========================================== Rare Fruit News Online - All Year for 2003 ========================================== Rare Fruit News Online - January 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200301A.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> 'PSM' Mango - Odd Blooming Behavior 'PSM'- 'Pim Sen Mun' or 'Pim Sang Mon' or 'Pim Sang Mun' Seems to grow well, but for me here in San Diego, is in full bloom in December, and rarely sets fruit that will ripen properly. Does anyone know what environmental triggers cause blooming in mangoes? It must not be day length! And why should this mango be so out of sync with the rest? Nearby, a 'Nam Doc Mai' Asian mango does very well and usually sets a good crop of relatively large fruit. I'd like to hear from you about your experiences with Asian mangoes. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Triple Crown Blackberries - Nourse Farms Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 20:20:16 -0800 From: Leo Manuel Triple Crown is one of the best tasting blackberries I've eaten. It is semi-upright and I've give numerous starts of it to friends. They are sold by Nourse. Their rate is 5 for $15.90 to 25 for $58.25 http://www.noursefarms.com ------------------------------------------------ Brix - A Measure of Plant Health? There seems to be a belief that there is a high correlation between the brix of a plant's sap and the health of the plant. Higher brix is said to result in more insect resistance, and sweeter fruit (or better tasting vegetables) with better keeping qualities, for plants that produce food crops. The number of sites with convincing information is impressive. There is even a Yahoo News Group with a focus of brix - called BrixTalk. Those that sell instruments to measure brix (refractometers) or plant nutrients to increase plant brix may not be objective. Do you know anything about it? If so, please give me (and therefore, the rest of us) feedback. I had not thought about using a refractometer to provide useful information about the plant, by checking the sap or juices of the plant. Here are some of the web pages relating to it: Google Search: brix plant http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=brix+plant Yahoo group "BrixTalk" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrixTalk/messages/ Plant Tissue Test Instructions http://www.pikeagri.com/tissuetest.html Archive Question/Answer Plant Brix Testing: http://csf.colorado.edu/archive/2002/bdnow/msg00028.html BRIX : Dissolved solids in plant sap http://www.plantsfood.com/brixvalue.htm Peaceful Valley Farm Supply - On-Line Catalog - Brix Mix For plant nutrients to increase plant brix http://www.groworganic.com/a/a1.html?pMode=View&pcatID=3029&sText=brix&sCategory=&pStartAt=1 Plant Tissue Testing Tools http://pikeagri.com/tissue.html How to grow superb biological produce above & beyond ordinary chemical OR organic agriculture http://www.brixpage.com/PikeAg.htm ------------------------------------------------ Josˇ Gallego is working on the web page for the San Diego Chapter of CRFG http://www.crfgsandiego.org and would like your comments. mailto:jmgallego@losgallego.com -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Ag Student UC Davis Ian Fainer New Subscriber, Ecuador, Wants Rare Fruit Ideas Roberto Mor‡n <><><> Readers Write <><><> Correction - Antique Apple/Smithsonian Article Michael Zarky Avocado Scion Wood David Silverstein Tomorrowland David Silverstein Sweet Jujube Todd Able Ed Lin re: RFNO Part 1, Part 2, ...? Leo Manuel Bove, Roger E. Capulin Cherries Robert White Dragon Fruit-To Grow In Durban South Africa? Lee Naidoo Botswana watermelon from George Emerich Link2itc@aol.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> None, this time <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><><> From NEWCROPS List mailto:newcrops@purdue.edu <><><> None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Re: grafting knives Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 10:34:31 -0500 Console G4 Re: grafting knives mrxtexas 'Tis The Season for Honeybell Tangelos, that is ! Asit Ghosh <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Ag Student UC Davis Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 16:16:24 -0800 From: "Ian Fainer" Hi Leo and Betty My name is Ian Fainer. I'm an agriculture student at UC Davis but still call Santa Barbara home. There, at my parents' house, I have several varieties of avocado--one hass, some old hierlooms, and some seedlings. Also, bananas, chermoyas, white sopotes, many citrus and low-chill stone fruit. I would love to receive your newsletter. Hopefully, I can answer some readers questions, or at least run them by my professors. Merry Christmas, Ian Fainer mailto:ianfainer@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Ecuador, Wants Rare Fruit Ideas Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 16:54:06 -0500 From: "Roberto Mor‡n" Hi My real name is Roberto Moran, (60 y/o) and live in Guayaquil, Ecuador South America, exactly in Guayas State (provincia). My city is a tropical land, (+- 38 C or 100 F degree) all year, a real paradise (but a little hot.) 6 months dryer and 6 months rain, we have many rare fruits (carambola, pitahaya, papayas, pineaples, mangos, yam, and bananas naturaly, and I want to grow a different exotic fruit. Thanks for your attention to my request. Regards. Roberto Mor‡n mailto:rmoran@interactive.net.ec <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Correction - Antique Apple/Smithsonian Article Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 08:04:59 -0800 From: Michael Zarky Dear Leo, You did not read my follow-up message about the Smithsonian article. I wrote, immediately after the first message: There is a nice article on antique apples in the November issue of Smithsonian. I was too quick in my previous message - only a short summary happens to be on line, along with the links to various nurseries. http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues02/nov02/apples.html Note that only a short summary appears online. Michael Moorpark mailto:mzarky@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocado Scion Wood Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 22:54:58 -0800 From: "David Silverstein" Leo: There is also a mature sharwil avocado at Exotica Nursery in Vista. I'm sure they'd sell or give some scion wood to anyone that asked. David Silverstein mailto:bentleye@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tomorrowland Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 23:41:26 -0800 From: "David Silverstein" Leo: Last week I was at Disneyland in Anaheim for the second time. The first time was in September. And I'm just wondering. Does CRFG have anything to do with the landscaping in tomorrowland? The whole place is landscaped with edible plants. Pineapple Guavas, Pomegranates, Carambolas, Figs, Fuyu Persimmons all come to mind. And citrus everywhere. There wasn't much ripe in December, to the relief of my wife. But the Persimmons I had there back in September were better than the last batch I got from the grocery store. The trees were quite pretty as well with their loads of big green fruits and a few orange ones. I think that the tourists from other climates enjoyed seeing all these plants. I heard several people comment. Though some people thought the persimmons were some kind of strange oranges. David Silverstein mailto:bentleye@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sweet Jujube Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:50:34 -0800 From: "Todd Able" To: "Ed Lin" Ed, Hello again! I was lucky enough to get the dwarfish Jujube named So from Roger Meyer. This was early on in my adventures in rare fruit and I was still a bit uneducated. The fruit is pretty small and round about the size of a cherry, but very sweet! More than 50fruit on a 1-1/2ft tall bush. The growth is quite slow. A coworker from China told me that only the Kings of China would eat the small round ones, as they were considered the best. I believe Roger can bare root one to you this winter, and many other kinds. Don't waste your time with unnamed. The tree loves alot of heat, but I know you have plenty. Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: RFNO Part 1, Part 2, ...? Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 14:57:44 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: "Bove, Roger E." Hi Roger, You would have really been bothered if yours had been with a -21. I have to have 21 separate mailing lists with no more than 25 names in each one, to simplify my mailing the newsletter. Your "- 2" would be because you are near the top of the alphabet. I originally set up only 17 lists, and had to add 'overflow' lists 18 through 21, because I didn't quite get the lists right. You've been the first one to question that, which surprises me, now that I think of it. Take care, Leo "Bove, Roger E." wrote: > > Was this really a part 2? Was there a part 1? > > Roger Even Bove, Ph.D. > Website: http://courses.wcupa.edu/rbove/Genkey.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Capulin Cherries Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 19:26:53 -0600 From: "Robert White" The Fruit Tree Group of the Harris County Master Gardener's Association in Houston, Texas, is interested in testing various cultivars of Capulin Cherry trees in our test gardens. We need all the help we can get about them including cultivation, sources, etcetera - anything. Don't be shy; anybody knows more than I do. But we would like to add something to the Houston landscape. Thanks, Bob White mailto:rrwhi@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit-To Grow In Durban South Africa? Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 11:17:32 +0200 From: Lee Naidoo Hi Leo I am inquiring on seed material on the various types of Dragon Fruit and the best propagation practices as I would like to try to establish this seemingly popular fruit on my smallholding. I live in a subtropical humid climate in Durban South Africa. Any form of assistance will be appreciated. Regards and God bless Lee Naidoo mailto:Lee.Naidoo@rct.co.za ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Botswana watermelon from George Emerich Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 21:07:55 EST From: Link2itc@aol.com Leo, I forgot to tell you that I grew the Botswana watermelon from George Emerich's nursery and it grew to a large size here in FL (as it did at his place). However, the heat and humidity did nothing to improve its taste and quality: insipid, with a significant element of bitterness. I got rid of the thing after one season. Ed Lin mailto:Link2itc@aol.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List See: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nafex <><><> None this time <><> Discussion list for New Crops <><> None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: [rarefruit] Digest Number 917 Message: 1 Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 10:34:31 -0500 From: Console G4 Subject: Re: grafting knives I wanted to offer my own comments on this subject. At home I use either an exacto handle with a single edge injector razor blade or a Due Buoi grafting knife (Italian). Have also used a Victronix (sp?)knife from time to time. I like the razor blade as they are quite thin and disposable. After a few cuts I flip the blade over and use the side previously gripped by the handle. These cut well and despite a bevel on both sides produce good grafts. Since injector blades are rather hard to find I tracked down two manufacturers to ensure a source for my use at home and in my kits. The Due Buoi also makes good graft cuts, and has (to me at least) a better weight and feel in the hand. The blade is beveled on only one side like all traditional grafting knives. It does need to be sharpened regularly, but it only takes a couple of moments to dress up the blade's edge. I coat the knife blade with olive oil when not in use. I seem to use both with equal frequency. One problem that both share is that they will cut flesh faster than wood. When grafting you MUST exercise care and caution. Don't graft in a hurry or with small children clinging to you. Do work in a well lighted area and have all your materials on hand and on a stable surface. Grafting after a rain seems to work well as many airborne contaminants are washed from the air. Another observation I have is that grafting differs not only from species to species but also from temperate to tropical plants. It seems that the tropicals (sub tropicals included here) are a bit easier to work with. Since most grow quickly (and many only give a brief pause in winter) smaller or softer scion materials seem to be used. This means less force, and more control, can be used in cutting. (Please note that I am not saying that they produce successful grafts better than temperate plants). This means that some of the 'rules' you see in books may need to be modified. (most of the good grafting books are written from a temperate perspective). How does one learn to graft? Practice, practice, practice. Learning to make the cuts and tie the union is vital and when I teach grafting I have the students make some practice cuts on cuttings of whatever plant has a slipping bark at the time. Since these don't have roots some of the students are more willing to make effective cuts as they are not risking ruining a potted plant. Once you can make the cut surfaces match up, and tie them firmly, pick a easy to graft species and practice on it. Citrus works well as does white sapote. I know of one 'practice citrus' that has over 20 varieties on it. (Not much of any one fruit, but a great 'bank' of budwood for other grafts). If you don't have any budwood you can always graft the plant back to its self - the object is to gain skills. Note; In the above 'grafting' also refers to 'budding' in most cases. It helps to have a good set of grafting materials to practice various methods with and my kit offers this (as well as an exacto handle and razor blades). Contact me directly for information on the kit or check it on the web pages. Best of growing Bob SW Florida mailto:tfnews@gate.net ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 2 Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 23:53:50 -0000 From: "mrxtexas" Subject: Re: grafting knives See my website for a picture of my grafting knife that cost less than $10. I also have a folding Swiss Army brand one I've never used that cost $15 or so. I've t-budded, hang budded, cleft, and whip grafted with it on citrus, persimmon, mayhaw, and pear trees. I always sharpen it before each session. However, I have a friend who cleft grafts 100 citrus a year and has never sharpened his knife! I encourage the beginning budders to find a budding buddy who has done it before. It is easy but many details have to be correct for success. See my secrets to budding success page for some practical suggestions on budding citrus. I built these pages because none like them exist with the real practical details of how to be successful the first time. http://members.fortunecity.com/pjsauber/ mailto:mrxtexas@lycos.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [rarefruit] Digest Number 924 Message: 1 Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 21:41:22 -0800 (PST) From: Asit Ghosh Subject: 'Tis The Season for Honeybell Tangelos, that is ! The Honeybell, with an extremely short season is very unique among all the citrus fruits. It is so unique that it has created a popular niche in the gift fruit market and is most popular for an "eating-out-of-hand" variety. It has also become a popular fruit commercially. And whatÕs more? The Honeybells do not grow in California but find only the southern FloridaÕs limestone the most conducive for producing good quality crop. Honeybells are larger than the Tangerines, and have fewer seeds with much of the desirable flavor of the Tangerines. It is about 3" Š 3 1/2Ó in diameter with a shape varying from round to somewhat bell shaped, often with a dome at the blossom end. The peel is fairly loose, varying with the variety, and easily removed. The pulp is often colorful, subacid, of fine flavor and very juicy. It is deep orange to red-orange in color with a smoother, but sometimes pebbly, peel. They have a unique, delicious and distinctive flavor, being rich, tart and aromatic. Tangelo juice however, does not freeze well nor do the sections. It has few to no seeds, depending upon how it is grown. If grown in a grove of only Honeybells, it will have no seeds. But it will develop some seeds if grown near other Tangerine or Tangelo varieties, due to cross-pollination. There are two varieties that are grown in Florida and are available all over the US. One is the Orlando Tangelo and the other being the Minneola or Honeybell Tangelo. The Honeybell Tangelo is a cross between a Duncan Grapefruit and a Dancy Tangerine. It was developed by researchers in central Florida and released by USDA in 1930. Here are 5 photos of two Honeybells from the same tree growing in Merritt Island: 1) Two Honeybells from the same tree http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/HTangelo1ASIT 2) One full and one half,cut vertically http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/HTangelo2ASIT 3) Two halves cut vertically from two Honeybells http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/HTangelo3ASIT 4) Two halves cut horizontally from two Honeybells http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/HTangelo4ASIT 5) Two halves from two Honeybells http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/HTangelo5ASIT Asit Ghosh mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com Rockledge East Central Florida <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200301A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - January 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200301B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> David Karp's Pitaya Article In Fruit Gardener Several new members joined the Pitaya Fruit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/ newsgroup after that article (136 members!) Also, quite a bit of interest in Paul Thomson's book. I took money to him today for seven books from people who have ordered it from me. North County CRFG Meeting & Scion Exchange Friday. The meeting in Vista will feature scion exchange Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. Go to CRFG webpage http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all chapters. San Diego Chapter CRFG, Balboa Park, Thursday 1/23 The meeting will also feature scion exchange. See http://www.crfgsandiego.org/ -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, California, Getting Started In Rare Fruit Gwen New Subscriber, Long Beach, CA, Wants Jackfruit.... Richard Sar New Subscriber, Florida, Linda Coyner New Subscriber Maryland & Pennsylvania Robert Hartley <><><> Readers Write <><><> Used 55 Gallon Plastic Barrels - Source Sought Leo Manuel Off-Blooming mango Eunice Messner Mango Performance In India Jeff PSM Mango Geoff Buckner Tree Labels Source Sought Denise Edwards Nectarine and peach trees Dmshuck@aol.com Re: Nectarine and peach trees Leo Manuel To: Dmshuck@aol.com Someone Near L.A. To Graft Avocado? Also, .... John Michalak Purple sweet potato question; Anyone grow Nagaimo? William Chow Who In CA Grows Breadfruit, Mangosteen, or Jaboticaba? Bill Gerlach <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> None, this time <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><><> From NEWCROPS List mailto:newcrops@purdue.edu <><><> None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Re: Giant Taro The Thaumaturgist Re: Permission To Include Your Letter(s) In RFNO? The Thaumaturgist To: Leo <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, California, Getting Started In Rare Fruit Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 01:21:09 -0800 From: "Gwen" I am Gwen Saito in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles, CA I'm growing nectarines, plums, Siberian kiwi, grapes, pomegranate, pecan (young tree), figs, kaki (Japanese persimmon), lemons, grapefruit, guava, mulberry and apricot trees. Failed growing blueberries and strawberries this past year, mostly due to being eaten by my chickens! Hope to branch out to more 'tropical' foods, my neighbor has a prolific macadamia tree :) With all good wishes, Gwen mailto:phatwolf@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Long Beach, CA, Wants Jackfruit.... Date: Sat, 11 Jan 2003 00:53:56 -0800 From: "Richard Sar" Hey Leo I was fortunate enough to find your site on the internet and would like to subscribe to your newsletter. My name is Richard Sar and I live in Long Beach, California. I am currently growing bananas plants, a pomegranate tree, a longan tree, a asian pear tree, a peach tree, a plum tree, cherimoyas trees, various types of guava trees, and recently a dragon fruit plant. I have only been able to find jackfruit trees grown from seedlings, but I am interested in finding an adult jackfruit plant that came from cuttings and would preferably bear fruit within a few years. I hope to purchase one and would appreciate any help. Thank You, Richard Sar mailto:richardsar01@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Florida, Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 09:00:39 -0500 From: Linda Coyner Hi I am Linda Coyner, in Naples, FL a member of the Collier Fruit Growers Council and the newsletter editor. I came across your web site while doing some research. I'm looking forward to receiving your online newsletter. Fruit trees I am now growing are jaboticoba, pummelo, ponkan tangerine, glenn mango, okara mango, hi litchee, loquat sp., rio grande cherry, fung twang (sp?) carambola, lots of papaya, Some I want to grow are atemoya, persimmon, avocado. Linda Coyner mailto:lcoyner@naples.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber Maryland & Pennsylvania Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 12:15:44 -0500 From: Robert Hartley Dear Leo, Please add me to your subscription list. I live in Maryland but have some land in Pennsylvania (near Gettysburg) where I grow a wide variety of fruits and nuts. Bob Hartley PA zone 6 mailto:bob@sprucemt.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Used 55 Gallon Plastic Barrels - Source Sought Date: Sat, 04 Jan 2003 12:46:45 -0800 From: Leo Manuel I would like to find some more used 55 gallon plastic barrels - preferably those used for food or non-toxic products, in or near San Diego. Any suggestions as to where to look? Thanks Leo mailto:leom@rarefruit.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Off-Blooming mango Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 13:20:33 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner Leo, Strange that your Nam doc mai blooms in season. Mine has been almost a continual bloomer and never sets fruit. That is until September when two fruit started to form. It is blooming now as are most of my mangos. I think it was that warm spell we had a month ago. I picked the last of my Thomson mangos today. They perform very well. My Carnival seedling had 40 beautiful fruit; Edwards had 11. Still one Carrie on the tree but I attribute that to lack of sun. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com [I have a shaded Valencia Pride with three very large fruit still hanging on. I wouldn't say Nam Doc Mai exactly blooms in season, but it does set fruit. It has a problem of producing split fruit, when it rains near ripening time. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango Performance In India Date: Wed, 1 Jan 03 10:43:34 +0530 From: Jeff Dear Leo, Referring to your query about mangos. I have an orchard of mangos here in South India. We have 6 varieties of mango. I am not an expert on mangos but what I have seen with the blooming is that the different varieties all start at different times. There is a sequence of blooming that relates to which variety it is. The first trees were already in flower about 2 weeks ago and the last to flower will probably be in about two and a half months or three months time. Also here some of the trees have a second flowering time about 6 months later. An off-season flowering and fruiting. Perhaps the variety you mention is an early fruiter which in warmer climes would yield ready fruit in around April. Jeff Goodchild mailto:jeff@auroville.org.in ------------------------------------------------ Subject: PSM Mango Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 09:17:19 -0800 From: "Geoff Buckner" Leo, My PSM Mango, growing in coastal San Diego, is behaving similar to yours. It is currently in full bloom and having a vigorous growth flush. The current bloom and flush seem especially vigorous. It has been in the ground for about three years and has never really been comfortable with our seasons. Also, the blooms on this variety seem especially susceptible to mildew. It will not fruit unless I stay on top of the mildew. When it does fruit, I do not think it has a stellar taste when green or ripe. Maybe this one is a bust for southern Calif.? Interestingly, the Okrung Mango (another Asian variety, right?) also is in full bloom and flushing new growth. This is the first year it has bloomed and flushed off season. Prior to these last batch of storms, it seemed like we were having a mild fall/winter. I kind of thought the mango activity was related. Maybe not? The other non-Asian varieties are acting normal. Geoff Buckner mailto:bucknergt@pl1.sdcoxmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tree Labels Source Sought Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 21:27:47 -0400 From: "Denise Edwards" New Years Greetings to all. My tree collection is growing so quickly that i am having difficulty keeping up with the names. ANy suggestions as to where I oculd buy (from web site) suitable all-weather labels. I am hopin that my farm can have an educational base, so persons interesting may read both local and scientific names off from the labels. If you have any useful sites, please advise. A fruity new year to you. Denise Edwards mailto:deniseedwards@lycos.com [You can buy self-adhesive polyester printer labels - Desktop Labels makes them - and print the information with your printer. Then apply them to stakes, other metal labels, or to planting pots, etc. It seems likely they would resist fading, snails, etc., and would be easier to include more plant information. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Nectarine and peach trees Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 22:16:54 EST From: Dmshuck@aol.com Hi Leo, I wanted to get your opinion about my nectarine and peach trees. When I planted them about 6 years ago they were healthy and produced a nice crop in their second and third years. For the last 3 years they have been getting a bit worse each year with peach leaf curl and the fruits have a grayish mold that grows on part of the fruits. When the fruits are picked they rot quickly. I have sprayed the last two years and it doesn't seem to have helped. The only thing different about the location is our neighbors Pepper trees. The neighbors use to prune them every year but now have stopped pruning. Their trees shade the side of the yard and hang over the fence. All of my deciduous fruits trees, four apples, pluot, and apricot are located on that side but the peach and nectarines are the only trees that have developed any problems. I even have some bananas on the same side. I have the peaches and nectarines planted in one hole exactly as I was instructed. Do you have any suggestions as to what could be the problem. I am about ready to pull out the trees and get new ones. I have asked a few nursery people and they all have different ideas. Thanks for your help, Denise Woo mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: nectarine and peach trees Date: Wed, 01 Jan 2003 20:06:34 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Dmshuck@aol.com Hi Denise I'll publish your letter where more knowledgeable growers can respond, but here's my first thoughts: Peaches and nectarines have a shorter life than most other fruit trees, but not that short. Whatever is causing the problem may not be remedied by planting the same kind of trees in the same location. If you do re-plant, and have space, I'd try a different location. You could try to put a root barrier between your neighbor's pepper tree and your yard, immediately inside your fence. I don't know how deep pepper tree roots go, so you might need to go down two feet. It could be plastic, and not too expensive, except for the labor. I don't suppose your neighbor would be open to replacing the tree with a fruiting one? Good luck! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Someone Near L.A. To Graft Avocado? Also, .... Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 08:22:28 -0800 From: "John Michalak" Best of a joyous New Year and a very warm thank you for your efforts in regards to putting together this news letter, I can honestly say it has been a help. I was hoping you could recommend some one in the Los Angeles Area that I could hire to do some grafting of an avocado tree. Secondly, Is there any one out there growing piper nigrum? Prospero Nuevo Ano John mailto:toucan.belize@prodigy.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Purple sweet potato question; Anyone grow Nagaimo? Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 19:01:08 -0800 From: "William Chow" Hi Leo, I tried another piece of the potato. When we first cut the tuber, it is white. When the cut surface is exposed to air, it developed lines of scarlet. It is only 1/3 reddish purple when we cook it. The water in the pot is purple and the cooked piece gets stained to mostly reddish purple. The vine is purple. Yet, I found some chunks of vine almost completely green. I don't know if there were 2 plants mixed together or if the same plant changes color from one patch to another. The one time I talked to you on the phone. We cooked the tuber without cutting it. Then we break the tuber and peel after it is hot. The first 2 tuber had no trace of purple or red. It is confusing. I am trying another tuber called Nagaimo. It is delicious and full of vitamins. But it is a big pain to grow and harvest. Do you know anyone who has grown this successfully ? Happy New Year ! William mailto:wchow@znet.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Who In CA Grows Breadfruit, Mangosteen, or Jaboticaba? Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2003 07:32:25 -0800 From: "Bill Gerlach" Thanks! We work exclusively with growers to exotic fruits and vegetables to popularize unusual items for Five A Day consumption across the US. Do you know of anyone growing any breadfruit, mangosteen, or jaboticaba in California? Thanks! Bill Gerlach mailto:billg@melissas.com MELISSA'S WORLD VARIETY PRODUCE INC. http://www.melissas.com ------------------------------------------------ <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None This Time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> None This Time <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List See: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nafex <><><> None this time <><> Discussion list for New Crops <><> None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> From: rarefruit@yahoogroups.com Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:54:58 -0800 (PST) From: The Thaumaturgist Subject: Re: Giant Taro Teresa Nowhere in the plant kingdom the nomenclature confusion is so widespread than possibly in the genera of Colocasia, Alocasia and Xanthosoma of the Arum family (Family Araceae), when it comes to the edible Corms and Tubers. Since these Corms and Tubers are inexpensive ingredients used mostly by home cooks, they have been branded with different vernacular names from country to country. As if that was not enough, many of the common names are confusing due to interchangeable usages within the various forms and varieties. So, how do we ordinary folks resolve this massive confusion? By identifying a photo with the scientific name. HereÕs my attempt to answer your questions: ====================================================== (1)Are all "elephant ears" Taro? NO, they are NOT. The "true" ElephantsÕ Ear refers to what is called Alocasia indica and thatÕs what you see mostly as ornamentals in peopleÕs yards. Their identifying characteristics are Leaves are non-glossy, and Leaves point DOWNWARD. On the other hand, the identifying characteristics of the Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro) are Leaves are glossy and leathery, and Leaves point UPWARD. (2)I have a friend who has some very large ones she said I could dig up and plant. If it matches the description of either the Alocasia indica or the Alocasia macrorrhiza, you could use that as a landscaping plant in your yard. (3)How do I know if they are edible kind? If it is Alocasia indica, IÕll suggest you NOT use that a source of your food. Alocasia macrorrhiza is edible only after it has been boiled or cooked. (4)Also, is there a reason that the roots found in the store couldn't be planted? IÕm sure the root would sprout but I myself had not tried to sprout a Taro root. Hope I had answered your questions. Asit mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Permission To Include Your Letter(s) In RFNO? Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 08:07:09 -0800 (PST) From: The Thaumaturgist To: Leo Dear Leo Thanks for finding my letters interesting. Yes, I am familiar with your name from the Yahoo Newsgroup. Until about a year ago, I used to go to your website almost routinely and I had learned a lot from there. Although I wish that I could still check out your website like before, in reality I had been able to go there only occasionally. The few times I did check, I didn't see my postings or I might have missed them. In any event, I have NO problem in you including my postings on RFNO. After all, I believe that we all have the same objective of learning from sharing with others. I gladly give you permission as long as I am credited as the author. Thank you very very much for considering my articles. Best wishes Asit mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200301B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - February 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200302A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Breast Milk Fruit? My granddaughter just returned from a brief exchange- student program in several Asian countries, including Vietnam. She says one of the delicious fruits she ate was called "Breast-Milk Fruit." I can't find any internet reference to a fruit by that name, and she expects me to know 'everything.' I also posted the question to the [rarefruit] Yahoo newsgroup and several responses are in that [rarefruit] section. Pitaya Fruit - Last H. undatus Fruit. I pollinated the flower on October 14, and the fruit is showing some color. The fruit I ate in late December were not sweet, and I am convinced I picked them too soon. Some I picked this month were sweeter, because I waited until they began to split. I'll harvest it in a week or so. Pitaya Book With Great Illustrations - In Thai. I received this last week, and it is beautiful. I will try to get help in translating - at least, the comments that accompany each photograph. Do you know someone who is both interested in the fruit and who reads Thai? I'd like to contact them. Mango Fruit - Two very large 'Valencia Pride' and almost all 'Keitt' (about a dozen) fruit are still hanging on the tree. The 'Keitt' may take a while to ripen. Almost all other mangoes have been harvested. Plant Sale At My Home - I expected to announce a date for it, but it will be a week or so, AT LEAST. If you are interested, write mailto:leom@rarefruit.com and I'll send a date and plant list when I know more. I live in San Diego. Have you seen web pages that would be of interest to growers of rare fruit? Anything that will help the rest of us? Why not pass it along for the next issue of Rare Fruit News Online? Encanto Property - My friend has a home in Encanto (San Diego) with 0.75 acre that is mostly level. Since his wife died and he remarried, he is leaning towards selling it to someone who will plant rare fruit trees on it and not split it. Send email to me and I'll forward it. I don't know what the price will be. <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Puerto Rico Gerardo Garcia New Subscriber, Florida: Mango Is Favorite Fruit K. Vasanth Pai New Subscriber, Perth, Western Australia path@multipro.com.au New Subscriber, CA, Getting Started In Rare Fruit William Ehrler <><><> Readers Write <><><> Re: "Breast-Milk" Fruit In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Stephen Facciola Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Richard Sar Milk From The Breast - How The Fruit Is Eaten Richard Sar Miracle Fruit Berries - Doing Research - Want Help Linda Coyner Correction: North County Meeting Sven Merten Sweet Potato Eunice Messner William Chow Rare Fruit Gardening in the East Bay, California Brad Falconer Composting helps Todd Able Dragon Fruit David Carver International Network-Improvement of Banana & Plantain Lon J. Rombough RE: Mango Mildew Geoff Buckner Todd Able Peach Tree Problem/Solution Eunice Messner Denise Garden Web - Recommendation Denise <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> Banana Sex Article Re: Banana Sex Article Martin Berghuis Miracle Fruit Brad Falconer <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex Hardy Citrus VBGarden@aol.com Re: Hardy Citrus Dr. Chiranjit Parmar RE: Hardy Citrus Mark Lee RE: Hardy Citrus Jamie <><><> From NEWCROPS List mailto:newcrops@purdue.edu <><><> None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Photo Album For Sharing The Thaumaturgist Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? "George F. Emerich" Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Console G4 "Dario" Breast milk fruit Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? "Peter Felker" Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? "Richard Sar" <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Clues Toward a Proper Phosphorus Balance in Soil ARS News Service Beneficial Fungi Boost Pepper Growth ARS News Service Keeping an Eye Out for the Corn Farmer's Best Friend ARS News Service Vitamin C Protects Stressed-Out Plants ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Puerto Rico Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 16:10:02 +0000 From: Gerardo Garcia Hi, I came across your site quite by accident, researching homework for one of my daughters. My name is Gerardo Garc’a Ramis, I've been collecting rare fruit since 1986 and I live on a one acre property in the foothills of the El Yunque mountain range in Puerto Rico. My e-mail is manilkara@hotmail.com. I am a member of both the CRFG and the RFCI since the early 90s, as well as Equinoccio, our local rare fruit organization, led by Felipe Osborne Shea, and have also received newsletters from NAFEX, the RFCA and WANATCA, both of the latter from Australia. Though I was very active from 1986-1993, my work (I'm an advertising copywriter) stood in the way of fruits for quite some time and only in the past two years have I been able to reactivate my hobby. Currently I am growing carambola, Fiji longan, guava, Cattley guava, buk-buk (Burckella obovata), bananas (various), plantains, blue lilly-pilly, green caimito, abiu, cherry of the Rio Grande, jaboticaba, black apple (Planchonella australis), rambai, langsat, Otaheite apple, mangos (various), mangosteen, flacourtia, miracle fruit, Burdekin plum, oranges, grapefruit, coconuts, engkala (Litsea garciae), grumichama, rambutan, ara¨a roxo (Psidium humile), chempedak, Ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa), Phyllanthus acidus. The former are planted out (only some are bearing), along with some smaller specimens. Still awaiting their turn in the nursery are several Garcinias, Eugenias, Lecythis minor, Pachira aquatica, Gnetum gnemon, sapodillas, sweetsop, Duguetia, Campomanesias, a Gustavia and others. My main interests lie in the Annonaceae, Clusiaceae, Myrtaceae, Sapindaceae and Sapotaceae. Glad to have found out about you, hope to receive the newsletter. Regards, Gerardo Garcia mailto:manilkara@hotmail.com Can—vanas, Puerto Rico ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Florida: Mango Is Favorite Fruit Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 20:01:07 -0500 From: K. Vasanth Pai Please include me in your email list. Thanks. My name is K Vasanth Pai. I live wit my wife in Naples, FL I have quite a number rare fruit trees including mangoes, which happen to be my favourite fruit. I have been involved in developing an edible rare fruit/vegitable garden for the [past 5 years and have had some limited success. My email address is pai@gulf access.net. Once again, maay thanks in advance. K. Vasanth Pai mailto:pai@gulfaccess.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Perth, Western Australia Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2003 23:23:13 +0800 From: path@multipro.com.au Hi I am Patrick Hamlyn, in Perth, Western Australia. Current fruit trees: Feijoa; Mango (Kensington Pride, also called Bowen); Indian Guava (white flesh); Cherry Guava (also called Strawberry Guava or Chinese Guava)(red flesh); Hawaiian Guava (pink flesh); Grapes (Italia); Epiphyllum (half a dozen varieties); Passion Fruit; Black Genoa Fig; Strawberries; Gooseberries; Cape Gooseberries (Solanum family, Golden Yellow berry in a little paper wrapper); Jostaberry (gooseberry/black currant cross); Raspberries; Oranges, Mandarins, Lemons; Apricot; Custard Apple (African Pride, Cherimoya Atemoya); Avocado (Bacon); Lychee (from seed, 3 years old and five leaves so far. I will give up when it's a dry twig); Rhubarb (OK it's not a fruit, but it's nice!) What I'd like to grow: Cherries (If only I could find a varietiy that would fruit with no subzero temperatures over Winter) Almost anything tropical, especially Rambutans, Lychees, Mangosteens, etc etc. Mostly these all die come their first Summer - 40 degrees plus and *very* low humidity. I've seen Rambutans growing and fruiting next to the Swan River though, and Longans fruiting magnificently just up the road from me. Kiwi Gold (A variety of Kiwifruit with gold-coloured flesh and a sweeter, more tropical taste); Just about any sort of Berry; Quinces (for pies!); Pawpaw (Papaya in U.S.) I wouldn't bother with Pears (boring); Apples (boring); Jackfruit (yuck); or Bananas (available in the shops year round) Our hot, dry Summers kill about any plants that aren't pretty well Desert-adapted unless you establish a micro-climate with lots of tall trees shading everything. Any suggestions for types/varieties of fruit I should be considering in Perth? The Custard Apple I bought as a grafted tree, after trying several times to get seedlings to survive more than a few Summers. It flowered already (if you can call those weird things flowers!), but no fruit. Do I need another for cross-pollination? Or was it just too young? (it was only about two feet tall) Patrick Hamlyn mailto:path@multipro.com.au Perth, Western Australia ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, CA, Getting Started In Rare Fruit Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 01:09:33 -0500 (EST) From: William Ehrler I am William (Bill) L. Ehrler, in Rancho Bernardo. At present I am growing a Bearss lime, a tangelo, a seedling cherimoya, two Thompson seedless grapes, a Muscat grape, and three trees of a super yellow fig variety (named Diana after my daughter). This variety was one of the original experimental varieties designated only by a number from Mr. Condits research. I am interested in expanding to some more rare fruits, and really would like to visit your place to see all of your impressive list of fruits. I would like to be put on the mailing list, please. William Ehrler mailto:lavern34@iwon.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Re: "Breast-Milk" Fruit In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 16:47:44 -0800 From: Stephen Facciola Hi Leo: It's probably star-apple, Chrysophyllum cainito. See the following web site: http://www.all-vietnam-hotels.com/vietnam-travel-guide/cuisine/fruit/fruit.htm Best regards, Steve Facciola. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 14:47:06 -0800 (PST) From: Richard Sar Hey Leo, I believe the fruit your granddaughter is referring to is the caimito. It is also known as the star apple or milk apple. In most southeast Asian regions, its name would be roughly translated as milk fruit. It is probably called breast-milk fruit because of its taste and the way it is eaten sometimes with no spoon. HereÕs a link: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/star_apple.html I hope this helps. Richard mailto:richardsar01@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Milk from the breast - how the fruit is eaten Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 22:52:30 -0800 (PST) From: Richard Sar Hey Leo and all, Here is more information on the star apple if anyone is curious. This is a good site with info on how the star apple is eaten in Vietnam. It contains plenty of images. http://www.vnstyle.vdc.com.vn/myhomeland/foods_drinks/Fruits/Milk_apple.htm The site is extremely slow. For those with slow connection, here is a copy of what it says: No better word than marvelous can be used to praise milk apple, or star apple, a tropical fruit with the name Vu Sua (milk from the breast). Upon entering a milk apple orchard, the most famous located in Can Tho province in the Mekong Delta, visitors can see for themselves the hundreds of milk apples suspended from the branches. The round smooth fruit are all of equal size. The shape of the milk apple matches the name attached to it, as does its juice, which is fragrantly sweet and milky white. If visitors are unfamiliar to the region, the locals will guide them on how to enjoy the fruit. A novice will certainly peel the fruit with a sharp knife, which may cause the precious juice inside to be wasted. When using a knife to cut the fruit, it is advisable to cut the fruit into two parts before using a spoon to scoop out the pulp, bit by bit, until nothing ! is left. The most popular way to enjoy the fruit by orchard owners is to eat the whole fruit. People tend to drill a small hole at the top of the fruit, lift it to their mouths, lean their heads backward, and drink the flow of the fragrant juice. One thing you should remember before taking in the juice is that you must squeeze the tough fruit until it becomes tender so that the juice mixes with the meat of the fruit to become a sweet and fragrant muddy substance that looks like breast milk. [The fruit Erin called "Breast-Milk Fruit" was eaten exactly this way. However, the skin was green, not purple. I appreciate your taking time to research this. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle Fruit Berries Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 10:46:55 -0500 From: Linda Coyner I am doing research on miracle berries (Synsepalum dulcificum) and would like to know how other readers use them. I have a small tree loaded with ripe berries in my Naples, FL, yard. I'm particularly interested in recipes or techniques for using them to replace sweeteners, say in ice tea or desserts. Thanks! Linda Coyner mailto:LCoyner@naples.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Correction: North County Meeting Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 07:52:32 -0800 From: Sven Merten Hi Leo, The meeting is in Oceanside not Vista, right? And the meetings usually start at 7 not 7:30. Have any damage in the wind? Regards, Sven Merten mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sweet potato Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 09:29:50 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: William Chow William I am not familiar with Magaimo, but I do grow a sweet potato calledBlackie. It has purple leaves (occasionaly they sport a green vine which I cut off). I grow it and two others (Variegated and chartruese) strictly for ornamental purposes I have never dug up the tuber and tried to eat it. You will find these varieties among the ornamentals at a nursery. They make a great groundcover. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare Fruit Gardening in the East Bay, California Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 11:12:57 -0800 From: Brad Falconer Hello, I'm a beginning gardener in the East Bay Area (Oakland) with a passion for all things fruiting. The obvious challenges in my area are the moderate temperatures -- great for me, not so much for fruit -- and the heavy, wet clay. Aside from the Meyer Lemon, which is just too useful and wonderful not too grow, I'm interested in really weird and rare fruit, and I would be curious to know if others in my area have had notable successes or failures they'd like to share. I'm particularly interested in things like the new Russian Quinces, which are purported to be edible off the tree, the seaberries, the honeyberries, edible passionfruits, loquats, pineapple/strawberry guavas, and anything else you're not too likely to find at a local supermarket. Of course, if there are less rare but surer-fire choices, I'd be curious to hear about those, too. Many thanks for any insight or feedback you can provide. I can't quite say what it is that makes fruit growing so special, but I'm hopelessly taken with it. :) Thanks, Brad Falconer mailto:bfalconer@znet.com http://www.bradical.org/garden/ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Composting helps Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 20:08:47 -0800 From: Todd Able To: Denise The first couple of years of gardening I was using Miracle Gro and other Home Depot products. For the last couple of years I have been composting at the base of trees, and it seems to be helping quite a bit. Everything is growing well. I place grass clippings, coffee grinds, kitchen green scraps, and Banana trimmings at the base of trees about 6inches away from the trunk. I noticed that all my Citrus, Carambola, and blueberries do not have a micronutrient problem (yellow leaves) since I have been composting the coffee right at the base of the trees. This has helped some small tender trees (like Wax Jambu) get established at my house. Make sure you are not using anything funny on your lawn, and use every last grass clipping. As far as your neighbors tree, You will need to trim it back! The roots on those Pepper trees are known to ruin sewer pipes. When I moved to my current house, the first thing I did was take out the Pepper tree, and the second was redo the sewer pipe. Maybe offer to plant a fruit tree in their yard if they chop it down. Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 08:46:18 +0000 From: David Carver Dear Leo, I live in San Jose, CA and have not been able to find any stores that sell Dragon Fruit/ pitaya. I have friends in the Los Angeles area and they also have not found a source for this fruit. Would you please do the following for me if possible: 1. Send me store addresses in Los Angeles that sell pitaya. 2. Tell me which wholesellers sell pitaya so that I could give those names and addresses to some upscale markets I am seeking a source for pitaya that I could give to several of our markets so that they could offer these fruits to the public here-a-bout. Thank you very much. Dave Carver mailto:carver1@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: International Network-Improvement of Banana & Plantain Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 15:16:49 -0800 From: Lon J. Rombough Here's an items for your newsletter. January 17, 2003 International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain http://www.inibap.org/ Banana is the fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and corn -- a popular crop on small farms in developing countries, and one on which many people survive. Unfortunately, bananas are rapidly being destroyed by a fungal disease called black Sigatoka that is devastating crops in Africa and Latin America. The International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP) was created in response to this outbreak and to coordinate wordwide efforts to establish germplasm reserves and powerful molecular tools that will include the entire Musa genome sequence. This site contains anything you would ever want to know about bananas! The publications section requires the free Acrobat Reader. Each file that I looked at was visually rich, colorful, well illustrated, professional constructed (science and artwork!) and very informative. It is interesting to read about how to protect an entirely clonal crop plant, as (we all should know) bananas never produce seed. (****) -SR ===================================================================== *BOT-LINX Home Delivery sends you the Botanical Link-of-the-Day from Scott's Botanical Link site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ *To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit the listserv site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/listserv.shtml or contact me by email: mailto:srussell@ou.edu Archived since 1996 at URL: http://lists.ou.edu/archives/botlinx.html ===================================================================== ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Mango Mildew Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 17:39:42 -0800 From: Geoff Buckner To: Todd Able Todd, Thanks for the input. I once had a Manila and was not very impressed. I have moved on to other varieties. I grow my trees a couple of blocks from the ocean in a prime mildew zone. If plants are susceptible at all, I feel confident I will experience it. My best advice would be to avoid it by growing varieties that are not susceptible. In 6 or 7years of growing Valencia Pride Mango, I have never seen even a spot of mildew. It is maintanance free and blooms almost continually. Of the Asian Varieties that I have grown, Okrung is probably the most mildew resistant. For the others that need it, I have gotten the best results by weekly spraying with dilute sulfur during the blooming periods. I spray just enough for fruit set. After the set, I cease until the next year. Maybe your seedlings are resistant? Keep them growing, finding new and improved varieties is in the true spirit of the rarefruit growers. Hope this information is useful. I envy your dry heat in Orange. Geoff mailto:bucknergt@pl1.sdcoxmail.com -----Original Message----- From: Todd Able [mailto:table@socal.rr.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 7:54 PM To: bucknergt@pl1.sdcoxmail.com Subject: Mango Mildew I have a Manila Mango with a powdery Mildew problem every spring. In 2001 we had some fruit, and I used sulfur spray on the flowers. This year I used Neem, but the flowers coniued with Mildew, and in fact the tree had dieback of some limbs (with orange gum). I am composting the tree for 4months now, and it is doing better. In the same area I have a polyembrionic seedling (actually 2) that does not have ANY problems. Its 3ft after 2yrs. Any tips? I grow a large assortment of rare and ordinary fruits here in Orange. Todd Abel table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Peach tree Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 16:45:20 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: Denise Denise... I don't think getting a new peach tree would help. It could be the greedy roots of your neighbors tree is weakening your trees. You might ask for permission to root prune at the fence line. I assume you sprayed with copper or sulfur. Brown rot and gray mold are hard to control and rain at the wrong time spreads the disease. If the twigs are affected prune them off. Also never leave dried mummies of fruit and pick up all that fall on the ground. Hereafter, try the organic route; drill holes around the drip line or use a high pressure hose. Fill the holes with liquid mycorrhizae and compost. Fertilize now with a manure and cover with compost or mulch. When new leaves appear, foliar spray with fish emulsion,kelp and molasses (2 tblsp to gal of water.)Also add some soap as a spreader sticker. Brazilian pepper is a nasty weed tree and very hard to get rid of. However, the turpenes in the leaves might help to keep bugs away. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Garden Web Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2003 03:42:58 EST From: Dmshuck@aol.com Hi Leo, There is a web site called gardenweb. It has information on a wide range of gardening topics. I thought you might be interested on the new garden forum on Passiflora. It is a question and answer type of format. If you are interested go to www.gardenweb.com Happy gardening, Denise Woo mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle Fruit Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 20:08:32 -0800 From: Brad Falconer Hello, Has anyone had any luck cultivating Miracle Fruit indoors? Does anyone know of a good source in the San Francisco Bay Area? Many thanks, Brad Falconer mailto:bfalcone@cisco.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> Message: 1 Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 16:11:32 -0000 From: Subject: Banana Sex Article LONDON (Reuters) - It is one of the world's favorite fruits, but the banana hasn't had sex in years and its days may be are numbered. Without scientific help the sterile, seedless fruit could disappear with 10 years, according to a Belgian plant pathologist. Emile Frison, the head of the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain in Monpellier, France, said the fruit lacks the genetic diversity to fight off diseases and pests that are plaguing banana plantations and only biotechnology and genetic manipulation may be able to save it. Frison sees it as the only hope for the banana, New Scientist said on Wednesday. Without assistance banana production could drop and mark the beginning of the end of the fruit. We may even see the extinction of the banana as both a lifesaver for hungry and impoverished Africans and as the most popular product on the world's supermarket shelves, the magazine added. Eric mailto:Eric.Schmidt@ci.orlando.fl.us ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Message: 2 Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 09:15:00 -0800 From: Martin Berghuis Subject: Re: Banana Sex Article This message is only partly true, because genetic engineering will hopefully rescue the banana. Read http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99991037 I know many people are against Gm, but I don't know what is worse, a pesticides loaded banana or a GM banana. Martin Berghuis mailto:berghuis@wcwinc.net <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> Message: 4 From: VBGarden@aol.com Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 20:08:53 EST Subject: [NAFEX] Hardy Citrus Reply-To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org Hey, Jamie - Our citrus growing is just an enjoyable fluke - we have key lime and kumquat flourishing in large pots that park outside our garage doors on the concrete where they are warmed by the house and accumulated warmth of sun on concrete during the day. If it's below 20 degrees we try to remember to drag the pots into the garage. We are not always successful, but they carry on regardless. We haven't ever managed to remember to get a recording thermometer out there but we suspect that the little area runs a good ten degrees above the overall yard. No varietal info, they just came back with me from a trip home to Florida a few years ago Ralph Denton at Pungo Palms Nursery here in Virginia Beach is really experimenting with hardy citrus and has some lovely full-sized trees in his yard. They do have a website via one of those free servers - you'd have to do a google search on pungo palms and then click through. I never do, the pop-ups just drive me mad, but both of them are good plant folks and do a lot of experimenting with how far they can push the local growing parameters. Their specialty, of course, is hardy palms. Sybil ...expecting almost 1/4 snow in Virginia Beach... (those of you in other climates may not immediately recognize that this constitutes a local emergency situation complete with gripping weather reports every fifteen minutes on the local news) mays@paradisenursery.com http://www.paradisenursery.com/ Sybil mailto:VBGarden@aol.com --__--__-- Message: 5 From: Dr. Chiranjit Parmar Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Hardy Citrus Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 03:37:22 +0530 Reply-To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org Dear Jamie and VBG, Do you know about GALGAL (Citrus pseudolimon) also called hill lemon. It is a quite hardy fruit and grows with Delicious apples in India. Dr. Chiranjit Parmar mailto:parmarch@vsnl.com --__--__-- Message: 6 From: Mark Lee Subject: RE: [NAFEX] Hardy Citrus Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 07:13:54 -0800 Reply-To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org What is the minimum temperature that galgal can survive? I recently found Thomasville Citrangequat which can be grown unprotected at -10C (14F) and protected at -15C (5F). The fruit it produces is very seedy and is similar to a lime. Here is a link to a page with a good picture of the fruit. http://www.junglegardens.co.uk/PlantOrders/en-gb/dept_13.html I haven't grow this personally, but I thought I would give it a try this year. Mark Lee mailto:markl@nytec.com Seattle z7 --__--__-- Message: 7 From: jamie Subject: RE: [NAFEX] Hardy Citrus Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 17:54:47 +0100 Reply-To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org Thanks for the link Mark. I did a web search and came up with some interesting varieties. Ultimately, the question comes down to just how palatable the Poncirus trifoliate crosses are (and the crosses of the crosses of the crosses Š if you see what I mean). It would seem possible however to grow citrus outside year round and have a decent fruit if watering and fleece are used to soften the worst frosts. Nagami Kumquat and Osawi Satsuma have been recommended. C.ichangensis and its varieties also. Does anyone have experience of these or further recommendations. Jamie mailto:jamie@tiscali.fr USDA zone 8 <><> Discussion list for New Crops <><> None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: Photo Album For Sharing Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 00:20:05 -0800 (PST) From: The Thaumaturgist Hi Everybody I had just created a Photo Album in Yahoo Photos with unrestricted access for anyone that might be interested in looking into my photos. The album conveniently offers all the thumbnails first for you to preview before you click your selection for enlargement. Or, you can sit back and enjoy a SlideShow if you so prefer. At present the album contains 107 photos of Mangoes covering the following varieties in alphabetical order: BaileyÕs Marvel, Beverly, Bombay, Carrie, Glenn, Golden Nugget, Haden, Jakarta, Julie, Keitt, Kent, Nam Doc Mai, Palmer, Saigon Gold, Springfels, Tommy Atkins, Valencia Pride, Wild Mango and Zill. Almost all the Mango photos came from Merritt Island and a few from Rockledge, both in Brevard County, Florida. All the photos were shot by me using a SONY MAVICA FD-73, SONYÕs bottom of the line digital camera that has since been discontinued. With time, not only do I intend to add other fruits but I would also like to keep the album updated on a continuous basis as I take more and more photographs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those friends and those fellow members of the Brevard Rare Fruit Council that had graciously tolerated my repeated and often unannounced intrusions into their backyards. To check my photo album, go to: http://photos.yahoo.com/asitkghosh Thank you. Asit K. Ghosh mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com Rockledge, East Central Florida ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 2 Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 12:22:07 -0800 From: "George F. Emerich" Subject: Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Leo: Go to: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/mangosteen.html Show her the picture of a Mangosteen. I think that might be it. Without a doubt, " The world's best fruit" George F. Emerich mailto:gemerich@tfb.com [She also raved about the mangosteen, as a separate fruit.-Leo] ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 3 Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 18:54:31 -0500 From: Console G4 Subject: Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Might be O Krong (Okrung) mango (my spelling is off). Translation is "dented breast". Best of growing, Bob SW Florida mailto:tfnews@gate.net ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 6 Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 18:15:33 -0000 From: "condor1grow " Subject: Breast milk fruit Hello, Please note that "cherimoya" in Quechua, one of the ancient native languages of the Andes, where cherimoya originated, means either "cold dough" (as in bread dough) or "cold breast" (as in a woman's breast). I am told this, since I don't speak any Quechua. Is it possible that she tasted cherimoya, or one of its relatives? The Vietnamese are some of the most avid cherimoya consumers. Dario mailto:dario@earthlink.net [She has eaten cherimoya at my San Diego home, and mango, so she knows those fruits. -Leo] ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 4 Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 19:03:23 +0000 From: "Peter Felker" Subject: Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Dear Leo Thanks so much for your email. I found that I had an old photo of the breast fruit and will email it tomorrow when I return to my office. I also have been unable to find a reference to it in the internet. Thanks so much Peter Felker mailto:peter_felker@hotmail.com Argentina ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 5 Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 19:10:08 -0000 From: "Richard Sar" Subject: Re: "Breast-Milk Fruit" In Vietnam - Hear Of It? Hey Leo, I'm glad to see you're posting here. It's nice seeing a familiar name. I believe that the fruit she is talking about is the caimito. It also goes by the name star apple or milk apple. I had the same problem when I was first looking for information on this fruit. In most Asian countries the name basically is translated as "milk fruit." However, most sources call it the star apple. I think the name breast milk fruit refers a lot to how the fruit taste and how it is sometimes eaten. I hope this help. Richard Sar mailto:richardsar01@yahoo.com <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Clues Toward a Proper Phosphorus Balance in Soil Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 09:30:24 -0500 From: ARS News Service Timing can be everything, especially when it comes to how much of the phosphorus applied to crop fields can be kept out of waterways. That's why Agricultural Research Service scientists, in studying how plants capture phosphorus in manure, went to great lengths to recreate field conditions. Soil scientists Thomas J. Sauer and John L. Kovar--who study nutrient management at the ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory in Ames, Iowa--mixed several manures and soils together and changed the temperature and moisture periodically to simulate seasonal changes during a one-year incubation period. They did this because they believe it's important for farmers to know not just how much phosphorus is in manure, but when it is actually available to plants for uptake and use. For farmers, readily available soil phosphorus is a must if they expect profitable yields. But since plants can absorb only so much of it, over-application leads to unused amounts that remain in the soil. There, it's susceptible to being lost with runoff into streams and rivers, where it can lead to algal blooms and oxygen depletion, among other problems. However, under-application will make the soil phosphorus deficient, reducing yields. The math that farmers must perform in order to strike a proper phosphorus balance is complicated by peaks and valleys in phosphorus availability that plants encounter during their growth. Sauer and Kovar set out to find out how manure phosphorus availability to plants changes with time. Among their findings was that, on average, only 43 percent of the phosphorus applied in manure was available for plant uptake during the first year after application. That means that farmers may have to actually add more phosphorus than they remove with crops at harvest to totally replenish the soil. Read more about this research in the January issue of Agricultural Research magazine, on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/jan03/phos0103.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Beneficial Fungi Boost Pepper Growth Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 09:44:13 -0500 From: ARS News Service Beneficial fungi that live on plant roots increased green bell pepper yields by as much as one-third in studies by Agricultural Research Service scientists. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi colonize the roots of most crop plants and help plants take in phosphorus and other nutrients from the soil. AM fungi have been diminished by modern agricultural practices such as tillage, but in many instances can still make important contributions to productivity, particularly in organic farming and other systems where little if any chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used. David D. Douds, a microbiologist at the ARS Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Pa., studied four different types of AM fungi in three plantings from 1997 to 1999. He collaborated with Carolyn Reider, a horticulturist at the Rodale Institute Experimental Farm in Kutztown, Pa., to measure the fungi's effects on pepper yield. They inoculated seedlings before transplanting them into field plots. One treatment group contained only the AM fungus, Glomus intraradices; another treatment comprised a mixture of three other types of AM fungi; and a third, uninoculated group served as the control. Plants were transferred into high-phosphorus-soil field plots receiving either composted dairy cow manure or conventional chemical fertilizer. Results showed that inoculating peppers with AM fungi boosted fruit yield. The best results were with the fungus mixture, which increased yields each year by 14 to 23 percent in plots with added compost, and up to 34 percent one year in plots with chemical fertilizers. Proper selection of an AM inoculum is essential, according to Douds, and a mixture of fungi increases the chance of having the right fungus present for a given plant. Past studies have shown that AM fungi benefit plants grown in low-phosphorus soil, and that high-phosphorus soils make it harder for the fungi to grow on plant roots. However, this study's results suggest that using AM fungi in high-phosphorus soils is a management option that shouldn't be ignored. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Keeping an Eye Out for the Corn Farmer's Best Friend Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 09:56:48 -0500 From: ARS News Service Ground beetles may not be welcome to city folk who mistake them for small cockroaches, but they are more than welcome in cornfields because they can be voracious predators of the corn farmer's worst pest, the corn rootworm. Corn rootworms eating away at corn roots cause farmers to spray more insecticide than do any other pest in the United States. Ground beetles are so important that Agricultural Research Service scientists are monitoring their populations to ensure that new pesticides--including natural insecticides produced by new varieties of corn plants--don't harm them. As part of this effort, ARS scientists have designed a new, revolving trap that operates like a clock. ARS entomologist Mike Ellsbury created the new trap by modifying a mosquito trap that hangs from a tree. The clockwork trap rotates so it catches the beetles in one of eight bottles every three hours, allowing Ellsbury to learn what species are active when. Ellsbury attached the rotating trap mechanism to a plastic disc, then covered the disc with soil and plant litter, completely disguising it, leaving only a single pitfall opening exposed. There are more than 20,000 species of ground beetles in the family Carabidae. Knowing when different species are active offers diet clues that can be helpful in protecting ground beetles and in learning how their numbers can be maintained or even increased. Ellsbury has three of the new traps and plans to build more. He also has 105 conventional single pitfall traps and has placed the traps in experimental plots of corn. By keeping track of the location, numbers and species of ground beetles, Ellsbury and colleagues will learn whether the new corn varieties have any harmful effects on the beetles. With corn rootworm evolving ways around the crop rotations traditionally used to control it, ground beetles are increasingly becoming a corn farmer's best friend. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Vitamin C Protects Stressed-Out Plants Date: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 07:31:50 -0500 From: ARS News Service To: ARS News subscriber People aren't the only ones using antioxidants to protect their cells. Plants also use the antioxidant vitamin C--which they produce themselves--to reduce oxidative cell damage. Agricultural Research Service scientists are looking into ways that plants use vitamin C to defend against ozone, which damages more plants than all other air pollutants combined. Stratospheric, or upper-level, ozone protects Earth from damaging, ultraviolet radiation. But tropospheric, or ground-level, ozone, is a pollutant. Tropospheric ozone enters plants through their leaves and decomposes into unstable molecules called reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs). If not neutralized by an antioxidant, ROIs injure plants. At the ARS Air Quality-Plant Growth and Development Research Unit in Raleigh, N.C., plant physiologist Kent Burkey is studying how plants transport vitamin C out of their leaf cells and into a complex of adjoining cell walls. This outer cellular space, called the apoplast, is an interconnected liquid layer surrounding the cells. Burkey has found that plants that are able to move greater quantities of vitamin C into the leaf apoplast have a better chance of detoxifying ozone. He has evidence that ozone tolerance in snap beans is associated with elevated vitamin C in the leaf apoplast. He also has found that plants vary widely in terms of how much vitamin C they make inside their cells. But while some plants make lots of vitamin C in their cells, they are not capable of pumping it into the apoplast where it can provide protection against ozone injury. Burkey's most recent tests on snap beans suggest that the presence of vitamin C in the apoplast before ozone enters the leaf is critical. He will next look more closely at how vitamin C and derivatives are pumped between the cell and the apoplast. And he will be looking for other antioxidant compounds in the leaf apoplast that could protect against ozone injury. Read more on this in the January issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available on the web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan03/plant0103.htm <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200302A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - February 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200302B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Heavy Rain - Too Much Of A Good Thing? We normally get so little rain, that I really won't complain, but it would be nice to have a break to get chores done outside. It also has interfered with the yard tour/plant sale. At least today, Valentine's Day, has been mostly sunny. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Round Mountain, California Duane Wieden New Subscriber, Huntington Beach, California Geri Woolls New Subscriber, San Diego Rare Fruit Grower "Irene Sias" New Subscriber, TX, Interested In Cold-Hardy Citrus Phil Hamilton New Subscriber, Guangdong Province of China "Yingzhi Li" New Subscriber, Both NY and Bocas del Toro (Panama) Sol Korine New Subscriber, Australia, Also Interested In Pitaya "David Aveling" <><><> Readers Write <><><> Re: North County Meeting CRFG, Near Vista, CA Sven Merten Re: Popularity Of Fruit Of H. Undatus In Hawaii "Alfred Vorne" Liquid Mycorrhizae Source? "Ben Pierce" Visit Southcoast Research Station, Irvine, 3/1/03 Sven Merten David Silverstein, Chairman, San Diego Chapter Re: Mango Mildew "Amy Fernandez" Todd Peach tree Eunice Messner Denise Breast-Milk Fruit "Gerardo Garcia" Re: Breast-Milk Fruit: How About This? "Vu Sua" Leo's Granddaughter Star Fruit? Star Apple? I'm Confused Carlyn Re: Star Fruit? Star Apple? I'm Confused Leo Manuel Carlyn Keitt Mango - When To Pick? Maurice Kong Re: Keitt Mango - When To Pick? Leo Manuel Maurice Other Mangoes To Pick Mature But Green Maurice Growing in WA "Roger Meyer" Patrick Miracle Fruit "Roger Meyer" Want: Microclimate And House Information In San Diego Rick Re: Rare fruit / Miracle Fruit Indoors "Jeff Earl" Brad Eat Passion Fruit? "Thomas Morris" David Karp's Food Column - Cut! Michael Zarky FW: Fruits of the future. "Lon J. Rombough" Where To Buy Loquat Jam In California? "Micheal McCright" Hylocereus guatemalensis: Seeds/Cuttings Wanted christopher.marshall@att.net Cherries For Low-Chill Climates? Matthew Shugart Patrick Help with microclimates Matthew Shugart <> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> Welcome To HortNet - http://www.hort.net/ http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters Silverhill Seeds South Africa http://www.silverhillseeds.co.za <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> International Centre for Underutilised Crops "Scott D. Russell BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU" <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Photo Album The Thaumaturgist Re: milk from the breast - how the fruit is eaten "Peter Felker" Canned mangosteen "Dan" Re: milk from the breast - how the fruit is eaten "oscarrj " <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Latest ARS Food & Nutrition Research Briefs Posted ARS News Service Glomalin: The Real Soil Builder ARS News Service Discoveries Could Help Against Fire Ants ARS News Service Radio Waves Put Heat on Pests ARS News Service Fowl Manure May Help the Environment ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Round Mountain, California Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 12:11:41 -0800 (PST) From: Duane Wieden Hello Leo, I would like to be added to your 'rare fruit growers' e-mail. My name is Duane E. Wieden and I live in Round Mountain, CA on 10 acres. I have approximately 185 fruit and nut trees here. I have tried to gather the best-of-the-best in cultivars. My goal is for myself and my family to be self-sufficient. My background is Information Technology where I served as a manager and consultant in the Bay Area for many years. My fruit specialty is persimmons (kaki). Although I enjoy all high-quality fruit, persimmons are my favorite, followed probably by apricot, and then,..., well the sky is the limit, but figs have done very well up here too... I grew up on the South Coast Field Station where I enjoyed over 30 varieties of persimmon in my youth. I am currently writing a book on persimmons due to the limited knowledge I am finding out there on this subject. I am by no means an "expert" on this subject (no horticultural degrees, though I grew up with the Kaki persimmon and thus probably know a little more than most about this fruit and what I like in it), but I am getting better educated all of the time. Other than Persimmon Culture in New Zealand and Persimmons for Everyone, if anyone could point me to other reputable works on persimmons, I would greatly appreciate it. I also welcome correspondance on persimmons with anyone of similar interest. Duane Wieden mailto:duane_wieden@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Huntington Beach, California Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 10:42:57 -0800 (PST) From: Geri Woolls I live in Huntington Beacg, Ca. I am a widow, with 2 children 19 and 23. My son 19 is just starting colllege and my daughter works for Verizon. I am a landlady for a little apartment building and certified in massage therapy although I don't do much of that any more because I have carpal tunal in my left hand. I love fruit trees and have been planting them since 1979 when we bought this house. I have a large avacado tree about 21 years old. (Feurte) a naval orange dwarf, locquat, persimmion the kind that must get soft before you eat it, fig with a purplish black skin, Myer lemon, Beverly Hills apple, lychee tree (don't know if it going to make it or not as it's new and in the dorment stage right now. Looks like a stick.) nectarine tree, and an aprocot tree. I want more! My name is Geri and I am a treeoholic! : ) Thank you for all your hard work and effort. Geri Woolls mailto:Geri_Lynn@webtv.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, San Diego Rare Fruit Grower Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 10:45:41 -0800 From: "Irene Sias" Hi Leo! I just happened upon this page when I was looking up Pacific Tree Farms. They are about 2 miles north of me directly. I am off Telegraph Canyon. I would very much enjoy this news letter. I have a white sapote, a naval orange, Meyer lemon, and a tangerine that is very prolific, but so sour and full of seeds it is inedible. But IÕd like to try grafting something to it. Otherwise, I had 5 huge yucca trees removed, a sick Monterey pine (sorry to see that one go) and some other tree that was crowding the new brick wall of my neighbor. So now I have lots of room to try my luck. I will be putting up some sort of shade structure (which would be a good subject for the group) for my epiphyllums. The other 2 trees I have are the trumpets. A white and orange that I bought at the fair for 2 or 3 dollars. They are 8 feet now and gorgeous when in bloom. I want a raised vegetable garden, and a succulent garden, and a butterfly garden. WonÕt I be busy! And I really love our group, SDRFG. Also, you sure have a nice family. Thanks, Irene Sias mailto:isias@Anacomp.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, TX, Interested In Cold-Hardy Citrus Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 23:13:22 -0800 (PST) From: Phil Hamilton I am Phil Hamilton, in Leander, TX and my hobbies are raising exotic birds and plants. I am interested in growing new improved citrus varieties that are a combination of cold hardy and edible for container grown citrus. Thanks Phil Hamilton mailto:leandercitrus@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Guangdong Province of China Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 20:8:47 +0800 From: "Yingzhi Li" Hello, I am Yingzhi Li, living in the Guangdong Province of China and I am a teacher in the Horticultral Department of Zhanjiang Ocean University. I am interested in tropical fruits, as those also are among my teaching subjects. Yingzhi Li mailto:lyingzhi@21cn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Both NY and Bocas del Toro (Panama) Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 8:27:07 -0600 From: Sol Korine Dear Folks, My name is Sol and I live in New York and on a island off the coast of Panama - Bocas del Toro. I planted 70 fruit trees three years ago. Oranges,limes, lemons, mangos, lychees, guavas, papayas, and pineapples. I am interested in cultivating additional varieties. I would like to get your newsletter. Thanks, Sol mailto:s.korine@verizon.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Australia, Also Interested In Pitaya Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 21:22:11 +1100 From: "David Aveling" Dear Leo Thanks very much for your fast reply. Doing abit more surfing around online, I see that you have great knowledge in exotic fruits. I would also like to subscribe to your email: Name: David Aveling Live: Melbourne, Australia Email: daveling@bigpond.net.au I will also send the cheque for the Dargonfruit book off ASAP. Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you soon! David Aveling mailto:daveling@bigpond.net.au <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Re: North County Meeting CRFG, Near Vista, CA Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 10:00:58 -0800 From: Sven Merten Hi Leo, No web site, but here is what I send out to people who ask about the meeting: Meetings are the third Friday of each month at 7 pm in the Hort unit of the Oceanside Mira Costa College campus. >From 5: Take the 78 east and exit College Blvd. Make a left and the second or third light is Barnard Dr. where you will make another left. The campus is at the top of the hill. The hort unit will be on the right side and we park in the faculty lot on the left. >From the 15: Take 78 West and exit College and make a right. Then follow the directions above. >From Fallbrook: Take 76 East to College Blvd. South. Make a right on Barnard Dr. (if you hit 78 you have passed it by a block or so). The campus is at the top of the hill. The hort unit will be on the right side and we park in the faculty lot on the left. Regards, Sven Merten mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Popularity Of Fruit Of H. Undatus In Hawaii Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 10:14:03 -1000 From: "Alfred Vorne" Dear Leo; I got all my cuttings from Frankie's nursery and just got off the phone with them. I was told that all 3 varieties are self pollinating (including the red) and they are getting fruit without hand pollinating from all 3. They had not noticed bugs around the flowers. Mahalo Al mailto:alvorne@maui.net > Yellow Pitaya is self-fertile. Dragon Fruit will > probably be a Vietnamese cultivar and self-fertile. > Red Pitaya occasionally are self-fruitful, but very > few are. > > Keep track of which plants are which. > > Did you get all of yours from Frankie's? ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Liquid Mycorrhizae Source? Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 15:40:31 +0000 From: "Ben Pierce" Hello Eunice, Do you have a brand of liquid mycorrhizae that you can recommend? I currently use the "Plant Success" tablets and have had some success with them. I think a liquid would be much more convenient and could mix that with the compost tea I am making as well. Thanks Ben Pierce mailto:mariposafamily@hotmail.com You said: Fill the holes with liquid mycorrhizae.... ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Visit Southcoast Research Station, Irvine, 3/1/03 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 09:02:37 -0800 From: Sven Merten To: David Silverstein, Chairman, San Diego Chapter Hi David, I just talked to Dr. Hagillih and we are all set for March 8th at 10 am. There is no cost and I told him it would probably be between 30 and 40 people. I asked to see the cherimoyas, avocados, persimmons, citrus and possibly the star fruit. I'll make sure we get an announcement in our newsletter. Directions are as follows: Take 5 North into Orange County, to San Canyon and head East on Sand Canyon. Make a right (South) on Irvine Blvd. A short distance further you will see some eucalyptus trees in the center of the road, just past the first trees there is a left turn lane that turns into SCREC, South Cost Research and Extension Center. Park near the office. If you put anything in your newsletter and also when you talk about it your meeting please be sure to tell everyone not to pick any fruit or even pick it up off the ground unless someone giving the tour says it is all right. There are experiments going on all the time and many of them involve counting and weighing the fruit so it is important not to take any fruit. Let me know if there is anything else I can do. Regards, Sven Merten mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mango Mildew Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 09:14:23 -0800 From: "Amy Fernandez" To: Todd It is very beneficial to make a "tea" out of compost (not the high heat compost, but the slower cool composting process, has the beneficial flora and fauna) and spray for mildews and such. I have a friend who uses it on her stone fruit trees, also. I've used the 1 part of milk and 2 parts of water on my papaya and it works very well. I haven't had enough compost to make tea until this year, and I've read kelp spray is very helpful for strengthening leaves of plants as Eunice mentioned. There is also the baking soda spray recipe from Cornell Univ. which is being used on curcurbits even, but I've found the milk is even better. Also it works better as a preventive, but it will kick down the Powdery Mildew after it gets going. Amy mailto:marvelousgardens@attbi.com >I have a Manila Mango with a powdery Mildew problem every >spring.... Todd Abel table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Peach tree Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 16:45:20 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: Denise Denise... I don't think getting a new peach tree would help. It could be the greedy roots of your neighbors tree is weakening your trees. You might ask for permission to root prune at the fence line. I assume you sprayed with copper or sulfur. Brown rot and gray mold are hard to control and rain at the wrong time spreads the disease. If the twigs are affected prune them off. Also never leave dried mummies of fruit and pick up all that fall on the ground. Hereafter, try the organic route; drill holes around the drip line or use a high pressure hose. Fill the holes with liquid mycorrhizae and compost. Fertilize now with a manure and cover with compost or mulch. When new leaves appear, foliar spray with fish emulsion,kelp and molasses (2 tblsp to gal of water.) Also add some soap as a spreader sticker. Brazilian pepper is a nasty weed tree and very hard to get rid of. However, the turpenes in the leaves might help to keep bugs away. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Breast-Milk Fruit Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 18:25:44 +0000 From: "Gerardo Garcia" Regarding the "Breast-Milk Fruit", the fact that your correspondent mentions it's purple, then your granddaughter said it's green, clinches the ID, because Chrysophyllum cainito ("caimito" to us) comes both in green and in purple varieties, as well as some rare cultivars that bear reddish fruit. It's native to Puerto Rico (as well as other Latin countries) and there are many different varieties here. I have a tree that groans under the weight of the caimitos in late summer, very sweet fruit. They are one of the few fruits that do not abscise, but rather must have their stems cut from the tree or they will stay up there until they disintegrate. If you pull them off, the rather rubbery peel will tear and they will stain you with the sticky white latex and also spoil fairly fast. Regards, Gerardo mailto:manilkara@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Breast-Milk Fruit: How About This? "Vu Sua" Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 17:43:16 EST From: Leo's Granddaughter Yes, that is the one! It is so delicious, you really should try it someday somehow! Love, Erin ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Star Fruit? Star Apple? I'm Confused Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 10:43:35 -0800 From: Carlyn Hi Leo, I was just reading the current newsletter about the fruit your granddaughter had in asia. The replies confused me. In Thailand what is call star-apple (carambola) is not anything like what was described or what I saw on the website given. Are there two fruits with the same English name? Although I can see the star in the cut fruit from Vietnam, it is not evident from the exterior of the fruit as is the carambola. Does it possibly have another English name? I need to check with my husband and see if they have this fruit in Thailand. Carlyn Ungphakorn mailto:sak_carlyn@juno.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Star Fruit? Star Apple? I'm Confused Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 11:24:21 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Carlyn Hi Carlyn I believe star fruit is the name for two unrelated fruits. Caimito is a common name for the star fruit (star apple)that my granddaughter liked. It seems to look like a small tennis ball, and will not grow in Southern California. Carambola, often called star fruit, will grow in California, and is not at all similar. The fruit is green, relatively long, compared to the diameter, and cross-section segments are shaped as a star. Take care, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Keitt Mango - When To Pick? Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 16:49:42 EST From: Chino228@Aol.Com Hi Leo: In your newsletter you made reference to Keitt mango not yet ripe. Thought I'd remind you Keitt mango should always be be picked mature green and never be allowed to ripen on the tree but I'm sure you knew this already. Maurice mailto:Chino228@Aol.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Keitt Mango - When To Pick? Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 17:58:17 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Maurice Hi Maurice I wonder if climate is a factor? I have trouble determining when they are ready to pick, if not softening. Sometimes, they don't acquire a sweet taste, if not. I'll try the Florida method in California and see how they go. Thanks very much for writing. Sincerely, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Other Mangoes To Pick Mature But Green Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 22:33:20 EST From: Maurice Hi Leo: Another mango variety that is picked mature green is the Malika in the event you have a tree. If you pick this variety ripe on the tree you will have mango with jelly seed which is a disadvantage.. Maurice mailto:Chino228@Aol.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Growing in WA Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 16:20:55 -0800 From: "Roger Meyer" To: Patrick Patrick, saw your letter to Leo. You mentioned about wanting to grow the yellow kiwifruit. I sent material to a Ron Broadbent who has an orchard near Albany. Do you know of him? I can get his e mail address, I think, if you are not aware of him. The material is not the Zespri Gold, out of New Zealand. It is material I imported years ago out of China, through Japan. Are you a member of WANATCA? They are a group devoted to growing rare plants and are based in Perth. I am a member of that egroup as well as the California Rare Fruit Growers. We put out a color magazine 6 times a year. WANATCA will be a co-sponsor of an international meeting about rare fruit in Sept 2004 at Gatton, Qlds. I will be there to present papers. Hope to hear back from you, best, Roger and Shirley Meyer ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle Fruit Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 16:25:17 -0800 From: "Roger Meyer" To: Saw your message about miracle fruit. Unfortunately, miracle fruit really doesn't sweeten anything. It does block your tongue's ability to taste acid or sour so that the natural sweetness within citrus comes through. I don't think you can cook with it as the active chemical(s) are probably destroyed with heat. Just enjoy it's effects when eating sour citrus. Roger Meyer mailto:exoticfruit@95net.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Want: Microclimate And House Information In San Diego Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 20:46:25 EST From: Rick Leo, This is Rick from Los Angeles. We traded plants many years ago. I'm getting ready to move down to the San Diego area and I wondered who I might talk to about the different microclimates around and in San Diego area? I want to be able to grow tropicals and I assume that all of the San Diego area and surrounding areas would be good for that but just wanted to check. Any info you can give would be helpful, as well as if you happen to know of any houses to rent. I hope to buy in the future as well. Thanks, Rick mailto:PlantguyR1@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Rare fruit / Miracle Fruit Indoors Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 17:08:32 -0800 From: "Jeff Earl" To: Brad Brad, I can answer both of your questions. #1 Most of what I grow here in the valley (Modesto) you should be able to grow and fruit as Oakland tends to have a more mild climate than Modesto, which is 70 miles to the east. I grow and fruit,( without any winter protection ) Macadamia, Longan, Avocado, Babaco Papaya, Bananas, Tropical Guava.... The following are healthy plants/trees that mave made it through 3 winters unharmed, but too young to fruit... Jaboticaba, Rose apple, Cherimoya, Sapodilla, Lychee. As far as Miracle Fruit... I have several plants, I keep indoors during the winter. Try... http://www.nativehabitat.com/products/ Jeff Earl mailto:jeffearl@sbcglobal.net Modesto, Ca http://www.geocities.com/calrarefruit || Subject: Miracle Fruit || Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 20:08:32 -0800 || From: Brad Falconer || || Hello, || || Has anyone had any luck cultivating Miracle Fruit indoors? || || Does anyone know of a good source in the San Francisco || Bay Area? || || Many thanks, || || Brad Falconer mailto:bfalcone@cisco.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Eat Passion Fruit? Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 02:15:14 -0800 From: "Thomas Morris" Hi I would like to know about eating passion fruit, as I have it all over the back yard Tom mailto:tommypatsyR1@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: David Karp's Food Column - Cut! Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 08:08:32 -0800 From: Michael Zarky Dear Leo, Some months ago the Los Angeles Times revamped its Food section, and the column covering local Farmers' Markets, written by David Karp, disappeared. I'm sure many of your readers live in the LA area, and receive this paper. No doubt readers are also enthusiastic about these Markets, knowing that they are not only a better source for the consumer searching for tastier, perhaps organically grown, produce, but also a lifeline for the local small farmers, who as always are struggling to survive economically. This column surely helped keep awareness of the markets in public consciousness; and its loss is to be grieved. So I urge those RFNO readers who are Times subscribers to express their disappointment by writing to the Times at food@latimes.com, and see if we can't get these weekly reports restored. I e-mailed David, and I was left with the impression that he might not want to continue, but the column itself, following his inspiration, should nevertheless be restored. Please try to be as detailed and imaginative in your expressions of dismay as possible! Michael Zarky mailto:mzarky@earthlink.net Moorpark, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FW: Fruits of the future. Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 09:29:55 -0800 From: "Lon J. Rombough" Leo: I posted the SBLD on "Fruits of the Future" to the list of the North American Fruit Explorers just as something of interest to the members and got this comment back. Dr. Parmar has written "Fruits of the Sub Himalayan Region" so he is well qualified to make the comment. Just thought you would find it of interest. -Lon Rombough mailto:lonrom@hevanet.com ---------- Subject: Fruits of the future. Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:26:55 +0530 From: "Dr. Chiranjit Parmar" To: "Lon J. Rombough" Dear Lon, It seems you got impressed with the write up of these Fruits of the Future people in UK. I had also felt like that at the first instance. But I was shocked when I paid to paid to rthis so called International Centre for Unutilized Crops in UK about 18 months back. They are bogus people knowing nothing about fruits. This centre is housed in two small rooms at the University of South Hampton . I had discussions with the lady Angela and one Bangladeshi Professor there who was heer boss. They even did not appear to me to be horticulturists. The underutilized crops selected by them from India are Zizyphus mauritiana and Tamarindus indica. Z.m. is a commercial fruit crop of significant economic importance in India. Its cultivation is already highly developed and a lot of literature already exists.. Tamarind is not a fruit by any classification. It is used as a condiment. When I told this to both these persons, they felt embarassed and uncomfortable. I just could not think that such sort of bogus scientific activity could exist in a country like UK. There are some people who manage to get a project with some appealing title on the basis of their personal contacts. Then they write articles and make speeches on the subject in conferences. We have many scintists of this kind in India but I could not think of it in UK. When I go to UK, I stay at Reading. South Hampton is about 90 minutes by car from Reading. I requested the sone of friend to drive me there. I just could not resist telling you about my experience with this Centre. Best regards, C. PARMAR ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Where To Buy Loquat Jam In California? Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 18:54:37 -0800 From: "Micheal McCright" To: I don't know where, but do you Leo? ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Hylocereus guatemalensis: Seeds/Cuttings Wanted Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 02:24:14 +0000 From: christopher.marshall@att.net Dear Leo and fellow subscribers, I have a friend in Brazil who is looking for cuttings and/or seeds of Hylocereus species other than H.undatus. Specifically, he is looking for either H. costaricensis or H. guatemalensis. I have a couple of small plants of H. guatemalensis but they are too small yet to yield cuttings. Anyone out there with material to spare? Chris Marshall mailto:christopher.marshall@worldnet.att.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cherries For Low-Chill Climates? Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 11:45:58 -0900 From: Matthew Shugart To: Patrick Patrick (and Leo and the RFNO community): You expressed a desire to find a cherry that "would fruit with no subzero temperatures." Actually, while most sweet cherries need a moderate-to-high degree of chill, they do NOT require freezing (i.e. subzero, Celsius) temperatures. In fact, when the temperature is below freezing, the buds are not receiving any "chill," according to most models of how chilling works. Rather, chilling occurs in the mid-to upper thirties (sorry, I speak Fahrenheit!), and up into the 40s and, according to some models, into the 50s (but at a lower rate per hour than at lower temperatures). The most important thing is not whether you have freezing or near freezing weather, but to avoid prolonged spells of very warm temperatures (which can be mitigated to some degree by a high cover crop, winter shade or application of mist during the warm spells). I am not familiar with the climate of Perth. But here in southern California, in the moderately colder coastal regions, some of us have had some fruit set on sweet cherries. The best cultivars seem to be those that require no cross-pollination, such as Craig's Crimson, Stella, and Lapins. The new cultivar (from Dave Wilson growers in California) known as Royal Ranier is said to have the lowest chilling of any known variety yet. The first three I mentioned are usually said to require 700-800 hours, and Royal Ranier is said to be at 600-700. It is entirely possible that those estimates are at least 200 chill hours too high. More experimentation (by folks like you!) is needed. In any event, if your climate is similar to that of southern California's near-coastal (i.e., not immediate coast, but not deeply interior or high elevation) regions, you may have success with cherries. Of course, there is always the Capulin cherry, which requires no chilling at all, but does require quite an imagination to think of as a "cherry" in flavor! Matthew Shugart mailto:mshugart@ucsd.edu Bonsall, California (USDA zone 9?, Sunset zone 21/19) ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Help with microclimates Study Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 12:31:27 -0900 From: Matthew Shugart Dear RFNO readers: At my new property in Bonsall (in north San Diego County, for those of you outside the area), I have the opportunity to take advantage of several distinct microclimates. The property is on 8.5 acres, and has an elevation difference of almost 300 feet from one end to the other. Most of it is south-facing slope, but I also have east-facing slopes, too. I have purchased a set of wireless temperature sensors (from Davis Instruments: see www.davisnet.com--this is not an advertisement, just FYI). They are located at four different sites on the property. In brief, I identify four distinct zones on the property. I will give the average low and high temperatures for the first ten days of February (I won't bother with January, because that month was so atypically warm this year, although the data are consistent, zone relative to zone, with what I report). I am soliciting advice as to what types of fruit might be best for taking advantage of the features of each microclimate. Despite the 8.5 acres, much is not very usable (due to rocks or extreme steepness) or already has commercial orchards (grapefruit below and avocados above) on it that restrict the space available for rare fruit growing. Lower (lo 37.8/hi 71.9). This location is a no-brainer. I am planting a wide variety of deciduous fruits here. Despite the very warm January, I estimate that the zone has received nearly 500 chill hours to date. There have been some light freezes and frosts here. No tropicals! Middle (43.3/72.2). This temperature sensor is roughly 125 feet of elevation higher than the lower one. The slope is south-facing, but also exposed to the prevailing (and often chilly) winds from the southwest. Somewhat exposed also to "Santa Ana" winds--drying northeast winds for those not familiar with the area--but less exposed than anywhere else other than the lowest area. No frost here this winter, and some 12-to-15-foot tall laurel sumacs that suggest no major frost at any time in the recent past. East ridge (41.6/72.9). This is actually a bit lower than the "middle." It is also above a precipitous drop into a canyon, which implies good cold-air drainage, even though it is always a little colder at night than the "middle" zone. It's also mostly east/southeast facing. That's probably why it is consistently 1-3 degrees warmer in the daytime. It warms up earlier, and also is much less exposed to the prevailing ocean breeze. On the other hand, it would be much more exposed to the occasional Santa Ana wind. Top (45.6/71.3). This is at least 250 feet in elevation above the lowest sensor. Obviously the warmest overnight location on the property. But also by far the most exposed to the ocean breeze, which is probably why it is almost always a bit cooler in the daytime than the middle zone. It is also consistently less humid (not just when the northeast winds are blowing, but all the time), for reasons that I do not understand. There is also a subzone of the "top" in which I have no sensor, but it is noticeably warmer (possibly more than the east ridge) because it us over the crest, and facing northeast). Of course, it would be more exposed to the drying Santa Anas at the same time that is less exposed to the prevailing cool westerlies. I am sorry for the length of this overview. If anyone has any clear suggestions as to what types of fruit would be especially good (or bad) for any of the zones (other than the low one), taking into account not only temperatures, but also what I have said about wind and humidity, I would be grateful. Any readers in the area who would like a quick tour some time should contact me personally via e-mail. I am always happy to meet other growers, and show folks around. Thanks! Matthew Shugart mailto:mshugart@ucsd.edu Bonsall, California <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> Welcome To HortNet: http://www.hort.net/ Top Stories Iowa prairies need your help! Trillium rivale brought into new genus, named Pseudotrillium rivale Stolen cycads recovered! Asiatica Nursery Suffers Severe Fire Damage 20 Rare African Plants Stolen from Quail Botanical Gardens Pride of Place Plants adds 25 Japanese hydrangeas to its lineup Scientists plan to find and name every species within 25 years California Environmentalist Fights to Save Oak story archive Welcome to the new hort.net! This is the first step in an ongoing process to make hort.net a better resource for all. Gallery of Plants - Over 3100 images of all types of plants! Plant Profiles - Detailed page-long descriptions of specific ornamental plants. Mailing Lists - Searchable mailing list archives on all kinds of horticulture-related topics. News What's new! New site features, press releases, and more. Links Hundreds of links to gardening resources on the Internet, all grouped by category ------------------------------------------------ http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters ------------------------------------------------ Silverhill Seeds South Africa http://www.silverhillseeds.co.za <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> None this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: Photo Album From: The Thaumaturgist Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 11:44:55 -0800 (PST) Hello Everyone I had just added a new folder of 21 photos of Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) in my photo album at http://photos.yahoo.com/asitkghosh All the digital photos were taken of fruits from 3 different trees in Merritt Island, Florida. Now the Album contains photos of Mango and Sapodilla. Thank you. Asit K. Ghosh Florida ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: milk from the breast - how the fruit is eaten From: "Peter Felker" Date: Sat, 01 Feb 2003 12:51:12 +0000 The picture I hope to have sent to the rare fruit group is very very similar to the breast fruit and is eaten the same way. I lived in the province north of Can Tho in Vinh long. However there is confusion as the star apple is usually something very differentin being pinkish to red, thin walled and no pulp inside. Any idea of the genus and species??? Thanks Peter Felker Argentina ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Canned mangosteen Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 05:08:10 -0000 From: "Dan" Hello, For those unlucky fruit fanciers who (like me) live outside the area where exotic fruits are commonly carried in stores there is the "option" of buying canned fruits. Today (while out shopping for Chinese New Year goodies) I spied canned mangosteen for the first time. The prices weren't bad (one brand was $1.60 for 10 oz of fruit the other was $2.50 for 8 oz of fruit) and my craving for the fruit was high. Througout my life I have always taken an extremely dim view of canned fruit- but if you can't have fresh what else can you do. I ate most of the cheapest can this evening (I saved a mangosteen to see if there is a quality difference between the two cans) and it wasn't bad. At the same time it failed to preserve some of the best elements of mangosteen flavor- namely the pleasant piercing tartness (which was completely gone). Due to the canning process the seeds were considerably softened and I ate some of them (I hope there isn't an issue with that). I also got some canned palm fruits (but my expectation for them is quite low). ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: milk from the breast - how the fruit is eaten From: "oscarrj" Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 08:40:36 -0000 Starapple (Chrysophyllum cainito) comes in two different colors. Some varieties are purple while others are green when ripe. Oscar, Big Island, Hawaii <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Latest ARS Food & Nutrition Research Briefs Posted Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 12:58:53 -0500 From: ARS News Service The Agricultural Research Service has posted the January 2003 issue of Food & Nutrition Research Briefs on its web site at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb The Research Briefs present concise updates about ARS research in human nutrition, food freshness and safety, and new foods. Web visitors can search the newsletter, including past issues. They can also sign up to receive future issues of the Briefs by e-mail. Included in the January 2003 issue: * Dark-orange carrots may supply more of an important antioxidant, beta-carotene, than their lighter-orange counterparts. * Exercise such as lifting weights helped Hispanic Americans with type 2 diabetes-reduce their reliance on diabetes medication. * Blueberries may boost brain power, if tests with laboratory rats prove true for humans. * Seniors who took calcium and vitamin D supplements for a nutrition study lost fewer teeth than elderly who didn't receive the supplements. * A healthful new baby formula was made possible, in part, by ARS research on oil from cotton seed. * New trees that yield cacao for making chocolate, cocoa and cocoa butter are resistant to key insect and fungal enemies. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Glomalin: The Real Soil Builder Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003 07:45:54 -0500 From: ARS News Service An Agricultural Research Service scientist now has more proof that she has found a key ingredient responsible for the well-known benefits of soil organic matter. Sara F. Wright, a soil scientist with the ARS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., discovered glomalin in 1996 and named the substance after Glomales, the taxonomic order of the fungi that produce the sticky protein. Recently, she used a nuclear magnetic resonance imager to show that glomalin is structurally different from any other organic matter component, proving it is a distinct entity. The fungi live on most plant roots and use the plants' carbon to produce glomalin. Glomalin is thought to seal and solidify the outside of the fungi's pipelike filaments that transport water and nutrients to plants. As the roots grow, glomalin sloughs off into the soil where it acts as a "super glue," helping sand, silt and clay particles stick to each other and to the organic matter that brings soil to life. It is glomalin that helps give good soil its feel, as smooth clumps of the glued-together particles and organic matter flow through an experienced gardener's or farmer's hands. Glomalin was long lost in humus, the organic matter that is often called "black gold." When it did turn up in humus measurements, it was thought to be a contaminant. Glomalin is not just the glue that holds humus to soil particles, it actually does much of what humus has been credited with. Because there is so much more glomalin in the soil than humic acid, an extractable fraction of humus, glomalin stores 27 percent of total soil carbon, compared to humic acid's eight percent. It also provides nitrogen to soil and gives it the structure needed to hold water and for proper aeration, movement of plant roots and stability to resist erosion. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Discoveries Could Help Against Fire Ants Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 07:23:33 -0500 From: ARS News Service Recent findings from the Agricultural Research Service's fire ant research team in Florida could help find new, environmentally friendly ways to control these invasive pests that now infest millions of acres across the southern United States. The latest findings are part of ongoing research to control the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), which was accidentally introduced into the United States from South America in 1929. It inflicts painful stings to humans and causes ecological damage by out-competing native ants, especially at construction sites and other areas where the soil is disturbed. David Williams, who heads ARS fire ant research at the Center for Medical and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) in Gainesville, Fla., is searching for potential viruses and other biological controls against the fire ant. One of these is a parasitic ant from Argentina and Brazil, Solenopsis daguerrei, which Williams and colleagues are studying under quarantine at Gainesville. This parasitic ant drains the colony's strength. Studies found that mound densities were reduced by 33 percent in fire ant colonies with the parasitic ant, and the number of fire ant queens was reduced by 47 percent in parasitized colonies. Another potential biocontrol is the pathogen Thelohania solenopsae, discovered by CMAVE scientists in the United States in 1996. The single-cell protozoan parasite from South America reduces the queen's weight, causing her to lay fewer eggs. Entomologist David Oi has discovered a new spore type of T. solenopsae that could lead to better ways to transmit the pathogen into colonies. Insect pathologist Roberto Pereira recently discovered a disease he named yellow head disease, thought to be caused by a protozoan from the genus Mattesia. The protozoan was present in 34 percent of sites and eight percent of nests studied in Florida. Its potential as a biocontrol is still being investigated. Read more about this and other fire ant research in the February 2003 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb03/ants0203.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Radio Waves Put Heat on Pests Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 07:13:09 -0500 From: ARS News Service Although the effectiveness of using radio waves to kill destructive insects in agricultural products has been known for 70 years, the technique has never been applied on a commercial scale. For several decades, methyl bromide has been a mainstay treatment to kill a wide array of quarantined pests. A recent cooperative effort by four Agricultural Research Service research laboratories and two universities aims to overcome the technical barriers to use of radio wave heating to control pests on a commercial scale in places such as orchards, packinghouses and food plants. Electromagnetic waves of radio frequency can make molecules vibrate and heat up, in the same way that microwaves heat food. The trick is to kill pest insects without killing the taste or texture of the food they infest. Since 2000, a team led by Juming "Jimmy" Tang of Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, involving four ARS laboratories and the University of California-Davis (UC-Davis), has been working on a four-year study to see if radio waves would be an economical, environmentally friendly alternative to the use of methyl bromide and other chemicals to effectively rid fruits and nuts of live insects. At the Kika De La Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center in Weslaco, Texas, ARS entomologist Guy J. Hallman is investigating the use of radio frequency treatment of citrus against the Mexican fruit fly. Hallman is developing a device to simulate what's needed to commercially heat-treat citrus fruit, such as oranges and tangerines, with radio waves. In cooperation with a team led by Tang, a professor in biological systems engineering at WSU, James D. Hansen, an entomologist at ARS' Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory in Wapato, Wash., plans to "bathe" tubs full of apples and cherries with radio waves to determine exposure times that will kill codling moth larvae without affecting the fruit's quality. Hansen is working with Stephen R. Drake, a horticulturist at ARS' Tree Fruit Research Laboratory in Wenatchee, Wash., and Lisa G. Nevens, an ARS entomologist at the Wapato laboratory. Meanwhile, at the ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier, Calif., entomologist Judy A. Johnson is testing the use of this technology to rid walnuts, almonds, pistachios, figs and raisins of the wiggly larvae of the navel orangeworm, Indianmeal moth and codling moth. Read more about this research in the February issue of Agricultural Research magazine on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb03/radio0203.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fowl Manure May Help the Environment Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 10:09:06 -0500 From: ARS News Service Disposal of animal manure is one of the biggest problems facing agriculture today. Now, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service may have found a way to convert some types into a material that can be used to help keep the environment clean. Currently, animal waste is valued at between $3 and $10 per ton, and most of it is used as a fertilizer. Unfortunately, when added to soil, a buildup of nutrients--namely nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium--can occur, especially if it's applied repeatedly to the same area. This can lead to non-point source pollution runoff into rivers and streams as well as nitrogen leaching into shallow groundwater, which has caused some states to introduce legislation that would limit such applications. Isabel Lima, a chemist in the Commodity Utilization Research Unit at ARS' Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans, La., has discovered a potentially less detrimental way to utilize animal waste. She has found a way to convert it into activated carbons, which soak up unwanted pollutants and can be used for environmental remediation. Right now, bituminous coal and coconut shells are the two materials most commonly used by U.S. manufacturers to make activated carbons. However, coal is an expensive and nonrenewable resource, costing between $60 and $80 per ton, while coconut shells are not readily available here. So far, Lima has focused her studies on poultry litter, which is inexpensive and available. When pelletized and activated under specific conditions, the litter becomes a highly porous material with a large surface area. In early tests, these carbons performed very well in adsorbing copper, which suggests they may do well as a wastewater filter for other metal ions. Their adsorption rate may also make them more cost effective than carbons currently on the market. This technology could provide farmers with an acceptable way to beneficially use their animal manure, especially in environmentally sensitive areas with dense poultry populations, such as Maryland's eastern shore. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200302B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - March 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200303A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> EVENT REMINDER February Rare Fruit Meeting: WHERE: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park WHEN: February 27 at 7 pm MEETING TOPIC: Grafting of Deciduous Fruit Trees March Rare Fruit Field Trip: WHERE: Field trip to the South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC) in Irvine WHEN: March 8, 2003 See details in this Newsletter. Please check our website at http://www.crfgsandiego.org. It's just been spectacularly remodeled and updated by Jose Gallego, our webmaster. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, San Francisco Jeff Hirsch New Subscriber, Florida and Nicaragua Ricca <><><> Readers Write <><><> Dragon Fruit - Tell Me About It Dorothy_Shea@ceridian.ca Re: Dragon Fruit - Tell Me About It Leo Manuel Dorothy_Shea@ceridian.ca Pitahaya - Described On Web Leo Manuel Re: Culinary Uses For Pitaya Fruit? Yosef Mizrahi Hardy Citrus Eunice Messner Phil Chompoo - Star Apple - Rose Apple - Star Fruit Carlyn Cinnamon and Clove Trees - How Large Will They Grow? JoLoyce Expo Of Exotic Fruit In Mexicali B.C. Mar. 27-29 Francisco Antonio Amaro Morales RE: Star Fruit? Star Apple? I'm Confused Sven Merten Historic Fruits For County Park - San Diego "Pamela Piburn" Historic Fruits For County Park - San Diego "David Silverstein" PJ Piburn Papaya plants "Ben Pierce" Eunice Re: Papaya plants "Ben Pierce" Information Request On "Apple Berry" "Edward & Althia Musgrave" We Need Help For Our White Fig "Agusta R Nurrito" Where Near San Bernardino To Buy Black Sapote Trees? Renee Re: Information Request On "Apple Berry" Leo Manuel Edward & Althia Musgrave Sapodilla - Mine Blooms But Sets No Fruit "Alan Schroeder" Calamondin doing poorly. Any advice? "Robert Cantor" Peach Tree Borers - Remedy? Bill Mangosteen Fruit - Where to get extract? "Nancy Evans" <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> None, this time <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex RE: Micropropagation At-Home Joe and Ellen Hecksel Re: Micropropagation At-Home Keith Benson Chameleons fuwafuwausagi@muchomail.com Olive trees found in Bulgaria at -4'F "Mark Lee" <><> Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ <><> Benny's Hardy Cactus Page http://www.bennyskaktus.dk/ Medicinal Spices Exhibit - UCLA Biomedical Library http://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/biomed/spice/ Crop Index http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Indices/index_ab.html How to Go Ancient-Forest-Free - A Markets Initiative http://www.oldgrowthfree.com/ Basic Microscopy-An Important Skill for Plant Pathologists http://www.apsnet.org/education/LabExercises/Microscopes/top.html Lapshin's Succulent Photogallery http://www.lapshin.org/succulent/ <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> (Think Sour Orange!) Erica Lynne <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Blue Orchard Bees Help Pollinate Cherries ARS News Service Exploring Important Medicinal Uses for Watermelon Rinds ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, San Francisco Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 00:27:53 -0800 (PST) From: Jeff Hirsch My name is Jeff, and i grow subtropical fruits in San Francisco, Calif. The cool summers here limit what can be grown, but at least it doesn't freeze in the winter. I grow Cherimoyas (my favorite), White Sapote, Chinese Wolfberry, Babaco, Pineapple & Strawberry Guava, Mulberries, Persimmons, and Figs. I'm always looking to trade scions for varieties i don't have, or to experiment with new fruits, like Capulin Cherries, Lucuma, Cape Gooseberry, Yacon, Jujube, Miracle Fruit, or Macadamia. If anyone is interested in trading, or just has any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Jeff Hirsch mailto:instant_favorite@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Florida and Nicaragua Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 16:36:03 EST From: Ricca My name is Erika or (Ricca) Fischer and I live in Florida but I'm connected/ circulating between FL and Nicaragua. Ricca mailto:RiccaCH@aol.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Dragon Fruit - Tell Me About It Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 12:14:04 -0500 From: Dorothy_Shea@ceridian.ca Hello Leo, I purchased a dragon fruit but I don't know how to serve it. What does it taste like ? Thanks, Dorothy mailto:Dorothy_Shea@ceridian.ca ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Dragon Fruit - Tell Me About It Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 12:56:52 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Dorothy_Shea@ceridian.ca Hi Dorothy I simply chill it, cut it in half (or slices, depending on how many to be served) and eat it out of the shell with a spoon. I think you would eat it in the same way you would a watermelon, possibly add to fruit salad, possibly cut up and added to (slightly sweetened?) yogurt. If it was picked when fully ripe, you can chill it to eat right away. You may also let them set at room temperature a few days, before chilling to eat. It's hard to tell unless you grow them yourself. Let me know how it went. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pitahaya - Described On Web Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 12:30:01 -0800 From: Leo Manuel Pitahaya - The fruit of a central American cactus, the pitahaya has a deep pink, dense flesh and mild sweet flavour. It adds vibrant colour to fruit salad. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Culinary Uses For Pitaya Fruit? Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 11:55:50 +0200 From: Yosef Mizrahi Organization: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Hi Leo, I do not know what else to add to your description of the pitaya use. This is what we do in Israel. Ice creams are also produced and I know that drinks are prepared in various countries of origin. Jams and jellies were produced in my lab and they are quite good. I also saw jellies in Mexico and they were good. In Israel the first pitaya (Vine cacti) to flower is on May. Last year we had unusual Hamsin (equivalent to your Santa Anna) with temperatures as high as 43 and even 45 Centigrade which delayed flowering to the end of July-August. Keep in touch and all the best, Yours Yossi mailto:mizrahi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il > From: Leo Manuel > Date: 2003/02/24 ‡ PM 10:08:37 GMT+02:00 > To: "Mizrahi, Yossi" > Subject: Culinary Uses For Pitaya Fruit? > > Dear Yossi, > > I get questions about how to eat pitaya fruit. I personally > chill it, cut it in half (or slices), and eat with a spoon > or out of the skin. I would think that almost any way one > would eat watermelon would be possible, such as cut up in > fruit salad, or diced and topped with yogurt, etc. > > Do you have a source of information that I could pass along > to those who ask, and that I could also use at our table? > > When do pitayas begin to bloom in Israel? > > We had a very warm January and my epiphyllum plants have > begun to show flower buds, earlier than usual. > > Sincerely, > > Leo Manuel, San Diego, California Professor Yosef Mizrahi Dept of Life Sciences and the Inst. for Applied Research Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Beer Sheva Israel ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Hardy Citrus Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 10:05:43 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: Phil Phil... The California Rare Fruit Growers have a chapter in Texas. Contact Dr. Alfred Loeblich 111, 11 Lakeview Drive, Galveston, TX 77551. His specialty is cold hardy citrus. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com Fruit Specialist Coordinator, CRFG ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Chompoo - Star Apple - Rose Apple - Star Fruit Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 12:24:49 -0800 From: Carlyn Hi Leo, In reference to Peter Felker's note in the newsletter I think he is confusing the star apple (fruit) with the rose apple. Chompoo (name in Thai) can be a pale green to a deep pink color and shaped sort of like a pear. There is also another variety that is a deep red rose color and more of an apple shape, it even has somewhat of an essence of rose, very delicious, and my favorite. However, the star apple (fruit) is yellow and you can definitely see the star shape on the exterior as you mentioned. Sak and I have a chompoo tree here in San Diego. It has produced fruit one time, but smaller than in Asia. We are close to the ocean and since that time we have had not had warm enough summers for the tree to blossum and fruit again. This winter has been warmer than the past 2 summers at our house. Here is a website with very nice pictures of the more common chompoo and the variations in color. http://www.vassl.com/tropicalgarden/eugenia.htm Carlyn Ungphakorn mailto:sak_carlyn@juno.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cinnamon and Clove Trees - How Large Will They Grow? Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 19:01:07 EST From: JoLoyce Aloha, I have recently purchase a cinnamon and a clove tree. I have been trying to get information on how large they grow? I have already planted the cinnamon, so want to be sure and leave enough room. I have a small botanical garden in Hana Maui Hawaii. Thank you. JoLoyce Kaia mailto:JoLoyce@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Expo Of Exotic Fruit In Mexicali B.C. Mar. 27-29 Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 20:54:39 -0800 From: Francisco Antonio Amaro Morales Hi Leo: By the way, there will be an Expo of "exotic fruit" in Mexicali B:C: 27 to 29 March Km 7.5 Higway Mexicali to San Felipe. Maybe could be of interest Francisco mailto:aamf3401@telnor.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Star Fruit? Star Apple? I'm Confused Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 05:17:59 -0800 From: Sven Merten Hi Leo and Carlyn, Star fruit and star apple are two different fruit. Star fruit is the carambola and the star apple is the caimito. I've never heard the names used otherwise. Caimito is marginal here. I've had some outside for the last 2 years and they are surviving. Regards, Sven mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net ------------------------------------------------ From: "Pamela Piburn" Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 3:04 PM Subject: Historic Fruits For County Park - San Diego Greetings, I am a volunteer at a historic adobe in Pe–asquitos, owned and operated by County Parks. We are developing an interpretive plan for our facility. Historically, many types of fruit was grown here. We are looking for assistance from people knowledgable about fruits to assist us. Would any members of your organization be interested in doing some community service at our site? Most fruits were common variety I think although we would be interested in growing types common during the 1800's. I believe those oranges weren't sweet? The types we have documented are fig, orange, lime, pear, apricot, and peach. Thanks for your consideration. Pamela Piburn mailto:Pamela.Piburn@sdcounty.ca.gov Park Host ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Historic Fruits For County Park - San Diego Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 23:43:37 -0800 From: "David Silverstein" To: PJ Piburn Pamela: We would be interested in assisting you if we can. I'd like to know a little bit more about what would be helpful. Would you like input on likely fruit trees from the early 1800s (Spanish colonial period)or later on? Agriculture started getting pretty diverse later in the 19th century. Are you looking for some actual trees? Do you need some labor? We could almost certainly help you on the first two counts, and possibly also on the last count. Feel free to give me a call to discuss if you like. My daytime phone number is (619) 532 2265. You would also be welcome to join us at our monthly meeting in room 101 of the Casa Del Prado bldg in Balboa Park on Feb 27 at 7:00 p.m. We could make an appeal, and you might be able to get some assistance right there. Again, the more you can tell us up front, the more likely we can help. David Silverstein mailto:david.crfg-sd@cox.net Chairman, CRFG San Diego Chapter ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Papaya plants Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 15:22:20 +0000 From: "Ben Pierce" To: Eunice Eunice, You mentioned that you were starting Papaya plants for the Green Scene? What method do you use? I can always get them to be about 3 or 4 inches tall and then they die when I put them into the ground. If I am lucky they will grow for awhile in the ground but eventually just rot. I just started some by seed again and used a mix of 50% sand and 50% earthworm castings. Hopefully that will work better this time. Which kind of varieties will you be offering at the Green Scene? Ben Pierce mailto:mariposafamily@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Papaya plants Date: Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 08:00:59 -0800 (PST) To: "Ben Pierce" Ben... I use spagnum peat moss mixed with pumice and some earthworm castings. If you have mycoorhizae, mix that in too. You won't get "damp off" if you use spagnum type of peat. But your method should be ok too. Unless you have sandy soil, papayas should be planted on a mound. They need excellent drainage and love compost. It is very hard to keep seedlings in pots alive in the cold, rainy season. So I bring them in the house every night. I wouldn't be planting this time of the year except for the April sale date. I can set them out as late as Nov. with maybe only four leaves but I place a plastic milk bottle over them (cut off the bottom, of course). We will be selling two of the best tasting ones for southern California - Thai and Florida Jack. Both are tall growers and very large fruited. Since these varieties are mostly male. I plant 3 seeds in a planting tube and sell them @ $1.50 or 3 tubes for $4. We did sell out those in gallon cans last year at $10 each but that is a costly gamble to get a female. I have tried most of the Hawaiian varieties but their flavor is poor in California. Eunice mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Information Request On "Apple Berry" Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 19:40:06 -0500 From: "Edward & Althia Musgrave" Hi Leo I need to identify a plant all I know is the name Apple Berry aka Billardleva Scanders Can you help me. Every time I enter this name I get nothing I can identify it with. Ed Musgrave mailtto:eamusg@quixnet.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Information Request On "Apple Berry" Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 20:27:53 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Edward & Althia Musgrave Cornucopia II: Page 173 Billardiera Scandens - Appleberry. The fruits are eaten, having sweet, juicy flesh and a flavor reminiscent of stewed apples with a hint of kiwifruit and grapefruit. For fresh eating, fruits should be completely ripe.... Austalia. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: We Need Help For Our White Fig Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 20:27:30 +0000 From: "Agusta R Nurrito" We live in Cottonwood, Arizona and my husband Dom is retired. He loves fruit trees: we have apricot, peach, pear, hosui pear, and white fig. The fig tree blooms we get good foilage and the figs come out but for some reason they don't come to full maturity, they end up drying up and falling off. Can you help us out? Do they need some extra fertilizer, I would appreciate any feedback you can offer. A neighbor of ours has a purple fig tree and all he does is cut it back every year and he gets so many figs, he feeds the whole neighborhood. My husband gets very frustrated. Thanks again Agusta R Nurrito mailto:gus734@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Where Near San Bernardino To Buy Black Sapote Trees? Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 03:29:24 GMT From: Renee Hi Where near San Bernardino can I buy a black sapote tree? Thank you, Renee mailto:ivysizzle@juno.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sapodilla - Mine Blooms But Sets No Fruit Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 15:04:54 -0800 From: "Alan Schroeder" Dear Leo: I have followed some of the messages regarding the growing of sapodilla here in Southern California on RFNO and was wondering if anyone has any updates on how they are doing? As you can see from my response from Maurice Kong, I have experienced that here in Santa Barbara, California that my plant bloomed profusely but set not one fruit. Having tasted the Kiwi sized "Ciku" sapodilla from Florida and deciding it was delicious I was greatly disappointed that I have no fruit. One local member of our chapter of the CRFG told me under our conditions his sapodilla set fruit only when there was another flowering sapodilla tree nearby suggesting self incompatibility. When his one tree died the other no longer set fruit. At last summer's Festival of Fruit, Noris Ledesma from Fairchild Gardens spoke and recommended the varieties "Alano" and "Makok" for Southern California as being more cold tolerant and therefore better bets under my conditions. Any comments from others? Does anyone currently have fruiting sapodilla here in Southern California? Alan Schroeder mailto:arschroeder@cox.net Santa Barbara, CA ----- Original Message ----- Subject: Ciku sapodilla From: Maurice Kong To: Alan Schroeder Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 8:53 PM Hi Alan: The Ciku sapodilla is self fruitful and does not need another for pollination. It is not uncommon for Sapodillas and carambolas to cite two examples to have lots of flowers and not have fruit set the first year. If the temperature was a litle cold, it could have be an influencing factor. My suggestion is to continue to give it TLC and be patient. With a little luck and good weather, you will be amply rewarded. The fact that it is loaded with blossoms is a good sign the plant is precocious. Keep in touich Maurice ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Calamondin doing poorly. Any advice? Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 13:41:05 -0600 From: "Robert Cantor" http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/r.cantor@sbcglobal.net/lst?.dir=/plants Above is a link to photos of my calamondin. There were several light green leaves that weren't darkening, and there were flower buds that formed then didn't grow or open for over a week. I watered it one day, the next I fertilized it with a kelp/fish blend according to the directions - 2 oz/gal with 1/8th tsp of Miracle Grow in that same gallon. The next day I sprayed with isopropanol for mealy bugs which were appearing on other plants nearby (they flowered and had fruitlets). The plants have been exposed to temps as low as 55 degrees at night. Day temps were as high as 75 with 2 hours of direct sunlight. There are 5 other citrus that got the exact same treatment without ill effects, one is older but the same size as the clamondin. A coffee tree also seems to be unhappy, but not as bad as the calamondin. I moved both these to a place with a min temp of 60 and watered thoroughly to wash out anything they might not have liked. I also rinsed the leaves. It has not seemed to help. Please look at the pics and tell me which of my interventions were bad or if it's something else. The leaves have a striking pattern of brown so I'm sure one of you experts will be able to identify the problem, even though I have not seen this kind of thing in any of my plant books. Thanks in advance. Bob C. mailto:rcantor@att.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Peach Tree Borers - Remedy? Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 23:01:03 -0500 From: Bill Dear Leo and Friends: I haven't written for a while - sorry about that. But have a question I would like to post for the peach folks. I am having some real serious trouble from peach borers in one young peach tree and lesser trouble in two other trees. (All I have.) Nearly lost the one tree, a small very productive dwarf. I would really appreciate some advice from any with experience in this area. I had to remove 60% of the tree top in a last ditch effort to save it - it was dead from the borers. I know prevention is the best route but too late to "close the barn door now". I live in East Tennessee which is pretty cold for stone fruits and may be stressing the trees, but they still manage a pretty good crop every few years if the buds aren't killed by late frosts. I need folks to RESPOND DIRECTLY TO MY E-MAIL as well as your site: My e-mail is tinglebill@juno.com. Thanks much. Sincerely, Bill mailto:tinglebill@juno.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mangosteen Fruit - Where to get extract? Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 22:28:34 +1000 From: "Nancy Evans" I would like to find out where can I can I get Mangosteen fruit extract for health. Regards Nancy Evans mailto:nancyevans@shopsafe.com.au <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> Subject: RE: Micropropagation At-Home Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 06:34:38 -0500 From: Joe and Ellen Hecksel Keith Benson wrote: > >Anyone on the list engaged in at-home micropropagation? > ? I messed around with orchid seeds for a little bit. My plan was to use that as a springboard for micropropagation. Orchid supply houses have many pre-mixes for the media. There are also many homemade recipes. They usually have a thickener. Agar is the most common but I have seen recipes with corn starch. They also have a nutrient source, usually mashed bananas but sometimes bizarre things like ketchup. Basically, you make up the media, pour about an inch (25 mm) into each container and then "can" it like you would cold pack apple sauce. I never really came up with a good container. I was about to try large baby food jars when I stopped. I was going to have a second set of lids with a piece of felt glued over a hole in the top so the plantlets could breath. The basic home technique is to take a medium size cardboard box. Cut a good size hole in one side. Make a couple of practice runs so you can whittle the hole to the proper size and shape. Find an area with no drafts. Spray the jeepers out of everything with very mild bleach-water solution. Open jars. Add seeds or little lumps of tissue. Stuff cotton into tops of flasks or screw on lids (as described above) or rubber-band polyethylene film over top. None of my orchid seed germinated, which is very common for orchid seed that becomes fully dried out. I was not particularly careful and well over 2/3 of my attempts did not get contaminated for the 4 months I hung onto them. Joe Hecksel mailto:jhecksel@voyager.net My personal web site: http://my.voyager.net/~jhecksel ------------------------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 08:23:51 -0500 From: Keith Benson Subject: Re: Micropropagation At-Home > I messed around with orchid seeds for a little bit. My plan was to > use that as a springboard for micropropagation. Orchid supply houses > have many pre-mixes for the media. There are also many homemade > recipes. They usually have a thickener. Agar is the most common but I > have seen recipes with corn starch. They also have a nutrient source, > usually mashed bananas but sometimes bizarre things like ketchup. > Basically, you make up the media, pour about an inch (25 mm) into each > container and then "can" it like you would cold pack apple sauce. Pressure cooker for 15-20 minutes at 15 lbs pressure and voila - sterile! I do banana plants, but ahve also done ferns and orchids. The process is relly quite simple once you get the hang of it. There are a growing number of hobbiest folk doing these sorts of things and the media companies sell in small lots. Just add water, adjust ph, autoclav and off you go. Also - bear in mind that places like USDA germplam repositories ar Corvallis and such have many of their cultivars in tissue culture and will happily send out subculture. This spring I might avail myself of some of their blueberries, and get this - they're free! Some websites if anyone is interested: http://www.une.edu.au/~agronomy/AgSSrHortTCinfo.html http://www.jmu.edu/biology/biofac/facfro/cloning/cloning.html http://www.home.turbonet.com/kitchenculture/listserv.htm http://plant-tc.coafes.umn.edu/listserv/ http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/2011/MicropropBAN.html Keith Benson mailto:kgbenson@mindspring.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: geckos Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 12:37:43 -0600 From: HDessureault Hi Ginda, My mother had a gecko living in her apartment, near Ottawa, for about two years. We took it to be a gecko, anyway. It had arrived in a potted plant, an hibiscus. It was very discreet, loved to bathe in the sun on the window sill, changed color with the environment (went from brown while lying on a branch, grey on the window sill and turned instantly bright green when eating cabbage worms. A big treat, which he took days to digest. He absolutely refused potato beetles, maybe because it was not in its colour palette to turn bright red. He also ate all the little flying insects, flies off course, and got water from the plants in the window. When he ate too much, he would grow and I think he would shed his skin, which appeared to be a "painful" process, making him quiet and listless for a few days. His territory was limited to the window sill, the potted plants and sometimes the back if a couch nearby. It seems hard to believe that he would actually eat cockroaches. Are they not too big and bony? Hˇl¸ne, zone 3 mailto:inter.vertix.videotron.ca Where the winter has not been this cold for a long time ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Chameleons Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 19:58:55 -0800 (PST) From: fuwa fuwa usagi It was written: Interesting nature program Sunday night on public tv on lizards. One fascinating segment was on commercial vinyards in South Africa where they backed off on chemical insecticides in favor of native chameleons. To protect them during mechanical harvest they hand pick the little fellas off of acres of vines - and place them in the nearby forest for good keeping. Apparently they return and repopulate the vinyard by the next bug season - and happily do bug control all over again. Del, 25 below, no lizards here! My reply: My personal opinion is that the closest most of the people on PBS get to observing nature is experiencing the fact that some natural herbs make them feel real, real pleasant when smoked. Chameleons huh. Even old world Chameleons consume relatively few insects. New world one even less(anoles). I have raised many Chameleons, anoles, toads, frogs etc and I can guarantee you that a toad will out crunch and munch them all by a very wide margin (they are more susceptible to pesticides however). That being stated it is far easier to simply use spiders for predation. You just get some breeding stock and place the egg cases where you want them. What is nice is various spiders hunt different sized insects at many different levels in many different habitats. So you can get fairly diverse coverage. Nothing personal but I would really like to see a controlled study of Chameleons vineyard verses a non-Chameleon vineyard. My guess is the predatory insects have increased in number as a direct result of the decrease of insecticides, which also allowed for a return of the Chameleons, and created the illusion that the Chameleons where actually providing the insect control. Regards mailto:fuwafuwausagi@muchomail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Olive trees found in Bulgaria at -4'F Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 08:54:16 -0800 From: "Mark Lee" http://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/msg/42578.html The link above is by a person in Bulgaria that has found olive trees growing at a local agricultural university. There are two picures given. One is a fig tree that died in a previous extremely cold winter. The other is of an olive that survived under the same conditions. The olive tree appears to be thriving, from the photo. Recent temperature in Bulgaria is near 0'F. I did some research recently that indicated that the hardiest olive trees could only survive down to about 10'F. This is proof that there are a few olive trees that are even hardier than that. No mention was made of the fruit it produces, if it happens at all. I hope this guy can propogate it and start sharing it with others. Postings at this message board are not archived, and in a couple of weeks it will be gone. I have made a copy of it for my own reference at http://home.earthlink.net/~piper3/HardyOlives2.htm. Mark Lee mailto:markl@nytec.com Seattle, z7b/8a <><>Bot-Linx List <> Subject: SBLD - Benny's Hardy Cactus Page Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 03:51:29 -0600 From: BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU Benny's Hardy Cactus Page http://www.bennyskaktus.dk/ Benny's Hardy Cactus Page includes much information about succulent plants in general, with pages on cultivation, cold hardiness, propagation, Opuntia hybrids, photo gallery, diseases, and a special interest in Yuccas. (His Yucca page, which is bigger, was featured August 2, 1999, and is much bigger now.) This site covers a wider range of interests than the title would indicate. Site by Benny M=F8ller Jensen, Hj=F8rring, Denmark, growing succulents 15 km from the North Sea! (***1/2) -S ------------------------------------------------ Subject: SBLD - Benny's Hardy Cactus Page Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 03:51:29 -0600 From: BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU Medicinal Spices Exhibit - UCLA Biomedical Library http://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/biomed/spice/ This exhibit, subtitled "Spices: Exotic Flavors and Medicines," presents pages describing what a spice is, why they were historically important, sources of spices, uses in perfumes, incense, aphrodisiacs, medicines and food, as well as a spice timeline. The "Table of Spices" presents focus pages on about 30 commonly used and historical spices, from Pepper to Frankincense and Myrrh. The site is a special exhibit of the UCLA Biomedical Library. (****) -S ------------------------------------------------ Subject: SBLD - Crop Index Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 05:55:59 -0600 From: "Scott D. Russell" To: BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU Crop Index http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Indices/index_ab.html The New Crop Database at Purdue University includes both common and obscure plant crop species that number in the hundreds. Links are presented as an alphabetical list of mixed scientific and common names and can also be accessed by search engine. Each crop plant has its own page. For some plants, there are only a few lines of information, but for many plants, the coverage is pages long, quite complete and of exceptional depth and coverage. Plant images are virtually non-existent on the site currently. Site by the Center for New Crops & Plant Products, at Purdue University. (***) -S ------------------------------------------------ Subject: How to Go Ancient-Forest-Free - A Markets Initiative Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 15:01:12 -0600 From: BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU http://www.oldgrowthfree.com/ According to the site, the "Markets Initiative works directly with Canadian companies to develop practical and economic ways to shift their wood and paper use from ancient forest products to ecologically sound alternatives." Canada, Russia and Brazil control much of the 20% of old growth forests that remain in the world. This initiative proves an 8-point program to find sustainable alternatives for cutting old growth forest, reduce consumption overall and specifically avoid providing an economic incentive for harvesting old forests by changing buying strategies. This is an attractive and well organized site, which has attracted support from a number of companies. (***) -S ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Basic Microscopy-An Important Skill for Plant Pathologists Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 17:37:40 -0600 From: BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU Basic Microscopy-An Important Skill for Plant Pathologists http://www.apsnet.org/education/LabExercises/Microscopes/top.html Often taken for granted in a scientific era in which high technology seems increasingly ubiquitous, this site provides what all students should know about microscopy. This site has a bit of background information and a lot of practical information about operations, parts, and procedures for operating the microscope. The quiz/worksheet provides a focus for activities. This is a well organized and written basic microscopy tutorial by Melissa B. Riley, Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, Clemson University. The site is maintained by American Phytopathological Society. (***1/2) ------------------------------------------------ Subject: SBLD - Lapshin's Succulent Photogallery Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 00:46:54 -0600 From: "Scott D. Russell" BOTLINX@LISTS.OU.EDU February 26, 2003 Lapshin's Succulent Photogallery http://www.lapshin.org/succulent/ Although the native language of the site is Russian, there are English translations of some of the pages. This does not detract from the images at all, which include 11 well developed collections of images of selected genera, cristate and variegated succulents, the Hampton Court 2002 plant exhibition and 27 less developed collections of other genera and plant groups. Currently there are about 250 photos presented with thumbnail previews and medium resolution images (~600 X 400 pixel jpegs). Most of the images are good to very good in quality. The best parts of the site approach being encyclopedic. Site by Peter Lapshin. (***) -S ============================================================ *BOT-LINX Home Delivery sends you the Botanical Link-of-the-Day from Scott's Botanical Link site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ *To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit the listserv site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/listserv.shtml or contact me by email: mailto:srussell@ou.edu Archived since 1996 at URL: http://lists.ou.edu/archives/botlinx.html ============================================================ <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: (Think Sour Orange!) From: Erica Lynne Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2003 7:05 PM Actually, I just realized I do have a few key limes and sour oranges still rattling around. Anyone wanting seeds can contact me off-list. Don't knock the sour oranges - they are great in Caribbean cooking and make better lemonade than lemons. Some people think sour orange pie beats key lime pie. Erica Lynne mailto:ericalynne@earthlink.net Naples, FL; zone 10 <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Blue Orchard Bees Help Pollinate Cherries Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 08:20:42 -0500 From: ARS News Service Cherry orchards pollinated by blue orchard bees boast impressive harvests of this popular summer fruit. That's according to a research experiment, now in its sixth year in a commercial cherry orchard in northern Utah. Blue orchard bees get their name from their metallic, blue-black color. Also known as the orchard mason bee or, to scientists, as Osmia lignaria, the bee could augment the efforts of this country's most widely used pollinator, the domesticated honey bee. In recent years, many colonies of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, have been hard hit by mites, beetles and competition from the aggressive Africanized honey bee. Agricultural Research Service entomologist William P. Kemp of the agency's Bee Biology and Systematics Research Laboratory, Logan, Utah, and colleague Jordi Bosch of Utah State University, also in Logan, are conducting the pollination study. They are comparing cherry yields from before, then after, they brought blue orchard bees to work in the orchard. In some years, production was twice as high when blue orchard bees were used in place of honey bees, Bosch reported. The orchard pollinated by the blue orchard bees produced harvestable yields even in years when bad weather robbed most other cherry growers in the region of their harvest. Kemp and Bosch are authors of "How to Manage the Blue Orchard Bee," a soft-cover handbook published in 2001. This comprehensive guide is packed with tips for commercial and hobbyist beekeepers. The orchard study and the handbook are briefly described in a recent issue of the ARS monthly magazine, Agricultural Research, posted on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan03/bee0103.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Exploring Important Medicinal Uses for Watermelon Rinds Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 07:38:21 -0500 From: ARS News Service Most people don't think much about watermelon rinds. Although some use rinds to make pickled, candied and even fried dishes, most folks discard them once they eat the melon's sweet fruit. However, an Agricultural Research Service study has found the rinds contain citrulline, an amino acid that plays an important role in the human body's urea cycle, which removes nitrogen from the blood and helps convert it to urine. That's where citrulline helps create arginine, another amino acid--one in which some people are deficient. Recent medical research by other scientists has examined whether the citrulline-arginine relationship can be exploited to create treatments for vascular tone problems associated with sickle-cell anemia. Agnes Rimando, a research chemist at the ARS Natural Products Utilization Research Unit in Oxford, Miss., says the discovery may lead to production of rind-based extract or dietary-supplement products that address arginine- or sickle-cell-related deficiencies. She conducted the research in collaboration with plant physiologist Penelope Perkins-Veazie of ARS' South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Lane, Okla. In the urea cycle, citrulline combines with another acid to create arginine. Also found within the watermelon's sweet and watery interior, citrulline is a "nonessential" amino acid, meaning it need not be ingested because the body produces it. Amino acids, the body's "building blocks," are produced when digestion breaks down protein. Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and thus may help treat angina and other cardiovascular problems. This intrigues scientists studying blood circulation problems associated with sickle-cell anemia. Arginine has also been credited with boosting muscle growth, improving wound healing, combating fatigue, stimulating the immune system, curing impotence and fighting cancer. Disorders in the urea cycle can lead to a lethal buildup of proteins such as ammonia in the bloodstream. Arginine or citrulline are often recommended to address these disorders. Rimando says the discovery came early during a study, involving her and Perkins-Veazie's labs, that was aimed at determining the citrulline content of different watermelon varieties. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200303A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - March 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200303B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> How has the winter treated you? In Southern California, we seem to have had a warmer and wetter one. It's a rare winter that we are ahead of our rainfall average, as is the case now. Has the East Coast had a colder-than- average winter? Have you personally experienced tree damage or loss? Mangoes - Few Keitt and Nam Doc Mai still hanging on. Rain may be the culprit in N.D.M. tending to split. Cherimoyas also have had more split fruit than is usual. It is raining now. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Florida Nancy Haram New Subscriber, Utah, Interested In Hardy Citrus Ethan Nielsen New Subscriber, Texas Charles & Christine Bloemsma New Subscriber, Florida Kelli Tinkham New Subscriber, Florida, Getting Started With Rare Fruit Amos Yoder New Subscriber, CA, Interested In Pitaya "Dicus, John W" <><><> Readers Write <><><> Re: We Need Help For Our White Fig Leo A. Martin Re: Calamondin doing poorly. Any advice? Leo A. Martin Macadamia Speaker Wanted In Southwest Florida Linda Coyner Re: Mangosteen extract Bryan Brunner nancyevans@shopsafe.com.au Re: Ciku Sapodilla Pollination Problem Maurice Kong Apple Berry christopher.marshall@att.net eamusg@quixnet.net Sapodilla Eunice Messner Alan Schroeder Re: Fruit Tree Sources Sought Eunice Messner Rene Re: We Need Help For Our White Fig Shawn Hannon Agusta Re: Chompoo - Star Apple - Rose Apple - Star Fruit The Thaumaturgist Carlyn Alano Sapodilla Flowering Todd Able Alan Sapodilla Fruit Edward & Althia Musgrave Alan Re: Fruit Set Problems - Sapodilla Kevan Snowball Papaya seedlings damping off Doug Jones Re: Appleberry Questions Tom Addison eamusg@quixnet.net Seedless Calamansi "Robert Richardson" [Fwd: Question-Chill hours in specific microclimates] Sven Merten <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> Fw: WTC (World Trade Center) Virus - Very Bad! "Warren Heyer" 1998 Professional Association for Cactus Development Journal http://www.jpacd.org/contents1998.htm Journal of the Professional Assn for Cactus Development http://www.jpacd.org/ Oriental Pitaya Seeds For Sale Avi Leftin <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex Message: 3 Apples & Kaolin "Doreen Howard" ------------------------------ Message: 7 Re: [NAFEX] Apples & Kaolin Phil Norris ------------------------------ Message: 6 [NAFEX] Answering the Surround questions John.Mosko@engelhard.com <><>Bot-Linx List <> "Scott D. Russell" March 3, 2003 Plants of the Machiguenga - An Ethnobotanical Study of Eastern Peru http://www.montana.com/manu/ March 4, 2003 Deep Green - Green Plant Phylogeny Research Coordination Group http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/bryolab/DeepGreen/ March 11, 2003 Pine (Gymnosperm) Life Cycle http://fybio.bio.usyd.edu.au/vle/L1/ResourceCentre/GraphicFiles/FS_LCPine.html March 13, 2003 Botany: The History of a Science http://www.i-a-s.de/IAS/botanik/e01/01.htm <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Message: 2 (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material "Erica Lynne" Message: 3 Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material "MMaguire" Message: 4 Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Island Jim Message: 5 Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Console G4 Message: 8 Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material "Peter Felker" Message: 9 Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material "Peter Felker" <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Bacterium Tapped to Make Low-Calorie Sweetener for Candies, Gums <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Florida Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 09:51:51 -0500 (EST) From: Nancy Haram I am Nancy Haram, in Melbourne, Florida, growing Citrus, Passion fruit, and Carambola. I'm interested in learning more. Attempted Kiwi with disastrous results. Thank you Nancy Haram mailto:nharamhobbies@webtv.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Utah, Interested In Hardy Citrus Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 12:12:58 -0700 From: Ethan Nielsen My Name is Ethan Nielsen, I live in Provo, Utah. Fruit tree I am growing now: citrandarin (Changsha mandarin x poncirus trifoliata). Another I'd like to grow is the Australian desert lime. Do you know of any sources? Thanks, Ethan mailto:ethan_nielsen@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Texas Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 23:00:21 -0600 From: Charles & Christine Bloemsma My name is Charles Bloemsma and I live in Austin, Texas I am growing: Kumquat, Meyer Lemon, Satsuma Mandarins, Loquat, Jujube, Palestine, Persian and Thai Lime, Red and White Pomegranite, Pineapple and Strawberry Guavas, Capulin Cherry, Avocado, Che, Arbutus Unedo, Pluots, Plumcot, Apricot, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Figs, Asian Pears, Apples, Persimons, Pears, Raspberries, Blueberries, Aronia, Black Currants, High Bush Cranberry, Passion Fruit, Akebia, Hansens and Sand Cherries, Black Berries, Marion Berries, Grapes, Alpine and Regular Strawberries. I am currently interested in plants that fruit with bush habitat and will handle at least a light freeze and still have great flavor. Charles Bloemsma mailto:Cbloemsma@austin.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Florida Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 09:15:34 -0500 (EST) From: Kelli Tinkham I am Kelli Tinkham in Florida. We are growing honey tangelo, pink grapefruit, loquat (I think that what it is called), pomegranate, Julie mango, plum, sweet apple, blueberry, black sapote, pineapple, black mulberry, and a banana tree. We have also had the orange, grapefruit and loquat. But we just recently purchased the others. I would love to receive any advice on any of the trees, as well as recipes. Thank you so much. Kelli Tinkham mailto:kltbambam@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Florida, Getting Started With Rare Fruit Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 20:06:33 -0500 (EST) From: Amos Yoder Hello Leo I am Amos Yoder from Sarasota, Florida, used to live up in Goshen Indiana the first time that I was on this email list a few years back. I am involved with the Sarasota Fruit and Nut Society since last October of last year. I just got a loquat seedling tree from the meeting last evening and I have a surinam cherry plant from a meeting a couple of months ago or so and I have a moringa tree in a pot out back and that is about it what I have at the moment I have thought about maybe getting a jackfruit tree or a sugar apple tree. Cordially Amos Yoder mailto:SrqUsa@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, CA, Interested In Pitaya Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 17:56:21 -0700 From: "Dicus, John W" Hello Leo, I am glad I ran across your newsgroup. I have an interest in Pitaya as I feel it has a potential as a commercial crop. I'd like to talk to you about getting Mr. Thompson's book, am willing to make a trip to San Diego to get it. I'd also like to get on your e-mail listing for the rare fruit newsletter. You can see our pages at http://www.rivenrock.com We grow several species of Opuntia for fruit and leaves, and would be willing to make some trades. Our names are...John and Vickie Dicus, Nipomo CA 93444 John mailto:john.w.dicus@lmco.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, CA, Assists High School Grafting Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 20:09:25 -0800 From: Joe Sabol Hi Leo I just read about your great newsletter, sent to me by Norm Beard. Congratulations on your newsletter Keep it up. Please sign me up. My name is Joe Sabol I live in San Luis Obispo, CA I am a member of CRFG... Central Coast Chapter I grow lots of deciduous trees... and must grow the "low chill" varieties as we only get 300 to 400 hrs of chill. I can also grow citrus, avocados, guavas, cherimoya, sapote, etc., if I watch for frost I am recently retired, and love to graft. We are just about finished with this year's high school apple grafting project... where members of our Chapter and students from Cal Poly go to local high schools and teach students how to graft apples We purchase the apple roots in quantity... and sell them to the schools at $1.00 each It is a GREAT project and we have already been to 16 schools already this year Thanks for signing me up for your newsletter <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Re: We Need Help For Our White Fig & AZ CRFG.... Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 00:51:42 -0500 From: Leo A. Martin Hello Agusta, > We live in Cottonwood, Arizona > The fig tree blooms we get good foliage and the figs come > out but for some reason they don't come to full maturity, > they end up drying up and falling off. Figs ripen in Arizona when it's good and hot. The tree is having trouble getting water to the fruits so they dry up. This can happen with too much water so roots rot, too little water, or going too long between waterings. After watering, use a long piece of rebar pushed into the soil to see how damp the soil is, and water again when the top 6 inches or so is dry. If your tree has been overwatered and the roots have rotted, you can prune the tree hard to bring the tops back in balance with the roots. Take off all the branches down to the trunk. Figs bear their first crop at the tips of last year's new growth and another crop on this year's growth, so the hard pruning will cause you to lose the first crop. Then be more careful with watering in the future. You won't be able to kill any semi-healthy fig tree with pruning, so don't worry. If the problem is not enough water, just water more. This is not usually the problem or you would be noticing the leaves wilting all the time. Don't ever let fruit trees with young fruit get to the wilting point or you will lose a lot of fruit. Unfortunately, we also have a fungus here that can infect citrus and figs. It is in the soil. It grows in the bark and damages the tops and the roots. When the roots are damaged they cannot provide water to the tops, and you can see fruit drying like you have. If you have a tree die from this fungus, you should not plant susceptible trees in that hole again or they are sure to get the fungus. If the fungus is in the roots, the tree will eventually die, though you can often get the tree to live for many productive years with good care. If the fungus is only in the branches, you can cut out the affected part, and if you are successful before it gets to the roots, the tree is cured. I have a Conadria white fig that has been infected over 10 years, and it produces loads of fruit. The fungus causes patches of bark to die. Then the bark cracks and peels off in square patches, leaving exposed wood. Entire branches dry up and the leaves fall off, leaving brittle branches with cracking bark. If you cut through the damaged part, you will see a thin dark brown layer in the wood where the fungus is living. If you see these cracking patches on limbs, or have dead limbs in the tree with cracking bark, cut out the limb at least a foot below the damaged bark. Look at the wood. If you see a dark layer, clean your saw with rubbing alcohol or 10% bleach and let it dry. You need to kill the fungus on your saw or you will infect the good part of the tree. If you keep finding thin dark layers of wood, keep sterilizing your saw and keep cutting. If the fungus is into the trunk near the soil level, you will not be able to get rid of it. In this case, prune the tree very hard to bring the top back into balance with the roots, and pay special attention to the tree. With heavy fertilizing trees seem to live and grow much longer before dying. Everybody says not to use ammonium sulfate for fertilizing but that is what I use. By the way, the Arizona chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm at the Maricopa County Agricultural Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road in Phoenix. This is the 40th Street exit just off the freeway from Cottonwood to Tucson. Turn right off the southbound freeway, and left at Broadway, the first light. Most of us grow figs and everybody is very friendly. Here is a link: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/clubs/sub-trpc.htm Leo A. Martin mailto:leo1010@attglobal.net Phoenix, Arizona, USA - Like cactus and succulents? Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society http://www.centralarizonacactus.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Calamondin doing poorly. Any advice? Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 01:10:23 -0500 From: Leo A. Martin Hello Bob, Where do you live? Are these plants outside, inside, or in a greenhouse? My first thought was frost damage, which looks exacly like this. But they didn't get nearly cold enough. Calamondins are pretty hardy, certainly taking some frost so long as it warms up above freezing the next day. 55 degrees is nowhere near too cold for them. You should have no trouble into the high 30s. Coffee won't take freezing but also likes cool nights. It is a tropical plant, but from high elevations, like the cherimoya. Then I realized you probably have damage from the alcohol. Mealies are on the stems and in the leaf axillae, so that's where you sprayed and the alcohol accumulated. Mealybugs are just awful. If you are trying to grow these inside during cold weather, my sympathies to you. I am fortunate to be able to grow citrus outside, where mealybugs aren't a problem. Maybe try diluting the alcohol a little, and mixing in some dish soap. Or, soak an ounce of pipe tobacco in a gallon of water for a few days, add several drops of dish soap, filter, and spray with this. Nicotine is exceptionally toxic to bugs (and smokers.) Leo A. Martin mailto:leo1010@attglobal.net Phoenix, ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Macadamia Speaker Wanted In Southwest Florida Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 06:59:40 -0500 From: Linda Coyner Collier Tropical Fruit Growers Council--my fruit club--is looking for a speaker on macadamia. We're in SW Florida. Any recommendations for others speaker would be great. We've had Chris Rollins, Bob Cannon, Bob Murray, the couple from Going Bananas, and Gene Joyner (although not recently). Thanks Linda Coyner mailto:lcoyner@naples.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mangosteen extract Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 04:54:34 -0800 (PST) From: Bryan Brunner To: nancyevans@shopsafe.com.au Hi, You can find out about mangosteen extract at the following website: http://www.groupxango.com/ I have tried the product and it is quite good. It also has blackberry, cranberry and other fruit extracts, so it probably has a good amount of antioxidants and other good things. The mangosteen peel is supposed to provide xanthones, which, according to the website, have lots of medicinal properties. Bryan Brunner mailto:brbrunner@yahoo.com Puerto Rico ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Ciku Sapodilla Pollination Problem Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 08:54:59 EST From: Maurice Kong Hi Alan: With further reference to the Ciku Sapodilla blosoming profusely but not setting fruit, I forgot to tell you when I lived in Thailand, I bought a Makok sapodilla and planted it at my wife's home. It too blossomed but did not set fruit the first year.Ź However if you wish to follow Noris Ledesma advice ( whose is the expert on jackfruit) and decide to have another sapodilla as a pollinator, the kiwi size Makok sapodilla ( another dwarf tree) is also available in Florida. The Alano is a standard size tree and is sometimes available here also. Maurice Kong mailto:CHINO228@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Apple Berry Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 16:15:51 +0000 From: christopher.marshall@att.net To: eamusg@quixnet.net Dear Musgraves, I have been trying to germinate seeds of Apple Berry I got from the CRFG seedbank without luck myself. I am attaching a nice photo and brief article on Apple Berry I found at the Australian National Botanic Gardens site on bushfoods. (See reference below.) If you need a more detailed description, there is one in the Encyclopedia of Australian Plants - David Jones, et al. I can scan and e-mail you the page if you wish. Billardiera is an endemic genus in the family Pittosporaceae with quite a few ornamental as well as edible members. Regards, Chris Marshall mailto:christopher.marshall@att.net http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/billardiera-scandens.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sapodilla Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 09:07:51 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: Alan Schroeder Alan Here is an excerpted copy sumitted for the May/June column of "Ask the Experts" to be published in the Fruit Gardener magazine Question: Can I grow Sapodilla (Manilkara zapote) here in southern California? ŃMurf Sussman, Whittier, California Answer: Yes, this specie with its many vernacular names,ŌChico', ŌNaseberry' and ŌNispero' to name a few, is widely adapted. I have a fruiting ten foot tall tree grafted to the ŌAlano' variety here in Granada Hills, CA. (Sunset zone 19). There is a large, mature seedling tree at the Quail Gardens in Encinitas (Sunset zone 24). I have also seen trees growing well in the Negev desert area of Israel. You can fruit the sapodilla in any southern California location that experiences light to moderate frosts; in general, where avocados do well. Trees grown from seed take over eight years to begin fruiting and can give disappointing results. Some grafted or air-layered varieties, such as ŌAlano' ŌGonzalez', Sao Manila, Florida 1 and Philippine 2 have demonstrated satisfactory fruiting in our area; however, due to self-incompatability problems, many varieties are scant producers here. Hand pollinating flowers using pollen from a different variety improves production considerably. In my location flowers set from early to late fall. Fruit development takes almost eleven months. Last season I picked 30 lbs. of fruit from a twelve year old ŌAlano' tree. The flavor was superb. The sapodilla is very sweet. I think of it as "natures's dessert". ŃDavid Silber, Specialist for Sapodilla ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fruit Tree Sources Sought Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 09:16:39 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: Rene Rene You will find a Fruit Source List of California Rare Fruit Member Nurseries at www.crfg.org Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: We Need Help For Our White Fig Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 11:20:49 -0800 From: Shawn Hannon To: Agusta Dear Agusta, Your fig maybe one that requires pollination by the fig wasp. I suggest you cut it down and plant a new fig tree. Since your neighbor has one you like, ask for a cutting. Make sure it has at least four buds/nodes along the branch you are going to use. Put the cutting in a pot of soil (correct end up) with 2 buds below the top of the soil and 2 buds above the soil. Set the pot in a pie pan to catch run off. Water the pot and keep it moist for about 6 to 8 weeks (let the water sit in the pie pan to act as a wick to keep it all moist). It should root and then be transplantable in another 6 to 12 months. This method used to always work for me. Good luck, Shawn Hannon mailto:Shawn.Hannon@efi.com San Francisco, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Chompoo - Star Apple - Rose Apple - Star Fruit Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 18:05:56 -0800 (PST) From: The Thaumaturgist To: Carlyn Hi Carlyn Like Sven mentioned, the Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito), also known as Caimito and the Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola), also known as Carambola should cause no confusion. They are distinctly different in appearance and also come from two different fruit families. However, some major nomenclature confusions do exist in genus Syzygium and genus Eugenia within the family Myrtaceae(Myrtle). What is commonly known as Rose Apple is Syzygium jambos or Eugenia jambos. The fruit is roundish, about the size of a golfball, ripens to yellow from green, and has a mild but distinct flavor of Rose. There are about 4 brown small seeds in the hollow center of the fruit, that would rattle when a ripe Rose Apple is shaken. Needless to say, the fruits in the website are NOT Rose Apples. Here is a photo of Rose Apples from here in Florida: http://www.geocities.com/asitkghosh/RApple2ASIT The fruit that is called Chompoo in Thai is Java Apple or Wax Jambu (Syzygium samarangense). The fruits in the photos of the website are indeed Java Apple. It is also known as Syzygium javanicum. As if that was not enough confusion, it is also known as Eugenia javanicum. Here is a photo of Wax Jambus,green & red,from here in Florida: http://www.geocities.com/asitkghosh/WJambu41ASIT Now comes more confusion. The Java Apple known in Thai as CHOM PU KAO or CHOM PU KIO, has two(2) very very close relatives. Sometimes, distinguishing one from the other becomes extremely difficult if not impossible. Relative #1 is called Malay Apple, Syzygium malaccense or Eugenia malaccense. In Thai, it is CHOM PHU SA RAEK or CHOM PHU DAENG. Relative #2 is called Water Apple, Syzygium aqueum or Eugenia aquea. In Thai, it is CHOM PHU PA. Hope this helps. Asit K. Ghosh mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com Rockledge, Florida ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Alano Sapodilla Flowering Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2003 11:25:22 -0800 From: Todd Able To: Alan I have Alano Sapodilla (grafted) here in Orange, CA. It also had flowers last summer, but failed to set fruit. This is despite all the literature and Florida Nurseries saying that Alano is self-fruitful. Sven Merten is a common contact on Rare fruit, and he is growing and fruiting Sapodilla's in Fallbrook just fine. I think we just need to wait a year or two more, and it is probably like the Persimmon. My Giant Fuyu held fruit for the first time last year after flowering for 3 yrs. It only held 4 out of 30 flowers, but I am told the tree will hold more as it matures. The Giant Persimmons were definitely worth the wait, and I think the Sapodilla will also. Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sapodilla Fruit From: Edward & Althia Musgrave To: Alan Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 5:18 AM I also grow Sapodilla fruit in FL I have been able to set fruit on one tree. I think it is a polinator that is needed (some bug ). I ate the fruit it was very good I also grew the seed. There is only one tree. If you wish to talk more on any rare fruit subject I am available. Ed mailto:eamusg@quixnet.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fruit Set Problems - Sapodilla Date: Sun, 02 Mar 2003 14:58:42 +0800 From: Kevan Snowball Letter to Rare Fruits Newsletter re Sapodilla. Dear Leo, Re letter from Alan Schroeder concerning fruit setting in sapodillas in Southern Calafornia. I am growing a number of varieties in the southwest of Western Australia [Maragret River] Lat 33.5 and a Mediterranean type climate. My trees also flower profusely but set few fruit. They are now 10 years old, so I suppose I deserve a medal for perserverence! The trees are growing very well despite the wet and cool winters [no frosts] but only 2 varieties [Marok and Kai Hahn] have fruited. These fruit take a long time to mature and then only to the size of a very small plum. The fruit that set are mainly on the northern side of the tree. The other 4 varieties are c55, Prolific, Sawo Manila and Pondorosa; these have only produced the odd fruit. I have experimented with spraying the trees with a number of trace elements and hormones but with no clear effect. Shock treatment increased flowering significantly on my mangoes but not on fruit setting. Would like to hear of others experiences. Regards Kevan Snowball mailto:snoworry@talen.it.net.au ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Papaya seedlings damping off Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2003 13:16:16 -0800 From: Doug Jones I wanted to respond to the comment about the papaya seedlings damping off when small. I used to think it was impossible to raise them to maturity, then I found a simple solution. I use the same potting soil or whatever you want,- just make sure it has good drainage, then I plant in Styrofoam cups. Any size will do. I just save the ones the kids bring home from drinks at the fast food joint. I poke a few holes in the bottom and write on the side with a ball point pen and grow in a warm place. When the seedlings get about a foot tall, or when the roots start poking out the bottom of the cup I just plant them cup and all wherever I want them. I never get any transplant shock or damping off, as the roots aren't disturbed. Eventually the plant grows out of the cup and just pushes it apart. And I always can go back and see what variety it was that did so well by looking on the side of the cup. I got the idea from Al Falkenstein of the CRFG group in Arizona, He's been doing it for years and always works great!! Pass it on. Doug mailto:fruitguy@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Appleberry Questions Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2003 20:14:14 -0800 (PST) From: Tom Addison To: eamusg@quixnet.net I see that you were trying to track down information on appleberries. This is the common name for fruits in the Billardiera genus, which is in the Pittosporaceae family. While there are perhaps two dozen species of Billardiera, three are thought to offer the most promise as edible fruit, or 'bushfood'. These three species are all native to Australia. They are sweet appleberry (B.cymosa), common appleberry (B.scandens), and purple appleberry (B.longiflora). I've eaten fruit of the sweet appleberry, and found it enjoyable with the anise flavor characteristic of genus. B.longiflora is perhaps the easiest to find, but I've been unimpressed with the fruit I've eaten. These don't seem to have caught on in California rarefruit circles, although there certainly seem to be large areas of California where they can be grown. I've found that the seeds can take up to a year to germinate. Your patience may be tested, but in time in ! a container kept moist for many months, they will eventually sprout. Ripening the fruit seems tricky - they hang unripe on the viney plant for a long time, but seem to have a narrow window when they're tasty. Hope that helps. Tom Addison mailto:elcerritotom@yahoo.com El Cerrito, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Seedless Calamansi Goal Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2003 15:47:22 +0800 From: Robert Richardson I am Robert C. Richardson and I am a horticulturist with a large agricultural development in the southern Philippines. I can be reached at the following email address: robert_richardson@mindanao.org or alternatively, bobrich@info.com.ph I grow a lot of calamansi, calamondin, etc. (X Citrofortunella mitis J. Ingram & H. E. Moore), among others such as durian, mango, lychee, longan, etc. but it (calamondin) is very seedy and the processors would like seedless. In 1987, Julia Morton made the statement in Fruits of Warm Climates. "Description The calamondin tree, ranging from 6 1/2 to 25 ft (2-7.5 m) high, is erect, slender, often quite cylindrical, densely branched beginning close to the ground, slightly thorny, and develops an extraordinarily deep taproot. The evergreen leaves (technically single leaflets) are alternate, aromatic, broad-oval, dark-green, glossy on the upper surface, yellowish-green beneath, 1 1/2 to 3 in (4-7.5 cm) long, faintly toothed at the apex, with short, narrowly-winged petioles. The richly and sweetly fragrant flowers, having 5 elliptic-oblong, pure-white petals, are about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide and borne singly or in 2's or 3's terminally or in the leaf axils near the branch tips. The showy fruits are round or oblate and to 1 3/4 in (4.5 cm) wide, with very aromatic, orange-red peel, glossy, and dotted with numerous small oil glands; tender, thin, easily-removed, sweet, and edible. The pulp, in 6 to 10 segments, is orange, very juicy, highly acid, seedless or with 1 to 5 small, obovoid seeds, green within." I am interested in obtaining seedless calamondin trees for use in the Philippines, or the process by which to create a seedless calamondin, since I believe Dr. Morton would not have made a casual error in a book that important. Robert Richardson mailto:robert_richardson@mindanao.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [Fwd: Question-Chill hours in specific microclimates] Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2003 06:59:45 -0800 From: Sven Merten Hello CRFG Experts, Can any of you help Nancy? I gave her some ideas, but I'm not an expert on stone fruit. Thanks. Regards, Sven | Nancy Huebner wrote: | | Hello! I am hoping you can help me. I'm trying to plan what | fruit trees to plant, but I haven't been able to get an | answer on what the number of cold hours are in my immediate | area. I live in central Escondido (near Palomar hospital), | on a western exposure hill. I'm fairly elevated (compared | to the rest of central Escondido), and I get strong sunlight | all day, especially in the summer my property bakes in the | afternoon sun. I would like to plant heirloom varieties | whenever possible, I don't want to have the same fruit in my | yard I could buy in the store... but while it is easy | finding out the cold hour requirements for the trees, | finding out my requirements have proven to be especially | difficult. I already have citrus and advocado, I'd like to | put in several varieties of stone fruit and possibly a | fairly low-chill apple. If you have any ideas or suggestions | on how I can get this information, I would greatly | appreciate the help. Thank you for your help, | | Nancy mailto:nhuebner@craigdfullerlaw.com <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> Subject: Fw: WTC (World Trade Center) Virus - Very Bad! Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 10:42:18 -0800 From: "Warren Heyer" During the next several weeks be VERY cautious about opening or launching any e-mails that refer to the World Trade Center or 9/11 in any way, regardless of who sent it. PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW, "WTC" STANDS FOR THE WORLD TRADE CENTER. REALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL OPEN IT RIGHT AWAY, THINKING ITS A STORY RELATING TO 9/11! BIGGGG TROUBLE !!!! DO NOT OPEN "WTC Survivor" It is a virus that will erase your whole "C" drive. It will come to you in the form of an E-Mail from a familiar person. I repeat, a friend sent it to me, but called and warned me before I opened it. He was not so lucky and now he can't even start his computer! So, if you receive an email called "WTC Survivor", do not open it. Delete it right away! This virus removes all dynamic link libraries (.dll files) from your (Windows) computer. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: 1998 Professional Association for Cactus Development Journal http://www.jpacd.org/contents1998.htm ---------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Breeding and Genetic Improvement of Cactus Varieties Comparison of RAPD Marker Patterns to Morphological and Physiological Data In the Classification of Opuntia Accesions Xingnong Wang, Peter Felker, Mark D. Burow, and Andrew H. Paterson Somatic Embryogenesis in Some Cactus and Agave Species Fernando Santacruz-Ruvalcaba, Antonia Gutiˇrrez-Mora, and Benjam’n Rodr’guez-Garay Establishment and Transformation of Callus and Cell Suspension Cultures of the Prickly-Pear (Opuntia ficus -indica) R. M. Llamoca-Z‡rate, F. A. P. Campos, and J. Landsmann Perspective of Cactus Growers Planting Cactus Pear on Raised Beds Versus Planting on Flat Land Sameh Labib Research Aspects of Cactus Natural Enemies of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa): Importance in Mexico Liberato Portillo M. and Ana Lilia Vigueras G. Origen, Domesticacion y Distribucion de Opuntia ficus-indica Roberto Kiesling Wet Rot and Necrosis Caused by Bacteria in Opuntia ficus-indica Mill in Santiago del Estero, Argentina M. Saad, C. A. Degano, and J. Ochoa On the Possible Role of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage in Lime Mortar Performance in the Protection of Historical Buildings A. C‡rdenas, W. M.Arguelles, and F. M. Goycoolea Cooperative Program With United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Cactus Net Agroindustrialization Program Fruit Quality of New Cold-Hardy Opuntias from Northern and High-Elevation Sites in Mexico Robert Cowan and Peter Felker Marketing Cactus Produce Breaking Into the Mainstream With Cactus Pears: Improved Varieties, Marketing and Pitahaya David Karp ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Journal of the Professional Assn for Cactus Development http://www.jpacd.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Oriental Pitaya Seeds For Sale Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 19:49:22 -0500 (EST) From: Avi Leftin Hi, I have just received a small supply of superior Pitaya seeds from the orient. I know you were interested in cuttings of cultivated stock plants, but maybe you would be interested in these instead. I have lots of 1000 seeds available. I believe they are from the super-sweet red-fleshed varieties. $25 per thousand, free shipping within the USA. Pass the word along if you know someone who is interested. Best Regards, Avi Leftin mailto:Avi2160401@aol.com <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> Message: 3 Subject: Apples & Kaolin (Clay) Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 13:30:59 -0600 From: "Doreen Howard" I bought some Fuji apples at the local grocery store yesterday, and they obviously had been grown with kaolin clay cover. Some of the clay was still on the skins. I wrote a short article about kaolin last year and talked to several people who had used it, including Hector Black. Everyone says kaolin is hard to scrub off skins, but it can be done. What are your experiences? How hard is it to remove? I'm venturing into apples this year and will be planting Keepsake and Honeycrisp trees. It is my hope to grow apples organically, and I plan to use kaolin. So your experiences are of great interest to me. Doreen Howard mailto:doreenh@ticon.net Wisconsin Z4b, ------------------------------ Message: 7 Subject: Re: Apples & Kaolin (Clay) Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 16:26:03 -0500 From: Phil Norris Doreen, I used kaolin clay on most of my apple trees last year and had very good control of plum curculio which is my nemesis here in Maine. I put it on just after petal fall and reapplied every time it rained for the next month or so. Then I stopped and watched to see what would happen. I subsequently had some codling moth damage which I am told could have been prevented by continuing the clay applications. At any rate, I had a pretty good crop overall and the clay had almost completely washed away by rain and dew by harvest time. Occasionally there would be a little white powder in the cavity of some of the apples but I never even bothered to wash them. Rubbing the apple on your shirt is enough to remove the clay residue. Interestingly enough, my Red Delicious apples showed a strange scalding everywhere that the clay touched them. I don't know which is worse, the curculio or the scald. The Keepsakes and Honeycrisps looked great at the end of the season. Phil Blue mailto:cousinphil@acadia.net Hill ME ------------------------------ Message: 6 Subject: Answering the (Kaolin Clay)) Surround questions Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 18:42:14 -0500 From: John.Mosko@engelhard.com I just caught up on my NAFEX messages and saw that there was a long string of questions about Surround (Kaolin clay) a week or so ago. Maybe I can help out with answers. Surround's value to the hobby orchardist - As an avid hobbyist with 25 Bud-9 and M-9 dwarfing rootstock apple, pear, and cherry trees I can say that Surround is a fine product for the hobbyist. A little Surround goes a long way hand-sprayed on dwarf trees. I start with 1/2 lb per gallon then go to 1/4 lb. per gallon after the third or fourth spray. After a foundation has been established , I can treat all the trees with a gallon or two of spray - that uses about a 1/2 lb. of Surround powder. I find that if I aim to coat the apples, the overspray is sufficient for the leaves. Coating the apples is more important than covering leaves. (Pears need underside of leaf coverage to control pear psylla). When I'm ready to eat the apples, I put the Surround-treated apples into one side of the filled sink with a drop or two or fruit cleaning detergent (optional). I give them a rubbing while rinsing under a faucet or under water. The film comes off easily but you do have to rub, albeit gently, the whole fruit. It helps to wear thin cloth gloves. Of course, if I'm in the yard, I rub it off on my shirt! The fine particles actually buff the skin to a real shine. I address commercial washing in the Pomona article below. Where to buy Surround - As someone accurately commented, shop around. If you are a commercial grower, even if small, you should be using "ag-labeled" product. As you may know, the manufacturer has no control over pricing once they sell the product to a distributor - it's actually illegal, a form of price fixing and my company Engelhard is to-the-letter scrupulous. Safety Surround is arguably one of the safest pest control products on the market: į Surround is exempt from requirements of a tolerance for residue per the EPA. į All adjuvants are in the safest EPA category (Class 4). į There is no pre-harvest interval. į The ingredients in Surround are on the FDA list for food use. į Apples and blueberries coated with Surround applied before and during the apple/blueberry maggot fly flight showed almost complete ovipositional deterrence in University studies. į Grower and university apple studies confirmed the ability to suppress plum curculio and the need to reapply during rainy periods. į Pear psylla studies confirmed that green tip sprays are important for ovipositional deterrence. Surround performed well in eastern trials despite the rainy season. Although not recommended, Surround can be used for psylla rescues. į An organic-oriented study that used Surround only on scab resistant cultivars showed usable fruit jumped to 85% vs. 25 % in the untreated control. Interestingly, cedar apple rust was partly suppressed by Surround in this season-long study. į Japanese beetle suppression, due to repellency and feeding deterrence, is excellent if applications are made at first adult emergence. Lab bioassays (no-choice studies) showed surprisingly high knockdown after 24 hours. į The lacanobia fruit worm has been controlled in multi-year Washington State University studies. Generally, applications are every 7 to 14 days, more often during rainy periods. Since Surround is a barrier-type product, the plant part to be protected must be covered during pest infestation. During dry periods, the intervals can be widened, but during rainy periods re-sprays at short intervals can be necessary -- especially on primary pests. On most fruit skins, later season applications last longer than early season applications. Coating the leaf undersides is important for pests like pear psylla and some aphids. The cooling effect of Surround will delay maturity 3 to 7 days on most tree fruit. Where to find Surround Surround is sold only through distributors. The following sell ag-labeled product in 25 lb. bags (Shop around for best prices): į Most UAP locations in the Northeast and Great Lakes: www.uap.com/distribution-frames.html į Many distributors and dealers in WA, OR, and CA į Many Fertrell : www.fertrell.com į Seven Springs Farm in VA offers Surround WP via mail order: www.7springsfarm.com į Fedco in ME offers Surround WP via mail order: www.fedcoseeds.com į Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Inc. in CA offers Surround WP via mail order: www.groworganic.com į For home use Gardens Alive! Catalogue and web site Offers Surround At Home Crop Protectant in 5, 10, and 25 lb. bags: www.gardensalive.com. Surround At Home is the only version of Surround labeled for home gardening uses. ### John is the marketing manager for Surround Crop Protectants, Engelhard Corporation, Iselin, NJ 08830-0770 and an avid tree fruit hobbyist. For more information, visit http://www.engelhard.com/surround. <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" Plants of the Machiguenga-Ethnobotanical Study of E. Peru Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2003 01:06:38 -0600 http://www.montana.com/manu/ This web site is an illustrated chronicle of two months of field work by Dr. Ethan Russo, MD, who was looking for plants of Eastern Peru's rainforest to treat headaches in 1995. Dr. Russo watched indigenous people use the plants and then recorded the plant's identity, efficacy and prospects for future use. He published an article in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology based on this work, which is reproduced at the site. An interesting feature of the published work is that all species examined are listed by local tribal common names as well as scientific names. The images are small, but shows some of the life and experiences of an ethnobotanist. Site by Tracy Stone-Manning at Montanta.Com. (***) -S ------------------------------------------------ Deep Green - Green Plant Phylogeny Research Coordination Group Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 13:17:26 -0600 http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/bryolab/DeepGreen/ Deep Green is a coalition of plant biologists who are assembling the "Tree of Life" for plants and other green organisms. Supported by National Science Foundation, the group has assembled molecular, genetic and morphological data of major systematic groups into large databases that ultimately depict the phylogeny of these groups. Databases, news, discussions, past meetings, challenges, and most importantly the "Tree" are given at this site. Two versions of a hyperbolic tree are given (using Java technology): one is for reasearch and one for teaching, though in actuality, the content differs only in group names and depth. This is a highly interactive tree allowing exellent resolution of the nodes and many options for viewing (see icons on the lower left). Site by GPPRCG. (***1/2) -S ------------------------------------------------ Subject: SBLD - Pine (Gymnosperm) Life Cycle Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 12:08:56 -0600 http://fybio.bio.usyd.edu.au/vle/L1/ResourceCentre/GraphicFiles/FS_LCPine.html The typical gymnosperm life cycle is well illustrated in this site on sexual reproductive cycle of pines, Phylum Coniferophyta. Developmental phases and organs are hyperlinked with well chosen illustrations, brief narratives and appropriate glossary items. Hyperlinked terms indlude sporophyte, female cone (meiosis, megaspores, female gametophyte), male cone (meiosis, microspores, male gametophyte), pollination, sperm, egg, fertilisation, zygote, embryo, endosperm, and young sporophyte. The quality is high, quite hyperlinked and well designed. This is hosted by University of Sydney. (***1/2) -S ------------------------------------------------ Subject: SBLD - Botany: The History of a Science Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2003 22:13:36 -0600 http://www.i-a-s.de/IAS/botanik/e01/01.htm "Botany: The History of a Science" provides detailed and excellent chapters covering botany from before Theophrastes (excellent summary of early Greek work) to the recent. Chapters include "First Scientific Description", "Botany under Roman Rule", "Decline of Botany-the Dark Age", "Renaissance", "Botany in the 17th and 18th Century: the Basis of Systematics", "Microscopy: the Achievments of the 19th Century and their 17th Century Roots", "Characterization of Cryptogams: Phylogenetical Relations between Cryptogams & Phanerogams", "Physiology", and the referring literature. This work is archived at the International Art & Science Showcase Botanik Online and was written as part of "Botany online-The Internet Hypertextbook" by Peter v. Sengbusch. (****) -S ======================================================================== *BOT-LINX Home Delivery sends you the Botanical Link-of-the-Day from Scott's Botanical Link site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ ======================================================================== <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Message: 2 Subject: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 19:23:21 -0500 From: "Erica Lynne" I am planning to make a mist house...well, more like a mist cupboard to start with...for starting cuttings. I have purchased the appropriate timers and misters. I plan to make the structure just, say, 6' x 4' x 4'. My question: what to make the walls of? If they are made of plastic won't there be too much humidity and heat inside? Suggestions appreciated. Erica Lynne mailto:ericalynne@earthlink.net Zone 10, Naples, FL ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 3 Subject: Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 19:51:04 -0500 From: "MMaguire" Sounds like an exciting project, Erica. I especially like the idea that it can be small. Is there any information on the internet about how to make and use them? I'd like to know more. Good luck. Muriel mailto:mmaguire2@cfl.rr.com ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 4 Subject: Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 19:59:24 -0500 From: Island Jim I don't know if this will help, erica, but I have a section of my lathhouse that is committed to cutting beds. they are misted by my regular irrigation timer three times a day--like the old dr pepper ad, at 10, 2, and 4. I've had good success [so far] rooting everything I've tried. I think the fact that air circulation is part of the environmental mix also helps. I'm in Venice Jim mailto:jsinger@igc.org ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 5 Subject: Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 22:00:32 -0500 From: Console G4 Hi Erica, I built one and used 'crop guard' for the walls. This is a thin, white non woven material somewhat like the interfacing or Pelon you see in fabric stores. You might consider a solid (plastic or fiberglass) roof as at times we get a bit too much rain here. (I used 63% shadecloth for my roof, had no problems last year.) Crop guard breaths, but keeps most of the wind out. (Wind will blow your mist all over the place). I will see if I can post the plans for my 10x10 (got access to a digital camera today, need to learn how to use it now). Keep us informed, best of growing, Bob mailto:tfnews@gate.net SW Florida ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 8 Subject: Re: (Want Recommendations For) Mist House Material Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2003 17:56:58 +0000 From: "Peter Felker" Hello In trying to have enough water on cuttings on really hot days and in the middle of the day but not to have excess water on cool overcast days I have purchased the solar 3B from Davis engineering accumulates solar intensity and mists accordingly. when it is 100F in the middle of the day it mists every 4 minutes but late in the day when the sun goes down it only mists every 16 minutes. It costs about $380 for a system that controls 3 independent misters. I have also designed a system that uses high pressure Peter Felker mailto:peter_felker@hotmail.com Argentina <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Bacterium Tapped to Make Low-Calorie Sweetener Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2003 07:47:16 -0500 From: ARS News Service Mannitol's not a household name, but you've probably consumed this clean-tasting sugar alcohol as a powdery coating on chewing gum, hard candies and chewable tablets. Now Agricultural Research Service chemist Badal Saha in Peoria, Ill., reports success using the bacterium Lactobaccillus intermedius to make mannitol. Saha credits the bacterium's powerful metabolic enzymes with enabling it to produce mannitol from high-fructose corn syrup, glucose and other carbohydrates. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200303B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - April 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200304A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Florida Lisa Duncan New Subscriber, Oceanside, CA, Wants Mango For Coast Ernie Jackson New Subscriber, CA, Interested In Madruno, Rheedias,.... Cameron Johnson New Subscriber, Texas Kevin Johnson New Subscriber, Riverside, Interested in Mangoes, and.... Oliver Siapno <><><> Readers Write <><><> Wolfberry won't bloom Jeff H RE: Wolfberry won't bloom William Chow FWD: Dave Silber's Sapodilla Comments Sven Merten RE: Sapodilla Information Sven Merten Topical info for Perth, Australia people Patrick M Hamlyn Antique fruit trees Eunice Messner Nancy Pineapple Sources Sought JOHN FREEMAN Homestead, Florida Report Lychee & Longan In Bloom Mark South Florida, Jack Fruits Abort; Why? Lee & Keri Dragon Fruit - "Had No Taste At All!" Richard Grant <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> For information about all CRFG chapters http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> ROSE APPLE - In Pictures The Thaumaturgist Powdery Mildew "rooting" Re: fruit set Larry RE: fruit set "Erica Lynne" (Fruit Drop) "Warren Condon" <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Saving Water for a Rainless Day ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Florida Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 08:59:37 EST From: Lisa Duncan Hi, there I am Lisa Duncan, live in Tampa, Florida, and am trying to grow Sea-grapes - (do you know what those are?) also Carambola, Passion fruit, a coca-tree, White Sapote, Litchie-nut, Macadamina trees, and others. I need all the advice I can get! Thank you! Lisa Duncan mailto:Iam875@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Oceanside, CA, Wants Mango For Coast Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2003 09:31:50 -0800 From: ernie jackson I am Ernie Jackson, Oceanside, CA Fruit trees I am now growing are Citrus, Pitayha, Peach, Pear, Nectarine, Passion Fruit, Kiwi, Plum, Blue Berries, Avocados I want to grow Early Gold or other mango for the coast. Comments: I also am interested in close recirculating Aquaponics Questions to be answered by newsletter readers: What kinds of Mangos can I grow near the coast and where can I get some grafted plants? Thanks again Leo! Ernie Jackson mailto:erniej@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, CA, Interested In Madruno, Rheedias,.... Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 08:57:49 -0800 From: Cameron Johnson Hello, My name is Cameron Johnson. I live in Loma Linda California. I'm currently growing lychee longan five varieties of mangoes lucuma sqpodilla babaco, naranjilla cherimoya wampee jabiticaba white sapote jujube pitaya acerola passionfruit and bannanas. I'm interested in madruno or any of the rheedias Abiu and santol. Thanks much Cam mailto:goobernac@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Texas Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 10:56:43 -0600 From: Kevin Johnson I am Kevin Orlin Johnson, in Dallas, Texas I am now growing few Valencias and a pommelo. I'd like to get into rarer apples and pears. Thanks! Kevin mailto:metatron@airmail.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Riverside, Interested in Mangoes, and.... Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 11:40:51 -0800 (PST) From: Oliver Siapno I am Oliver F. Siapno, in Riverside, CA, and am interested in planting and growing mangoes, pomelos and other subtropical fruit trees. Oliver mailto:oliversiapno@yahoo.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Wolfberry won't bloom Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 03:04:45 -0800 (PST) From: Jeff H To the group.... My Wolfberry plants (Lycium barbarum or L. chinense) have not flowered or fruited in the 6 years i've grown them. I suspect it's because this deciduous bush needs a certain amount of winter chill or freezing weather. We only get about 150 hours of winter chill here in San Francisco, and it doesn't freeze. I know someone in New Jersey who gets fruit each year, but i'm wondering if anyone in a mild-winter area has harvested Wolfberry? I sure would love to harvest those sweet-tangy fruits! Thanks! Jeff mailto:instant_favorite@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Wolfberry won't bloom Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 08:25:42 -0800 From: William Chow Hi Leo, As far as I can tell, wolfberries does not need any winter chill. I have a few plants that grow like evergreen. The winter at my yard is mild enough that they can keep the leaves year around. There are hundreds of wolfberry varieties in the world. There are a few kinds that are native to American Southwest. I suspect you may have a plant that is male only (?) Try getting another plant from friends. This stuff grows like weeds. Hardwood cuttings readily take root. Cheers ! William mailto:wchow@znet.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Dave Silber's Sapodilla Comments Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 07:54:15 -0800 From: Sven Merten Hi Eunice, Can you find out from Dave what varieties did not do well for him? Does he have e-mail? I can give him a call also, but I thought you might want to include this information in your column. Thanks. Best regards, Sven mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net > Subject: Sapodilla > Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 09:07:51 -0800 (PST) > From: Eunice Messner > To: Alan Schroeder > > > Alan > > Here is an excerpted copy sumitted for the > May/June column of "Ask the Experts" to be > published in the Fruit Gardener magazine > > Question: Can I grow Sapodilla (Manilkara zapote) > here in southern California? ŃMurf Sussman, > Whittier, California > > Answer: Yes, this specie with its many vernacular > names,ŌChico', ŌNaseberry' and ŌNispero' to name a > few, is widely adapted. I have a fruiting ten foot > tall tree grafted to the ŌAlano' variety here in > Granada Hills, CA. (Sunset zone 19). There is a > large, mature seedling tree at the Quail Gardens > in Encinitas (Sunset zone 24). I have also seen > trees growing well in the Negev desert area of > Israel. You can fruit the sapodilla in any > southern California location that experiences > light to moderate frosts; in general, where > avocados do well. > > Trees grown from seed take over eight years to > begin fruiting and can give disappointing results. > Some grafted or air-layered varieties, such as > ŌAlano' ŌGonzalez', Sao Manila, Florida 1 and > Philippine 2 have demonstrated satisfactory > fruiting in our area; however, due to > self-incompatability problems, many varieties are > scant producers here. Hand pollinating flowers > using pollen from a different variety improves > production considerably. > > In my location flowers set from early to late > fall. Fruit development takes almost eleven > months. Last season I picked 30 lbs. of fruit from > a twelve year old ŌAlano' tree. The flavor was > superb. The sapodilla is very sweet. I think of it > as "natures's dessert". > > ŃDavid Silber, Specialist for Sapodilla ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Sapodilla Information Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 07:54:56 -0800 From: Sven Merten Hi All, I'm not an expert on growing sapodilla. I've had a Hasya and Ox sapodilla growing in pots (until last week) for several years. The Ox has never done anything, but the Hasya has set fruit the last three years. I've got a small book published in India about the sapodilla: "Sapota" by B.S. Chundawat. According to this book pollination is by wind and many if not most varieties need cross pollination, but not just by any varieties. Specific varieties pollinate other specific varieties. So to get good production you need to have the correct pairing of varieties because some varieties will not pollinate others. I've heard from several people in Florida that this is not the case and most solitary trees set fruit, but their moist conditions are much different than Southern California where pollen viability and longevity is probably reduced due to the low humidity. Many people I have talked to here have had similar experiences with the trees not setting fruit even though they bloom profusely. Dave Silber is the expert and has had more luck than anyone I know of. That book also talk about the growing regions in India. Most commercial production is in the warmer more humid areas with conditions similar to florida. There are some regions where the conditions are similar to Southern California. The interesting thing is that they grow completely different varieties in the two regions because the ones that produce well in the more tropical areas do not in the more Mediterranean areas. Most of the varieties we have in this country are undoubtedly from environments similar to Florida, so it would probably be helpful to plant some seedlings and find new varieties that will produce well here. The other option is to make contact with some growers in the drier regions of India and try to import some trees or bud wood. So far I've got 73 grafted trees of 10 varieties (see list below). I put about a dozen in the ground last week with the rest waiting to be planted in the next few weeks. The first block I am planting is a mix of the 10 varieties with about 32 trees total. This is just to check which varieties will produce here, as pollination should not be an issue with 10 varieties in the block. What I will try to do with the rest of the trees is plant pairs of varieties and see if what the book says is true and certain varieties will only pollinate certain other varieties. The other option is to plant single trees and then graft a branch over to another variety for pollination. I just got a shipment of scion wood from the germplasm repository in Florida and I've grafted some seedlings. I don't know how many will be successful, but that will be another 9 varieties if they take, of course most of them are unnamed. If anyone has a variety that is not on my list and they are willing to share some scion wood I am always looking for other varieties. I'm happy to trade scions from my trees or pitaya cuttings if you would like. Kevan, You said your trees only set on the North side. Is it possible they down wind of another tree that is pollinating them? By the way I was encouraged this year when some of my 2 foot high trees set fruit. I think they are mainly Gonzalez and Alano, but a few of the others did as well. Ganzalez-------18 trees Makok-----------5 Martin----------1 Alano----------16 Ponderosa------11 Compecheana-----5 Moreno----------2 Molix-----------5 Hasya-----------6 Ox--------------4 Best regards, (The spelling is approximate) Sven mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Topical info for Perth, Australia people Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2003 00:51:24 +0800 From: Patrick M Hamlyn Hardware House in Innaloo (Scarborough Beach Road), now taken over by Bunnings, had the following fruit trees for sale when I went there today: Grummichama, Jaboticaba, Sapodilla, Miracle fruit, Surinam Cherry, Acerola Cherry, Star fruit, Star apple, Rose apple, African Pride Custard Apple (Cherimoya), Waxy Jambu, Kensington Pride Mango, Red Papaya, Black Sapote, three Guava varieties, Feijoa, over a dozen types of berry like Jostaberry, white/red/black currants, Kiwi fruit etc, as well as the more common fruit and nut trees, and a bunch of others I didn't recognise and can't recall the names now. I just about had a fit seeing all those trees for sale in one place. I almost went out and bought a block of land, I've completely run out of space. I managed to find places for a Grummichama, an Acerola and a Papaya. Patrick Hamlyn mailto:path@multipro.com.au Perth, Western Australia ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Antique fruit trees Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 09:08:15 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: Nancy Nancy Although California Rare Fruit Grower member, Sonoma Antique Apple, have retired recently and gone out of business, here is an email address for Trees of Antiquity . It is probably too late for bareroot shipment. But, contact them and be sure and mention CRFG sent you. We are trying to get them to be members so we can give them free advertising. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pineapple Sources Sought Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 13:19:09 -0800 (PST) From: JOHN FREEMAN I recall once there was a reference to a nursery in Puerto Rico that had several varieties of pineapples. Does anyone recall the name and address of that place? I could also use similar nursery info for Florida but need quantities of hundreds or so. Thanks, John Freeman mailto:yatama@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Homestead, Florida Report Lychee & Longan In Bloom Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 13:43:42 -0500 (EST) From: Mark Longan and Lychee heavy bloom, we will see how they set. We had a storm here the other day and very little fruit set on the Haak-yip lychee. Might have been mostly male flower. My Mauritius are looking good so far. Thanks for all the good info from your Newsletter. Mark mailto:Bluemarcus@aol.com In Homestead Fla ------------------------------------------------ Subject: South Florida, Jack Fruits Abort; Why? Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 20:38:11 -0500 From: Lee & Keri We have a Jack Fruit tree. It has grown some fruit, but they only get about 2 inches long and then get moldy and drop off. Why? ( I live in S. FL) It's also only about 1 1/2 yrs. old and about 15 feet tall already. Lee mailto:remmos@mindspring.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit - "Had No Taste At All!" Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 21:28:33 -0800 From: Richard Grant We have purchased a dragon fruit because we are an adventurous lot and had never tried one before. However, upon opening up the fruit and trying it we found that it had no taste at all. Could you tell us whether or not this might be because the fruit is not ripe or are we not preparing it correctly? The fruit we bought is semi-soft and cuts easily. Also, do you eat only the white inside or do you eat the thin layer of the pink flesh under the skin? Thanks for your assistance. The Grants mailto:rbgrant@iprimus.com.au <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about all CRFG chapters. <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> None this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: ROSE APPLE - In Pictures Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 00:02:24 -0800 (PST) From: The Thaumaturgist Rose Apples (Syzygium jambos) are getting ready. Well, that means we are at the beginning of the 2003 season for rare fruits. The Rose Apple (nothing in common with an Apple) from the family Myrtaceae, is not exempt from the Eugenia/Syzygium dual taxonomic controversy. And hence, it is also classified as Eugenia jambos. As if that was not enough, other botanists claim Rose Apple to be Jambosa vulgaris Jambosa jambos Caryophyllus jambos Although the Rose Apple is native to the East Indies and Malaysia, it now can be found all over the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. And in Florida where the rose-scented Rose Apple was introduced before the turn of the century, it grows almost wild from here in Brevard County (east-central Florida) to all the way in south Florida. Came across one fully ripe fruit on the ground and another one on the tree, while checking on a small Rose Apple tree in Merritt island, Florida. Otherwise, the tree was full of buds, flowers and young fruits. Here is AsitÕs dozen that will take you from the bud to the inside of the Rose Apple, FloridaÕs first rare fruit of the season of 2003. (1) A bunch of buds http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple25ASIT (2) Flowers and buds, close-up http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple22ASIT (3) Flower, close-up http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple21ASIT (4) A busy Bee http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple23ASIT (5) The emerging fruits http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple24ASIT (6) An young fruit http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple26ASIT (7) A pair of one mature and one young http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple27ASIT (8) A fully ripe fruit http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple28ASIT (9) Cut in halves, seed removed http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple29ASIT (10) Cut in halves, seed removed, close-up http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple31ASIT (11) Cut in halves, seed inside http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple30ASIT (12) Long leaves, invite 2 Lizards for nighttime rest http://www.geocities.com/bohuroopi/RApple32ASIT Asit mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 14:06:57 -0500 From: "rooting" Subject: Powdery Mildew For those who replied about powdery mildew on mint, Thank you! The following ideas seem to be the most organic methods Sulfur - When to Use: Apply to affected plants at the first sign of symptoms to prevent spread of disease to unaffected areas and new growth. Repeat treatments will likely be required if the fungus was left untreated too long. Lime Sulfur or Wettable Sulfur - When to Use: As directed as trees leaf and bud in the spring. Dormant oil and Lime Sulfur mix - When to use: Use a horticultural oil in late winter or early spring before any growth starts. Apply as directed and spray until the mixture runs off. Baking Soda Spray - Recipe: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda and one quart of water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Adding 1/2 teaspoon of oil, such as Sunspray Dormant Oil, or even Canola oil may increase the effectiveness against black spot and other fungal diseases. Apply liberally. Milk - 10-20% skim milk to water ratio. Milk seems to boost the plants immune system to fight off fungi. Apply liberally. We are trying the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with some spreader in the form of dish washing detergent by total immerse. Initially all the visible mildew disappeared. If this does not work then we will add some canola oil to the mix regards MRK mailto:rooting@hortus.com ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 20:54:39 EST From: Larry Subject: Re: fruit set In Sarasota FL we have an almost total loss of mango fruit due to possibly powdery mildew. Bloom was heavy and fruits reached pea size on several trees and then fell. Bloom panicles were brittle brown. Ihave a half dozen mature trees that have borne reliable and heavy crops for 30 years, but unless we get another very late bloom it looks like a wipeout. I sprayed once with sulphur but still got it. Varieties are Tommy Atkins, Haden, Zill, and Saigon and Nam Doc Mai. Many others share the problem and the county agent said it was probably wet weather during bloom plus a cold snap prior to bloom. Some of the afffected trees got no spray so I dont think sulphur was the culprit. Any ideas? Larry mailto:CLMings@aol.com Sarasota FL ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 22:38:21 -0500 From: "Erica Lynne" Subject: RE: fruit set In Naples, Florida, the bloom was very heavy on all three of my mango trees: Carrie, Edward and Keitt. Fruit set has been heavy on the Edward and Keitt, but the Carrie has hardly any fruit at all. There is no powdery mildew here, but we do have trouble with anthracnose and I spray some with copper/sticker. The brittle brown you mention of the panicles is anthracnose (at least in my experience). Even though I am close to the gulf, I think the earlier blooming Carrie does not get adequate pollination because the weather is too chilly for the flies. In the past I have had good results by hanging rotting fish heads in the trees to attract the flies, but this year I could not find fish heads anywhere. The Collier Tropical Fruit Council had its annual fruit tree sale this morning and the mango expert was saying that fertilizing mangos when they are fruiting will cause the fruit to fall. I just mention that because you said you got a lot of fruit set, but then the fruit dropped. Of course, there is a natural process of aborted fruit, so that the tree does not carry more fruit than it can nourish. I am told that fruit that drop when looking green and healthy are "natural aborting" and those that are black or brown are due to disease. Hope this helps. Erica Lynne mailto:ericalynne@earthlink.net Naples, FL, zone 10 ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 00:33:54 -0500 From: "Warren Condon" Subject: (Fruit Drop) Here's an interesting article on fruit drop. http://www.tropfruit.com/fruitdrop.html Warren Condon mailto:wpc728@hotmail.com Miami, FL <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Saving Water for a Rainless Day Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 07:23:20 -0500 From: ARS News Service Drought-stricken farmers in western North and South Dakota and Montana could lose significant income if they don't take into account how much water various crops use. Steve Merrill, a soil scientist at the Agricultural Research Service's Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, N.D., has measured the water needs of 16 major crops. His findings apply to farmers from central North Dakota south and west into South Dakota and Montana and to the northwest into Canada. But the basic concept applies to farmers everywhere: Measure how much soil moisture you have coming into the growing season and use that as a guide to select a crop based on its water needs. Start the spring with soil moisture scarce, as farmers in parts of the West are likely to do this year, and you would choose a crop on the low end of water needs, like dry peas, the lowest water user Merrill measured. If farmers in drought-stricken areas of the West had the abundance of rainfall found in eastern North Dakota and Minnesota, they might have such soggy lowland soils that they would welcome sunflower's ranking as the highest water user. Making the right soil moisture-crop match this spring not only gives a greater chance of a successful harvest next fall, but can also have a great effect on how much soil moisture will be available in spring 2004. For example, Merrill's studies showed that dry peas can leave up to four extra inches of moisture in the soil, compared to sunflowers. Merrill measured each crop's water use with no-till, a soil- and water-conserving practice that is common in a region so dry that fields used to be periodically left idle for a year to recharge soil moisture. Merrill presented his most recent results at the National Sunflower Association's 2003 Research Forum. The paper is posted at: http://www.sunflowernsa.com/research_statistics/research_workshop <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200304A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - April 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200304B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> It's great to have messages in the Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda. We've gone from a famine of several months to a feast of multiple messages, regarding fertilizing longans in particular. Thanks, Sainarong! See letters from Eunice Messner Festival of Fruit in Riverside, May 15 - 19. (I keep forgetting to get my reservation in.) Also, there's the "Green Scene" plant and garden event at the Fullerton Arboretum on April 26, 27. Opens at 9 a.m for members of the Arboretum and 10 for the public. Deciduous trees at my home: There is one unknown mulberry that begins to bear in January. The fruit gets up to about one inch in length, and continues to be produced for several months. Is this unusual? Some apricots on a low chill seedling have full-sized fruit, some apples (low chill) bearing heavily, one plum (Gulf Red is perhaps its name) have all ripened. Fruit is somewhat tart - reminds me of distant memories of sand-cherries in Oklahoma. Gulf Gold bears far more heavily, hasn't ripened yet, but is 'way ahead of whatever plum comes next. It's also tart, probably because there's not enough heat yet to give them more sugar(?) I am pleased that several of you have written with information about progress of fruit at your home, and the damage caused by winds. I think this helps to make the newsletter useful. Ed Lin's letter "Powdery Mildew On Mango - What Works For Me" is timely as powdery mildew is always a problem with some mangos at my home. I never get around to treating it, and some trees will set well anyway, apparently not being as susceptible to powdery mildew as others. Do any of you have success using sulfur dust? What works for others of you? -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Hawaii, Growing Papaya, Pineapple, etc. Nina Perrell New Subscriber, Bahamas; Kiwis Possible Here? Ralph Moore New Subscriber, Redwood City, CA, Wants Pixie Elizabeth and Peter Wang New Subscriber, Beverly Hills, CA, Growing Palms Giovanni Fiol New Subscriber, So. Cal., What Profitable Trees To Plant? Christine Brady New Subscriber Tricia Renner New Subscriber, Seattle (Was Florida); Questions Diana Law <><><> Readers Write <><><> Powdery Mildew On Mango - What Works For Me Ed Larry Mangos Near Coast Eunice Messner erniej@cox.net Crop Report - Lychee & Longan Doing Well Mark Your jackfruit question Harry Hausman Lee & Keri Mango website Ben Pierce Thanks For JackFruit Help! Lee & Keri Fruit setting in sapodillas Kevan Festival of Fruit meeting Eunice Messner Green Scene Eunice Messner Loquat and blood orange Denise Woo Re: Loquat and blood orange Leo Manuel Denise Woo Re: Loquat and blood orange Denise Woo Misc: Unreliable Apricot, Wind Damage, Inga, .... Todd Able Want thornless boysenberries for Fallbrook, CA Dianne Randall <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> Fruit Production in Thailand 2003 Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Re: Your advice please re: my longan trees Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Ed How important are fertilisers? Sainarong Siripen Rasananda How much fertiliser should you apply? Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Ed Lin Where do the trees get the food and energy from? Sainarong Siripen Rasananda The Role of Nitrogen Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Importance of fertilisers and other factors - part 1 Sainarong Siripen Rasananda What is a recommended fertilising schedule for longans? Sainarong Siripen Rasananda <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> Plant Propagation Class Bruce <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" University of South Carolina Herbarium http://www.herbarium.org/ Biodiversity Hotspots http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> None, this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Zapping Insects With Radio Waves ARS News Service Biological Clocks "Wake Up" Plants ARS News Service A High Demand for Fungi in ARSEF Collection ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Hawaii, Growing Papaya, Pineapple, etc. Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 17:25:17 -1000 From: Nina Perrell I am Nina Perrell in Hawaii, and I grow bananas, papaya, mango, pineapple, and more. Nina Perrell mailto:perrell@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Bahamas; Kiwis Possible Here? Date: Thu, 03 Apr 2003 14:59:20 -0500 From: Ralph Moore I am Ralph Moore in Abaco, Bahamas. The fruit I am now growing Bananas, Mysore raspberry, Papaya, June Plum (Spondias), Fig, Barbados cherry, Key lime, Persian lime, tangelo, passion fruit. I would like to grow, Malay apple (wax apple), guinep Question: do you think I could grow kiwis here? Minimum winter night time temp about 55 Deg., summer maximum daytime about 90 deg. Humidity always high. Thanks Ralph Moore mailto:ralphm@mail.batelnet.bs ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Redwood City, CA, Wants Pixie Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 18:48:19 -0700 From: Elizabeth and Peter Wang Hi Leo and Betty, My name is Elizabeth Wang. I live in Redwood City California, and am currently growing Dancy mandarin, Eureka lemon, and both Meiwa and Nagami kumquats. The reason I'm interested in subscribing is because I am really excited about trying to grow a Pixie mandarine (tangerine) up here. I tasted the fruit for the first time last week and they are perfect for the kids. Easy to peel, no seeds, and small size. I know Pixies are coming from the Ojai valley (I grew up in Ventura, along the coast, and went to high school at Villanova Prep in Ojai) so I'm even more interested in Pixies because -- well, I feel they're part of where I grew up. I can't find the trees for sale anywhere up here and we've got a couple of good growers (Menlo Growers and Four Winds are up here, but no Pixies). Any suggestions for sources for a couple of nice Pixies would be very much appreciated! Very best regards, Mrs. Elizabeth Wang (and husband Peter, and kids Anna [3+] and Alec [14 months]) mailto:epwang@attbi.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Beverly Hills, CA, Growing Palms Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2003 05:07:37 -0700 From: Giovanni Fiol Hi my name is Giovanni Fiol. I'm a native of San Diego. I moved to Beverly Hills 10 years ago. I am presently growing a Royal Poinciana and coconut Palm trees (cocos nucifera). Thank you, Giovanni Fiol mailto:giovannicouture@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, So. Cal., What Profitable Trees To Plant? Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 08:35:44 -0700 From: Christine Brady Hi, My name is Christine and I live in north Escondido (Valley Center). My husband and I do have some of the standard fruit trees (a couple of oranges, pomegranates, plum, nectarine, apple, etc.) on one side of our property, but are interested in doing something with the other side of our property that is currently vacant. We are interested in putting in a small grove (roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of an acre) on the vacant portion of our property to produce an income. We realize that it will be at least 3 to 7 years before we could harvest anything, but wanted to find out if it is viable to plant this small of an area and expect to make any profit? We are considering cherimoya, longan or lychee as possible crops. Do you have any suggestions on what would be the best to plant? Are there other crops that would be a better choice than the 3 we are considering at this time? Are there any associations or groups that help beginning growers get a business started (planning/implementation)? Any advice or information is appreciated :-) Christine Brady mailto:cgbrady@neteze.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber-What Rare Fruit For Ramona, CA? Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 14:44:39 -0700 From: Tricia Renner Hi Betty & Leo, My name is Tricia Renner and I am a garden designer and nursery consultant here in Ramona. I love your newsletter and I'm really glad I found it! I am new to the edible landscaping area, however, I am, within my business, trying to encourage people to grow more edibles in their yards and giving design tips on how to incorporate them into their existing landscapes or to create new kitchen gardens. Your publication will assist me in learning rare fruits for our area and passing that information on. Any suggestions on varieties that will be happy in Ramona (last year we got down to 18 degrees), I would appreciate it. Thanks, Tricia mailto:seasonsinthegarden@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, San Diego Luis Obispo, Wants Rare Fruit Info Date: Sun, 06 Apr 2003 20:30:25 -0500 From: Robert Lake I am interested in receiving your newsletter on rare fruit. I have a 30 acre dryland parcel about 5 miles from San Luis Obispo, CA. It is certified organic ground that has been used for growing garbanzos. I would like to try some other crops to increase my income. thank you Robert Lake mailto:vistaslo@pacbell.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Powdery Mildew On Mango - What Works For Me Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 09:49:20 -0500 (EST) From: Ed To: Larry Hi Larry, I'm sorry to learn of your mango crop loss due to powdery mildew. For the benefit of other RFN readers, I live about 10 miles from you, near Sarasota, FL. I believe the problem you have is more likely secondary to an inadequate regimen of 1) spraying with copper sulfate and 2) removal of dead flowers which "feed" the powdery mildew. Step 2 is optional if you use a lot of fungicide, but that to me is a bit analogous to poisoning one's home to keep the termites away. I have an easier and more benign method. I sprayed my trees at 2 to 3 week intervals STARTING when panicles just begin to appear, through early fruitset when the fruitlets are barely pea-sized. The frequency of spraying is a dynamic one that must be judged by frequent inspection (at least once a week) for the whitish powdery mildew itself. If you don't see any, you can defer spraying. During the early stage of flowering and fruit formation, the moment you detect the slightest hint of powdery mildew, you must respray. Trying to "catchup" when the disease is manifest is often too late. After about 3 to 4 applications of copper, I stop, and switch to a second method that is more enviro-friendly: I use my garden hose and direct a moderately heavy flat spray at 8 to 20 inches distance to blast off all the dead flowers so they do not cling around and provide the substrate for fungus formation. This process is akin to a surgeon debriding the wound to keep it clean and from getting infected. For the panicles at the treetop (further away), I use the direct jet (max force) setting on the garden hose in order to apply adequate pressure to blast the dead flowers off. Do this in early part of day so the panicles can dry off before dark. I have blast-cleaned the panicles of my trees weekly for 3 weeks now. Yes, you will lose some fruitlets to the jet wash which are potentially viable. However, if you do not purge the fungus aggressively, you risk losing many more. The truly healthy fruitlets cling on steadfastly even when subjected to considerable water pressure. In all likelihood, whatever fruitlets you can blast off are already in the earliest stages of abscission and meant to be dropped later anyway. It will take a little experimenting and some "courage." My trees (which at 10-feet, are not as large/mature as yours), at least for now, are holding on to two or more fruitlets at the end of 90% of panicles. I may even have to thin out the crop a bit more by waterjet blasting. Ed Lin mailto:Link2itc@aol.com : Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 20:54:39 EST : From: Larry : Subject: Re: fruit set : : : : In Sarasota FL we have an almost total loss of : mango fruit due to possibly powdery mildew. Bloom was heavy : and fruits reached pea size on several trees and then fell. : Bloom panicles were brittle brown. Ihave a half dozen mature : trees that have borne reliable and heavy crops for 30 years, : but unless we get another very late bloom it looks like a : wipeout. I sprayed once with sulphur but still got it. : Varieties are Tommy Atkins, Haden, Zill, and Saigon and Nam : Doc Mai. Many others share the problem and the county agent : said it was probably wet weather during bloom plus a cold : snap prior to bloom. Some of the afffected trees got no : spray so I dont think sulphur was the culprit. Any ideas? : : Larry mailto:CLMings@aol.com Sarasota FL ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mangos Near Coast Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 11:42:31 -0800 (PST) From: Eunice Messner To: erniej@cox.net Ernie... My favorite mango for flavor is 'Thomson' and it does well near the coast. 'Manila' is available even at Home Depot but I don't care for it. It also only produced one really good crop for me although the tree was 30 ft tall. I should say there may be more than one source - Mexico and the Phillipines. I may have just not got the best one. Here are some other varieties listed in our Fact Sheet on Mangoes http://www.crfg.org There is also a list of member nurseries. MacPherson, Reliable,, T-1, Villase–or, Winters. 'Valencia' wasn't listed but it does very well in Orange County. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Crop Report - Lychee & Longan Doing Well Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2003 05:38:41 -0500 (EST) From: Mark Lychee have set fruit, about the size of a bean. Should be picking in six to eight weeks. Kohola longan have set, about the size of a match head. Looks like some growers will be a little early this year. Mark mailto:Bluemarcus@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Your jackfruit question Date: Wed, 02 Apr 2003 17:39:16 -0500 (EST) From: Harry Hausman To: Lee & Keri Dear Lee and Keri: What you describe as getting moldy are not the fruit of the jackfruit tree. Rather, they are the male blooms. The tree is a bit young to bear any fruit or even female flowers. It usually takes about three years. Male blooms are produced the year or two before the first female ones. I also live in South Florida, Davie, in Western Broward County. I have planted Black Gold, Dang Rasimi, Golden Nuggett, Mai 1, Seedlings of Mai 1 and Mai 3, another seedling of what I think was NS1 which I have fruited for 5 years now and am calling it Orange Crisp. I also have Borneo Red, Rien Batt, a couple of the Fairchild Gardens crosses from their breeding program, Cochin, Cheena, and a couple other small plantings which the name slips my mind at the moment. Most of the latter trees have not fruited as of yet. I have fruited Black Gold, Dang Rasimi, Golden Nugget and my seedling Orange Crisp. Good luck and good growing. If you like to discuss further let me know. Best regards Harry Hausman mailto:HMHausman@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango website Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 07:35:19 -0800 From: Ben Pierce Hello Leo Have you seen this website before? Have you ordered anything from them? Looks possibly too good to be true compared to some prices I have seen for mango trees. http://www.mangotreeman.com Ben Pierce P.S. Pitahaya are starting to grow again. Still very slow. I have been pulling side shoots from the main stem trying to get one set of central stems. Is this correct? Has anyone yet determined what the fertilizer requirements of the plant are? What are you fertilizing yours with? ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Thanks For JackFruit Help! Date: Sat, 05 Apr 2003 06:42:26 -0500 From: Lee & Keri Thanks everyone for the info on the jackfruit! We're glad it's not molding. It has gotten so tall in the last year. It grew from 3 feet to about 25 feet already. To those that have Jack fruit trees, how tall are yours? Thanks, Lee mailto:remmos@mindspring.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fruit setting in sapodillas Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 18:09:51 +0800 From: Kevan Hi Leo and Group, Very interesting info on the possible effects of x pollination in saps from Sven and others. Are you aware of the work done with polyamines on fruit setting?. I would like to try these: putrescine, spermidine, and spermine but am not aware of the commercial names and availability. Much work has been done in India on mangoes mainly. Is there any work using these on sapodillas? Regards Kevan mailto:snoworry@talen.it.net.au ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Festival of Fruit meeting Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 07:47:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Eunice Messner Leo... This is a reminder to your readers that the annual, "Festival of Fruit" meeting of the California Rare Fruit Growers is May 15 - 19. Starting with tours on Thursday and Friday to area points of interest. All day Saturday with general and group sessions. More tour options on Sunday and a bus trip to Tijuana on Monday. For registration and to view the long list of speaker options go to our website There will also be plant sales. The meeting is in Riverside, California Eunice Messner ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Green Scene Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 08:01:55 -0700 (PDT) From: Eunice Messner Leo The Orange County Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers will again have a sales booth at the annual "Green Scene" plant and garden event at the Fullerton Arboretum on April 26, 27. Opens at 9 a.m for members of the Arboretum and 10 for the public. There is an entry fee. There is at least a hundred vendors and prices are usually below retail. Most of all it is a fun, exciting event. Location: Take Yorba Linda Blvd. west off of the #57 Freeway to Associated Road. Turn left. Parking is on your right Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Loquat and blood orange Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 23:01:37 -0400 (EDT) From: Denise Woo Hi Leo, The peaches and nectarines are looking good so far this year. The nectarines have a funny little scab as best as I can describe on many of them. Any Idea what that could be? Also my Moro Blood orange had been in the ground for 4 years and hasn't bloomed yet. My other 18 citrus trees bloom and fruit. Is there something about blood oranges that is different from other citrus? One last question. Are loquat good as seedlings or should they be grafted? Thanks once again for your help. Denise Woo mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Loquat and blood orange Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 21:42:51 -0700 From: Leo To: Denise Woo Hi Denise I'll put your letter in the newsletter, but snails often eat the skin off my nectarines, leaving them with a bit of scab. Moro Blood I don't have but thought I wanted one. Loquat may or may not be good from seedlings. Generally, I think they will be about as good as the parent. Take care, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Loquat and blood orange Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 11:20:29 -0400 (EDT) To: Denise Woo Leo, I get most of my citrus from a nursery in Fallbrook. They were about half the price of Home Depot prices and have a good selection since they grow only citrus and avocado. They have semi dwarf which is what most of my trees are. If you are interested in the nursery I will look the name up for you. A few days ago I stopped by Tropic World looked at citrus trees. I found one I had been wanting for a while but not able to locate. They had three varieties of blood oranges and the Moros were the only ones not blooming. Take care, Denise ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Misc: Unreliable Apricot, Wind Damage, Inga,... Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 19:36:53 -0700 From: Todd Able Leo, This Santa Ana winds are really getting old. I lost all my almonds, some grapes, and figs from the last round of wind. I do not have any fruit on my Apricot again this year, which will be 2yrs in a row, after a bumper crop 3yrs ago. I am considering replacing it, as it is 15ftx15ft. I recently tried an Ice Cream Bean at Exotica, and reallly liked the flavor. I recall that you had one, but don't remember why you took it out. What was the culture, did it take alot of water, how big was it, and was it wind tolerant? Is it evergreen here in socal? I planted a Dwarf Jamaican Banana, and I am hoping it will make it through next winter. I have harvested some small Hawaiian Papayas recently that are pretty good, but not all that good looking. Veggies are going well. Good growing! Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Want thornless boysenberries for Fallbrook, CA Date: Sun, 06 Apr 2003 15:35:45 -0400 (EDT) From: Dianne Randall Dear Leo, I have an avocado ranch in Fallbrook, California. Besides avocados, we have a family orchard and would like to plant thornless boysenberries. i can't seem to find them. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for your time. Dianne Randall mailto:Dianne8888@aol.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> Subject: Fruit Production in Thailand 2003 Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2003 21:31:28 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda We have been having strange weather in Thailand. This past winter, the cool front seemed to be continually fighting the warm front. At the end of the rainy season, the weather was warm. Then the cool front seemed to be taking over. When the cool front was driving away the warm front, it rained. Then the cool front took over, and the weather got cool. So far so good, this is the way it should be. But then strange things happened. The warm front did not go away as usual, but fought back. As the warm front clashed with the cool front again, it rained. Then the warm front took over and the weather got warm again. But the cool front did not give up and came back again, et cetera, et cetera. So the weather alternated from cool to rain to warm to rain to cool to rain to warm. All very confusing. Then as the cool season was supposed to end, the cool front came back strongly and we had wintry, for Thailand that is, for a few weeks befor the hot season roared in. All the fruit trees were very confused by this, and we had three distinct separate flowering period this cool season, the last, and best, one being in February. And instead of gradually ripening in a period of several months, it seems that most fruits in Thailand may ripen during June and July. Not very desirable, as you can well imagine. Friends in Australia, New Zealand and South America have also reported unusual weather, yet again. Will unpredictability become the norm? Probably. So what is the Thai longan production going to be this year? The forecast is more difficult than ever, due to three major factors. The first is the unpredictable weather. The second is the fact that more orchards are producing longans all year round. Lastly, Longan production is being spread throughout Thailand, instead of being concentrated in just a few provinces. My best guestimate is that the Thai longan production this year will be about 20-30% less than last year, and will be more evenly spread throughout the year than before. You may find some people disagreeing with my guestimate.and they may be correct. Keep Smiling - I am Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Your advice please re: my longan trees Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2003 23:21:36 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda To: Ed I need your advice on the proper fertilization schedule : for my longan trees. : : According to Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Assoc., : "Fertilizer for longan should be applied twice a year. : The first one in March or April at flower panicle : elongation. 75% of the year's allocation is made at : this time to promote flower development and vegetative : growth on non-flowering branches. The remaining : fertilizer is applied in July, or approximately 7 weeks : after fruit set, to promote fruit growth. No fertilizer : should be applied after harvest." : : Do you agree with the above? The short answer is 'no'. In 2002, my Kohala longan had fully developed panicles while my Degelman had barely begun to show the earliest signs of panicle formation. At that point, I fertilized both trees with a moderate (25%) application of fertilizer. My Kohala gave a marginal crop (about 500 fruits for a 9 to 10-foot tree) in 7/02. However, that fertilizer application appeared to have been responsbile for suppressing 99% of panicle formation in my Degelman. Without any further information and not having seen the trees, any comments I make would probably be wrong; so it is best not to make any comment. : Later, in late 4/02 and early 5/02, I applied two : separate sprayings of KClO4 to my Degelman. There was : very minimal burn to the leaves (it developed a very : light shade of bronze in the dark green healthy leaves) : but no panicle formation could be induced. My comment is the same as above. : At this time, my Kohala longan barely has 3 to 5 very : small (3 to 4") panicles, but my Degelman is covered : with PROFUSE healthy looking blossoms with 10" : panicles. However, the fruit set is very poor. I have : given NO fertilizer, fearing it would affect fruit set. : What have I done wrong so far? My comment is still the same as above. : About 50% of the blooms on the panicles have yet to : open. What can I do to salvage/preserve my crop? Water frequently. Try to keep the micro climate under the tree humid. I really regret not being able to give you better direct advice. as I do not have sufficient information, any advice I give will probably be wrong or make the matter worse. However, I shall write a series of e-mail on tree management which may provide some insights. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: How important are fertilisers? Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2003 23:41:28 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda People frequently ask me what fertilisers to use. They seem to imply that fertilisers are the exlixir for plants, that if they use the correct fertilisers at the correct time, every problem would be solved. While this belief is understandable, I regret to inform them that it is quite wrong. It is my belief that fertilizing is only one of the factors in obtaining good yields, and not the most important ones at that. Common sense tells us that proper climate, environment and soil are the most important factors. If these factors are inamicable, we might as well give up trying. If they are just bad, we can still try, and hope. Proper land preparation is, in my opinion, very important. Next comes the plant specimen, and the way it is planted, followed closely by irrigation. Apart from these, there are also many important factors, such as fertilisation, canopy management (meaning pruning), pest and disease management, micro-climate management. The current state of the tree is also very important. So, even if your fertilising schedule is perfect, your tree may wither if some other factors are negative. This is why I tend to downplay the impotance of fertilisers, and generally do not give advice on fertilising. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: How much fertiliser should you apply? Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 00:10:46 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda To: Ed Lin : How much fertiliser should I apply? This is another question I am reluctant to answer. Let me tell you why. Plants 'drink' most of the fertilisers via the roots. I write 'drink' because plants only absorbs fertilisers in aqueous solutions, in other words, the fertililsers have to be dissolved in water for them to be absorbed by the plants. As some nutrients dissolve more readily than others, this poses some problem. Moreover, the tips of the fine roots are much more efficient at absorbing aqueous solution than othe parts of the roots. You can readily see that it is very difficult to apply fertilisers efficiently and a lot of fertilisers applied is likely to go to waste. The following are inefficient methods of applying fertilisers. Not watering the fertilisers sufficiently means that some fertilisers are not dissolved; over-watering means that a lot of fertililisers will seep down the earth beyond the reach of the roots; applying the fertilisers where the tips of the fine roots are not concentrated is obviously wasteful. The rate of seepage of water through the soil also depends on the properties of the soil. If your tree does not have a lot of fine roots, absorption of fertilisers is also inefficient. Likewise if your root system is not healthy. Roots also need to 'breathe air' as well as to 'drink fertilisers'. If the soil is too compact and there is insuffient air in the soil, the roots cannot absorb fertilisers efficiently. For the scientifically minded, the efficiency or ineficiency of absorption of some chemicals also depend the chemical contents of the soil. Apart from all these, the humidity of the microclimate around your tree may also have a bearing on the absorption capacity of the roots - the drier and hotter the weather, the faster the loss of water from the leaves and hence the faster the rate of absorption of water, If you bear with me this far, you will realize why I am reluctant to give advice on the quantity of fertilisers needed unless I see the plant in person. Fertilisation is a very inefficient process which varies from location to location. One of the most efficient fertilisation process is called fertigation which means micro-sprinkling your fertilisers. However this is quite costly, especially for a small orchard. I have also noted, from experience, that roots absorb water more readily when the soil and the roots have been dried for some time. Vice versa, when the roots are already soaked and the soil is very damp, the water absorption rate is rather slow. There is more to come, tomorrow. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Where do the trees get the food and energy? Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:02:02 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda To grow, flush new leaves, flower and bear fruits, trees need food and energy which they get from the food. Where do the foods come from? The foods are mainly in the form of starch-like carbohydrates; the trees convert the abundant water and air into these starches which consist mainly of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, as well as many other elements in small quantity. When these starches are formed, they are either stored in parts of the tree or are directly used as food and energy in the growing process of the tree. How much is stored and how much is directly used up varies from species to species and as a result of various factors. When the tree needs food and energy for growing, flowering or fruit development, the tree obtains the starches from both the stored starch and the starch recently produced by the tree. What proportion is obtained from the stored starch and what proportion is obtained from the starch just produced by the tree again depends on the species and other factors. Where then, you may ask, do the fertilisers come in? The fertilisers consists of 12 or more elements which both play an important, essential role in the conversion of air and water into starch and also are minor but essential ingredients of the starches. Apart from nitrogen, of which I shall discuss later on, and to a much smaller extent potassium, these elements are required in a relatively very small amount and are generally availble in most fertile soils. The above may be a bit confusing as I have not written in a very clear and precise manner. However, if you can grasp the basic concepts, you will be able to draw some interesting and important conclusions. Firstly, as most fruit trees obtain most of the required food and energy from the stored starch, the starch which is just produced does not provide the immediate energy needed; it tends to provide stored energy for later use, maybe as long as 6 months or a year. This means that the fertilisers just applied are not of much immediate use. It also means that fertilising should be an on-going process instead of an on-off process; actually this is not quite correct. Secondly, it means that you do not need a lot of fertilisers if your soil is already fertile - but remember that a fertile soil can be and is repleted by fruit trees. What I am saying is that I think that fertilising should generally be an on-going process and that you do not need as much fertilisers as you think. I am also saying that you should be concentrating on the aspects of fruit tree management. I am also saying that if your tree is not in good health, no amount of fertilising can produce immediate beneficial effects; in fact, it may do the reverse! As a comparison, you would never dream of force-feeding a sickly person in the hope that s/he will become a winning athelete in the short space of 3 months. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: The Role of Nitrogen Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 17:42:25 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda I have written that most nutrients or elements in fertilisers do not have immediate visible effect on the fruit trees. There are exceptions, the most prominent of which is nitrogen, particularly in the form of nitrate. The major role of nitrogen is to encourage flushing or vegetative growth or leaves growth. Proper application of nitrogen can make a great difference which is clearly visible within the period of a fortnight. However, improper application of nitrogen is also detrimental. For example, the process of flowering and flushing are competitive. Addition of nitrogen at the wrong time may cause the early panicles to wither and flushing to take its place. There is a lot more on nitrogen and other nutrients which may have more-or-less immediate effects on the fruit trees, but I shall not cover the topics here, takes too long. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Importance of fertilisers and other factors - part 1 Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 18:02:19 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda I have deliberately down-played the importance of fertilisers in order to emphasize my point that fertilisers are not the elixir to all problems, and that there are many other factors involved. Having made my point, I would like to make comparison of the importance of all the factors involved in producing a good crop. Actually, this is not possible because the relative importance varies from species to species and even from cultivar to cultivars. Moreover, there are many factors involved. Even more importance, I do not really know. There have not been sufficient reliable research done on this complexed matter. Similarly, fertilising schedule is equally complexed. what I have written so far would appear to indicate that I favor a regular fertilising schedule which remain more or less constant throughout the year.Right and wrong. Right because this is the general guideline. Wrong because some nutrients do have immediate effects. Also wrong because under certain conditions, fruit trees seem to take up nutrients more efficiently or less efficiently. I am not experienced enough to state with certainty what these conditions are. If you like, I can make an attempt to do so later on. What I am trying to say is that the guidelines you get from most magazines, books or people are just that, guidlines. They may not be applicable in your case. If the statistics say that the average height of a male American is 190 cms, Would YOU, yes YOU, buy clothes for yourself which fits a 190-cm-tall man? I think I have made my point. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What is a recommended fertilising schedule for longans? Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 18:34:14 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda There are many recommended fertilising schedules for longans. I would say most of them work. Why? I have made a longan odyssey to China where longans originate, and I notice that the soil in which the longans are grown are not very fertile. Moreover, fertilisation there is generally somewhat primitive. This suggests that longans do not need a lot of fertilisers. Add this to the fact that I think that the majority of the fertilisers applied to longan tree does not have short-term effect, but have medium and long-term effect. Add another of my thoughts, namely, eventhough the climate is favorable, the longan tree does not flower if it is not ready healthwise. Moreover, as I have written, longan is quite responsive to climate and quite unresponsive to chemicals. So,if the longan tree is ready to flower, only a little fertiliser will ensure a good crop. (most of the fertilisers added then will have an effect the following year). It therefore follows that any sensible fertilising schedule will work. On the other hand, if the vital factors, such as climate etc, are not favorable, the longan trees will not flower. In these circumstances, the experts always blame the weather (which is absolutely correct). I hope I have explained why I cannot meaningfully give you, Ed, satisfacotry answers. But do write if you disagree. This also applies to everyone. If you disagree with what I have written, please write. This is a complex matter and I, for one, do not know the answer. The very best I can do is give my opinions which may very well be wrong. Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> Subject: Plant Propagation Class Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2003 12:26:18 -0400 From: Bruce I am pleased to announce our Plant Propagation Class, which will be held on Saturday, May 17 at Flamingo Gardens in the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area. This class is a full scale propagation class which will begin at 8:30 AM and end at 4:00 PM. This class will cover everything you need to know to successfully propagate plants. You will have hands-on experience propagating by cuttings, air-layering, and grafting. By the time you leave, you'll know how to do it all. People have requested that I do such a class for quite some time, and the number of participants we can include is limited. I suggest registering for it as soon as possible to make sure you can get in. For full details, please click the link below, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions: Bruce mailto:santol@tropfruit.com http://www.tropfruit.com/plantprop.html <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> None this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" Subject: University of South Carolina Herbarium Date: Wed, 02 Apr 2003 08:24:01 -0600 http://www.herbarium.org/ The University of South Carolina Herbarium site is an attractive model for a university herbarium site. The A. C. Moore herbarium features research links, as well as popular links that include a South Carolina plant atlas, pines of SC, poison ivy, what is an herbarium, course links, local endowment & dedication information and Ask Plantman. The latter is depicted as a cartoon character who will receive specimens by email or postal mail for identification. This site is maintained by John Nelson. (***1/2) -SR ------------------------------------------------ Subject: SBLD - Biodiversity Hotspots Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2003 23:03:30 -0500 http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots Biodiversity hotspots are regions containing an unusually rich or unique assemblage of species, which by their very nature deserve preservation. Sites from each continent are featured, from islands to mountain tops and river valleys. The 25 selected biodiversity hotspots contain 44% of plant species and 35% of terrestrial vertebrate species, but occupy only 1.4 percent of the planet's land area. This site features information about biodiversity hotspots in general, as well as pages featuring each hotspot individually. Site constructed by Conservation International, sponsored by Intel. (****) -SR ======================================================================== *BOT-LINX Home Delivery sends you the Botanical Link-of-the-Day from Scott's Botanical Link site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ *To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit the listserv site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/listserv.shtml or contact me by email: mailto:srussell@ou.edu Archived since 1996 at URL: http://lists.ou.edu/archives/botlinx.html ======================================================================== <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> None this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Zapping Insects With Radio Waves and .... Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 07:18:08 -0500 From: ARS News Service Wiggly, wormy insects that would like to hide inside nuts and dried fruits succumb to heat generated by radio waves. Researchers, in fact, have known this for decades. Now, however, Agricultural Research Service scientists and their university colleagues are taking a new look at using radio waves to clobber pesky insects in these crops at packinghouses and processing plants. ARS research entomologist Judy A. Johnson, based at Parlier, Calif., and collaborators at the University of California at Davis and Washington State University at Pullman are evaluating the technology's potential use as a safe, effective substitute for methyl bromide fumigant. Methyl bromide is being phased out in the United States. Johnson's studies at ARS' San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center target navel orangeworm and Indianmeal moth. Those insects are among the worst enemies of walnuts, almonds and pistachios and of dried fruits such as figs and raisins. In addition, Johnson is scrutinizing another culprit, the red flour beetle. Though a lesser pest of nut and fruit crops, the beetle is a major problem in flour mills and food-processing plants. In studies conducted over the past two years, the scientists have developed a preliminary picture of the troublesome insects' thermal tolerance--that is, their ability to endure heat generated by the radio waves. These laboratory experiments are the first to extensively detail the thermal tolerance of the navel orangeworm and Indianmeal moth. For one test, Johnson and co-investigators drilled tiny holes in more than 500 in-the-shell walnuts, enticing the slender, whitish navel orangeworms to enter the shells. The scientists then plugged the holes and heated the walnuts with radio waves, hot air or both. All the treatments killed 100 percent of the navel orangeworms. Also, tests led by Johnson's collaborators showed that the treatments didn't harm the quality of the walnuts. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Biological Clocks "Wake Up" Plants Date: Wed, 02 Apr 2003 07:25:22 -0500 From: ARS News Service Animal behavior has previously been shown to be shaped by 24-hour circadian rhythms that govern biological processes. Now scientists have found that these "biological clocks" exist in plants as well. Research at the Agricultural Research Service's Vegetable Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., has shown that a biological clock located in the nuclei of plant cells goes off every morning to prepare plants for their various activities. "Circadian" is a Latin word meaning "about a day." Humans also have these rhythmic "clocks." Jet lag is an example of a person's biological clock being out of sync with the actual time of day. ARS plant physiologist Autar K. Mattoo has found a few reasons why these inbuilt clocks go off every day in plants at precise times. He has spent considerable time specifically studying the one that controls an enzyme that modifies the protein known as D1, a critical element in the photosynthesis process. Binding phosphorus to D1 at a specific threshold provides a plant with a bio-timing signal that tells it to adjust its metabolism to face the onset of the day's brightest light. The plant also puts on "sunscreen" to protect itself from ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation damage. Experiments were conducted at different times of the year and in different climates, but the theory that the "alarm" goes off a few hours before noon almost always proved true. One thing that can block the accumulation of phosphorus on D1 is the concentration of triazine and urea-type herbicides, such as atrazine and diuron. Mattoo worked on this project with researchers and students from the United States and Israel. As a result of their 22 years of collaborative research, these scientists were the first to determine the whole life cycle of the D1 protein. More information about Mattoo's research can be found in the April issue of Agricultural Research magazine, on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr03/plant0403.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: A High Demand for Fungi in ARSEF Collection Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2003 10:04:08 -0400 From: ARS News Service How highly would you value a space that houses at least 6,500 individual fungi? Agricultural Research Service insect mycologist Richard Humber considers his space priceless. He's curator of the Agricultural Research Service's Collection of Entomopathogenic Fungal Cultures (ARSEF) in Ithaca, N.Y. It's easy to agree with Humber, once you realize that ARSEF is the largest collection of its type in the world. It houses specimens vital to the protection of important plants from destructive and invasive insects, mites, spiders, nematodes and other invertebrates. In fact, it is one of the world's centers for acquiring and distributing fungal strains for use as possible biological control agents. These could help replace pesticides, many of which have been phased out because of environmental concerns. Among Humber's samples, most of which are kept inside three liquid-nitrogen tanks at a temperature of -196 degrees Celcius, are isolates from more than 425 fungal species from every continent. Represented are 1,400 different locations and 1,000 different hosts--a high proportion of all fungal species known to affect insects. It is a complex facility equipped to examine and isolate specimens and to identify and distribute them. Shipping, receiving, and cataloging are as big a part of the operation as is research. Humber collaborates with scientists from more than 80 nations, including Brazil, China and Russia. The lab has its rare specimens, including the only known collected samples of Neozygites tanajoae, a significant pathogen of cassava green mites in South America. However, it is the common fungi that are most valuable because they have the widest host range and are easiest to grow, formulate and apply. Within this group are Beauveria bassiana, probably the most important fungus in the collection. Strains of it have infected nearly every insect pest against which it has been tested. More information about ARSEF can be found in the April 2003 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr03/fungi0403.htm <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200304B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - May 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200305A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Festival of Fruit - Riverside - Reservations Before May 1 Mail your reservation for the CRFG Festival of Fruit before May 1, or pay late fee. See the CRFG web page http://www.crfg.org for information. Maybe I'll see you there. Gingko Propagation - Remember a while back when I was looking for scions of female Gingko to graft on my seedlings? The scions seem reluctant to grow. The buds are enlarged and appear ready to have leaves emerge - and have for weeks. Also, I put some of the female scion sticks in the hotbed. They put out leaves very soon, and after a few weeks I decided to repot them. To my surprise, there were no root or callus. I also tried budding (chip bud) and when that bud's leaves began to grow, I unwrapped it to find that there didn't appear to be any significant cambium knitting. I didn't wait long to put a budding rubber back on it and will wait a while to look there again. Have you had any experience in propagating gingko? If I lived near a known female, I'd like to try airlayering. Paul Thomson's Booklet On Growing Pitahaya In Southern California - You know I am selling the booklet for Paul, and am surprised at the number of places around the world that have placed orders. In the U.S. the postpaid price is $20 and overseas $25 payable in U.S. dollars. One Australian even had a courier service pick up the book! If anyone comes to my home to get a copy, the cost is $15. Send email if interested. T-Budding, Chip-Budding, and Grafting: Several interesting letters with links in the NAFEX section. One is an animated GIF.... Improve RFNO - Suggestions? If there is too much or too little of information presented, please let me know. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, CA, Wants Thornless Boysenberries Dianne8888@aol.com Re: thornless boysenberries Leo Manuel Dianne8888@aol.com New Subscriber, Orange County, CA Rick Yessayian <><><> Readers Write <><><> Re: Loquats and Blood Oranges Richard K. Gross Denise Emblic (Indian Gooseberry) Source Sought K. Vasanth Pai Pixie Mandarin At Claussen Nursery, Vista Zhenxing Fu epwang@attbi.com Solo Papaya Denise Moro Blood Orange Todd Able Dmshuck@aol.com Longan Fertilizer Todd Able sainaron@loxinfo.co.th You Can Control Height Of Jackfruit Trees HMHausman@aol.com remmos@mindspring.com Re: What Is Kinkan Fruit? (From Granddaughter In Japan) Erinmicken@aol.co Re: What Is Kinkan Fruit? Leo Manuel Erinmicken@aol.com Maybe Your Mulberry Is "Illinois Everbearing" Helga and Bert Dunn Re: Maybe Your Mulberry Is "Illinois Everbearing" Leo Manuel Helga and Bert Dunn Looking For Neem Tree Near Los Angeles Richard Sar Question about my avocado plant Tiffaney leom@rarefruit.com Where To Buy Fresh Wax Jambus? Ying Chen <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> The Status Of SARS in Thailand Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Re: Longan Fertilizer Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Todd Able <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> Animation in Chip Budding http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/lectsupl/Propaga/p93f1an.html For information about all CRFG (CA Rare Fruit Growers) chapters. http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html Why Cherimoya Flowers Need Hand Pollinating http://www.cherimoya.orcon.net.nz/pages/hand_why.html San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Information <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex T-Bud Demonstrated Via Animation Mark Lee Re: T-Bud Demonstrated Via Animation Lon J. Rombough Chip Budding - Animation Mark Lee Re: T-Bud Demonstrated Via Animation Lon J. Rombough Citrus T-Bud - Best Picture Explanations Philip Sauber <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program http://www.mojavedata.gov/ Microscopes Help Scientists Explore Hidden Worlds http://www.nobel.se/physics/educational/microscopes/1.html UCMP Paleobotany: Cleared Leaf Collections http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/collections/plants/clearedleaf.html PhRMA Bioinformatics: Plant Databases http://bioinformatics.phrma.org/databases.plant.html Nationaal Herbarium Nederland http://www.nationaalherbarium.nl/ <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Neem Tree The Thaumaturgist Re: Looking For Neem Tree Roger Meyer <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Beneficial Virus Kills Mosquitoes ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, CA, Wants Thornless Boysenberries Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 17:57:54 -0400 (EDT) From: Dianne8888@aol.com Dear Leo, I would like to subscribe to the newsletter. I have an avocado ranch in Fallbrook, California. Besides avocados, we have a family orchard and would like to plant thornless boysenberries. i can't seem to find them. Do you have any suggestions? I don't have any exotic fruits, but it will be great to start trying!! Do you know where I can get the non-genetic boysenberries, as well as the genetic blackberries you mentioned? Are there nurseries in San Diego, or places to order from? I've cleared a section in our orchard, and my mouth is watering. Regards, Dianne Randall mailto:Dianne8888@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Thornless Boysenberries Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 20:32:37 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: Dianne8888@aol.com Hi, Dianne I don't believe any genetic thornless boysenberries exist, unlike the very excellent genetic thornless blackberries. I like Arapaho, Triple Crown, and Navaho, to name a few. Thornless boysenberries may occasionally have thorny suckers, which must be removed. That is why they are not genetic thornless. I've always liked the prices and service at Pense Nursery http://www.alcasoft.com/pense/index.html. They have a $ 25 minimum order but have a wide selection of plants. I'm going to try to get a few Apache Thornless from them. They have an email address mailto:pense62@earthlink.net if you have questions not answered on the several pages at that web address. Let me know what you think. Take care, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Orange County, CA Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2003 16:23:00 -0700 From: Rick Yessayian Hello I am a member of the Calif Rare fruit growers. I just found this website today. Please include me on your email list for inclusion on the rare fruit newsletter. Yes, I grow about 90 or so different kinds of fruit on my residential lot. No it is not that much bigger than most yards, though it is on a corner and a bit larger than most in the area. I live in Brea, Calif., part of the Orange County RFG. Thanks Rick Yessayian mailto:yessayian@earthlink.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Re: Loquats and Blood Oranges Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 13:55:41 -0600 From: "Richard K. Gross" To: Denise Hi, Denise. A quick response to your questions on loquat and Moro blood orange. Plant your loquat seed and graft the seedlings to known varieties when their stems reach about pencil size in thickness. All the seedlings will likely bear fruit of unknown quality by the time they are 6 or 7 years old but a grafted tree will typically bear in half that time and you know exactly what you're getting. Leave one branch below the graft if curiosity has the best of you but remember that you may not know how delicious or nasty the flavor of its fruit until 6 years or so have passed. It has been my experience, and something I read somewhere, that blood varieties as a group typically develop slowly. A Moro of my own had a few blossoms the fourth year with no set, three oranges the fifth and 20+ the sixth when the tree was chest high in 2002. The Moro could stand 110 degrees plus but died after I accidentally ignited a 4 inch bed of leaves beneath it. All the bark burned off the base of the tree and it was denuded of leaves two days later with 20 ripe Moros hanging starkly on the bare branches. We ate all the fruit. That has nothing to do with your questions but might serve as a warning to others to exercise caution when using weed burners in the vicinity of precious fruit trees. Regards, Dick Gross mailto:rkgross3@cox.net Arizona Rare Fruit Growers ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Emblic (Indian Gooseberry) Source Sought Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 16:38:59 -0400 From: "K. Vasanth Pai" Hi Leo, I enjoy reading your news letter. Is there a source in USA where I can find Emblic plants for my garden. I would appreciate any help or any others can give me. Thanks, V Pai mailto:pai@gulfaccess.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pixie Mandarin At Claussen Nursery, Vista Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 13:49:06 -0700 From: Zhenxing Fu To: epwang@attbi.com Clausen Nursery in Vista has Pixies and you can call them for the info. Here is their web site: http://www.clausennursery.com/ . Zhenxing mailto:zfu@ucsd.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Solo Papaya Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 16:49:52 -0400 (EDT) From: Denise Hi Leo, This is what is happening in my yard. I though you get a laugh out of this one. My solo papaya I have been trying to get fruit off of have about 10 papayas on them right now. Last year they had couple of fruits that I lost due to weather conditions. So this year I was smarter. I have been trying to come up with an effective but easy way to protect the 12 foot papayas from the cold so they wouldn't loose their leaves and thus loose the fruit. I watched them all winter and no problems with the leaves. I thought I was in the clear and then we had a cold rain and they lost all of their leaves. Fruit is still hanging on. My next project was to protect the fruit from sunburn. We put a fence pole in the ground and attached a beach umbrella on top so the papayas will get sun part of the day. That worked beautifully. That wind we had yesterday folded the umbrella out so there is no longer any protection from the sun. It looks like something out of a comedy. The umbrella is still attached at the pole. It's a good thing stores are putting out their summer merchandise. I should be able to replace just the top part of the umbrella. So when the mud dries up you know what I will be doing. The moral of the story, get a shorter variety of papayas next time. Denise mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Moro Blood Orange Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 19:24:08 -0700 From: Todd Able To: Dmshuck@aol.com I have a Moro Blood Orange that gave about 10 oranges this year after 2 years in the ground. I believe it is grafted on Flying Dragon and a very dwarfish at 3 ft (Durling Nursery). I use Bone Meal on my citrus trees for blooming. The taste was OK in March, and the color very red. Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Longan Fertilizer Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 19:28:20 -0700 From: Todd Able To: sainaron@loxinfo.co.th I have a Kohola Longan airlayer in the ground for 2 yrs. It showed Chlorosis the first year, but last summer I began putting Coffee grounds around the base of the tree. This year the tree has many flowers at a 3 ft height, and very green leaves. This is probably just a correction of our nasty high pH chlorine water here in southern California. Todd Abel table@socal.rr.com mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: You Can Control Height Of Jackfruit Trees Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 00:46:05 -0400 (EDT) From: HMHausman@aol.com To: remmos@mindspring.com Hi Lee: At my house I follow the Richard Campbell/Fairchild Gardens theory of keeping jackfruits under control by annual pruning. While I let them grow slightly more than they do, Campbell say 10 feet is a nice height to maintain. Mine range from 10-15 feet. Every year I prune off at least 4- 6 feet of the top of each tree. My 12 foot seedling I am calling Orange Crisp bore twenty-two 18 to 32 pound fruits last year. The tree has a thickness of about 8 feet. So, height is not necessarily a good thing. It is a matter of preference and space. Take care, Harry Hausman mailto:HMHausman@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What Is Kinkan Fruit? (From Granddaughter In Japan) Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 01:51:45 -0400 From: Erinmicken@aol.co Hi Grandpa! I wanted to ask you about another fruit! yes, I know I do it a lot. This one is called a "kinkan" in Japanese, and I have no idea if there is even a name for it in English. I have only eaten them here. They are very small, and look a lot like a tiny orange, but you can eat the entire thing, including the peel. Just not the seeds. I will send you a picture after this email. Do you know what it is? Love, Erin ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What Is Kinkan Fruit? Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 04:18:22 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: Erinmicken@aol.com Hi Erin Kinkan is what we call "Kumquat" in the U.S. Scientific name Fortunella japonica Swingle var. margarita Makino Japanese name KINKAN Family Rutaceae KINKAN are cultivated in warm places. In summer they produce small white flowers. Their fruits are eaten fresh. Fortunella crassifolia Swingle SYNONYM(S) : Fortunella japonica (Thunb.) Swingle x Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swingle CHINESE : Jin dan, Jin gan, Jin ju (fruit), Jin ju he (seed), Jin dan ju, Ju he (medicinal name), Ning bo jin gan, Ning po chin kan (Taiwan). ENGLISH : Meiwa kumquat, Bullet kumquat, Sweet kumquat, Large round kumquat. FRENCH : Kumquat doux . JAPANESE : Nippon kinkan, Neiha kinkan, Neiha kinkan. Grandpa Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mulberry Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 06:46:28 -0400 From: Helga and Bert Dunn Good morning Leo Any chance you have Illinois Everbearing Mulberry- very similar Cheers Bert mailto:helbert@idirect.com Bert Dunn RR4 Tottenham Ont zone 4b www.hardygrapes.tottenham.on.ca see also http://www.littlefatwino.com/bertslist.html THINK BLENDING, NOT VARIETALS ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mulberry Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 05:22:12 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: Helga and Bert Dunn Hi Bert I have no idea, but that is a well-known variety, and I hope it is it. Thanks! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Neem Tree Near Los Angeles Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 02:33:22 -0700 From: Richard Sar Hello Everyone, I live in Long Beach, California. I am looking for a source for a Neem tree. It is called Sadao in Thai. Young leaves and flower buds are often used in Thai dishes. A search revealed that it also makes a very potent organic pesticide that is completely harmless to humans and pets. It also has many medicinal properties. Any info and help would be great. Thanks, Richard mailto:richardsar01@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Question About My Avocado Plant Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2003 16:34:20 -0400 (EDT) From: Tiffaney Hello Leo! I recently purchased a Don Gillogy avocado plant. It was shipped to me in its dormant stage. The leaves fell off as expected and the plant slowly recovered from the stress of being shipped. I only have one long stem w/ leaves growing from the side of the plant and not from the top. Should I cut the stem to force the plant to grow evenly on all sides or should I leave the plant alone? The root stalk is a healthy green right now. The plant looks awkward and is not very attractive (as promised in the catalogue). What should I do? To prune or not to prune? p.s.-I would like to change my email address on your list from tiffaney@mindspring.com to tiffaneyaka@comcast.net Thanks! Tiffaney in Georgia mailto:tiffaney@mindspring.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Where To Buy Fresh Wax Jambus? Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 08:53:22 -0700 From: Ying Chen Hi, I live in California and was wondering if you know if it is possible to get fresh wax jambus here. I believe wax jambus are grown in Florida. If you know of any place I might be able to purchase them in Florida (to have shipped to my parents in Texas) that would be great too. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Ying Chen mailto:ying.chen@earthlink.net <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> Subject: The Status Of SARS in Thailand Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 23:27:37 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda 1. Symposium Postponed As many would-be participants cannot attend, due to the SARS outbreak, the Second International Symposium on Lychee, Longan Rambutan and Other Sapindaceae Plants in Chiangmai is postponed to 25- 28 August 2003. More information can be obtained at Hort@doa.go.th , symllr2003@doa.go.th , peyanoot@hotmail.com. 2. Thailand is SARS-free. Thailand is not on the WHO list of SARS-infected. The Thai government declares that Thailand is SARS-free. The Thai government says that no one has become infected with SARS while in Thailand. Two persons has died of SARS in Thailand, both of them are non-resident foreigners who caught SARS outside Thailand. The latest death is over 10 days ago. Do I believe all these? On the whole, yes. Maybe not 100%, but I do believe that, at this moment, we are pretty safe. Now if there is any SARS case which the government is hiding, the rumour mill would be working overtime, but there is not even any rumour of a SARS outbreak in Thailand. I believe that the Thai government has done an excellent, incredible job of preventing outbreak of SARS in Thailand. 3. How Serious Is SARS? No one really knows because there is still a lot of unknown about SARS, but many think that in its present form SARS is not as infectious as, say, influenza. The available statistics is that out of 100 persons who caught SARS, 4 die. But, of course, some has a higher chance of surviving than others. For example, if I catch SARS, I would have a high probability of dying as I have a respiratory, as well as allergy, problem. 4. Do I know any one who catch SARS? No. Well, actually, I now have caught a micro-SARS, more commonly known as the common cold. It started on Monday, and, no, I do have a fever. Most of my household has got and recovered from this micro or benign SARS. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Wishing everyone of you the best of health! Have Fun! Life is short but love is long! Sainarong mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Longan Fertilizer Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 21:26:25 +0700 From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda To: Todd Able | ----- Original Message ----- From: Todd Able | | I have a Kohola Longan airlayer in the ground for 2 | yrs. It showed Chlorosis the first year, but last | summer I began putting Coffee grounds around the base | of the tree. This year the tree has many flowers at a | 3ft height, and very green leaves. This is probably | just a correction of our nasty high pH chlorine water | here in southern California. | | Todd Abel Hmmm...what chemicals are in the coffee grounds I wonder. Sainarong mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> Subject: Animation in Chip Budding http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/lectsupl/Propaga/p93f1an.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: For information about all CRFG chapters. http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Why cherimoya flowers need hand pollinating http://www.cherimoya.orcon.net.nz/pages/hand_why.html ------------------------------------------------ San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Information http://www.crfgsandiego.org FESTIVAL OF FRUIT. Riverside May 15-19 2003. ItÕs getting close! Register early. May 1st is the deadline for the $25 early registration ($35 after that). Make your hotel reservations. It is a bargain. Look at the agenda and print out a reservation form at the main chapter website, http://www.crfg.org or in The Fruit Gardener. If you don't have access to either, just give me (David Silverstein) a call and I'll bring you a copy of the agenda and a registration form at the next meeting or IÕll mail you one. WILL WE HAVE A TABLE AT THE FRUIT FESTIVAL? Will our chapter have a display table and/or a tasting table at the Festival in Riverside this May? It will if some good person steps forward to organize it. I have the information. Please contact me (D. Silverstein). PLANT SALE -- BARGAINS GALORE. There is a plant sale going on at 280 Bonita Glen Drive. Bonita Glen comes off of Bonita Road just west of 805. The sale area is about a block south of Bonita Road. They have a variety of sizeable seedling fruit trees that include Papayas, Guavas, and Lemons for 15 dollars. They did have cherimoyas as well, but our club acquired most or all of them to graft over and make available to club members for an attractive price and to non-members for a slightly less attractive price. No sales tax is charged, I understand, because this plant collection is part of an estate that is being liquidated. CHAPTER VOICE MAIL AND PAGER. The chapter now has its own 24-hour voice mail and pager. The number is 619 866 0575. You can leave messages 24 hours per day. However, you are better off dialing the person that you want, if you have their number. And every newsletter has a list of frequently called numbers. GREEN SCENE. Don't forget April 26 at the Fullerton Arboretum in Fullerton. In its 30th year, Green Scene is the largest outdoor plant sale and garden resource in California with over 120 plant and garden exhibitors, the 27th annual Nishiki Koi ClubÕs Young Koi Show & Auction, Heritage House floral tours, speakers, ChildrenÕs Garden activities, food, music and fun. This is where you will find the fruit cultivars you can't find anywhere. Admission $6, children 12 & younger are free. Members of the Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum are admitted free. Hours are Sat. 10 a.m. 5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Arboretum Members' Preview Sat. 9 a.m Please check our website at http://www.crfgsandiego.org. San Diego Chapter Rare Fruit Meetings: WHERE: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park WHEN: Fourth Thursdays at 7 pm MEETING TOPICS: See Below San Diego Chapter 2003 Calendar-Year of the Citrus Date-----Meeting Topic------------Event For The Month Apr 24--CHERIMOYA MADNESS---------Green Scene Orange County ----------------------------------April 26 May 22--Fruit Trees in Containers--Festival of Fruit in --------with Gary Matsuoka---------Riverside (May 16-18) Jun 26--MANGO MANIA----------------Summer Fest & Del Mar Fair Jul 24--Using and Preserving the---Quail Garden Picnic & --------Summer Fruit Bonanza-------possible Fruit tasting Aug 28--Bananas with pup exchange---Trip to Davis Germplasm -----------------------------------Repository Sep 25--Ice Cream Social-----------Tropical Nursery --------Ron HurovÕs slide Oct 23--presentation on exotic-----Pikake Garden tour --------fruiting plants Nov 21--Pruning (Kurt Peacock)-----Mango tour --------and nominations Dec 19--Annual Dinner / Elections--None <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> Subject: T-bud demonstrated via animation From: "Mark Lee" Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 08:54:01 -0700 http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/lectsupl/Propaga/p93f1an.html The link above contains a computer animation (GIF file) that demonstrates how a T-bud is put together. I have never seen this done in-person, but I have read instructions from a number of sources. The animation clearly shows what to do. I'm pretty sure I can make this work now. Anyone new to grafting should check out this link. It will help you add T-buds to your bag of tricks. -Mark Lee, Seattle, z7B/8A ------------------------------ Subject: Re: T-bud demonstrated via animation Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 09:59:23 -0700 From: "Lon J. Rombough" One thing missing from the animation. The leaf stem should be left on the bud piece as both a "handle" to make it easier to insert the bud, and as an indicator. That is, if the stem turns yellow and drops off, the bud most likely has taken. If it dries up and hangs on, the bud usually has died. I learned t-budding first, but then found chip budding more adaptable as t-budding can only be done when the bark slips, but chip budding can be done through most of the growing season, almost to fall. -Lon Rombough Grapes, writing, consulting, my book, The Grape Grower, at http://www.bunchgrapes.com ------------------------------ Subject: Chip Budding - Animation Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 10:23:45 -0700 From: "Mark Lee" http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/lectsupl/Propaga/p93f7an.html Here is a link to an animation of chip budding -Mark ------------------------------ Subject: Re: T-bud demonstrated via animation Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 10:34:05 -0700 From: "Lon J. Rombough" For T-budding, buds should be mature buds from this year's growth, not dormant buds. With chip budding, it's usually the same, though I have used dormant buds from material held in the refrigerator and they work just fine, too. Did anyone else notice that the page on the animated t-budding led back to a nice summary of plant propagation at http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/lectsupl/Propaga/propaga.html#page93 -Lon Rombough Grapes, writing, consulting, my book, The Grape Grower, at http://www.bunchgrapes.com ------------------------------ Subject: Citrus T-Bud - Best Picture Explanations Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 14:21:39 -0500 From: "Philip Sauber" In my opinion, the GIF does not give a good picture of how to cut the bud for t-budding. It looks more like how to cut a chip for a chip bud. Start out about 1/2" above the bud and make a straight cut to 1/2" below the bud keeping the amount cut off thin. The same technique can also be used on apples, pears, persimmon, peaches etc. I just got back today from t-budding several of a friend's persimmon trees. The link below gives the best pictures of t-budding citrus I have ever seen. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/budding/budding.htm See also my secrets of t-budding citrus success page. I wrote this up since many things must be right for a t-bud to take, the right budwood (2nd to last growth spurt), the outside temperature and on and on => http://members.fortunecity.com/pjsauber/BuddingNotes.htm I use dormant buds for citrus, pears, and persimmons cut in February and budded when the bark starts slipping in April. You can't do t-budding where I live near Houston in the summer as the buds die if the weather is above 90 F. I think in the frozen north where most list members live, you could probably do t-budding in the summer and I've heard it called summer budding. Most budding in my area is done in the fall about September 15 - October 15 when the weather is below 90F and the cool fronts with night temperatures below 55F haven't hit yet. The budwood is from current growth. The bud is left on the seedling through the winter (winters are mild) and forced in the spring. Also check out the grafting techniques I have been documenting on my home page. I have been building these pages primarily to remind myself how to do the various grafting techniques. I am really a beginner and have only been grafting a few years. http://members.fortunecity.com/pjsauber <><>Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/<><> From: "Scott D. Russell" Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program April 21, 2003 http://www.mojavedata.gov/ The Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program is a GIS-based metadata site with broad interagency data for mapping the Mojave Desert Ecosystem, extending into California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. The site features interactive mapping, document and photographic databases on plants, animals, people, places, landscapes, objects and geology, as well as links on biologic, cartographic, geologic, hydrologic, satellite, topographic data, and standards that allow sharing of metadata. Although the site may be viewed by older browsers (e.g., Netscape 4), the maps require a modern browser. Site by MDEP on a DoD computer--security disclaimers, terms and agreements abound. (***1/2) -S ------------------------------------------------ Microscopes Help Scientists Explore Hidden Worlds April 23, 2003 http://www.nobel.se/physics/educational/microscopes/1.html This web site, located on the Nobel site, includes succinct information on microscopy, as well as interative simulators. This site provides an excellent model for what is possible on the web. The simulator requires the latest Shockwave Player (free from Macromedia at http://www.macromedia.com/), portraying phase contrast and transmission electron microscopy with surprising accuracy. Single page summaries are available on the history of microscopy, resolution limits, and four types of microscopy: phase contrast, fluorescence, transmission electron and scanning tunneling microscopy. This site is supported by Zeiss. (****) -S ------------------------------------------------ UCMP Paleobotany: Cleared Leaf Collections April 24, 2003 http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/collections/plants/clearedleaf.html The Daniel I. Axelrod and the Berkeley leaf collections, containing database entries and images of over 2000 cleared leaf specimens of extant (living) for online analysis. Images are viewable in low, medium and high resolution by use of a Java-based viewer, which requires a modern browser. So far, this includes a minority of the database entries. Specimens were prepared by bleaching in caustic chemicals, staining them to make their venation patterns more visible and mounting them between sheets of glass. Provided by the University of California-Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, with images by the Digital Library Project, University of California, Berkeley. (***) -SR ------------------------------------------------ PhRMA Bioinformatics: Plant Databases April 28, 2003 http://bioinformatics.phrma.org/databases.plant.html This commercial site provides links to plant genomic databases of the NCBI/NIH (GenBank), USDA, NSF, CNRS, L'Institut Pasteur, UK HGMP Resource Centre, PlantGDB, and the NSF Net Center for Plant Genomics. I mainly note the site because of convenience and its linkages to the many other genomic projects that are currently active. The site also features transcripts of hearings before the Subcommittee on Basic Research, House Science Committee and reports on the Plant Genomes Project, including the NAS Report on The National Plant Genome Initiative: Objectives for 2003-2008. -S ------------------------------------------------ Nationaal Herbarium Nederland April 29, 2003 http://www.nationaalherbarium.nl/ The herbarium includes three collections at Universiteit Leiden, Utrecht University and Wageningen University (WAG). Type collections are now included in the general collections database. The Leiden branch has two major research projects, Plants of the IndoPacific Area (PITA), Phanerogams and Cryptogams of the Netherlands and Europe (PCNE); Utrecht has Annonaceae Project and Flora of the Guianas; and Wageningen has Flora of Benin project, ECOSYN project and programs with Southeast Asia and Tropical Africa. Publications, training programmes, publication and contacts are featured. (***) -S ================================================================= *BOT-LINX Home Delivery sends you the Botanical Link-of-the-Day from Scott's Botanical Link site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ *To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit the listserv site at URL: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/listserv.shtml or contact by email: mail srussell@ou.edu Archived since 1996 URL: http://lists.ou.edu/archives/botlinx.html ================================================================== <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: Neem Tree Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 13:13:09 -0700 (PDT) From: The Thaumaturgist Richard The following is available online, NEEM: A TREE FOR SOLVING GLOBAL PROBLEMS http://www.nap.edu/books/0309046866/html/ And for even more info, check these out: http://www.neemtreeoil.com http://www.neemuses.com http://maxpages.com/neemarticles Good luck. Asit ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Looking For Neem Tree Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 15:14:46 -0700 From: "Roger Meyer" Pacific Tropical Gardens just sent me their catalog today and they list Neem plants being available through them. Prices range from $8 each to $3.50 each in quantities of more than 100 plants. Unfortunately, they are in Hawaii which raises shipping costs and may create some problems going to southern states. For more information from them, phone Steve at his cell phone (808) 936-1441. Fax at (808) 966-8490 or their web page at www.petgardens.com. If anyone orders, please let all of us know it turned out. Roger Meyer, member California Rare Fruit Growers <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Beneficial Virus Kills Mosquitoes Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 07:24:16 -0400 From: ARS News Service As surely as swallows return to Capistrano around mid-March each year, mosquitoes will arrive in force again this spring. Mosquitoes, however, have become more than just a nuisance. They can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV). One mosquito genus, called Culex, has been found to transmit WNV and the closely related St. Louis encephalitis (SLE). Now Agricultural Research Service scientists have received a patent for a baculovirus--a virus specific to arthropods--that kills Culex mosquitoes. The patent also includes a method for transmitting the baculovirus to them. The baculovirus infects only Culex mosquitoes--not other insects, plants, wildlife or people. Most people who become infected with WNV or SLE have no symptoms, or only mild ones, but last year WNV killed 277 people and made more than 4,000 clinically ill, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The largest outbreak of SLE in 15 years occurred in 1990. On average, about 128 cases of SLE are reported annually. Baculoviruses are extremely uncommon in mosquitoes. However, James J. Becnel, an entomologist with the ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, Fla., discovered a novel baculovirus in 1997. Called CuniNPV, it is very stable and persistent and is a promising candidate to develop into a larvicide. The baculovirus is activated when it's mixed with magnesium. When the mixture is added into any body of water where mosquitoes breed, larvae ingest it. According to Becnel, the virus can kill 85 to 95 percent of mosquitoes in their natural habitat after two to three days. And the magnesium won't harm the water. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200305A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - May 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200305B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Festival Of Fruit - This Weekend - Riverside, CA See http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information. See you there? -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Netherlands Bert Duyckaerts New Subscriber, FLorida, Has Multiple-Headed Pineapple RONALD ORTMAN New Subscriber, Toronto, Canada George R New Subscriber, Denmark, Wants To Grow Rare Fruit Trees Jimmi Graffe New Subscriber, Orange County, CA Loan Luong <><><>Readers Write<><><> Papayas Todd Able Dmshuck@aol.com Re: Papayas Dmshuck@aol.com table@socal.rr.com Wanted: Sour Cherry Tree In San Diego County Keihan Rafii Lychee Web Site Dmshuck@aol.com Looking For Growers Or Distributors Of Rare Fruit Sachin Kulkarni Is Dragon Fruit Available In England? Martin Gordon <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> Tropical Agriculture (In The Subtropics Of Texas) http://unix.utb.edu/~paullgj/tropicalagriculture/tropag.html http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex Key limes, seedling citrus in general Re: key limes, seedling citrus in general Philip Sauber Re: key limes, seedling citrus in general Lon J. Rombough Re: key limes, seedling citrus in general Doreen Howard Re: Key Lime Console G4 Cold Hardy Citrus Philip Sauber Propagating Citrus - Grafting, Budding Philip Sauber <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: Scott D. Russell None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Re: Surinam cherry selection Re: Suriname Cherry selection The Thaumaturgist Re: White Sapote Warren Condon Re: White Sapote Bryan Re: White Sapote Warren Condon Re: White Sapote Greg Woolley Re: White Sapote J D Prince Request For San Diego Info. Duarte Re: San Diego Info. Ron Hay Re: San Diego Info. Ron Hay Re: San Diego Info. Oscar Re: White Sapote Oscar <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Petal-Power Gene Yields Unique Blossoms ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Netherlands Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2003 20:34:51 +0200 From: Bert Duyckaerts My name Bert Duyckaerts IÕm with the company Jet-Fresh in the Netherlands My e-mail address-for receiving newsletter-if different from this email address is the one youÕve got but can also bet send to info@jet-fresh.com Unfortunately we donÕt grow ourself. We trade all sorts of fruit and vegetables. Our main market is the U.S., Canada and the Middle East. They especially love rare fruit and veggies. Privately IÕm very interested in boysenberries. The reason for that is a trip I took to New Zealand. I had boysenberry Jam, and icecream. You canÕt find this berry over here, to my knowledge. Anyway, I looking foreward to enlarge my knowledge on special fruit and vegetables. If I can be of any help for you, please let me know. Bert Duyckaerts mailto:bd@jet-fresh.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, FLorida, Has Multiple-Headed Pineapple Date: Sun, 04 May 2003 08:34:13 -0700 (PDT) From: Ronald Ortman Hello there, my name is Ronald Ortman. I live in Tarpon Springs, Florida (Tampa Bay area, on the Gulf of Mexico.) I would love to recieve your Rare Fruit News Online at jamdownron@yahoo.com I currently grow 'Roger Morley' bananas, Suriname cherries, sea grapes, papayas, and pineapples. I have grown many more fruits such as mangoes, guineps, habaero peppers (technically a fruit), soursops, sweetsops and others, but we do get a frost here every 2 or 3 years, and an occasional freeze, so it's rather dissapointing when you lose your trees after loving and nurturing them. I hope to retire farther south in a few years, (Fort Myers?, Homestead?, U.S.V.I.?) and won't have that problem anymore. I have a question regarding pineapples. I've grown them for years but have never seen anything like what I have now. It's a pineapple with three tops or heads. Not a plant with three fruit (that I've had before), but an individual fruit with three tops. Is that extremely rare?.. or have you heard of that before? I look forward to your newsletter. Thank you. Ronald Ortman mailto:jamdownron@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Toronto, Canada Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 10:01:36 -0400 From: George R Hi Everybody, I am George Rajendram, living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As I have a big yard, I am planting mostly fruit trees. Apples, pears, Plums (Euro/Japanese), peach, berries, apricot etc. The list is growing. Then I started grafting varieties on them. Now I am into bananas. I try to put some tropicals which I can move around in winter. like Passion fruits, pineapple guava. I want to master the ability to graft and exchange some plants and scions. Thanks George R mailto:georger@rogers.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Denmark, Wants To Grow Rare Fruit Trees Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 12:33:06 +0200 From: Jimmi Graffe My real name is Jimmi Here's where I live: Denmark in Scandinavia My e-mail address-for receiving newsletter-if different from this email address is jimmi_graffe@yahoo.com Fruit trees I am now growing are: Fig, coffee, citron, orange, avocado, lychee, passion, kiwi, pomegranate Some I want to grow are: Mango (tried 3 times without luck), rambutan, pitaya (also without luck), olives (also without luck), mangosteen, kiwano or any kind of fruit that is not common in Denmark. Common are apples, plums, pears and blackberruwa. Comments: I love to be member of your newsletter. Thanks Jimmi Graffe mailto:jimmi@graffe.dk ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Orange County, CA Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 19:30:24 -0700 From: Loan Luong Good evening! My name is Loan Luong and I am interested in joining your group and receiving your e-mail newsletter. We live in Garden Grove, Orange County, California. We have planted in the ground: cherimoya, longan, kaffir and sweet lime, 2 types of jujube and a carambola. In pots, we have dragon fruits and pineapple (grown from tops). We have been dragging the potted dragon fruits around for a long, long time because we don't know what's best for them. I've seen them in the ground pole-style in full sun in Vietnam, but your site said that shade is better? Do they bear fruit better pole-style, or trellis style? Help! Thank you. Loan Luong mailto:luong_loan@hotmail.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Papayas Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 21:06:22 -0700 From: Todd Able To: Dmshuck@aol.com I have grown Hawaiians and Mexican Papayas for the last few years, and every winter I lose one or two. Hawaiians are the only ones left with some fruit ripening now. The fruit is sweet but has unsightly fungus spots on them. I am now starting a few from seed to be grown in 15 gal with good draining soil. I plan to take them in the garage when the rain hits. I think the cold rain and drainage is lethal here in socal. Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Papayas Date: Fri, 02 May 2003 00:57:33 -0400 (EDT) From: Dmshuck@aol.com To: Todd Todd, I have the solo papayas in the ground. Last year I had one in the ground and 2 in 15 gallon pots. The one in the ground is 3 times the size as the one in the pots. Since they are the same age I planted the two that were in the pots next to the one already planted in the ground. I found last year that they grow much better if you can keep their feet dry over the winter. I put plastic around the trees during the winter and remove the plastic after the soil has warmed up in the spring. That seems to work well. Denise mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted: Sour Cherry Tree In San Diego County Date: Sun, 04 May 2003 14:55:43 -0400 (EDT) From: Keihan Rafii Hi, I ran into your web site when I was looking for a place on the internet that sells sour cherry trees. I was wondering if you know a nursery in San Diego area that sells sour cherry trees? Thank you. Sincerely, Keihan Rafii mailto:keihan_rafii@excite.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Lychee Web Site Date: Sun, 04 May 2003 21:24:37 -0400 (EDT) From: Dmshuck@aol.com Hi Leo, I can across this web site ad thought Lychee growers would like to take a look. Lychees Online - Lychee Fruit, Trees, Products & Information: http://www.lycheesonline.com/index.cfm Denise mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Growers Or Distributors Of Rare Fruit Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 20:28:19 -0500 From: Sachin Kulkarni Hello my name is Sachin Kulkarni. I live in Houston TX. We (my business partner and I) are interested in selling tropical and rare fruits through the internet. I am looking for growers or distributors of the rare and tropical fruits. My business partner and I have done study of this market and believe there is large ethnic market that is untapped for these fruits. Could you please give us a list of growers or distributors who would be interested in working with us. Initially the orders would be small but we believe with right marketing campaign we could really see a growth of this product line. Any assistance you can provide in giving us the names and phone numbers of the growers or distributors would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sachin Kulkarni 832-264-8342 mailto:skulkarni1@houston.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Is Dragon Fruit Available In England? Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 12:15:32 +0100 From: Martin Gordon Hi Please could you tell me if it is possible to buy Dragon Fruit in England as i enjoyed this fruit very much on a recent trip to Thailand. Many Thanks Martin Gordon-England-mailto:martin.g.7@tinyonline.co.uk <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> Subject: Tropical Agriculture http://unix.utb.edu/~paullgj/tropicalagriculture/tropag.html TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IN THE SUBTROPICS!) (results of Musa cultivation) Introduction Growing delicate tropicals in a sub-tropical climate is a challenge during the winter season. The goal is to produce fruit and have it ripen during the warm season. With this in mind I embarked on an experimental non quantified project to grow semi delicate cultivars of desert Musa bananas at my home in Brownsville, Texas. What follows is a description of the environment and the cold hardiness as observed during the current winter season. The cultivars being evaluated include the following: Rajapuri, Dwarf Cavendish, Super Dwarf Cavendish, Grand Nain, and Dwarf French Horn Plantain. Also compared will be the Orinoco (Horse plantain, Bluggoe) which grow everywhere in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The Orinoco cultivar is well adapted here needing no special soils, or protection. Location/Climate Brownsville, Texas is located at the extreme southern tip of Texas - approximately 26o N., 97.5o W. Located just 180 miles north of the Tropic of Cancer, the climate is classified as BSh in the Koeppen climate system. This translates into sub-tropical/tropical semi-dry. In simple English this means a very long hot summer, and a short, mild winter. In fact, the Dec.- Feb. average temperature of 61.1o F. is warmer than San Diego, California (57.8o F.), Tampa, Florida (60.7o F.), and Orlando, Florida (60.5o F.) (Climate Prediction Center). Extreme South Texas, thus, has the warmest winter weather in the continental United States west of South Florida. What the data do not show are the occasional blasts of cA (continental Arctic) air masses. The strong and very dry northwest winds wreak havoc with leafy tropical vegetation such as bananas. Although classified as USDA climate zone 9B (winter lows between 25o-30o F.), it is very rare to have temperatures below 30o F. When these do occur, about once every five years, it is the result of a massive Arctic invasion which drives freezing temperatures as far south as Miami in Florida. These freezes are devastating in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The summers are long, hot, and humid, the June through August average at Brownsville being 83.9o F., warmer than that of Miami at 82.4o F. (Climate Prediction Center). It is a very long effective growing season indeed. A curious note about the climate is the combination of high humidities and low rainfall. Dew points for most of the year are between 60-70o F. making an excellent environment for Musa leaves. However, the average precipitation of 25-26 inches is erratic and very unevenly distributed throughout the year. Supplemental irrigation is necessary. Soils/Cultivation Brownsville is located on the lower course of the delta of the Rio Grande. As such the soils are deep and alluvial. Texture ranges from heavy clay to silty clay loam. My specific soils are the latter. Drainage is moderately good. However, for optimum banana growth the soils need to be worked and amended. In particular I have added to all my bananas well rotted cow manure and continually add "homemade" compost. All my plants are grown outside - there is no greenhouse. On two cold nights (temperatures 32-35o F) in December, 1997, I did bring the potted specimens inside and covered with sheets some of the Super Dwarf Cavendish that have already been planted. While in containers I do use chemical fertilizers - mainly Peters 20-20-20. There is no muriate of potash or ammonium sulfate in the Peters solution. Those two compounds can raise the salts and pH of the soil. The ammonium can raise the pH and the chlorine in the KCL can break loose from the K and join with sodium in the soil to cause a definite salinization problem (Peavy 1979:45). Once in the ground I use exclusively organic techniques preferring to let the earthworms do the work. Compost and manure are continually added around the base of the plants. If I do go to inorganically produced chemicals I will use a foliar spray of the Peters 20-20-20 solution to minimize the previously mentioned soil problems. Cold Hardiness Winter 1997/98 Planting of Dwarf Cavendish and Super Dwarf Cavendish began in July of 1997. Anticipating one year for "shoot," I chose July. This would avoid winter "choke throat," a common problem with Dwarf Cavendish cultivars (Robinson 1996:59-60). While most of the country has been experiencing mild "El Nino" conditions, December in South Texas saw the several intrusions of cold, windy mountain air, the source area being the Great Basin. There was a combination of cold windy weather with temperatures in the mid-thirties for a short period of time. The Weather Service even reported snowflakes, almost unheard of in South Texas. While there was no freeze, the temperature on two nights flirted with 32-33o F. Interestingly, 250 miles further south in Mexico, the area between Cd. Mante and Cd. Victoria did experience a killing freeze in the lowlands when a cold air mass spilled out of the plateau into the valleys. I saw numerous mango orchards which had been defoliated by the cold; in many areas the banana leaves were brown. No such thing happened in Brownsville as my mango trees continued to flower and are now producing fruit. The closeness to the Gulf of Mexico must have spared us. January and February here were quite warm averaging 65.3o F. and 64.5o F., the former being a whopping 5.9o F above average. There has been very little rainfall since December; as of April 4, there hasn't been two inches of precipitation in four months! The winter weather of 1997-98 could be summarized as warm, very dry, and very windy. With all the above in mind, I'll quit my long-winded summary of background and describe how my bananas fared during the preceding winter. http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> Subject: Key limes, seedling citrus in general From: Donna Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 12:06:25 -0500 Thomas and all, Citrus seedling exhibit prolonged juvenility, with thorns, upright growth, and delayed bloom. Citrus grows lower, bushier, and with far fewer thorns once it matures, or if grafted from a mature tree. Most grafted citrus comes from what is known as "an old budline" meaning it has been through many graft generations since it came from seed, this speeds up the maturity process still further. I wrote up and article on this, and am not sure whether it ever came out in Pomona, don't know for sure if I got around to sending it in. Do you all remember an article on citrus entitled "A Thorny Issue"? When I worked in a Florida nursery, someone came in to buy a lime tree as they said they were fairly commonly grown on the Carolina coast, in pots I would think. If you can find someone with such a tree, Thomas, I would bud from it onto your seedlings. It should not be too hard to find someone in a Master Gardener program, or a greenhouse owner, or someone at a college who knows of a bearing key lime. My parents had one for years in Florida, and never did a bit of good trying them from seed, or even growing cuttings, which is sort of strange. Cuttings from limes and lemons have to undergo a brief juvenile stage, but generally mature quickly. If you do a bud or graft, do it fairly low, and when you see it has taken, cut the upper tree halfway off and then bend it horizontal or lower. The leaves will feed your bud, but will not compete to grow. This is apparently standard practice in Florida. I do things like this for temperate grafts. Donna mailto:redherring@tnaccess.com ------------------------------ Subject: Re: key limes, seedling citrus in general From: Philip Sauber Date: Fri, 09 May 2003 13:57:26 -0500 I live 500 miles north of the commercial citrus area near Houston, TX but in a good area for satsumas. Enthusiasts like me "push" our zone(8b/9a)and ground oranges and grapefruit in the ground with winter protection. A neighbor had a mature key lime tree seedling in the ground 8 or 10 feet tall. I have a grafted 3 footer in a pot. My pot tree outproduced by several fold the much larger seedling without the wicked thorniness. A thornless selection is available for key lime and I have one in a pot. Seedlings may do well in the ground for citrus though. I have had them bear fruit from 1-3 years old although 5 years is thought more likely. One limequat fruited the first year in a pot at about 3 feet tall. Phil mailto:mrtejas@lycos.com ------------------------------ Subject: Re: key limes, seedling citrus in general From: Lon J. Rombough Date: Fri, 09 May 2003 12:05:46 -0700 I recall the story of Orange, TX. It was supposed to have been an orange growing area for years. In those days, oranges were grafted high, like 5 feet or so, on Poncirus trifoliata, so that cattle could be allowed to graze in the orchards without bothering the trees. However, newer orchards were planted in fenced areas with no cattle, so they were grafted close to the ground. Those trees froze out when the ones grafted high on the trifoliata survived. Apparently grafting the trees high on trifoliata gave them more resistance to cold. Lon J. Rombough mailto:lonrom@hevanet.com ------------------------------ Subject: Re: key limes, seedling citrus in general From: Doreen Howard Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 15:02:50 -0500 Trifoliate does give several degrees protection, from my experiences in Brazoria County, TX which is on the Gulf south of Houston. There was a thriving satsuma industry in that area centered in Angleton, TX where a major rail hub was located. There and Pearland, about 15 miles to the north, satsumas were grown in the early 20th century and shipped all over the US. A major freeze in about 1930 wiped out the commercial groves, and the economy was such that the trees were not replanted. But...many hobby growers experimented with trifoliata, which grows wild in the coastal plain forests, and they developed all manner of citrus that weathered the 10-year-killing freezes known to the area. Too bad someone didn't go commercial with these trees, but by then land prices had sky-rocketed, and the Houston urban sprawl encroached. There are some interesting photos of these trees and the original satuma groves at the Brazoria County Historical Museum, which I believe is now online. Doreen Howard mailto:doreenh@ticon.net ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Key Lime From: Console G4 Date: Sat, 10 May 2003 23:11:08 -0400 Hi, Key limes are relatively quick to fruit (about 3 years, some less) and mostly true to type from seed. It is reported here in Florida that the thornless variety is not as fruitful as the thorny one, I can't verify this. I would offer to send you bud wood but with citrus canker in the State I have stopped sending any citrus anywhere. Another good sour citrus is the pink variegated lemon. You might give one of these a try if you have room. A note on grafting high: Remember to protect to the graft and above it your plants are frost sensitive. The higher the graft the more wood must survive any freeze event. I would like to read more about the thought that this increases cold hardiness, sounds very interesting. Best of growing, Bob SW Florida mailto:tfnews@gate.net ------------------------------ Subject: Cold Hardy Citrus From: Philip Sauber Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 07:15:43 -0500 I am intending to submit this to POMONA with pictures: ŅCold Hardy CitrusÓ Several people from the Seattle, WA area have contacted me interested in growing citrus in the ground. After all they are in zone 8(northern) aren't they? Hmm. They have been reading about cirus covered with snow and thriving in zone 7! The morton citrange tastes like a tangleo and can be eaten out of hand! You can make marmalade from trifoliate orange fruit! There are not many sources of information available describing how the fruit of citrus rootstock varieties ("cold hardy citrus") tastes as few people are actually brave enough to taste one. To my taste, the thomasville citrangequat is the closest of the "cold hardy citrus" hybrids to edibility. However fruit from the seedling tree I have tastes horrible so I found a better selection and grafted it to my tree. The juice from my seedling thomasville could not be sweetened with any amount of sugar. However, even with the better selection of thomasville, most people wouldn't eat it. I have heard some of the amateur citrus hybridizers of Houston say "there are cold hardy citrus and there are good tasting citrus but there are no cold hardy good tasting citrus." I have tasted many "cold hardy" citrus fruit at the Galveston county citrus show held in December. I have yet to taste one that the average person would eat willingly. After tasting a rangpur lime my wife rushed to the drinking fountain desperate to get the lingering bad taste out of her mouth. One of the fruit judges at the show told me that most of the various cold hardy hybrid citrus he has tasted would make you gag. I have tasted the carrizo citrange, ichang lemon, rangpur lime, and many others and they were either too sour or without citrus flavor. The changsha mandarins I have tasted gave you a mouth full of seeds with every bite. Trifoliate orange fruit is definitely inedible and one would be dreaming to think you could make marmalade with it, it is so full of seeds there isn't a teaspoon of pulp per fruit! My experience with citrus cold hardiness: I had a mature satsuma mandarin and nagami kumquat in the ground in 1989 when the Houston, TX area (zone 9a) experienced freezing weather for 96 hours with a minimum temperature of 10F, a 100 year freeze for our area. This freeze killed both trees deader than a doornail, even the rootstock never recovered. It was below freezing for 96 hours with lows to 10F. In that freeze all citrus trees that were not banked with soil were killed including the trifoliate rootstocks. The only trees that survived were banked with soil or covered and heated. I didn't bank my citrus trees in 1983 and 1989 and they were killed rootstock and allKumquat is supposed to be among the hardiest of citrus able to survive 10-15F when dormant. People in z8 or the warmer parts of z7 may have better experiences with citrus cold hardiness. If the weather in the winter stays cold without warming up, citrus may be able to better survive cold weather. Some people claim that grafting citrus as high as 2-3feet above the ground on trifoliate rootstock may make the scion more cold hardy. This may be true, but grafting high on trifoliate makes it impossible to bank soil to above the graft to protect the tree from freezing in severe freezes. I bank my trees every winter now. I take nursery pots, cut a slot in it, center the pot on the tree trunk, and fill the pot with soil. My one tree (grafted by a friend) with a 2 foot high graft required about 4 pots stacked on top of each other to protect the bud. Banked trees are damaged but not killed by severe freezes and recover quickly even though most of the top is killed. The biggest problem with citrus going into dormancy here in z9a is our unpredictable weather. It may be 85F one day and freezing the next in January and February. In March of this year it was in the 80F for several weeks and then we had a freak 19F low around March 15. Unprotected meyer lemon trees were killed. My u np rotected meiwa kumquat on trifoliate was killed and a long huang kat mandarin was damaged. The protected trees had damage but survived. Phil For the z7/8Õers wanting to grow citrus in the ground: I went to the University of Washington in Seattle (z7/8) for 4 years and remember that Frosh pond froze over solid for several weeks one winter. Hmm, doesn't sound very citrusy to me. Do you have hot weather in the summer? Do you have to wear a light jacket at night in the summer? Citrus won't grow until the temperature reaches 55-60F at a minimum and need 90s weather to sweeten the fruit. Citrus can survive prolonged freezing weather if protected. What do I mean by protected? You can cover them with a tarp or blankets and put a heater underneath or you can bank the trunk to above the graft with dirt. The dirt will protect the graft from freezing but the top will be frozen. When spring arrives, cut the frozen parts away and the top will grow back rapidly. This is how meyer lemons (hardy to 24F) are protected in my areas. I have seen mature 15 foot meyer lemons trees banked, the top frozen, t top cut off and by fall be 6-8 feet again to fruit the following year. We occasionally get a few hours of 18-20F but didn't have that cold of weather between 1989 and 2002. Citrus trees can survive cold weather for a few hours in z9a if dormant. Where I live on the Texas Gulf Coast, we often have warm spells on and off again all winter long. These warm spells can cause citrus to grow actively at just the wrong time because a "blue norther" cold front can blow down from Canada at any time and freeze us out=>dead or damaged citrus trees. One thing that can help is not fertilizing your citrus trees after June 1. Without the stimulus of fertilizer, a citrus tree is more likely to stay dormant all winter. I know of a sweet orange in a vacant lot in Beaumont, TX that has survived some freezes, however it is neglected and gets no fertilizer or irrigation and is close to the Neches river and a Refinery=>maybe a heat island? Stan of coastal South Carolina: I have been growing satsumas for 20 years outside/in ground and have seen some brutal temps in that time period...I do take precautions to protect my trees when the temps are to be in the low teens but so do the citrus growers in the citrus belt... I pull out the plastic on an average of once a winter... Not a bad trade off considering the reward I get when my satsuma trees bear a bumper crop. Agreed, some of the citrus species you describe may not be grocery store quality. Still for someone outside the citrus belt, the sight of a large citrumelo or ichang lemon tree, loaded with fruit is reason enough to grow them.. There is also a tangerine tree of unknown origins that grows here in Coastal SC that I will put up against anything you can grow on the Gulf Coast... This tree bounced back from the Christmas freeze of 86 that wiped out most of the Central Florida groves.. It has been constantly producing fruit since the early 90's and has never been artificially protected in a ny form or fashion. Stan reports that he is zone 8a, about 60 miles from the South Carolina coast and 240 north of Florida. He has 4 mature satsuma trees. His area rarely experiences 24 hours of freezing weather and when they do he covers his trees with plastic. He is planting a citrus grove on his farm near Scranton, SC 29591 of citrumelos, citandarins, ichang lemon, a row of satsumas and his favorite hardy tangerine. Larry of Vancouver, BC: Larry replies at his success after I sent him thomasville and sour orange seeds last fall. All the seeds you sent me did sprout and seedlings are doing great! In fact I planted out some of the thomasville citrangequats into a cold frame to over winter with protection and have kept a number to remain in my greenhouse as well. I'm hoping that I will have a reasonable survival rate on the cold frame seedlings as it doesn't really get all that cold here in the winter but still need to hedge my bets though. .My seed grown Poncirus has finally produced 1 lonely fruit this year after being in ground from seed planted about 8 years ago. Citrus sure does take its time to produce fruit doesn't it! Am also trying a Carrizo outdoors with protection as well as a Owari Satsuma on Poncirus rootstock... not sure how they will do but we will see. John of Lake Jackson, TX with over 100 citrus varieties in his back yard says: I gave up long ago with the cold hardy stuff and just decided I want good tasting stuff. I have talked to Dr. Brown (Dr Brown is a citrus hybridizer who has been making crosses for 50 years) and he told me that even with the first cross with trifoliate the cold hardness drops significantly and f2 and f3 away from trifoliate make the tree even more tender. The other problem is you can not use trifoliate as the mother because it does not produce hybrids. (There are claims that there is a zygotic producing trifoliate, but I don't know who has it.) The marginal citrus zone members may contact me by e-mail to request seeds of cold hardy citrus. I can usually obtain them in the fall. Philip Sauber mailto:mrtejas@lycos.com ------------------------------ Subject: Propagating Citrus From: Philip Sauber Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 09:07:20 -0500 Tips on how to t-bud citrus Many of these hints may be helpful to budding apples, pears, and persimmons. I have used them to good success to bud persimmon and pears. Rootstock - Harvest trifoliate fruit when ripe. Wash and then seeds soak in 120F water for 5-10 minutes to kill molds. Dry seeds on paper towels over night, add a little powdered fungicide, put in closed zip-lock bag in refrigerator until ready to plant in the spring. - Use a good potting mix=> 1/2 coarse river sand, 1/4 composted pine grit, and 1/4 sandy loam. - Grow the trifoliate rootstock the first year en masse in a 3 gallon pot - Grow the trifoliate rootstock in the nursery row the second year to pencil size. - Avoid sour orange as rootstock for Satsuma since it will not be as hardy. - Satsuma trees from the Texas Rio Grande Valley are grafted on sour orange and are not hardy enough for Houston. Budwood - Budwood should be from a tree that is mature and bearing fruit. - Budwood from the top of the tree is best. - Use 2nd to last growth flush wood - Budwood should not easily bend between your fingers or be springy - Budwood should be round and about same size as rootstock or pencil thickness. - Don't use first bud closest to 3rd growth flush, it may not have a bud or is a blind bud. If you look carefully you can see they don't have a bud. - Budwood should have some woody streaks but just a few, too many and the bud might not force easily. - Buds from the State of Texas budwood registry should be used ASAP after receiving them. However, they will last 1-2 months in the refrigerator. - For best results the bud should be in a chip that is about an inch long even though it may be pretty narrow. - Leave bud wrapped at least 3 weeks in spring and 6 weeks in the fall at least. If bud stayed green then it took. - Keep budding knife razor sharp. - Dip budding knife/clippers in 10% clorox solution when changing scions to avoid spreading viruses like tristezia. Bark Slipping - Temperature must be below 90F in the fall, but before two nights in the 50sF stop the trifoliate bark from slipping - This is from September 15-October 15 for the Houston, TX area. - Trifoliate rootstock won't slip bark in Houston area until April - Start budding in the spring when the bark slips but before temperatures get to 90F. - Bark must be slipping on rootstock very easily or even a good bud won't take. - Even in the spring, if the trifoliate is not growing rapidly, the bark will not slip well enough to t-bud. - Fertilize trifoliate with full strength miracle grow (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) twice a week to get rapid growth in the spring starting March 1. Forcing the Bud - Force the bud in the spring. - Buds forced in the fall will be tender all winter and won't grow much anyway during the winter. - When forcing the bud, leave a few trifoliate leaves above the bud. This will ensure you donÕt lose the rootstock if the bud fails. - Cut off about 2" above the graft when forcing the bud. This gives a better chance of the bud surviving if the trifoliate dies a little below the cut. Other Considerations - Collecting wild trifoliate trees won't get you many that the bark will slip on since they are probably 3 or 4 years old, a good trifoliate for t-budding needs be a 2 year seedling that is growing vigorously about pencil thickness. - If you follow the rules for t-budding you should get close to 100% take. Cleft Grafting - Try cleft grafting in March for best results just before deciduous trees leaf out. Other times of year won't be as successful. - Don't use a budstick that has more than 3 buds on it. Wrap the graft with grafting tape and then cover the scion wood with parafilm or cover with a polyethylene baggie and use a twisty to seal it off. Poke a few small holes in the bag to avoid excess moisture. [Leo Manuel recommends that you NOT have holes in the baggie. He puts a damp piece of paper towel inside of the baggie, ties the baggie tightly, and shades the baggie with a paper bag, to keep it from getting too hot.] Growing Notes Too low of pH Tree has healthy green leaves but does not grow Too high of pH Tree has sickly looking leaves and does not grow Philip Sauber mailto:mrtejas@lycos.com <><>Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/<><> From: "Scott D. Russell" Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ None this time. <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> Subject: Re: Surinam cherry selection From: Date: Sat, 3 May 2003 18:08:49 +0200 Dear Muriel I refer to Eugenia uniflora, native to Brazil and now adays common around many subtropical and tropical countries. Yes we have one unique large variety of Pitanga in Israel, I am not sure if it was imported from Florida, but it is the best as far as I have compared in many global sited that I have visited. I don't have it in my farm but I will buy a grafted plant and photo the unique fruit in June and send it to you. A neighbour of mine grows them for Pick & Pay, thus I will photo and the seeds will be available. I will be happy to post it via airmail as a small parcel according to your instruction if you think that it is not a known Floridan variety. In addition we have many other types with unique dark colors and aroma but the size is relatively small. We have 3-5 fruiting waves. The first one is just now. The second one in June. If you have other seeds especially of thornless erect Blackberries and of yellow, red and white pitayas let me know. Ariel mailto:ariel023@zahav.net.il Israel __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: Suriname Cherry selection From: The Thaumaturgist Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 00:54:52 -0700 (PDT) Hi Ariel I just added a new album titled "SCherry" with 4 photos of the Suriname Cherry (Eugenia uniflora) that is most commonly found growing wild in Florida. It has been used also very effectively as a hedge on peoples properties. To view the photos, go to, http://photos.yahoo.com/asitkghosh Thanks. Asit K. Ghosh mailto:asitkghosh@yahoo.com Rockledge, Florida, USA __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Sapote From: Warren Condon Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 08:12:28 -0400 Here in S. Florida, the biggest obstacle to white sapote becoming a commercial fruit is that it bruises very easily and thus would look unattractive to the American consumer. Little do they know that the bruising seems to be limited to the very surface. Also sometimes people get a medicinal aftertaste. I'm not sure if the reaction, similar to the Surinam-cherry, varies among the people who try it, or perhaps by variety. Warren Condon Miami, FL Wishing the rain would come back.... : White Sapote is one of my all time favorite fruits. It : is a bit hard to get it to fruit in the tropics, but : does well at higher elevations.I Remember that in San : Diegoe area (especially Fallbrook) there were many : trees planted years ago. An attempt was made to : commercialize the fruit, but it never took off. I don't : really understand why as most people like it the first : time they taste it. Oscar, Big Island, Hawaii Warren Condon mailto:wpc728@hotmail.com __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Sapote From: Bryan Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 13:04:41 -0000 I think Warren is right... the white sapote has a very thin skin and is easily damaged, not a good characteristic for a commercial fruit. Also, it goes from "dead ripe" to "dead rotten" in the blink of an eye. But I agree with Oscar, it is a delicious fruit, and very productive as a home garden tree. They produce very well here in the tropics at 1500 feet altitude. Bryan mailto:brbrunner@yahoo.com Puerto Rico __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Sapote From: Warren Condon Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 09:35:56 -0400 Good point about the ripening. Here in Miami, they fruit at sea level (of course, that's about all we have here as far as altitude goes!). One tree usually produces significantly more than a homeowner can eat. I agree that a fully ripe fruit from a good variety is delicious. Warren Condon mailto:wpc728@hotmail.com Miami, FL __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Sapote From: Greg Woolley Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 22:47:23 +0800 Here in Perth they're sold hard and unripe, thereby largely avoiding damage in the store and transport. Greg Woolley mailto:gregw@amitar.com.au __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Sapote From: J D Prince Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 10:07:56 +1200 To Bryan and Greg...pick them too soon, and they never ripen off the tree. All the customer will end up with is something not much better than white rubber if they aren't coming rapidly up to softening and ripening on the tree before they are picked- that's our experience, anyway. We have something like 22 different sorts of casimiroas here on our property. The one that we are concentrating on (30 plus trees planted, and about half of them starting to produce) for weekend sales at a local market is one chosen by a friend of ours, the late Phil Gardner, and he and his wife had it registered under New Zealand legislation on Plant Varietal Rights, so that they could license official propagators who then pay a small commission per tree that they graft for sale. It has various advantages, amongst them that a consistent colour change gives you up about 7 or 8 days from harvest to market. So that's fine for a locally, and personally, marketed fruit, which was our intention. It still doesn't turn it into a commercial fruit that could be easily transported long distances, however. John John Prince & Rosemary Steele, Nestlebrae Exotics, 219 South Head Road, Parkhurst, R.D.1 Helensville, New Zealand 1250. mailto:Nestlebrae.Exotics@xtra.co.nz phone (64) (09) 420 7312 website: http://www.helensville.co.nz/nestlebrae.htm __________________________________________________________ Subject: Request From Lisbon For San Diego Information From: Duarte Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 01:00:21 -0000 Hi, I will be visiting San Diego, California in early June. Can anyone from the area please recommend me places of interest from the botanical and rare fruit point of view? I am interested in places such has: gardens, rare fruit nurseries, ethnic/local markets, etc. Thanks in advance Duarte Lisbon/Portugal mailto:d_u_a_r_t_e@yahoo.com __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: San Diego Info. From: Ron Hay Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 18:19:21 -0700 (PDT) Greetings from Southern California! A couple of places of interest in the San Diego area would include Pacific Tree Farms in Chula Vista, which has quite a selection of sub tropical and tropical plants. Another would be the San Diego Zoo, which has a nicely printed botanical guide to the zoo. I was told by one employee at Pacific Tree Farms that all of the allspice trees in their nursery come from seed stock from trees at the zoo. Things are nicely labeled everywhere at the zoo, as well. And not to far north of San Diego is a nursery called, I believe, Xotica. Can anyone here in SoCal help me with its location? These are just a couple of suggestions, and I am sure that many more will be forthcoming from other afficionados in the area. Enjoy your stay in San Diego! Ron Hay mailto:ronhay@pacbell.net __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: San Diego Info. From: Ron Hay Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 18:28:16 -0700 (PDT) Here's another suggestion: Do a web search for nurseries in San Diego, and also do one for exotic plants in San Diego. Just browsing through those search categories turned up alll sorts of interesting possibilities from proteas to palms. Ron Hay mailto:ronhay@pacbell.net __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: San Diego Info. From: Oscar Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 06:00:51 -0000 The nursery name is Exotica. It is in Vista, which is a little bit north of San Diego. Well worth the visit. Also try Quail Botanical Gardens. You would probably also enjoy seeing Balboa Park, although they have no fruit trees it is a very nicely landscaped big park with museums. Now I'm on the Big Island, Hawaii, but previouslyfrom San Diego. Oscar mailto:fruitlovers@eudoramail.com __________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Sapote From: Oscar Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 06:20:13 -0000 In San Diego I remember there was a variety of white sapote that kept very well. It was not the best tasting of varieties, but it was ok. Do not remember the cultivar name, but remember the outside skin was a very dark green. They all ripened fine, and kept well for at least 2 weeks. It seems to me that the problem was not in keeping qualities but in lack of a marketing and advertising program for the fruit. We sold them in a health food store, but very few people bought them because they did not know what it was. I think this is a fruit that still has commercial possibilities. Oscar mailto:fruitlovers@eudoramail.com Big Island <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Petal-Power Gene Yields Unique Blossoms Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 07:22:16 -0400 From: ARS News Service Flowers of the future may produce beautiful blooms that boast more petals than usual. That's thanks to investigations at the Plant Gene Expression Center at Albany, Calif., where scientists have discovered the petal-producing prowess of a gene called Ultrapetala. Agricultural Research Service plant molecular biologist Jennifer C. Fletcher leads the Ultrapetala work at the center, which is operated jointly by ARS and the University of California at Berkeley. Fletcher's Ultrapetala studies have yielded new clues not only about how plants form blossoms, but also about how they develop new shoots and other structures. All of these plant parts originate from what are known as meristematic cells. These young cells grow rapidly, divide quickly and eventually specialize, or differentiate, to create flowers, leaves or stems. The research suggests that Ultrapetala and some of the genes with which it interacts are key players in the architecture of green plants. For her experiments, Fletcher used thale cress, or Arabidopsis thaliana. This plant, a relative of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, has become the "lab rat" of plant molecular biology. That's because A. thaliana has less genetic material than most other plants. This relatively small genome makes it somewhat easier for scientists to decipher the structure and function of each A. thaliana gene. In turn, other scientists worldwide can use those discoveries in their own studies of the genetic makeup of other green plants. In addition, A. thaliana is easy to grow in research greenhouses, using familiar nursery flats. It develops quickly from seed to a fully mature, 8- to 16-inch-high plant in a mere four to six weeks. Fletcher has produced and investigated unique A. thaliana plants that have as many as 10 creamy white petals instead of the usual four. Details are in the May issue of ARS' Agricultural Research magazine, available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may03/petal0503.htm <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200305B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - June 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200306A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Hylocereus polyrhizus - Three bloom buds (already) and one should open in a few days. I will have to try the pollen from an Epiphyllum flower to see if any will pollinate it. There are multiple blooms on dozens of epis now open, so I think I'll try a mix of pollen of many of them, and also try the pollen from the pitaya on several of them. Too much going on in my life right now to properly focus on caring for the needs of various plants. So, if I seem distracted or drop the ball on something you are expecting me to do, please remind me again. My wife's mother died a few weeks ago, and while attending her funeral, I visited my father (almost 97) who is in intensive care, after breaking his hip and having a aspiration pneumonia. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Laxahatchee, FL, Wants Lychee-Selling Ideas Alma Bissen mailto:KABISSEN@aol.com <><><> Readers Write <><><> Coffee Berry Amy Fernandez mailto:marvelousgardens@attbi.com Wanted: Budwood For Dunstan Grapefruit & Ichang Lemon JOHN FREEMAN mailto:yatama@yahoo.com FWD: Re: Yellow-skinned Hylocereus undatus Yosef Mizrahi mailto:mizrahi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il To: DesertFarms@aol.com Yang-Mai Seeds - Did They Sprout? Steve Boboricken mailto:aan@ix.netcom.com In San Diego, Looking For Mickey Mouse Plant Adam mailto:LoCCiEbOy@aol.com Wanted Information For Germinating Camellia sinensis Rick Machado mailto:Farmrik@aol.com Looking For Pitahaya in Mexico-Suggestions? Maribel Vega mailto:marilan@caribe.net What To Do With Not-Quite-Ripe Figs? Gail Newcomb mailto:ecoworks@nzero.co.nz Pitahaya and Branching Todd Able mailto:table@socal.rr.com We've Moved To Laupahoehoe, Hawaii Judi Steinman mailto:pbjxs@mail.net-lynx.com FWD: Looking For Sorrento Lemons AND Bergamot Oranges To: David Silverstein mailto:david.crfg-sd@cox.net Wendy mailto:bubbacat@lanset.com Re: Looking For Sorrento Lemons AND Bergamot Oranges To: Wendy mailto:bubbacat@lanset.com David Silverstein mailto:david.crfg-sd@cox.net <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex Re: misting chambers "Mark Garrison" mailto:pawpaw1@cox.net Re: misting chambers Rob Hamilton mailto:lostman_amiga@yahoo.com <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> None, this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Scientists Explore Crop-Made Prebiotics to Bolster Gut Bacteria ARS News Service mailto:NewsService@ars.usda.gov Conservation Tillage: A Grower's Drought Assistant ARS News Service mailto:NewsService@ars.usda.gov A Fertility Test for Beneficial Insects ARS News Service mailto:NewsService@ars.usda.gov <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Laxahatchee, FL, Wants Lychee Selling Ideas Date: Sat, 17 May 2003 07:33:03 -0400 (EDT) From: Alma Bissen We are Kenneth & Alma Bissen, 3680 Dellwood Rd., Loxahatchee, FL 33470 We started a grove of Lychee four years ago. This year we hope to have a small crop and we are looking for buyers. If you could be of help it would be most appreciated. Thank you Alma Bissen mailto:KABISSEN@aol.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Coffee Berry Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 22:05:14 -0700 From: Amy Fernandez I am growing an Arabica coffee tree in Newport Beach which now has some red berries on them. Are they ready to pick? And if they are, is there a special way to remove the pulp and then roast the beans??? in what??? Thanks, Amy Fernandez mailto:marvelousgardens@attbi.com zone 10 or Sunset 22 No. Tustin CA http://home.attbi.com/~marvelousgardens/ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted: Budwood For Dunstan Grapefruit & Ichang Lemon Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 09:28:41 -0700 (PDT) From: JOHN FREEMAN I have been seeking source of budwood for Dunstan, (not Duncan) grapefruit reported to be cold hardy and bearing in Raleigh, NC. Likewise Ichang lemon budwood. John Freeman mailto:yatama@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Re: Yellow-skinned Hylocereus undatus Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 12:45:43 +0300 From: Yosef Mizrahi Organization: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev To: DesertFarms@aol.com Dear Nr. Rudolf Waardenburg, Thanks for your message concerning Yellow Hylocereus undatus. We have at hand 37 clones of Hylocereus undatus. Among those we have 6 clones where the fruit flesh is red and not white and other 6 clones where the fruit skin is Yellow and the flesh is white like those who have red skin. There are diffenernces of the various Hylocereus undatus in many aspects but all of them are vine cacti, needs shade under our conditions sensitive to subzero and over 38Centigrade temperatures etc. I am attaching a photo of Yellow skin Hylocereus undatus. Wish you all the best, Yours, Yossi mailto:mizrahi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il : From: DesertFarms@aol.com : Date: 2003/05/19 ‡ PM 06:29:32 GMT+03:00 : To: mizrahi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il : Subject: Yellow -skinned Hylocereus undatus : : Dear Dr. Mizrahi, : : I am interested in learning what I can in regard to the : yellow-skinned hylocereus undatus, most specifically about : their growth patterns. Because I understand that you have : worked with these plants in your research facility, I : thought that you might be able to tell me if their growing : habits are the same as the red-skinned varieties, that is, : if they are also a vine-type plant, or if they are more of a : shrub. Any other information you would have available would : be very much appreciated. : : Thank you for your time, : : Rudolf Waardenburg mailto:DesertFarms@aol.com Professor Yosef Mizrahi Department of Life Sciences and the Institutes for Applied Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. PO Box 653, Beer Sheva Israel 84105 http://www.bgu.ac.il/life/mizrahi.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Yang-Mai Seeds - Did They Sprout? Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 10:41:01 -0700 From: Steve Boboricken Leo, I'm the one who sent you the seeds from the Yang-Mai. Did any of the seeds germinate. None of mine or the ones I gave to friends here germinated. Do you know of another source of trees or seeds? This is also known as Red Bayberry (MYRICA RUBRA Sieb. & Zucc..) Also, do you happen to know of a source of trees or seeds for Solanum lycocarpum a.k.a. Fruta-de-Lobo: Fruit for Wolves. Steve Boboricken mailto:aan@ix.netcom.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: In San Diego, Looking For Mickey Mouse Plant Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 01:04:22 -0400 (EDT) From: Adam Hello Leo, My name is Adam, residing here in beuatiful San Diego. Originally from Viet Nam, but my family originate to america when i was a little kid. Lately I've been doing a lot of research on growing rare exotic plants fruits etc. I reside here in Mira Mesa for the past 12 years, and already growing a few productive tropical fruits, guava (thai), cherimoyas, dragon fruits, miracle fruits, lychee, pomelo, and logan. All of which are producing great fruits yearly. There's this one species of flowers thats been occupying a lot of my research time lately. Botanical name is Ochanacea otherwise known as mickey mouse plant. Theres quite a few of these all around, but the one I'm looking for related to this species, but not exactely the mickey mouse plant. most ochnacea, blooms downward, but this one blooms up. The flowering are the same as mickey mouse plant here. I'm not sure of the real name of it, but it is in the ochna family, some called it ochna of Thailand, and some called it ochna Kirii or ochna Thomasiana. Anyhow, I'm hoping you could give me a little more knowledge of this, and if possible, am i able to grow it here in San Diego ( maybe under a greeehouse ) ? And if so, where can i come across finding the seeds for the plant? I thank you much for you help. Sincerely, Adam mailto:LoCCiEbOy@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted Information For Germinating Camellia sinensis Date: Sun, 25 May 2003 02:34:38 -0400 (EDT) From: Rick Machado I am going to be starting some seeds for camellia sinensis, the common tea plant. If anyone has information on germinating these seeds, light, temperature, soil, etc, I would be grateful. Rick Machado mailto:Farmrik@aol.com Machado Farms ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Pitahaya in Mexico-Suggestions? Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 05:52:29 -0400 From: Jacques Landry Hi Shortly I will be in Mexico. Where can I find Pitahaya fruit, seeds or trees? Thanks for the info. Jacques Landry mailto:marilan@caribe.net Puerto Rico ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What To Do With Not-Quite-Ripe Figs? Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 13:07:57 +1200 From: Gail Newcomb As we have a very late crop of figs because of an earlier frost I wondered if there was anything I could do with them as I doubt they'll ripen. We are well into Autumn so can expect frost soon - though some years we miss. We have over 25 different varieties we are trialling for the Bay of Plenty branch of NZ Tree Crops Association so they are at various stages of ripening. We can tell where the ripe ones were because of the bird damage! I did a search on the Internet and got several recipes but while they say "green figs" I am not sure if this is "green as in unripe" or "green as in colour". Do unripe figs which exude a lot of latex have any detrimental effects? I pickle "green walnuts" especially Juglans neotropica (Andean Walnut) around December here in the Southern Hemisphere and they are delicious. regards Gail Newcomb mailto:ecoworks@nzero.co.nz Gail Newcomb mailto:ecoworks@nzero.co.nz http://www.nzero.co.nz/ecoworks/ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pitahaya and Branching Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 19:38:47 -0700 From: Todd Able Leo, Things are finally heating up, and the garden is taking off. Just finished a bunch of Bananas. The Sapodilla is flowering right now, and I am hoping this is the year. The Giant Fuyu Persimmon has many flowers also. The Cherimoya (Nata) is just ridiculous with flowers, at least every 1" there is multiple flowers. I also have some sweet lemon fruiting also, and they are really sweet! Longan has alot of flowers and small fruit. I have noticed on the Pitahaya Cactus vines that they tend to branch where a spine has been cut off, and this has been the same with other Cacti. That would make cultivation somewhat easier. One could possibly train a vine to a T and let mulitple arms hang down, as some grape growers do. This will also be the year that I get some Dragon Fruit. Hope you're doing well also! Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: We've Moved To Laupahoehoe, Hawaii Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 02:06:09 -0400 From: Judi Steinman Aloha Leo, we have moved to Laupahoehoe Hawaii. I eagerly look forward to continued receipt of the rare fruit newsletter, as we will be getting our orchard started next year. Mahalo and malamo pono, ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Looking For Sorrento Lemons AND Bergamot Oranges From: Wendy Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 8:11 PM To: David Silverstein Hello! Do you know any sources for Sorrento Lemons or Bergamot oranges? Thanks you for any information. Wendy ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Looking For Sorrento Lemons AND Bergamot Oranges Date: Fri, 30 May 2003 15:39:35 -0700 From: David Silverstein To: Wendy That is an interesting question. I recomend that you call some of the nurseries listed on the CRFG website's nursery list. I am also copying this to a rare fruit newsletter that gets wide circulation. One of its readers might know. Wendy mailto:bubbacat@lanset.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> Subject: Re: [NAFEX] misting chambers From: "Mark Garrison" Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 13:21:25 -0400 I made a mist chamber for cuttings using 3 flora mist foggers and pipe saddles from Melligers www.mellingers.com. Mounted them on about 6 feet of 3/4 inch white pvc, suspended from an A-frame above a bed filled with mix of peat and sand, draped plastic over, sprayed plastic with white paint from spray can to cut down sun, hooked up with hose to timer on faucet that mists for 10 minutes 4 times a day. Inexpensive and so far the cuttings look good. Mark Garrison mailto:pawpaw1@cox.net Rhode Island zone 6 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 19 May 2003 06:21:20 -0700 (PDT) From: Rob Hamilton Subject: Re: [NAFEX] misting chambers Have you ever had any fungal problems? If so, what did you do to cure it? Rob Hamilton mailto:lostman_amiga@yahoo.com <><>Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/<><> From: "Scott D. Russell" Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> None this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Scientists Explore Crop-Made Prebiotics to Bolster Gut Bacteria Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 10:54:20 -0400 From: ARS News Service Ongoing studies by Agricultural Research Service scientists suggest that making prebiotics from carbohydrates, using a new enzyme process, may expand markets for corn and other commodity crops. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates such as inulin and short-chain sugars, called oligosaccharides, that pass undigested from the lower intestine to the colon. There, the carbohydrates are consumed by Bifidobacterium and other beneficial bacteria that release vitamins, minerals and nutrients that might not otherwise be available to their hosts--human and animal. The bacteria may also change the colon environment such that pathogens like Salmonella are curtailed. In this case, ARS chemist Greg C™tˇ and cooperators found that an enzyme-based process for making alternan--a promising bulking agent--also yielded oligosaccharides that stimulate the growth of Bifidobacterium bacteria. In Europe and Asia, consumers seeking to improve their gastrointestinal health can now buy prebiotic products specifically formulated to bolster populations of these and other bacterial gut colonists. The U.S. market for prebiotics is comparatively young, but growing. C™tˇ's fermentation studies at ARS' National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill., eventually could offer U.S. makers a way to mass-produce the oligosaccharides from a domestic commodity: carbohydrate-rich corn, soybean, beet and cane crops. Arland Hotchkiss, at ARS' Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Penn., has similar aspirations--but for pectin from citrus peels and other crop byproducts. Early lab results from C™tˇ 's collaborators, Scott Holt and Candace Miller-Fosmore of Western Illinois University in Macomb, indicate the oligosaccharides nourish several beneficial strains of Bifidobacterium, but not pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Clostridium. C™tˇ discussed the results last spring at the American Chemical Society's national meeting. This April, ARS applied for patent protection covering the synthesis and potential use of some of the prebiotics as food additives for both people and livestock animals. The research comes at a time when 10 million Americans annually require hospitalized care for gastrointestinal problems ranging from constipation and diarrhea to ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Conservation Tillage: A Grower's Drought Assistant Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 08:43:09 -0400 From: ARS News Service Conservation tillage continues to be good for the environment--and can boost farmers' profits by helping them use water more efficiently, according to studies by Agricultural Research Service scientists in Georgia. In test plots of cotton and peanuts at Tifton, Ga., conservation tillage limited rainfall runoff to less than 10 percent. In some cases, conservation tillage increased water infiltration into soil by up to 50 percent, compared to conventional tillage. Conventional plots also released five times more soil and rainfall runoff than conservation tillage plots, making a strong case for conservation tillage. Water that washes away from fields can carry soil sediment, nutrients and pesticides to streams and lakes. The research, led by soil scientist Clint Truman and hydraulic engineer David Bosch at the ARS Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory in Tifton, indicates that a type of conservation tillage called strip-till not only reduces runoff, but increases water infiltration and appears to improve soil quality. In strip-till fields, narrow rows, four to six inches wide, are made for planting seed into the previous year's plant- and cover-crop residue. Plant residues reduce water evaporation from the field and intercept raindrops from impacting directly on the soil surface, decreasing soil movement and cutting down on rain washing away pesticides and nutrients from a field. With conventional tillage systems, old plant residues are often removed or incorporated into the soil. Southeastern soils have been intensively cropped, tend to be drought-prone, and are susceptible to erosion. While rainfall registers about 50 inches per year, growers often have to irrigate to keep crops alive during extended drought periods. Producers in this region face a major problem: maintaining crop yields and water use efficiency while addressing soil and water quality concerns associated with sediment, fertilizer and pesticide losses to off-site areas. More information about this story can be found in the May issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may03/till0503.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: A Fertility Test for Beneficial Insects Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 08:19:17 -0400 From: ARS News Service A new test that determines the health of beneficial insects raised on artificial diets has been developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists in Gainesville, Fla. Beneficial insects that are mass reared commercially are important because they are used to suppress field and greenhouse pests. Producers need to be able to assess the quality of beneficial insects raised on artificial diets. One measure of quality is the rate of egg production, but determining that rate is a difficult and time-consuming process with very small insects. Now ARS research entomologists Jeffrey P. Shapiro and Stephen M. Ferkovich have found a way to measure egg production. They've developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) that measure yolk proteins in an insect's blood (hemolymph) or body to predict how many eggs the insects will lay while feeding on artificial or natural diets. Shapiro and Ferkovich used monoclonal antibodies in ELISAs to measure minute quantities of yolk proteins in insects during studies at the Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit at the ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville. This is the first time an ELISA has been used to predict the reproductive fitness of mass-reared insect predators or parasitoids. In commercial mass-rearing facilities, beneficial insects are fed a range of artificial diets. Such diets have advantages over natural feeding prey, especially if costs can be reduced and the quality of the resulting insects can be maintained. The proper nutrients must be included in the artificial diets to stimulate the insect's normal life cycle. Before sale or release, producers must determine the amount of offspring the colony's females are capable of producing. This assures the quality of adult insects produced by an insectary. The monoclonal antibodies used in the ELISAs specifically tag yolk proteins of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris and the minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus. These predators are widely used beneficial insects that prey on caterpillars, thrips, insect eggs, aphids, mites and other pests. ARS is negotiating a license for cloned hybrid cells and associated antibodies used in the ELISAs, even though they will not be patented. The licensee should have a commercial test available within one year. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200306A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - June 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200306B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Pitaya Flowering Bud Report - There are three or four different plants of Hylocereus polyrhizus with flower buds, with from one to four buds each. A red-fleshed hybrid Paul Thomson's #8 has four buds. But of the many white-fleshed pitayas, only one has a small bud (Neitzel.) Is it a coincidence that the early bloom buds are mostly those bearing red-fleshed fruits? Two H. polyrhizus bloom buds look as if they will open Sunday evening. If they do, it will be a great Father's Day gift. The problem will be in getting them to set, with only pollen from Epiphylla available. However, Nevin Kleege, from whom I got the H. polyrhizus gets fruit near the coast without pollen from another source. Remember the gingko seedlings on which I tried numerous grafts of a known female? Not one knitted and grew. I put several cuttings in the greenhouse to try to get them to root. None rooted, but they leafed out, but were nothing more than a gingko bouquet. Later all died. However, I put one chip bud on, and it grew! I seldom try budding, having had more experience with grafting. I have successfully gotten citrus buds to grow. Anyway, I'm pleased that one known female gingko is in my collection. There are a few very small fruit forming on my Brewster Lychee, for the first time. Longans have been far more reliable for me. The 'Tomoc' banana from the Philipines may be AKA 'Giant Cavendish' according to something Paul Fisher read. Mine should be ready to eat in a few weeks. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> Introduction/Subscription Wendy Howard New Subscriber, Moorpark, CA, Looking For Ideas Diana Caro <><><> Readers Write <><><> Nectarines, Bananas, Atemoya - My Report Dmshuck@aol.com Reluctant Yang Mai seeds Link2itc@aol.com To: aan@ix.netcom.com What To Do With Coffee Berries Robert Cantor Passionfruit pollen Robert Cantor Grafting Cherimoya - Partial Success William Dragon fruit, Avocado, Cherimoya - Report WChow@Sanyo.com Dragon fruit flower WChow@Sanyo.com I Want To Know About 'Plumcot' Sonia Martinez & Anthony Mathis Re: I Want To Know About 'Plumcot' Leo To: Sonia Martinez & Anthony Mathis Seeking tangors Matthew Shugart Jobaticaba - Minimal Fruit Set Michael Zarky Pitaya Fruit David & Faith New Tropical Fruit Poster [Leo Recommends It] Oscar Re: New Tropical Fruit Poster fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com Dragon Fruit Van Nguyen <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. Cactus And Succulent Journals For Sale John Dicus A HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL PLANTS :A COMPLETE SOURCE BOOK Books & Periodicals Agency <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> None, this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Improved Device to Gauge Soil Erodibility ARS News Service New Bait for Fire Ants ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: Introduction/Subscription Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 16:05:47 -0700 From: Wendy Howard Hello! My name is Wendy, and I live in Sacramento, CA Due to a facination with citrus, I am growing the following: Bearss Lime - 2 Calamondin Calamondin, variegated Chinotto Sour Orange Clementine Indio Mandarinquat Kaffir (Makrut) Lime Key (Mexican) Lime Meyers Improved Lemon Navel Orange - unk varietal (winter ripening) Owari Satsuma Mandarin Persian Lime Rangpur Lime Rio Red Grapefruit Sanguinelli Blood Orange Valencia Orange ALSO, pomegranate - unk varietal I am really interested in finding a Bergamot Orange, and a Sorrento Lemon. We're also looking into a "Double Delight" White Nectarine. HELP!!: I would really appreciate any assistance on where to procure the more unusual citrus that I am interested in...it has been "fruitless" to find any on-line!! ~:-) Wendy Howard mailto:bubbacat@lanset.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Moorpark, CA, Looking For Ideas Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 20:25:01 -0400 (EDT) From: Diana Caro Hi Leo: I would like to be on your list.. My name is Diana Caro, I live in Moorpark, CA. I have just planted 11 white cherimoya and 58 Gold Nugget tangerines. I plan on going the farmers market route, and need to get myself on some lists now, for the future. I am wondering what else to plant that will sell and that I can do well with (not kill). I am skipping the avocado, and do well with citrus. I looked into macadamia nuts, but it seems the market isnt too great, and I would have to drive them 3 hours to the packing house in Escondido.. hmm, perhaps another fruit would be better. Looking forward to your newsletter!! Diana Caro mailto:Dian89@cs.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Nectarines, Bananas, Atemoya - My Report Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 20:09:56 -0400 (EDT) From: Dmshuck@aol.com Hi Leo, I hope things are going better for your father. It was nice to see you at the CRFG festival of fruit. This year I have picked all of the white nectarines several weeks earlier than normal. On May 27th to be exact. They didn't have nearly the problems they had last year thanks to everyone's advice from this newsletter. Now my family is enjoying homegrown fresh fruit. It looks like the white peaches will be ready to pick next week. I have also picked two of my solo papayas and I am waiting for the rest to ripen. I currently have two banana plants with fruit. This is the earliest the bananas have had fruit so I am looking forward to having bananas before December this year. I also have an atemoya still hanging on. This is my first one so I am not quite sure when to pick. Take care, Denise mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Reluctant Yang Mai seeds Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 22:29:01 -0400 (EDT) From: Link2itc@aol.com To: aan@ix.netcom.com Hi Steve and Leo, I too, tried to germinate Yang Mai seeds which I obtained from a trip to China last year. Unfortunately, none of mine did (and I did not know at the time of sowing that I had to stratify/chill the seeds for a time before sowing). After weeks of no activity, I took them out of the soil, chilled them for several weeks and resowed without any luck. Do you know where I can get more seeds? Is the Fruta-de-Lobo: Fruit for Wolves the same as "wolf-berry"? Ed Lin mailto:Link2itc@aol.com Sarasota, FL : Subject: Yang-Mai Seeds - Did They Sprout? : Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 10:41:01 -0700 : From: Steve Boboricken : : Leo, : : I'm the one who sent you the seeds from the Yang-Mai. Did : : any of the seeds germinate. None of mine or the ones I gave : to friends here germinated. Do you know of another source : of trees or seeds? : : This is also known as Red Bayberry (MYRICA RUBRA Sieb. & : Zucc..) : : Also, do you happen to know of a source of trees or seeds : for Solanum lycocarpum a.k.a. Fruta-de-Lobo: Fruit for : Wolves. : : Steve Boboricken mailto:aan@ix.netcom.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What To Do With Coffee Berries Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 12:53:05 -0500 From: Robert Cantor The red berries are ripe! The juicy outer part is reputedly delicious for eating fresh or making jelly/jam/preserves. It does contain caffeine. Underneath that you have a tough layer called the pergamino and then a shiny, thin layer called the silverskin. bits of silverskin sticking to the coffee bean that get roasted are called chaff. Inside the silverskin lies 2 coffee beans that you roast. Sometimes one will be awol and you get a single, rounded bean called a peaberry. Many of us who roast our own like these the best. Once you've gone through the tough pergamino and rubbed off the silverskin, you see a green egg-shapped object that falls apart into the 2 coffee beans with flat sides facing each other and a groove down the long axis of the flat side. Peaberries are eggshaped with a deep groove at one side. Only 5% are peaberries. Don't roast until you see the egg shaped part fall into two pieces. The easiest and cheapest way to roast your own is with an air corn popper, although a pan on a stove with constant stirring work also. There are purpose built home appliances if you get into it. Don't expect your home grown coffee to rival the world's best because altitude, soil and other factors are not likely to be optimized for taste. (Although your area is optimized for human living!) There's a whole world you can get into once you roast your own coffee. Even in small batches (1/2 lb) the world's best coffee is yours for the ordering. You can roast it to the degree you wish (no more burnt coffee popular today unless you want it that way). And best of all, it's fresh. Once you start roasting your own, you'll never drink stale coffee again. Almost any coffee you can buy in the US has been sitting out roasted for nine months. Dead beyond stale is what it is. Good starting points for more info are: Book by Ken Davids: Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival a web site (Outstanding among others): http://www.sweetmarias.com/ and a newsgroup: alt.coffee Bob C. mailto:rcantor@att.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Passionfruit pollen Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 13:04:32 -0500 From: Robert Cantor I live in zone 5, USDA, so my plants are outside and happy. I have a purple (and a crimson that's not flowering) passion that's flowering but producing almost no pollen. What's optimal care of these things with regard to fertilizer (lots ot little) and how long they need to dry between waterings? Thanks! Bob C. mailto:rcantor@att.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grafting Cherimoya - Partial Success Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2003 11:42:21 -0700 From: William Hi Leo, Most of the grafts dried up. I have one cherimoya graft that is leafing out very well. I will be interested to taste that fruit. My garden is doing well. I give away some vegetables every week. The sweet potato that you gave me over a year ago is now growing in several different gardens. I am trying out "mountain yam". This is a common root crop in China and Japan. My parents really like the roots. My son David is visiting from Tucson. He will be taking ski camp at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center. I missed last month's CRFG meeting because I went to Mexico City last minute to take care of some business problems. The dragon fruits that you gave me are doing great. I have no flowers yet. But the plants are huge. I am hoping to move north to La Jolla next year. My wife thinks the schools are better for the baby. I will have to start over with my fruit trees. Houses are very expensive these days, so I am not sure I can find a house for the right price. Please come over to visit if you have time! Cheers ! William mailto:WChow@Sanyo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon fruit, Avocado, Cherimoya - Report Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 15:57:41 -0700 From: WChow@Sanyo.com Hi Leo, I planted several dragon fruit vines in December 2001. This is about one and a half years later. One of the plant is over 7 feet tall and it has a big flower waiting to open. I think this is the only flower in my yard. So cross pollination may be impossible. I will let you know if I get any fruits. My Haas avocado had only 4 fruits last year. This year there are 60 good size fruits already. It looks like a bumper crop this year. My father also got 20X the fruit on his tree this year compared to last year. How are you doing ? Is the cool weather good to your garden? One of the cherimoyas I grafted is growing well. On the others the graft did not join together. Have you heard from Todd Abel? Please come to visit if you have time ! Cheers ! William mailto:WChow@Sanyo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon fruit flower Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 06:56:40 -0700 From: WChow@Sanyo.com Hi Leo, Good to hear from you. We checked yesterday. The flower is open and it is big. As I check the flower, I found the plant actually has 2 flower both open last night. The flower is greenish and until it is open, it is easy to miss. So I pick some pollen from one flower and puff that on the other and vice versa. That was last night. I checked this morning, the flower is still wide open. So I will repeat that process tonight if the flowers are still open. This is the Vietnamese kind. The vine is on the skinny side. My wife is a bid surprised at the size of the flower. The vine was about 12 inches long when I planted that into the ground. Now it is over 7 feet high. I had that planted next to a south facing wall. The wall is white so it reflects sunlight and provide heat during the winter. In mid summer, the wall also provide quite a bit of shade as the sun move north. I wonder if the shading is what prompt the flowering. I have not heard from Todd Abel either. Work is busy. Jason is growing fast. Regards, William mailto:WChow@Sanyo.com You said: : Hi William : : Which day do you expect that the bloom will open? I : would try to hand-pollinate with its own pollen, to : increase the chances of success. If you or any neighbor : has blooming epiphylla, I'd also collect as many different : kinds and try that as well. : : The bloom will probably open near sunset one day and close : shortly after daybreak the next. : : I haven't heard from Todd for a while. : : I may have told you that I am trying to learn to digitize : audio tape recordings of Betty's mother, who recently died, : and of my father, who is not likely to live long either. : I want to get them on CD for relatives, and am finding that : it is really hard. I spent fifteen hours a day, as I was : learning, and could spend many more such days, if I had them : as the volume level is so uneven, and some contain audio : noise, such as hum, etc. : : So I haven't been able to get much done around the yard. : : Take care, my friend. : : Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: I Want To Know About 'Plumcot' Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2003 06:29:46 -1000 From: Sonia Martinez & Anthony Mathis Aloha Leo; So sorry to hear of your recent loss and your father's troubles. Hope your life returns to normal (or closer to whatever passes for normal) very soon. I have one question and a comment: My son was speaking on phone last night with a friend who lives in San Diego. The friend asked my son if he had ever seen a fruit called 'plumcot', which is supposedly a mixture of a plum and an apricot. He said it was one of the juiciest and best tasting fruit he had ever had. We have not seen this in Hawaii and wonder if you know of it and would it grow here? We have many different climates and elevations on this island and almost anything grown anywhere else will grow here, somewhere. Also, saw the note from Judi Steinman notifying of her move to Laupahoehoe, Hawaii.....that is just 13 miles north of where we live! Sonia Martinez Culinary columnist Tropical Taste - The Hamakua Times of Honoka'a Hele Mai 'Aha 'Aina! The Hawaii Tribune-Herald of Hilo mailto:cubans.inhawaii2@verizon.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: I Want To Know About 'Plumcot' Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2003 11:27:41 -0700 To: Sonia Martinez & Anthony Mathis Hi Sonia Plumcots require more winter chill than would be available except at higher elevations in Hawaii. I would expect that they are in your grocery stores, brought in from climates where they grow, later in the summer, when they ripen. They are a hybrid of plum and apricot, some with more plum parentage and some with more apricot, giving them different looks and taste. Some are quite delicious. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Seeking tangors Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2003 10:55:54 -0800 From: Matthew Shugart Greetings. I am seeking trees or budwood for the following tangor varieties: Temple Ortanique Please contact me if you know of a source. I have tried the usual commercial sources in my area (northern San Diego County, California). Cheers. Matthew Shugart mailto:mshugart@ucsd.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Jobaticaba - Minimal Fruit Set Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 14:04:12 -0700 From: Michael Zarky Hi Leo and all, I'm wondering if people can contribute ideas to improve my jobaticaba fruit set. My tree/bush has been in the ground 12 years and is about 8' tall X 6', very thick in leaf and healthy looking. It's been giving a few fruit for at least 5 years; but at most a few dozen. It flowers profusely in the spring - there should be thousands of fruit. [it doesn't flower much at other times; this year I did get some fruit, half size, in the winter]. I was so hopeful this time, I've extended its root watering zone and mulch as it continues to grow. But NOOO, I got even fewer fruit this time. I happened to ask George Emerich about this at the Festival, as he had brought some frozen jobaticabas to share at the tasting tables (as he did in Santa Barbara, too). Did I need another variety to help with pollination as some sources indicate? He thought not and suggests that perhaps cold was a factor. I don't remember April as being cold. But my nights are quite cool here, and maybe next year I will try some covering and a light bulb at night. I'd love to have a huge crop so I can share some. So, do any of you have any different ideas? or think the temperature is my major factor? Who else is getting a good crop from their trees? Thanks, Michael Zarky mailto:mzarky@earthlink.net Moorpark, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pitaya Fruit Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2003 16:58:01 +1200 From: David & Faith I bought a pink pitahaya today. How do we eat it? Faith from New Zealand mailto:poshart@infogen.net.nz ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Tropical Fruit Poster [Leo Recommends It] Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 23:24:57 -0700 From: Oscar Leo, I thought the readers of your newsletter would be interested in this is brand new tropical fruit poster. It features the fruits of the Big Island of Hawaii and has great photos of 121 tropical fruits. The fruit names are labeled in english, latin, and even japanese. It also gives the time of harvest in Hawaii. I am now offering it for sale. The size of the poster is an extra large 37x28. You can see the poster at http://www.fruitlovers.com/posterthumb.html Let me know what you think of it. [I think it's great! -Leo] Oscar mailto:fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com Thank you, Oscar Jaitt, Fruit Lover's Nursery, http://www.fruitlovers.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: New Tropical Fruit Poster Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2003 22:45:03 -0700 From: fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com Leo, I sent one to California yesterday and it got there in one day using priority mail. But that is not guaranteed. It can take up to 3 days. The only guaranteed service is express and that is guaranteed to arrive in 2 days. But this often also gets there in one day. Could send it Fed Ex, guaranteed one day service. Now I am working on putting up a page for some seasonal cards. These are great for carrying around as they are much smaller and convenient. They are laminated and two sided. There are two cards. One for spring and summer and another for winter and fall. You can see a preview at http://www.fruitlovers.com/SeasonalCards.html Please let me know what you think of them. They were designed with chefs in mind. Oscar mailto:fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com On Fri, 13 Jun 2003 05:28:13 -0700 Leo Manuel wrote: > Hi Oscar > > I wish I had one now for our Fair which continues for > several weeks. I could get quite a few orders from > fair goers who see the poster, especially, if there is > ordering information posted. > > I will put the information in the newsletter as well. > How long do you think it would take to get one here? > > Take care, > > Leo > ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 06:01:57 +0000 From: Van Nguyen Hi there! I would like to know, how frost the dragon fruit tree can handle how many degree F and then how long, I live in the bay area, so do you think the area in Gilroy or Morgan Hill can grow them? Thank you very much for your answer Van Nguyen mailto:tinatuongvy@hotmail.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS SAN DIEGO CHAPTER JUNE 2003 NEWSLETTER --David Silverstein David Silverstein -- Chair (619) 523 8565 chair@crfgsandiego.org Paul Fisher --Vice-Chair (619) 440 2213 vicechair@crfgsandiego.org Bill Burson (858) 748-0474 treasurer@crfgsandiego.org Zhenxing Fu -- Newsletter Editor and Treasurer and Membership List Librarian (858) 587-2723 Master editor@crfgsandiego.org Barry Resetco (858) 278-3732 and Jim Neitzel (619) 262-8959 and Mike Jack Skeels (619) 465-3312 McCright (760) 940-4167 Facilities Team eventscoordinator@cfrgsandiego.org Program and Event Coordinators Paul Phillips, Secretary, (619) 670-9867 Irene Sias Greeter (619) 482-0938 Jose Gallego Webmaster and Director of National Affairs (619) 697-4417 webmaster@crfgsandiego.org ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CLASSIFIEDS Del Mar Fair! CRFG at the FARM BUREAU EXHIBIT San Diego County Fair 2003; 13 June (Fri) - 6 July (Sun) (closed all Mondays) ---- by Carol Frye Graham QUESTIONS? Phone: (858) -748-0474 or E-mail info@crfgsandiego.org WONDERFUL GARDEN TOURS. Three of our members with extensive and impressive plantings of fruits will welcome you into their gardens on June 7, 2003 to see first hand their private paradises. The following members will be welcoming you at the following times. John Verdick 12-4 p.m. 6143 Fulmar St. in San Diego 619-266-1170 Directions: 94 East from downtown to Federal Bl exit, first right on 60th St, first left on Fulmar St, to top of hill (left at fork) to 6143 Fulmar St. OR 94 West from Lemon Grove, exit at Kelton. left over freeway, left onto 94 East onramp, but exit onto Federal (do not get on freeway) and follow directions above. Paul Fisher 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 1266 Vista Del Monte Dr in El Cajon 619-670-9867 Jose Gallego 11 a.m to 1 p.m 8673 Warm Well Drive in San Diego 619-697-4417 And one last thing É If you are someone or you know anyone who is an expert in fruit drying, canning, preservation, wine making, cuisine etc, please contact me, David Silverstein. It would be nice to have a presentation on one or more of these topics at our July Bonanza meeting. Don't forget to check our website at http://www.crfgsandiego.org. June Rare Fruit Meeting: WHERE: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park WHEN: June 26 at 7 pm MEETING TOPIC: Mango Mania Month Meeting Topic Event For The Month Jun 26 Mango Mania Summer Festival and Del Mar Fair Jul 24 Fruit tasting bonanza/share Quail Garden Picnic & possible Fruit tasting Aug 28 Bananas with pup exchange Trip to Davis Germplasm Repository Sep 25 Ice Cream Social Tropical Nursery Ron HurovÕs slide Oct 23 presentation on exotic Pikake Garden tour fruiting plants Nov 21 Pruning (Kurt Peacock) and Mango tour nominations Dec 19 Annual Dinner /Elections None ------------------------------------------------ http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cactus And Succulent Journals For Sale Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 19:00:31 -0700 From: John Dicus Leo, I got this e-mail and thought you and others might be interested: As an expert on cacti and succulents, I thought you or somebody at your institution might be interested (or know somebody interested) in a current eBay auction. I live in the San Fernando Valley, and I acquired a huge collection of back issues of the Cactus and Succulent Journal covering years from 1930 to 1998. I am selling them on eBay, and the auctions end on June 17th. If you know anyone who might be interested, they can find them on the eBay auction site by searching for "Cactus and Succulent Journal." The details of the auctions are as follows: # 3526846522, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1997-1998, $4.50 # 3526848241, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1995-1996, # 3526853274, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1994, $3.00 # 3526853987, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1993, $3.00 # 3526854838, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1992, $3.00 # 3526855283, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1991, $3.00 # 3526855806, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1990, $3.00 # 3526856909, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1988-1989, $5.50 # 3526857680, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1986-1987, $6.00 # 3526858389, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1984-1985, $6.00 # 3526859343, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1982-1983, $6.00 # 3526859852, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1980-1981, $6.00 # 3526860883, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1978-1979 $5.00 # 3526863200, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1976-1977 $5.50 # 3526863965, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1974-1975 # 3526864642, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1972-1973 # 3526865135, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1970-1971 $6.00 # 3526865663, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1968-1969 $6.00 # 3526866296, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1966-1967 $6.00 # 3526868442, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1964-1965 $5.00 # 3526868853, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1962-1963 $5.00 # 3526869815, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1954-1955, 1957, $9.00 # 3526870545, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1952-1953 $5.00 # 3526871434, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1948-1949 $7.99 # 3526908179, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1942, 1944,1946, $9.99 # 3526909558, Cactus and Succulent Journal, 1930-1931, $6.00 Sincerely yours, Jeanne Leonard Encino, California John and Vickie Dicus Rivenrock Gardens www.rivenrock.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: A HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL PLANTS : A COMPLETE SOURCE BOOK Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 20:50:36 +0530 From: Books & Periodicals Agency Dear Leo Manuel We introduce ourselves as supplier of Books and Periodicals to the academic world. Our Site http:www.bpagency.com hosts a lot many titles on Medicinal plants, Herbs and allied subjects. Below listed is a new addition in our MEDICINAL PLANTS section at http://www.bpagency.com/pages/MEDICINAL.htm is as under:- ________________________________ BP-208116 Prajapati, Narayan Das, Purohit, S.S., Sharma, Arun K. and Kumar, T. : A HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL PLANTS : A COMPLETE SOURCE BOOK, pp. li + 216 + 554 + 158 + xxviii, Tables, Figures, 870 Plates (Col.), Glossary, Size 25cm. 1st Edition, 2003. $158.00 A Collector's Item CLICK HERE TO SEE COMPLETE TABLES OF CONTENTS of more than 50 pages http://www.bpagency.com/pages/medicinal.html http://www.bpagency.com/pages/plants.htm <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> None this time <><>Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/<><> From: "Scott D. Russell" Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> None this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Improved Device to Gauge Soil Erodibility Date: Mon, 09 Jun 2003 06:00:02 -0400 From: ARS News Service Watershed managers and structural engineers may benefit greatly from a soil-erodibility testing device developed by the Agricultural Research Service. The Jet Test Apparatus, developed by hydraulic engineer Gregory J. Hanson of the ARS Plant Science and Water Conservation Research Laboratory in Stillwater, Okla., applies stresses to soil beds by means of a water jet that can be pumped at various flow rates. It may become vital equipment during testing of aging, earthen flood-control structures such as dams and dykes, as well as in ARS efforts to understand, predict and control soil erosion and sedimentation within the nation's streams and lakes. The device already has been used in cooperative research of stream bank stability with the ARS Sedimentation Laboratory in Oxford, Miss. The apparatus allows users to measure resistance to erosion in cohesive soils by analyzing the portion of the soil bed scoured by the jet stream in relation to the hydraulic stress placed upon the surface. The water-jet test is simple, quick and relatively inexpensive, and can be used under field and laboratory conditions, according to Hanson. In addition, it produces coefficients that can be used in common equations fed into computer models to forecast future erosion. Hanson works in the Stillwater laboratory's Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. Originally, the jet-test device, patented in 1993, only differentiated soil materials in earthen auxiliary spillways on dams. But recent modifications also allow it to characterize streambed and stream bank materials. The new version is also smaller and faster than the original. The device can be set up at different angles, including vertical ones, and move soil ranging in consistency from fine sand to hard clays. It has worked in streambeds at depths up to three feet. It can also be used on soils away from waterways, if a water source is provided. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Bait for Fire Ants Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 07:15:27 -0400 From: ARS News Service Fine--but deadly--dining awaits pesky ants that sample a new bait gel formulation developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists and a cooperating company. Waterbury Companies, Inc. will sell the new bait gel as Drax NutraBait later this month pending Environmental Protection Agency registration on its use for odorous house-, pavement-, pharaoh-, little black-, ghost-, Argentine-, carpenter- and crazy ants. ARS and Waterbury recently applied for a joint patent on the bait gel formulation since it is eaten by fire ants-a first for such products, according to Guadalupe Rojas, an entomologist at ARS' Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) in New Orleans, LA. Rojas and ARS entomologist Juan Morales-Ramos began working on the new formulation there about three years ago to lure the tiny, stinging pests away from bait traps intended to kill Formosan subterranean termites. Both pests are targets of large-scale ARS research and control projects in the Southeast. Under a cooperative agreement signed in 2002, Waterbury researchers Ligia Hernandez and Jonathan Peters collaborated with the ARS entomologists to refine and adapt the formulation to Waterbury's bait gel specifications. Waterbury indicates it has supplied experimental use samples to university scientists for independent testing in side-by-side comparisons with other products. ARS' bait gel tests include ongoing, areawide trials at four fire ant-infested sites: ARS-SRRC; the ARS U.S. Small Fruits Research Unit in Poplarville, Miss.; a residential neighborhood in Poplarville; and the Mississippi State University Experiment Station. Observing and chemically analyzing what the pest likes to eat at different times of the year was critical to the entomologists' development of the bait formulation, which comprises a specific mixture of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The final product is a weather-resistant, yellow gel that the ants will eat year-round and that can be squeezed onto both flat and vertical surfaces. It contains 5 percent boric acid, which, in tests, killed fire ant colonies in two months or less, depending on their size and the season. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200306B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - July 1, 2003 - AKA RFN200307A.txt __________________________________________________________ -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Georgia: Avocado & Fig Question Tiffaney New Subscriber, San Jose, Wants Ylang Ylang Santosh Bhattacharyya <><><> Readers Write <><><> Prickley-Pear Cactus Disease Question John Dicus RE: Seeking Tangors Sven Merten Bergamot orange plant source junderwoodz@attbi.com Farmer's market fruits junderwoodz@attbi.com Re: Interesting plant at the fair Leo Manuel lavern34@iwon.com Passionfruit Pollen jms59 rcantor@worldnet.att.net FW: Looking for seeds of columnar cactus and Monstera "Lon J. Rombough" "Amber Armstrong" Pitahaya Fruit Information Wanted - Florida Resident Larry Johnson Re: H. monocanthus - Grown Commercially? Yosef Mizrahi Brad Hunter Capulin Cherry Todd Abel What's Chewing My Pineapple Guava? Todd Floyd Jaboticaba Eunice Messner mzarky@earthlink.net My Recently Acquired Female Gingko Tree diana law Re: Cherries "David Silverstein" mrenshaw@alxnsd.com Nutrients To Encourage Fig Ripening? Robert Cantor Fruit! Estelle Haviland Newsletter Margaret Rohde FWD: George Emerich On Cherimoya Leo Manuel margaret@ecologycenter.org Guarana Question - Grow In California? Erik Adams Re: George Emerich On Cherimoya Margaret Rohde From Hawaii To Colorodo - What Fruit To Grow There? Denese Sam Ladoo Mango - Thailand - Heard Of It? Joseph Berry <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> Invitation to Seminar and Second General Assembly Saiful Nazri Hamid Ghul Rare Fruits of Africa Bilal Robinson http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> None, this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Bird Barrier Cuts Catfish Plundering ARS News Service Again, No-Till Proves Its Worth ARS News Service Erosion Lab Looks Forward--and Back ARS News Service Flea Beetle Could Target Thistle Weed ARS News Service <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Georgia: Avocado & Fig Question Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 18:41:57 -0400 From: Tiffaney Hello! My name is Tiffaney and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently growing: dwarf Julie mango, artichokes, kumquats, orange, lemon, lime, calmodian, dwarf banana, white sapote, celeste fig, petite negra fig, pineapple, dwarf pomgrante, dwarf pear, dwarf apple, akebia, dwarf avocado, and passionfruit vine. I am fascinated by successfully growing tropical fruit in Georgia. I want to grow a jabotica, dragonfruit, strawberry tree, tamarillo, and the black olive tree (recently ordered). I have two questions: 1) What should I do with an mexican avocado plant that has no leaves but does have a green stalk? Is this plant worth saving? 2) My dwarf petite fig has green knobs but will not sprout. What can I do to enhance growth? Tiffaney mailto:tiffaneyaka@comcast.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, San Jose, Wants Ylang Ylang Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 11:51:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Santosh Bhattacharyya Hi, My real name is Santosh. I live in San Jose, CA. I am into fragrant plants and not so much fruits. I hope you could help. I am looking for a mature (flowering) ylang ylang (either artabotryes or cananga) plant. I could not find anybody in CA who sells them. I got many of them in FL but none are certified to ship. I will appreciate if you could provide any pointer in this regard. Thanks in advance for your help. Also a type if Mango we used to grow in West Bengal, India, the name is "Him-Sagar". I am here in US for last 14 years and I still miss it every Summer. I do not think anybody here would grow this though.... Regards Santosh mailto:bsantosh@yahoo.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Prickley-Pear Cactus Disease Question Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2003 05:30:05 -0700 From: John Dicus Hello Leo, I received the following e-mail from a person in a neighboring town. I don't know the answer to his query, and thought you may have an idea. I have two prickley pear cactus plants I use for home consumption of paddles (nopales) and the pear (tunas) but lately plant produce has been seriously affected by some disease/pest. The result is that new bud growth dries up soon after emerging and those paddles that do survive become shriveled and bent and have gray discoloration in almost the entire paddle. As the paddle grows it becomes more shriveled and some times develops holes or appears that some thing has taken a bite of it. I live in Paso Robles where conditions are hot and dry so I don't believe the problem stems from weather conditions. I seldom if ever water the plant and do so only in very hot dry spells. If you have any idea of possible causes and solutions please email your comments to me. John Dicus mailto:rivenrock@thegrid.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Seeking tangors Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 06:42:49 -0700 From: Sven Merten Hi Matthew, You can get most of what you want here: http://ccpp.ucr.edu/budwood.html I just got Ortanique in January. I still have the budwood in the fridge. It is pretty old, but still looks like it would work. Temple I have grafted onto one of my other trees, but I don't know if it is big enough to take wood from. Jim Bathgate has mature temple trees. I also have Dweet and Koster tangor and Orlando Tangelo bud wood if you are interested. I did successfully bud at least 2 trees of each of these, so I will have better bud wood next year. I think you could probably get most of them to take. Regards, Sven Merten mailto:scoutdog@pacbell.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Seeking tangors Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2003 10:55:54 -0800 From: Matthew Shugart Greetings. I am seeking trees or budwood for the following tangor varieties: Temple Ortanique Please contact me if you know of a source. I have tried the usual commercial sources in my area (northern San Diego County, California). Cheers. Matthew Shugart mailto:mshugart@ucsd.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bergamot orange plant source Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 15:35:54 +0000 From: junderwoodz@attbi.com Hi Leo, Following is the email I sent to Wendy in response to her request for info on Bergamot oranges. Joe mailto:junderwoodz@attbi.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% http://www.reads-nursery.co.uk/catalogue/oranges__Bitter_Oranges__Reads_Nursery_Norfolk__plants__trees__self_catering__holiday_cottage.htm Hi Wendy, I did a brief websearch and found the above website for bergamot orange plants. I do not know what problems you would have importing them into the US. You may wish to paste the above website into your word processor to get rid of any line returns. If you still have problems you might reduce the font size to get the entire address on one line. Finally, if you still have problems use the following website; open up citrus section; orange section; and then bitter orange section. http://www.reads-nursery.co.uk A search engine you may find useful (I used it to find the bergamot orange source. I used 'advanced search' with topic "bergamot orange plant".) is: http://dogpile.com My citrus planting includes Valencia orange, Robertson orange, Washington orange, Moro orange, pink lemonade, improved Meyer lemon (2), Mexican lime, Bearss lime, Sanguinelli orange, tangelo (2), star ruby grapefruit, Kaffir lime (still in pot), Vietnamese pommelo (2), kumquat, Eureka lemon. Other fruit grown: papaya (3, 2 producing, another 4 in pots), hachiya persimmon, wonderful pomegranite, loquat, apricot (2), Cavendish banana, ladyfinger banana, icecream banana, Phillipine banana, blood-leaf banana, Vietnamese banana (flower bud also eaten), peach (2, one ripens around Mother's day), asian pear (2), cherimoya (2), Suebelle sapota (~ 35 feet high), fig (white, very sweet, rampant grower - 8 --> 15 feet in one year), avocado (8, 7 producing), mango (2, another 5 in pots), Vietnamese guava (1-white, fragrant, soft; 3 unknown Vienamese guavas in pots), Stark Saturn peach (in pot), pineapple (60+, all in pots, 1 producing). Various and sundry other seedling plants are still in pots. Lichees sprouted, rambutan, durian, and longan did not. Pitahaya and epiphyllum (many, have not eaten fruit). Nuts: Beaumont macademia (~ 40 feet high), all-in-one almond. I live in Orange county, CA. Joe Underwood mailto:junderwoodz@attbi.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Farmer's market fruits Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 15:39:18 +0000 From: junderwoodz@attbi.com Hi Leo, Following is the email I sent to Diana concerning potential Farmer's Market fruits. Nothing original or different, just my perspective. Joe mailto:junderwoodz@attbi.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Diana, Have you considered asian pears? They do require spraying (at least mine do as otherwise they have excess protein (small worms)). Did you buy 'named variety' cherimoyas? I tasted white cherimoyas from the Moorpark area last year. The large fruit really looked great but was insipid. My cherimoyas are smaller than I often see in the market but taste much better. There were at least five different people selling cherimoyas at the UCI market and three groups at the Tustin market last month. I plan to graft better varieties on my plants this fall and next spring. Twenty years ago I hand polinated my cherimoyas but no longer do so as I get enough fruit for our needs from migrant insects. I sampled a good loquat two weeks ago at the UCI Farmer's Market (open Saturday mornings). The man was selling small plants for $10. each). Fruit I sampled had only one seed. I think my loquat tastes as good but it has more seeds. Papayas might be a good crop for you as papayas grow well in this area and I haven't seen them at Farmer's Markets. Joe Underwood mailto:junderwoodz@attbi.com Orange county, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Interesting plant at the fair Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 20:17:03 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: lavern34@iwon.com Hi Bill I don't have that one because it has rather nasty thorns, and is invasive, unless diligently controlled. There are thornless ones that are also quite good, and nicer to be near. Such as Arapaho, Navaho, Triple Crown, and others. Leo William Ehrler wrote: My wife and I went to the San Diego Fair on opening day : this year. The rare fruit growers club had an : interesting exhibit. I was really impressed with the : tropical blackberry that was being handed out for : tasting; the fruit was large and very tasty. Do you : grow any plants of this variety? : : Bill mailto:lavern34@iwon.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Passionfruit Pollen Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 21:02:18 -0700 From: jms59 To: rcantor@worldnet.att.net Dear Robert and List, I keep a few plants of Passiflora caerulea around for pollination purposes. They bloom for a longer period than most other passifloras in my climate and seem to be compatible with most of the fruiting varieties that I have at the moment. If you do get one, I would keep it potted or contained in some way as it root suckers very well. James mailto:jms59@csufresno.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FW: Looking for seeds of columnar cactus and Monstera Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 12:40:47 -0700 From: "Lon J. Rombough" From: "Amber Armstrong" I'm wondering if anyone would happen to have seeds of the following plants (or know where they can be had) Cereus Peruvianus Mill., Cereus repandus(Peruvian Apple Cactus) Cereus peruvianus L., Cereus hildmannianus (Queen of the Night) Monstera Deliciosa - Split Leaf Philodendron Thanks Amber ----- Alabama ---- mailto:missbanji@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pitahaya Fruit Information Wanted - Florida Resident Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 06:48:41 -0500 From: Miguel Please give me some more info on the fruit, and where i can purcase some seeds or the plants. I currently live in Ft Lauderdale Florida, and think the climate is comparable to vietnam, that is where i first savored the fruit. Thanks Miguel mailto:Larry.Johnson@wnco.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: H. monocanthus - Grown Commercially? Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 16:33:38 +0300 From: Yosef Mizrahi To: Brad Hunter Dear Leo, Sorry, but this time I simply know nothing. I did not hear about this species and hence do not have it and can not make any furhther comment. Wish you all the best, Yours, Yossi mailto:mizrahi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il > > From: Leo Manuel > Date: 2003/06/18 ‹ PM 03:36:47 GMT+03:00 > To: "Mizrahi, Yossi" > CC: Brad Hunter > Subject: H. monocanthus - Grown Commercially? > > Dear Professor Mizrahi, > > > I recently received a letter with the following request > for information from Brad Hunter mailto:rottensquid@yahoo.com > If anyone knows about the commercial possibilities of various > pitaya, I am sure it is you. I appreciate your help. > > I recently posted about finding H. monocanthus. It appears > to be a good pollinator and has set fruit on it too although > I think it's small. Does anyone know how monocanthus tastes. > It's apparently red fleshed. All I know is from Ulf's > pictures. It's a small triangular cactus with 1-3 small > spines. The pink in the middle of the flower is awesome. The > stigma lobes are forked. > > > Leo Manuel, San Diego Professor Yosef Mizrahi mailto:mizrahi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il Dept of Life Sciences and the Institutes for Applied Research, Ben-Gurion Univ http://www.bgu.ac.il/life/mizrahi.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Capulin Cherry Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 20:03:33 -0700 From: Todd Abel Leo, Life has been a blur lately! We are enjoying some excellent Capulin Cherries (Huache Grande). I am saving the seeds for the CRFG seedbank, but they don't seem to want to come real clean. I recall you wanted some scion wood, when is the best time? My Babcock Peach still does not have leaves, but has fruit. Why so slow? I know the chill was low, but not that low. My Red Banana has 2leaves and a pup already, cool. I think I have the Banana thing down. Bag of chicken manure and bark mulch on a slightly raised mound seems to work very well. Papaya is still eluding perfection as I had a few years ago. and Mango, well I am close to giving up on Mangoes. I threw away my Manila Mango last year as I could not watch the branch die back from advanced Anthracnose. Space is critical at my house, and things that don't look good, don't last. I have a good Mango from seed (polyem). It grew great last year an fro 3yrs before, but has yet to push a single leaf this year. Why? I fear my patience will not last with this Mango either, and then no hope for Mango at the house. The Wax Jambu is growing better than that Mango! Thrips attacking Bulb garden. Any advice? I agree with the end article this week, as Boric Acid has been able to keep the ants in check. Todd Abel mailto:table@socal.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What's Chewing On My Pineapple Guava? Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 19:37:36 +0000 From: Todd Floyd Hello, My name is Todd Floyd. I live in Vista, California. Fruit trees I am now growing include plum, avocado, satsuma, tropical blackberry, two types of orange, oro blanco grapefruit, mango, pineapple guava, and strawberry guava. I would like to grow starfuit adn pineapple. something is eating throught the petiole of my pineapple guava tree which kills my flower. It also leaves a serrated looking edge on some of the leaves. Do you have any idea what is going on and how can I prevent it from happening again next year? Thank you Todd Floyd mailto:toddfloyd@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Jaboticaba Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2003 09:31:34 -0700 (PDT) From: Eunice Messner To: mzarky@earthlink.net Michael If you don't already know it, jaboticabas like lots of water and an acid fertilizer. They also like to be an understory tree or maybe crowded by neigboring trees. Jaboticabas can be very slow growing. I started mine in a huge pot with pure peatmoss only and it really grew well. I then planted it out but it has been years and still no fruit. Probably it could use more mulch and more frequent fertilization then I get around to giving it. Eunice Messner mailto:eunicemessner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Recently Acquired Female Gingko Tree Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2003 18:47:29 -0700 From: diana law Hey, Leo, I have a female gingko that I bought from Raintree Nurseries out of Oregon, I don't know if they'd be a source of budwood or info on propagating. What I bought was cultivar Salem Lady, and of course I bought a male too. They seem to grow pretty slowly, in pots anyway. I also got kafir lime from them and camilla sinensis. Most of their stuff is pretty "normal" but they do have some interesting things, too. www.raintreenursery.com Diana mailto:dianalaw@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Cherries Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 23:37:13 -0700 From: "David Silverstein" To: mrenshaw@alxnsd.com Mark: I'll tell you what I know. I'm also copying Leo Manuel so that he can include your inquiry in his widely circulated e-mail newsletter. Take a look through his archives at http://www.rarefruit.com/ . I can't really tell you much about the climate in your area. I can tell you that micro climate is very important in this area. You might have a good cold spot on your property that gets significantly more chill than the average for your neighborhood. That said, I have not heard good news about cherry growing around here. I don't even hear about people up in Julian growing cherries, but maybe I just haven't heard. As to the other fruits you mention, they grow well here. I have not tasted the cherry of the Rio Grande, so I'll reserve judgment on it. But I'm told it is good and cherry like, but not as good as a really good Bing. Of course the low chill cherry varieties Dave Wilson brought out to Walter Anderson were not as good as Bings that were at Vons in the same time frame. The capulin cherry tree grows very big and vigorous around here. There is a lot of seedling variation too, both in the fruit and in the tasters. I love the "cherries". They are very cherry like. But they have varying amounts of astingent components and slight muskiness that some people detest. They also have a high seed to flesh ratio compared to popular cherry cultivars. But I do not compare them to that. I grew up in the midwest eating good cultivated cherries, but I also foraged all manner of wild and feral seedling cherries that grew everywhere. Some of these wild or feral ones were bitter or astringent to the point of being inedible. But the very best of them were something like the capulins. In fact the best capulins are probably bigger, sweeter, milder, and have more flesh compared to seed than any of the wild or feral cherries I remember. So in this light, the capulin cherry is an excellent cherry with more character than cultivated regular cherries. Its characteristics also suggest that it could be improved to the point where it would rival good cultivated cherries. There is another somewhat cherry like fruit that does very well around here. Its the Pitanga or Surinam Cherry. Take a look at it in the CRFG website fruit facts. A lot of people are very fond of it. I'm definitely not one of them. I'd describe them as having "off" flavors rather than character. But again, the best thing to do is give them a try. You should stop into our San Diego chapter meeting this Thursday at 7:00 in Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. Our topic will be mango growing. But our tasting table is likely to have capulin cherries and pitangas. I hope this helps. David Silverstein mailto:david.crfg-sd@cox.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Renshaw" To: Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 6:18 PM Subject: Cherries : Hi, : : I was wondering if anyone in your organization has : tried to grow cherries ? I live in Rancho Penasquitos, : i.e. not far from you. I was at a recent fruit tasting : at Walter Anderson Nursery in Poway for Dave Wilson : Nursery products, and they were saying that they have : re-rated the chill hours for certian sweet cherries: : Lapins, Royal Ranier and Craigs Crimson to be exact, to : be about 500 chill hours. So I was wondering if anyone : in your chapter has tried growing cherries ???? I have : a grafted Pluot tree in my yard and get Dapple Dandy : and Flavor king Pluots, some Flavor Queen and few : Flavor Supreme pluots. So I'm guessing that the chill : hours in my area are in the low 500's. Do you have : better info on that ? Has anyone in you organization : tried growing something called a Capulin Cherry or : Cherry of the Rio Grande ? I have read a little about : these fruits and it seems like they would grow ok. But : I was wondering how cherry like they really are. Do : they really taste anything like a Bing or Ranier type : cherry? : : Thanks for your time !!! : : Sincerely, Mark Renshaw ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Nutrients To Encourage Fig Ripening? Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 15:22:22 -0500 From: Robert Cantor All my figs came out of dormancy, produced a few early figs and none of them ripened. As these big figs hang there, new little figs are developing for the fall. Anything I can give my figs to help them ripen? Bob C. mailto:rcantor@att.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit In England - Where To Buy? Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 08:36:28 +0100 From: Estelle Haviland Hi there! I found your website whilst surfing for information about dragon fruit. I live in England, and I've never seen any of these wonderful fruits. My husband and I are pretty much 90% of our diet is fruit, and we'd love to get our hands on some of these amazing exotic fruits. Can you offer me any advice or information as to how to get hold of the fruit, seeds, or whatever. We have no garden, so would have to grow things indoors. In England it's like this - I was shopping the other day, and saw persimmons for sale and that was VERY rare and unusual. I think myself lucky to find papaya in the shops, and they cost a fortune... You get the idea. Anyway, any information would be VERY greatly appreciated. Thanks, Estelle Haviland mailto:HavilandE@IrwinMitchell ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cherimoya Near S.F. Bay - Possible? Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 10:53:25 -0700 From: Margaret Rohde Hi my name is Margaret Rohde, my address is 2314 - 7th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 There is 17 fruit trees in my back yard. They are Asian pears, Bartlett pears,orange, fuji apple, cherry, grapes, loquat, chinese apricots, blenheim apricots, figs, plums, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry. I live few blocks from the bay, can I grow Cherimoya? Thanks Margaret Rohde mailto:margaret@ecologycenter.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: George Emerich On Cherimoya Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 13:37:31 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: margaret@ecologycenter.org If it is essentially frost-free in that area which is possible, it would be worth the try. The probability of some success is probably over 50%. I once lived in the 2300 block up the hill from her about 65 years ago and I think we got some frost. George Leo Manuel wrote: > Margaret Rohde wrote: > > > > Hi my name is Margaret Rohde, my address is 2314 - > > 7th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 > > > > > > I live few blocks from the bay, can I grow Cherimoya? > > > > Thanks > > > > Margaret Rohde mailto:margaret@ecologycenter.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Guarana Question Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 14:06:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Erik Adams Hello Leo, This is Erik from the Mesa (College) LRC. I was wondering if you at rarefruit.com know if guarana (from Brazil) grows in San Diego climates? If so, where could one go about buying the seeds for these delicious red berries? In limited quantities, the extracts of these fruits can be experienced in SoBe Energy or the Brazilian soda "Antarctica Guarana", but I have not seen these fruits in the mainstream supermarkets. I found a Web site, http://www.guarana.com/ that is quite resourceful but some of the material is a few years old. I was hoping that you might have a little more current information on the topic. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Erik Adams mailto:eadams@wahoo.sjsu.edu Subject: Re: George Emerich On Cherimoya Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 14:07:06 -0700 From: Margaret Rohde Thanks for answering my email. I might gets one or two night of light frost each year. Where can I purchase a cherimoya tree and a white nectarine (artic star)? Do cherimoya tree needs strong full sun? Thanks Margaret Rohde mailto:margaret@ecologycenter.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: From Hawaii To Colorodo - What Fruit To Grow There? Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 22:30:27 -0400 (EDT) From: Denise Leo, I have a cousin that moved from Hawaii to Colorado. He wants to grow some fruit trees at his new place except the neighbors say he can't because of the wind and altitude of 7,000ft. Do you know of any fruit trees that would grow under those conditions? I would appreciate any help you can give him. He is use to picking fresh fruit from his trees back in Hawaii. Meanwhile my Pluots are ready to pick in the next week or so depending on weather of course. The solo papayas have been very tasty. So far 6 had ripened in the last month. Take care, Denise mailto:Dmshuck@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sam Ladoo Mango - Thailand - Heard Of It? Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2003 19:21:47 +0700 From: Joseph Berry Hi leo, Took some photo's of the last of our Maha chanok they don't look to good as we are now into the rain season and there seems to be some kind of mildew on them. They will sell here as the inside fruit isn't affected. I've taken the photo with a rule along side so you can see the size. Wnen we were at the market last week I saw some small mangoes whose colouring was similar to the maha chanok. On asking about them I was told they are called SAM LADOO which means they fruit 3 times in one year. Have you heard of these. They are very sweet but for my taste I like the maha chanok. You asked about the doctors here and they are not much good. When my brother in law went to the hospital with meningitis they gave him a handful of panadol and told him to come back when he ran out. I also took photos of the Sam Ladoo, they won't be ready until I finish using all the film Hope you are well Regards Joe mailto:intara97@cscoms.com <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><><><><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><><><><><> Subject: Invitation to Seminar and Second General Assembly Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 15:53:24 +0800 From: Saiful Nazri Hamid Ghul Greetings from International Tropical s Network (TFNet)! We are pleased to inform you that we have reduced the registration fees for the International Seminar on Post Harvest Handling and Processing of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits for participants from developing countries and NGOs by 25% ! For the Seminar alone, the new rate is USD 150 For the Seminar and General Assembly, the new rate is USD 190 The Seminar registration fees include morning and afternoon teas and lunch, as well as a seminar bag. At the same time, there are new lower rates for accomodation at the Istana Hotel, the venue of the Seminar and General Assembly. Arrangements have also been made for special fares from Malaysia Airlines for Seminar participants. To find out the latest about the Semninar papers, registration fees, accomodation and special fares, visit our webpage (attached). We thank you once again for your support. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare Fruits of Africa Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 13:24:35 +0100 From: Bilal Robinson Dear Sir/madam: I am Dr. Bilal Robinson an African American resident of the Gambia. We are growing and specializing in rare African fruits and juices. Our cashew apples were on sale this year in NYC for the first time. We also sell the baobab fruit, Kaaba a lemon/lime rarity, veludo, faroba and Ditta. We would appreciate contacts with your markets and sales reps. we have samples available: our web site is www.secretsofafrica.com we look forward to future contacts with your venture and welcome. Yours truly, Dr. Bilal Robinson mailto:drbr2002@gamtel.gm ------------------------------------------------ http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><><><><><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><><><><><><> None this time <><><> NAFEX List From: nafex-request@lists.ibiblio.org <><><> None this time <><>Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/<><> From: "Scott D. Russell" Bot-Linx List http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/ None this time <><> [rarefruit] List - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rarefruit <><> None this time <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Bird Barrier Cuts Catfish Plundering Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 06:20:21 -0400 From: ARS News Service Twine serves as the basis for a low-tech solution to a growing problem for aquaculture in the Mississippi River Delta. Double-crested cormorants, commonly called water turkeys, are migratory birds that winter in the Delta region. They feed on channel catfish fingerlings in farm ponds, typically from September to mid-April, and sometimes longer. The Agricultural Research Service wants to help reduce cormorant damage by dispersing their populations away from areas of high catfish production. Andy Radomski, a wildlife biologist at the ARS Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center in Arkansas, developed a barrier by stringing twine at 30-meter intervals (about 100 feet) across ponds. He estimates a three-person crew can manually complete a 15-acre pond in about three hours. The material cost ranges from $20 to $80 per 15-acre pond. The twine must be tied to posts so that it remains at least three feet above the water in the middle of the pond. If the string is too close to the water, the birds are more likely to still land. Only 2.3 birds an hour on average were counted on ponds where the technique was tested, compared with 10.6 birds on control ponds. The technique initially decreases the number of cormorants landing on a pond, and then additional cormorants are less likely to land because they seek safety in numbers. Aquaculturalists claim cormorant depredation as their biggest wildlife problem. Besides eating fingerlings, the birds also injure catfish, disturb their feeding patterns and potentially carry diseases. Although their populations were once threatened, cormorant numbers in the Delta have steadily risen, nearly tripling during the past decade alone. They fly from nearby roost trees, land on ponds and periodically dive for young catfish. Each bird can consume 1-1.5 pounds of catfish a day. The technique is easy to use and maintain, nonlethal, and cost-efficient, though it would not deter all fish-eating birds, according to Radomski. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Again, No-Till Proves Its Worth Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 09:27:55 -0400 From: ARS News Service No-till farming can help farmers increase yields, diversify crops and reduce soil erosion, according to a new, 12-year, Agricultural Research Service and Colorado State University (CSU) study that once again shows the effectiveness of this farming system. The ARS Great Plains Systems Research Unit and CSU, both based in Fort Collins, Colo., have shown that farmers on the Northern Great Plains can increase their yields by switching to no-till farming using three- and four-year rotations. That's compared to the traditional method of tilling the soil, then using two-year rotations of wheat the first year and then not growing crops--in other words, leaving the ground fallow--the second year. Using no-till experiments on three cooperators' farms in three diverse climate zones, the researchers found the best rotation is to grow wheat one year, corn the following (or sorghum in warmer areas), and then use no-till fallow the third year. Also successful is a four-year rotation of wheat, corn (or sorghum), millet and then leaving the land fallow the fourth year. The research has found that grain production can go up by as much as 70 percent in the three- and four-year systems, and it can increase profit by 25 to 40 percent over the traditional wheat-fallow model. Similar results were found at ARS' Central Great Plains Research Station in Akron, Colo. Scientists there work closely with the Fort Collins researchers. Often, scientists have also found that farmers need not leave their land fallow, but can plant corn, sorghum, millet or forage if soil moisture in the spring is good and the forecast for summer rainfall is average or above. Rain can be scarce in Colorado, but no-till helps capture precipitation and retain the moisture in the soil better than traditional farming. That's the primary reason for the increased yields. Also, soil organic matter levels have risen significantly and soil erosion has been cut down, thanks to no-till farming. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Erosion Lab Looks Forward--and Back Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 09:21:41 -0400 From: ARS News Service Erosion prediction technology is moving ahead as rapidly as computer technology. This rapid rate of change stood out recently as the Agricultural Research Service's National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory in West Lafayette, Ind., celebrated the 38th birthday of the first nationwide soil erosion-prediction equation. At about the same time, the laboratory released its latest update of a new erosion-prediction mapping interface software called GeoWEPP. The software links the lab's newest generation erosion-prediction model, WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project), to the latest computer tools for mapping landscapes. GeoWEPP can download and use digital elevation data that is publicly available over the Internet, automatically delineate watershed characteristics, run WEPP model simulations and spatially display the results. GeoWEPP was developed by ARS, Purdue University at West Lafayette and the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. ARS agricultural engineer Dennis Flanagan, at West Lafayette, and colleagues are developing Web-based approaches that will be easier to use and will not require expensive mapping software. WEPP software is sophisticated, state-of-the-art technology that mimics water and erosion processes on crop-, range- and forest lands across small watersheds. WEPP is meant to replace earlier erosion-prediction technologies such as the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), first published by ARS scientists at West Lafayette in 1965. In 1995, a nationwide team of ARS scientists first publicly released WEPP in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management. WEPP software is updated about once a year. Recent additions include a stand-alone Windows interface and a prototype Web-based interface. WEPP software developed by ARS is available via the National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory's web page at: http://topsoil.nserl.purdue.edu/nserlweb/weppmain ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Flea Beetle Could Target Thistle Weed Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 08:33:37 -0400 From: ARS News Service Agricultural Research Service scientists are identifying the distinguishing traits of a flea beetle that researchers overseas believe is a useful enemy of the invasive weed called yellow starthistle. Scientists at the Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency in Rome and the Russian Academy of Sciences' Zoological Institute in St. Petersburg, working with the ARS European Biological Control Laboratory in Montpellier, France, found that the insect, Psylliodes chalcomerus Illiger, seems to have an appetite for yellow starthistle's roots, stems and leaves. All previously known insect enemies of the weed attack its flowerheads. However, only a specific population of P. chalcomerus was found to be effective. It's vital that the insect's correct identity be verified, not only to assure that the right insect is used to control the weed, but also to determine if this beetle might constitute a new, previously unrecognized species. So the European scientists sent samples of it to insect identification specialists at the ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory in Washington, D.C. There, entomologist Alexander Konstantinov, a world expert on this group of beetles, is comparing the specimens with insects in the National Collection of the Smithsonian Institution, where his lab is located. Yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis, probably costs the nation's livestock and forage crop industries millions of dollars each year. It supplants valuable grazing areas and is toxic to horses, causing a fatal illness known as chewing disease. Accidentally introduced into California during the mid-19th Century in alfalfa seed shipments, yellow starthistle can now be found in 28 states and most of southern Canada. It also causes economic distress in Chile, Australia and South Africa. Once established, it is spread mostly through human activity. Some seeds of the host plants used in the European studies were obtained from the ARS Western Regional Research Center's Exotic Invasive Weeds Research Unit in Albany, Calif. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200307A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - July 15, 2003 - AKA RFN200307B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> 'Tomoc' (Phillipine Banana) Fruit is delicious, but may ripen faster than most, after bunch is cut. I may have cut it later than I should have. A very few were turning yellow. Each of those turning yellow were almost over-ripe inside. I've only eaten three or four of the very large bunch. Pitaya Bloom Calendar - So far there have been more than one dozen blooms, and the pattern of red-flesh cultivars preceeding the Hylocereus undatus continues, but there are now some very small flower buds of H. undatus forming, so they will come later. It's interesting, but it causes problems of pollination, when several H. polyrhizus bloom before any other kind. I have had blooms open on H. polyrhizus from at least four different sources, five on one of Paul Thomson's excellent hybrids 8-S (five perched like birds on one branch and close together), and one equally excellent hybrids 5-S had one bloom open. Mango Grafts - It's interesting that some varieties seem to "take" much more readily than others. There are many variables, but one that seemed reluctant to grow came from a Villa Se–or tree that seemed to be needing water. However, one that grew more willingly was mailed to me and there was quite a time lag between the time it was mailed and the time I put it on the trees. It was "R2E2" (ĄR2T2?) that has an excellent reputation. Tell us of your grafting successes, failures, and lessons learned. We learn from your examples. San Diego North County Chapter CRFG August Meeting changed to August 22, 2003 at Mira Costa College. -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Lisbon, Portugal Gon¨alo Bordado New Subscriber, Lemon Grove, CA, With Young Trees Bass Jay New Subscriber, Pasadena, CA Joel Johnson <><><> Readers Write <><><> The Star Apple Charles Robinson Dragon fruit question Kevin Terrell Maha Mango HMHausman@aol.com intara97@cscoms.com Re: Maha Mango Leo Manuel HMHausman@aol.com Re: Maha Mango HMHausman@aol.com Tropical Blackberries Eunice Messner lavern34@iwon.com Breba Figs Bert Dunn rcantor@att.net Re: San Pietra Fig Questions & Thornless Boysenberry "david.crfg-sd" Calm@aol.com Re: Maha Mango Joseph Berry HMHausman@aol.com Re: San Pietra Fig Questions & Thornless Boysenberry Calm@aol.com david.crfg-sd@cox.net Thornless Boysenberry Calm@aol.com Selenicerius grandiflorus Cactus Stems Wanted Sue-external Bananas - Update & For Sale At My Home Jon Verdick Cherimoya Margaret Rohde Please Help Identify Iranian Fruit Tree In Canada Graham AW Duke Fire Blight Jon Verdick Dragon Fruit - Is It Ready To Eat When Bought At Market? Laurie A Saving Institutional Memory Jon Verdick Cereus Peruvianus michael.youman@agric.nsw.gov.au Cardamom - Grow From Seed? Done It? Holly <><> Mailbag of Sainarong Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th <><> None, this time <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> For Rent-Oceanside House With Many Fruiting Trees "McCright, Michael CWO" Sell Me Exotic Fruit For Making Wine. Mariah Lawson Your suggestions requested on LESSER KNOWN FRUITS "Dr. Chiranjit Parmar" http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html for information about all CRFG chapters. <><><> Zingiber List (Bananas, Gingers) <><><> None, this time <><><> NAFEX List <><><> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex Archives at http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/nafex None, this time <><>Bot-Linx List <> From: "Scott D. Russell" None, this time <><><> From "rarefruit list" - rarefruit@yahoogroups.com <><><> Lychee: Emperor (Pictures!) The Thaumaturgist Fire Ants "Warren Condon" Re: Fire Ants Island Jim RE: Fire Ants "Erica Lynne" Seeds of PHALSA(Grewia asiarica) and BAEL(AEGLE MARMELOS). "Dr. Chiranjit Parmar" Re: Ice Cream Mango Console G4 Re: Mangos not setting in wet areas Console G4 Fruit Farm For Sale In Costa Rica "alegria_del_colibri" Rats/Birds "MMaguire" RE: Fire Ants Michael Nave Re: Fire Ants "tabbydan" Re: Rats/Birds "tabbydan" Theobroma "tabbydan" Re: Fire Ants "mcgiverin" Re: Fire Ants knetb@aol.com Re: Fire Ants knetb@aol.com Re: Rats/Birds Console G4 Re: Fire Ants "brbrunner" Re: Fire Ants powerssg@aol.com <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Lisbon, Portugal Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2003 03:25:55 +0100 From: Gon¨alo Bordado My name is Gon¨alo Bordado, and I live in Portugal near the sea, near Lisbon. Fruit trees I am now growing are Fig tree, Almond tree, plum tree, orange tree, lemon tree, Loquat tree,Tamarilho (Cyphomandra betacea), Opuntia, Passiflora edulis, Arbutus unedo,Ginkgo, Annona, Juglans regia. More uncomon trees - Feijoa Sellowiana, Avocado tree, Physalis, Butia capitata, 1,5 mt tall Mango (Tommy Atkins), Pitanga, 20 cm tall Jackfruit tree, Acerola (Malpighia glabra), Jabuticaba (Myrciaria Cauliflora), ceriguela (Spondias Purpurea), Carissa Grandiflora, Some I want to grow are Diospyrus kaki, Pistacia vera, Macadamia tetraphyla, Pecan Tree. The climate here its not too bad 1.5 km from the sea. It never snows, during the winter usually goes down to 2 c¼, minimum -2 c¼. So much useful information in your web site, that I would like to subscribe and receive Rare fruit News Online. Thank you so much and good luck in breaking the limits of the "tropical Zones". Gon¨alo Bordado mailto:fairedincome@netcabo.pt ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Lemon Grove, CA, With Young Trees Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2003 13:15:05 -0700 From: Bass Jay Hi Leo I'm Jay Bass. I live in Lemon Grove and I'm currently growing the following rare fruit: mango, guava, papaya, banana, passion fruit and a tree tomato (not really a fruit tree but it looks pretty cool). Most of my trees are pretty young and are just starting to produce. I also have a macadamia, apple, lemon, grapefruit. I grew up in Kansas so I love seeing and growing different or rare fruits. I'm very interested in planting more fruit trees but space and consumption will soon be a problem. I look forward to receiving your newsletter and learning more about rare fruits! Thanks, Jay mailto:jbass@san.org [I also came here from Kansas-a great state to be FROM.-Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Pasadena, CA Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2003 15:12:33 -0700 From: Joel Johnson Hi, my name is Joel Johnson I live in Pasadena, CA with my wife Kayla. Originally from Colorado, I come here by way of Maryland and Florida due to my job as an aerospace/mechanical engineer. Here is my ever-growing Garden Fruit List: Mango, Pineapple, Blueberry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Orange, Tangelo, Grapefruit, Lemon/Lime, Kumquat, Guava, Capulin Cherry, Apple, Kiwi, White Sapote, Lychee, Pomegranate, Feijoa, Fig, Passion Fruit, Olive, Grape, Pepino Dulce, Nectarine, Mulberry, Pear, Peach, Sugar Cane, Goumi, Rhubarb, Plum, Avocado, Joboticaba, Cherimoya, Papaya, Honeyberry, Banana, Miracle Fruit, Vanilla, Macadamia, Cape Gooseberry, Pitaya [hylocereus undatus?] Lately, I have become interested in pitaya. While I've found two specimens at local nurseries that were labeled 'Dragon Fruit', I have no information on either. I understand they're relatively new to the field and breeding programs are only just beginning, but I would like to find some with known fruiting characteristics, both of the red and the yellow varieties. Having found you on the web during a pitaya search, this seems like a reasonable place to start :) I look forward to learning and sharing what I can! Joel A. Johnson mailto:jajohnson@swales.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: The Star Apple Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 00:00:18 -0400 (EDT) From: Charles Robinson Hi Leo; I am a member of the San Diego Chapter of the CRFG,and I am intrested in an