Farm & Ranch
[AgriLife Today] It’s prime time to plant fruit trees
By: Adam Russell
- Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, [email protected]
- Contact: Dr. Larry Stein, 830-278-9151, [email protected]
UVALDE – Fruit tree lovers should plant sooner rather than later, said Dr. Larry Stein, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist, Uvalde.
“Right now is the prime time to plant and get the roots established before springtime,” he said. “The sooner the better.”
Stein said it’s important for growers and homeowners who want to plant a stand of fruit trees to contact local AgriLife Extension horticulture agents to learn about recommended varieties for the area.
“Chilling requirements are a main factor,” he said. “Trees you would grow in San Antonio you wouldn’t grow in Dallas because they would bloom way too early and then the fruit would probably freeze.”
Properly chosen varieties will produce higher quality fruit as well as show better disease resistance and taste, Stein said.
Stein said the 2017 season could be a challenge for fruit growers if chill hours continue to be limited due to the unexpected warmer-than-average winter.
“If you don’t get enough cool weather the trees struggle to break dormancy and bloom,” he said. “And a lot of times if they do bloom under those conditions the fruit will abort.”
Peaches are the No. 1 fruit tree in Texas, Stein said. Producers have variety options available for all regions of the state.
Stein said the key to planting peaches starts at a reputable nursery that handle and heel trees, which is covering plant roots temporarily in preparation of permanent planting, properly. He also recommends planting bare-root trees, but cautions the roots can freeze or dry out if the trees are not handled properly.
They should also be planted in soil that drains well, he noted.
Heavy rains can kill peach trees if there is standing water around them, even for just a day in the middle of summer, he said. Stein said heavy spring and late summer rains cause problems in some areas due to inadequate drainage.
Beyond proper chilling hours and soil drainage, Stein said keep weeds and grass away from fruit trees as well.
“If you don’t do any more than that, you will be amazed at how well the trees will grow,” he said.
Plums are good supplemental fruit trees for peach growers because they require many of the same conditions, Stein said. Apricots are another popular choice that require similar growing conditions, but they are inconsistent performers.
Blackberries are a low-maintenance fruit plant that is very popular in Texas, Stein said.
One decision for growers who are planting blackberries is whether to go with plants that are thornless or have thorns, he said.
“Thorny have the best quality fruit and size and best overall production, but they are a challenge to harvest,” he said.
Pears are a long-living fruit tree alternative, Stein said. The key is selecting the right variety.
Stein said to watch out for signs of fire blight in pears, which is a bacterial disease spread by bees as they pollinate. Growers should choose blight-resistant varieties or be prepared to watch their trees die.
In Texas, apples are a challenge for commercial growers because of cotton root rot, and they don’t develop the red color that is popular at market because nighttime temperatures are too high.
“But if you don’t mind that, the fruit taste is very sweet,” he said.
Stein said most of the state has experienced good weather and that soil moisture conditions are at optimal levels for planting.
“Conditions are right for planting,” he said. “You should expect 100 percent success if you plant now.”
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Farm & Ranch
Acorn Toxicity
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Farm & Ranch
Silver Bluestems
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile Back At The Ranch
By: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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