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[AgriLife Today] It’s prime time to plant fruit trees

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By: Adam Russell

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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Country Lifestyles

Wichita Falls Area Cattlewomen

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By: Martha Crump

Most cattle producers can tell you quite a lot about balancing cattle diets for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals based on the specific needs for their herd and type of operation.

A key factor, and one that is often overlooked, is that how your animals perform is also directly affected by their water intake.

Now many of you may already be thinking “well of course water is necessary, anybody knows that!”

In many years, as September marches into October, we are beginning to experience some return of rainfall. But as many of us know, that is not always the case. Often we are still experiencing hot and dry weather, and water supplies are dwindling.

When we find ourselves experiencing those types of fall conditions, it is critical to not only understand the daily water requirements for cattle, but also the impact that the quality of water can have on herd health and development.

To read more, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Farm & Ranch

Grazing North Texas: Managing Old World Bluestems

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By: Tony Dean

Since their introduction to the U.S. in the early 1900s, Old World Bluestems such as King Ranch bluestem and Dahl bluestem have become established on farms and ranches from the Rio Grande to Nebraska. With such a wide range of adaptability, these species are subjected to a wide range of management, depending on location and the goals of the rancher.

Due to the aggressive nature of OWBs, producers in far South Texas have been trying to find a way to eradicate OWBs in their pastures. Texas AgriLife Extension bulletin “Introduced Bluestem Grasses: Management on Native Lands” describes several methods being used in the effort to rid pastures of OWBs. In 2016, one project involved using chemicals, plowing, mowing, reseeding, summer burning, and combinations of these practices.

To read the about the researchers findings and hear Tony’s take, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile Back At The Ranch

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By: Rayford Pullen

Watching our pastures over the years, I have noticed our forages quit growing when nighttime temperatures begin hitting that 45-degree mark, and in North Texas, that will usually be around October 20.

While growth stops, our forages will still be high quality which allows our momma cows to gain weight for another 40 days or so.

Getting these cows in better condition is key to getting them through the winter and breeding after they calve.

Read more in the October issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available online and in print. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive NTFR in your inbox each week.

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