20 10.59b 32.38ab 20.49 1.83
.2% Calcium Chloride 10.53b 40.94bc 17.78 1.60
.2% Calcium Chloride 10.56b 46.89c 18.58 1.59
Cook 140 F 10 min.

* * NS NS

 

lHunter color difference meter a an aL/bL values.
*

Significant at 5% level.
NS Values not significantly different.

Values followed by unlike letters significant at 5%
level.

LaBelle (37) also found that calcium chloride plus a
precook resulted in a firmer product with lower drained
weight. He suggested that when the cell wall was strengthened,
it did not mean retention of fluids. As stated previously,
the firmer cherry will retain its characteristic form and

may drain more completely resulting in a lower drained weight.

 

 

 

 

 

55

The calcium treatments had no significant effect on
fruit or juice color (Table 19, A5). These data suggest that
firmness of sour cherries in a processed product is increased
as calcium salts in the packing media are increased. No
definite reason can be given for the lower drained weight

obtained with the SADH or calcium chloride treatments.

Spectrographic Analysis of Leaf Samples

 

Leaf analysis from nitrogen treatments indicated no
difference in manganese content due to nitrogen the first
two years (1967, 1968) of treatment (Table 20). Data for
1969 and 1970 showed a highly significant increase in leaf
manganese as nitrogen applications increased. From 1967 to
1970 manganese increased with the higher levels of nitrogen

application. It is suggested that NH from the applications

4
of ammonium nitrate replaced manganesein the soil, thus
manganese was more readily available to be absorbed by the
roots.

Nitrogen applications had no significant effect on
phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, boron,
zinc and aluminum in the four years (1967—1970) that the
treatments were maintained (Table A6, A7, A8, A9). The

variations between years, could not be related to nitrogen

treatments.

 

 

56

 

TABLE 20.—-Leaf Manganese from Various Nitrogen Levels for
1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

 

Manganesel ppm

 

 

 

1967 1968 1969 1970
NitrOgen2
N0 66 70 52a 58a
N1 63 63 62b 68b
N2 68 70 73c 85c
NS NS * *
1

Appendix Tables 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A.

 

20, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 per tree in 1967 and 1968;

0, 3, 6 pounds in 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in 1970.
*
Significant at 5% level.

Values followed by unlike letters significant at 5%
level.

NS Values not significantly different.

Potassium treatments had no detectable influence on
uptake of phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron,
copper, boron, zinc and aluminum in any one of the three
years of treatment (Table A7, A8, A9).

When leaves from trees receiving SADH treatments for
one year were analysed spectrographically for the above elements
no obvious or statistical influence on the uptake of elements
was observed (Table A8, A9). In 1970, however, after two
years application at 4000 ppm, there was an increase in

uptake of calcium and magnesium (Table 21).

 

57

TABLE 21.--Leaf Values from SADH Treated Plots for Calcium,

 

 

 

 

 

and Magnesium in 1969 and 1970.
Calcium % "‘ ‘Magnesium %
1969 1970 1969 1970
SADH ppm
0 1.66 1.94 .39 .43
4000 1.69 2.04 .39 .50
NS * NS *

 

*
Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

SADH Residue Survey

 

The rates of application for the thirty-four orchards

 

were broken into five groups: (1) = 0-3 pounds SADH per acre,
(2) = 4-6 pounds SADH per acre, (3) = 7-9 pounds SADH per
acre, (4) = 10-12 pounds SADH per acre and (5) = 12 pounds or
more SADH per acre. A linear response, significant at the
5% level, was found for SADH residue as pounds per acre
increased (Table A10). A linear response to increasing con-
centration was reported, also, by Unrath, gt_al. (47).

A survey of SADH residues ranged from .96 to 18.7 ppm
indicating that the FDA established residue value of 50 ppm

had not been approached.

 

58

Related Responses

 

The enhancement of yield by increasing nitrogen appli—
cations associated with increased leaf nitrogen indicated that
the levels of nitrogen were increasing the capacity of the
tree to mature a full crop of cherries. This increase in
yield was not accompanied by an increase in vigor as indicated
by an increase in terminal growth. The lack of a significant
increase in terminal growth could be, as stated earlier,

improper sampling technique.

The terminal growth sampling technique could also
explain why SADH appeared to be more effective on higher
nitrogen rates with two years application at 4000 ppm than
at lower nitrogen rates. Also, there were no measurements
made to determine spur development and growth. It may be
that high nitrogen resulted in more over all yearly growth
than the lower levels. This was suggested by the increase in
trunk circumference measurements. Thus the leaf nitrogen
and trunk circumference would be better criteria for deter—
mining vigor than terminal growth. As reported SADH did
not decrease trunk circumference measurements or leaf nitrogen
values. However, it did decrease terminal growth by over
50% with two years application.

Reduced FRF coupled with an increase in firmness
and color from SADH treatments indicate that SADH would permit
harvesting sooner. Also, the reduced FRF resulted in less
leaf removal and trunk damage during the shaking operation

because less shaking was needed. The increased firmness

 

 

59

resulted in fruit that did not bruise as readily as
untreated fruit; therefore, a superior processed pack that
was indicated by the increase in shear force for treated
fruit.

Color data in relation to leaf nitrogen, leaf
potassium and SADH application is not clear. The data suggest
that potassium increased color in one year and not in the
other. SADH appeared to enhance color only to a given level.
This could possibly be, as Chaplin (11) indicated, that SADH
acts on the anthocyanin and sugar biosynthesis enzyme systems
and increases color to a point where some other factor
(possibly anatomical) has become the limiting one. Another
possibility is the improvement in color by reducing the

presence of poorly colored fruit.
Future Research

The results indicated by this thesis study suggest
that the sour cherry responds to nitrogen, potassium and
SADH in various ways. However, these data leave several
points unanswered and raise additional questions.

It would appear that large increments in nitrogen
applications or several years of smaller increments would be
necessary to achieve a differential in leaf nitrogen. The
same is true for potassium treatments. It is suggested that
the relatively high rates of nitrogen and potassium applica-

tions be maintained so that the response of the sour cherry

 

 

 

60

can be determined more precisely. It might be pertinent to
have a greater differential in leaf nitrogen and potassium
so as to have near deficiency on one end and excess at the
other.

SADH treatments need more testing to establish the
terminal growth reduction in relation to leaf nitrogen.
Perhaps, instead of spraying only at 4000 ppm each year a
study could be initiated to evaluate the response of three
to four years at 4000 ppm in comparison to 4000 the first,
2000 the second, and 1000 the third in combination with the
fertilizer application rates.

Another area of research would deal with applications
of SADH every year as compared to heavy crop years or every
other year. Detailed work should be initiated or co-ordinated
with growers to establish the most practical program for a
given year. Also, the compatibility of SADH with pesticide
and fungicides should be obtained. Data from one grower
indicated no incompatability with sulfur. There had been
some interest in the addition of an adjuvant to enhance the
uptake of SADH or reduce the concentration needed for a
desired effect. If concentrations of SADH could be reduced
there would be a substantial savings in cost and possibly

alter some other effects of SADH on growth and vigor.

 

 

 

 

61

Work also needs to be undertaken on processed sour
cherry products to determine how the firmer SADH treated
cherry is accepted. Some evaluations of the degree of

firmness desired by consumers must be obtained.

 

 

 

SUMMARY

Field plots were initiated to establish nitrogen
levels for sour cherry in the spring of 1967. The initial
rates were 0, 1.5, and 3 pounds of NH4NO3 per tree spread
around the periphery of each tree. These rates were
increased each year until the level of 0, 3, and 9 pounds
NH4NO3 were applied in 1970. In 1968 the plots receiving
differential levels of nitrogen were split with 0 and 2
pounds of KCl per tree and maintained until 1970. The plots
were further split with an SADH application of 4000 ppm,
applied two weeks after full bloom in 1969 and 1970.

Nitrogen applications increased the yield of sour
cherries by 25 pounds per tree in 1968 and 35 pounds per

tree in 1969. Increased nitrOgen had no significant effect

on fruit color, did not increase the size of the cherries,

 

nor did it result in a softer fruit. There was a significant

 

increase in leaf nitrogen for high nitrogen application in

both 1969 and 1970. Low application rates had a leaf nitrogen

value of 2.65% in 1970 and high nitrogen a value of 2.83%.
Potassium treatments had no effect on yield, fruit

removal force, size or firmness. Potassium did increase fruit

62

 

63

color in 1969, but the reverse was true in 1970. Potassium
treatments resulted in a leaf potassium level of 1.13% for
non-treated and 1.31% for trees receiving potassium in 1970.

SADH treatments increased fruit color and firmness
early in the season in both 1969 and 1970. Fruit removal
force was decreased by the SADH treatment in both years.
The increased cherry firmness was maintained in a processed
product in 1970, however, the increase in fruit color did not.

Terminal growth was decreased 25% by SADH treatment
in 1969. In 1970 with two years application at 4000 ppm,
there was a 55% decrease in terminal growth. However, trunk
circumference measurements showed no decrease resulting from
SADH treatment. There was a three-fold increase in SADH
residue in fresh fruit with two years application. However,
the average 11 ppm SADH residue in fruit for the two years
application was far below the 50 ppm set by the FDA.

A firmer processed product was obtained with a .2%
calcium chloride solution plus a precook at 140 F for ten
minutes. SADH treatment also resulted in a firmer processed

product.

 

 

 

LITERATURE CITED

64

 

 

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Baker, Clarence E. 1949. Further studies of the effect-
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Bedford, C. L. and W. F. Robertson. 1953. Effect of
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Bedford, C. L. and W. F. Robertson. 1955. The effect
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Bedford, C. L. and W. F. Robertson. 1957. Effect of
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Bedford, C. L. and W. F. Robertson. 1962. Processed
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65

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Cline, R. A. and J. A. Archibald. 1965. The effect of
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Curwen, David, F. J. McArdle and C. M. Ritter. 1966.
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Drake, Curtis W. 1966. My experiences in shaking and
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67

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68

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Mitchell, Arthur E. and Jordan H. Levin. 1969. Tart
cherry growing, harvesting and processing for good
quality. Ext. Bul. E—654 Farm Sci. Ser., Mich. State
Univ.

 

 

 

42.

43.

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45.

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47.

48.

49.

50.

69

Moore, Duain J. 1960. Rate of plant diseases in RSP
cherry production and quality. Great Lakes Cherry
Prod. Mkt. Cooperative Inc., Prog. Report 1960
p. 27—29.

Parups, E., A. L. Kenworthy, E. J. Beene, and S. T. Bass.
1958. Growth and composition of leaves and roots
of Montmorency cherry trees in relation to the sulfate
and chloride supply in nutrient solutions. Proc. Amer.
Soc. Hort. Sci. 71: 135—144.

Ryugo, Kay. 1966. Persistence and mobility of alar
(B-995) and its effect on anthocyanin metabolism
in sweet cherries. Prunus avium. Proc. Amer. Soc.
Hort. Sci. 88: 160—1 .

Taylor, 0. C. and A. E. Mitchell. 1955. Soluble solids,
total solids, sugar content and weight of the fruit
of the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) as affected by
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Soc. Hort. Sci. 65: 124—150.

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Prog. Report 1960. p. 9-16.

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Ml‘C‘IT—Stmv .

Unrath, Claude R., A. L. Kenworthy and C. L. Bedford.
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54.

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56.

70

Whittenberger, R. T., J. H. Levin and B. F. Cargill.
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Wilcox, J. C. 1937. Field studies of apple tree growth
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Zubriski, J. C. and Charles F. Swingle. 1950. Potassium
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curl—leaf and to exchangeable soil potassium. Proc.
Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 56: 34—39.

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX TABLES

 

71

 

72

TABLE Al.--NitrOgen x SADH Interaction in Relation to Yield.
Pounds per Tree, 1969.

 

 

SADH ppm
0 4000
. l
Nitrogen
N0 81 110
N1 111 114
N2 136 126

 

 

 

l0, 3, 6 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.

TABLE A2.—-Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to Percent
Leaf Nitrogen.

 

 

 

 

 

1969 1970
SADH,ppm SADH,ppm
0 4000 0 4000
. 1 . 1
Nitrogen Nitrogen
N0 2.67 2.57 N0 2.63 2.67
Nl 2.77 2 79 Nl 2.71 2.76
N2 2 76 2.79 N2 2.83 2.83
1

0, 3, 6 pounds NH NO per tree 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds 1970.

4 3

73

TABLE A3.—-Nitrogen x SADH Interaction in Relation to Fruit
Color. (Absorbance 515 nm).

 

 

 

 

 

 

1969 1970
SADH,ppm SADH,ppm
0 4000 0 4000
. l . 1
Nitrogen Nitrogen
N0 .54 .60 N0 .79 .84
N1 .57 .60 N1 .80 .85
N2 .59 .60 N2 .86 .85
1

0, 3, 6 pounds NH NO per tree 1969; 0, 3, 9 pounds in
1970. 4 3

 

74

TABLE A4.-—Processed Cherry Juice Color as Related to Treat-
' ments 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

Color
—_ *
Juice Color Hunter
(515 nm) (#303 Can)
#303 #10 L a b
. 1
Nitrogen
N0 '.209 .211 26.8 19.3 13.6
N1 .211 .207 27.1 19.1 13.3
N2 .217 .219 26.7 18.2 12.0
NS NS NS NS NS
. 2
PotaSSlum
KO .215 .214 26.9 19.0 12.2
Kl .209 .210 26.8 18.7 13.6
NS NS NS NS NS
SADH ppm
0 .211 .217 27.0 19.3 14.0
4000 .213 .208 27.0 18.5 11.9
NS NS NS NS NS
10, 3, 9 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
2

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
NS Values not significantly different.

*
Hunter color difference meter L, a and b values.

 

75

TABLE A5.-—The Effect of Added Calcium before Processing on
Fruit and Juice Color 1970.

 

 

Color
*
Juice Color Hunter
Treatments (515 nm) (Fruit)
L b
Distilled Water .228 25.4 11.2
Tap Water .223 26.1 11.6
.2% Calcium Chloride .219 25.7 11.3
.2% Calcium Chloride .223 25.4 11.8
Cook 10 min. at 140 F
NS NS NS

 

 

NS Values not significantly different.

*
Hunter color difference meter L and b values.

TABLE A6.—-Leaf Analysis2 as Related to Nitrogen Applications

 

 

 

1967.
Nitrogen1 P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn A1
NO .237 334 1.75 .45 66 181 25 24 18 219
N1 .233 389 1.64 .42 63 180 23.0 22 16 200
N2 .221 331 1.55 .41 68 182 23.0 23 18 166
NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
10, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
2

P, Ca, Mg in %, others ppm.

NS Values not significantly different.

76

TABLE A7.--Leaf Analysis3 as Related to Nitrogen and Potassium
Applications 1968.

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrogenl P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu BI Zn A1
N0 .196 112 1.86 .34 70 113 20 29 11 123
N1 .165 89 1.85 .28 63 107 16 27 11 122
N2 .177 106 1.81 .25 70 115 17 27 12 129
NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS . NS NS
Potassium2 P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn Al
KO .178 98 1.82 .28 67.2 113 18 28 12 125
Kl .181 107 1.85 .31 67.5 111 17 27 11 125
NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
10, 1.5, 3 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
20, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
3

P, Ca, Mg in %, others ppm.

NS Values not significantly different.

77

TABLE A8.--Leaf Analysis3 as Related to Nitrogen, Potassium
and SADH Applications 1969.

 

 

Nitrogenl P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn A1
NO .241 66 1.69 .43 52 70 19.3 30 19 197
N1 .222 79 1.67 .38 62 75 18.1 30 18 202
N2 .219 123 1.68 .36 73 72 18.0 30 20 200

NS NS NS NS * NS NS NS NS NS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potassium2 P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn A1
KO .231 84 1.70 .39 62 74 18.8 30 20 200

Kl .223 95 1.66 .39 63 70 18.1 30 19 199

NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS

SADH ppm P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn Al
0 .230. 96 1.66 39 62 71 18.3 30 18 197
4000 .225 82 1.69 39 63 74 18.6 30 20 203

NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS

1
0, 3, 6 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.

20, 2 pounds KCl per tree.

3P, Ca, Mg in %, others ppm.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

78

TABLE A9.--Leaf Analysis3 as Related to Nitrogen, Potassium
' ' and SADH Applications 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrogenl P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn Al
N0 .187 104 2.07 .49 58 83 15 34 18 124
N1 .178 108 1.94 .44 68 80 16 34 16 116
-N2 .179 123 1.95 .47 85 82 16 34 19 118
NS NS NS NS * NS NS NS NS NS
Potassium2 P Na Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn Al
KO .182 106 1.95 .45 70 73 16 35 18 120
Kl .180 116 2.03 .48 72 70 15 33 18 118
NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
SADH ppm P NA Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu B Zn A1
0 .182 112 1.94 .43 7O 71 15 34 19 117
4000 .180 111 2.04 .50 72 72 16 34 17 121
NS NS * * NS NS NS NS NS NS
1
0, 3, 9 pounds NH4NO3 per tree.
2 I

0, 2 pounds KCl per tree.
3P, Ca, Mg in %, others ppm.
*

Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

 

TABLE A10.—-SADH Survey/Residue and

 

79

Leaf Analysis 1970.

 

 

Rate SADH N K P Ca Mg Mn No. of
ppm % % % % % ppm Samples

1 2.16 2.66 1.34 .199 2.07 .58 72 2

2 4.31 2.67 1.17 .212 1.90 .62 71 14

3 6.25 2.68 1.18 .181 1.95 .61 60 7

4 6.94 2.46 1.11 .195 1.78 .49 72 8

5 11.39 2.80 1.09 .188 1.67 .56 65 3

* NS NS NS NS NS NS

 

*
Significant at 5% level.

NS Values not significantly different.

1Rates:

1
2
3
4
5

II II II II II

0-3 pounds SADH per acre.
4-6 pounds SADH per acre.
7-10 pounds SADH per acre.
11—12 pounds SADH per acre.
12 pounds or more per acre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

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