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The Rural Voice, 1988-07, Page 49OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE Excellent group of R.O.P. tested boars and gilts available this month with various probe data at reasonable prices. We also have a complete, economical program for re- population and future herd health maintenance Ontario's largest selection of R.O.P. tested and veterinary inspected boars and gilts. Ranked "GOOD" by the Animal Industry Branch. Selling privately and through production sales the year round. NEXT PRODUCTION SALE Wednesday, August 24, 7:00 p.m. F�Lo YORKSHIRE DUROC HAMPSHIRE LANDRACE & HYBRIDS For further information regarding your swine breeding needs, contact Richard Stein, 519-655-2942 or Warren Stein, 519-462-2704. The office is located 1/2 mile west of Tavistock on #59 Hwy. AUTOMATIC STONE DOOR FOR COMBINES Cylinder Feeder bearer Header auger Over -centering ung latch - Sprinp mechanism Stone Trap Door closes automatically when the operator raises the header to full height • Save down time • Increase operator comfort and safety For complete information call. SOIL MATE EQUIPMENT A Division of Gilmore Farm Supply Inc. Harriston 519-338-3942 48 THE RURAL VOICE ADVICE BITTER PIT IN APPLES LINKED TO CALCIUM Although bitter pit in apples occurs more frequently on Spys, Baldwin, and Wealthy varieties, it has also been iden- tified on Delicious and McIntosh. Bitter pit is more common on large fruit and appears as a dry spongy tissue most concentrated on the calyx. This tissue is created by the breakdown of cells under the skin, causing slight de- pressions. These areas will taste bitter. Bitter pit is caused by the lack of calcium in the fruit at a critical time of its development. Many factors affect the calcium movement. Calcium is rela- tively immobile in the tree, so there can be plenty of calcium in the leaves but not enough in the fruit. Most of the calcium is taken into the fruit by mid-July. Then, as the fruit enlarges, the calcium is diluted. The larger the fruit, the greater the chance of a calcium shortage. To control bitter pit, avoid excessive pruning. Too much thinning to encour- age larger fruit can also cause the prob- lem. Also avoid using excessive nitro- gen, which produces larger fruits. If possible, use a mulch under your trees to even out fluctuations in soil moisture. If the bitter pit symptoms are severe, you may need to spray your trees with a calcium spray. Start no later than July 15 and spray at least three times, two weeks apart.0 Adrien Gallant P. Ag. Nutrite Inc., Elmira SAMPLE SILAGE WHEN STORING To get a representative sample of what is in your silo, it it best to sample as you fill it. Here is a suggestion. Have a garbage bag sitting by the blower. Every two to three Toads, put a handful or two of silage into the bag. Be sure to keep the bag tied up between loads so that the silage does not lose moisture. At the end of the day, put the sample into the freezer to preserve it. Do this every day until harvest is over. At the end of the harvest, when you have more time, send the samples to the feed lab.0