========================================== Rare Fruit News Online - All Year for 2008 ========================================== Rare Fruit News Online - January 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200801A.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> The fact that a newsletter was due about now almost escaped my attention, with so much going on. Mostly, I've been preoccupied by my wife's absence since December 4 (She was needed to help tend to the medical needs of her brother and his wife, in Joplin, MO. She expects to be able to return in a couple of weeks. Anyway, this newsletter limps along, now is in its twelfth year. I hope you'll help me by writing with questions, answers, suggestions, or whatever you think others of us might find of interest. There are quite a few mango fruit still around, mostly on Nam Doc Mai and Peggy Winters seedling, with a half-dozen on Oro, and a few on one of my seedlings. I picked the last two of the pitaya fruit on New Year's Eve. It's hard to when to harvest fruit that ripens so late in the season. What is your favorite mango? A few years ago, Valencia Pride seemed to be favored, by a small margin. Kent, Keitt, Nam Doc Mai are hard to beat. As more new varieties are introduced, I hope we someday have a wide selection. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Melbourne Australia "C. Dart-Thornton" New Subscriber, Aitutaki Cook Islands "Bill Tschan" < <><><> Readers Write <><><> The Scion Exchange info for 7 chapters "Joe Sabol" Fwd: From Norman Beard ‚Äì 150 BAREROOT FRUIT TREES ON ORDER Leo Manuel San Diego CRFG Now Meets FOURTH WEDNESDAY In 2008! "Jose Miguel Gallego" "Carlos Fern√°ndez-Viadero" Rare fruit member Spain "cfdezviadero@ono.com" Looking For Purple Sweet Potato In Missouri "Richard Arnold" Rare Fruit News Online - Still Exists? "Charles Novak" CRFG CRFG Ventura/Santa Barbara Newsletter "Norman Beard" <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Scientists Identify Bacterial Pathogen of Citrus ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Melbourne Australia From: "C. Dart-Thornton" Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:41:54 -0800 (PST) Good morning, My name is Cecilia and I live in Melbourne, Australia. I am growing three kinds of mulberries (Black, White and Dwarf Shahtoot), Custard Apple, Jaboticaba, Persimmon, Fig (two kinds), Nectarine, Ice Cream Bean, Elderberry, Babaco, Wampi, Plum (three kinds), Apricot (two kinds), Cherry (two kinds), citrus (Mandarin, Lime, Orange, Lemon), Pear, Hawthorn, Guavas (Indian Guava, Strawberry Guava, Hawaiian Guava, Yellow Cherry Guava, Mexican Cream Guava, Chilean Guava), Tamarillo (orange and red varieties), Goldenberry, Feijoa, briar berries (Marianberry, Raspberry, Thornless Blackberry, Silvanberry, Youngberry), two kinds of currants (Red and Black), Blueberries, three kinds of Dragon Fruit, Hazelnuts, Italian Stone Pines, Kiwi Fruit, Passionfruit, Longan, Elaeagnus (two kinds and one cultivar), Chinese Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry, Japanese plum yew, Indian Fig Cactus pear, Darwin's Barberry, Ceylon Hill Gooseberry, Strawberry. We grow the following edible-leafed trees: Kaffir Lime, Allspice, Culinary Myrtle, Native Lemon Myrtle. Medicinal leafed trees: Ginkgo. I am looking forward to growing Blue Honeysuckle Berries. We would like to grow Rosita de Cacao, Saskatoon, Goumi, Siberian Pea Shrub, Strawberry Tree, Sugar Maple and Service Tree. All these are grown in a suburban back yard, along with a myriad herbs and vegetables, including unusual vegetables such as Yacon. For two years we have been trying to find a source of the Quararibea funebris tree, Rosita de Cacao. It's extremely difficult to import live plants into Australia and we are seeking seeds from overseas. Any advice on where to obtain seeds would be deeply appreciated. We would like to grow this tropical tree in a hothouse. Thank you for reading this letter! Cecilia mailto:angavar@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Aitutaki Cook Islands From: "Bill Tschan" < Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:46:00 +1100 Hi I am Bill Tschan, at Aitutaki COOK ISLANDS I am growing over 100 different fruits, including Santol cv Elaan I'd like to grow: Pulasan, Durian. Bill Tschan mailto:tschan@aitutaki.net.ck <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: The Scion Exchange info for 7 chapters From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:23:36 -0800 Check out the attachment... Lots of great info for grafters!!! Please double check our information and your contact info. Merry Christmas!!! Joe mailto:jsabol@calpoly.edu -----Original Message----- From: K Pyle [mailto:kpyle@sonic.net] Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:45 PM To: All Grafters in central and northern chapters... Subject: Scion exchange info for 7 chapters Hi All-- The attached HTML file contains what I have been able to put together about 2008 scion exchanges north of the Tehachapies; we are posting this file on the Golden Gate chapter website. If an exchange actually has one starting time for "members" and another for "the public", I have deliberately included only the "public" time in order to reduce problems with unwanted, early gate-crashers. You are welcome to use this information in your newsletter, on your website, etc. If you see an error in the information for your chapter, please let me know. Katherine Pyle Golden Gate chapter Some 2008 Scion Exchanges * Santa Clara Chapter - Saturday, January 12, 2008, 11 am - 3 pm, Prusch Park (Barn [unheated] and Meeting Hall) at the intersection of Story and King Roads in San Jose (entrance is off King Road). Grafting demo at 11:15 am and 1:00 pm. Some rootstocks and grafting supplies for sale. Free to CRFG & chapter members; $5 for the public. Contact: Karl Gross, (408) 733-5317, gross_karl@sbcglobal.net * Monterey Bay Chapter - Sunday, January 13, 2008, Noon - 3 pm, Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz. Free to CRFG members; $5 for the public. Contact: Ellen Baker, (831) 662-2216 * Golden Gate Chapter - Saturday, January 19, 2008, Noon - 3 pm, UCSF Mission Center, 1855 Folsom Street, San Francisco. Donation $3 for everyone. [see http://www.crfg.org/chapters/golden_gate/scionex.htm for more details] Contact: Katherine Pyle, (510) 843-1657, kpyle@sonic.net * Sacramento Chapter - Sunday, January 20, 2008, 10 am - 1 pm, Sacramento Cooperative Extension Center, 4145 Branch Center Road (at Kiefer Rd), Sacramento. Donation $1 for non-members. Directions: From US 50 in Sacramento, exit at Bradshaw, and go south on Bradshaw. Turn right onto Keifer Rd. After approx. 1 block, turn right onto Branch Center Rd, then immediately turn left into the parking lot. Contact: Ray Sheehy, (530) 666-7239, NTRG@hughes.net, or Robin Cole, Twofurys@comcast.net * Redwood Empire Chapter - Saturday, January 26, 2008, Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Hall, 282 High Street, Sebastopol. Contact: David Ulmer, (707) 824-1650, davidu9999@gmail.com * Mendocino Permaculture Winter Abundance Workshop - Saturday, February 2, 2008, Boonville High School Domes, 10 am - 4 pm. Boonville. Mark Albert and Pat Schafer teaching hour-long classes on grafting, chip budding, cutting and seed propagation. Emerald Earth Seed Savers present all day with seeds of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Admission is free to all. Plan to spend the day "talking plants." Hot homemade lunch for sale. Contact: Mark Albert, albert@pacific.net * Central Coast Chapter - Saturday, February 16, 2008, Cal Poly Crops Unit, San Luis Obispo. Exchange opens and grafting demos begin at 1:30 pm, rain or shine. Admission free for everyone. Rootstocks & grafting supplies for sale. Directions: From Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo, exit to Highway 1 (Santa Rosa) and head north towards Morro Bay. Turn right atHighland (major intersection with traffic lights). Take Highland onto the campus of Cal Poly (no parking permit needed on Saturday). Turn left at Mt. Bishop Road & park immediately. Crops Unit is at corner of Highland & Mt. Bishop, on left side of both roads. Contact: Dr. Art DeKleine, (805) 543-9455, Adeklein@calpoly.edu * IMPORTANT: If you plan to attend an exchange, be sure to check in January regarding limitations on what you can bring, or whether the exchange has been canceled, because of new Apple Moth or Medfly quarantine rules. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fwd: From Norman Beard ‚Äì 150 BAREROOT FRUIT TREES ON ORDER From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:00:17 -0800 This e-mail is to let you know that I have ordered in the following bareroot trees. They will be available at the California Rare Fruit Growers Annual Plant sale at my place on January 19th at 10:00am. There will be an Apple grafting demonstration By Dr. Joe Sabol from Cal-Poly and tour of over 200 species of trees growing at our ranch. Bring your scion wood in a baggy, keep it cool and marked, as we will have a scionwood exchange. Norman Beard mailto:Beardtropics@earthlink.net Enclosure #1 Norman Beard Nursery 200 Ellwood Ridge Road, Goleta 93117 Beardtropics@earthlink.net Cell Phone: 448-7912 968-0989 Low chill Bareroot Fruit Trees Apples (Chill Hours) Anna (200) Beverly Hills(300) Dorsett Golden (100) Gala (500) Fuji (600) Granny Smith (600) Pink Lady(400) Apricots Blenheim (500) Goldkist (300) Katy (400) Asian Pears 20th Century (450) Housi (450) Shinko (450) Shinseiki(350) Cherries English Morrelo (700) Minnie Royal (400) Royal Lee(400) Figs Black Mission, Black Jack, Celestial, Conadria, Flanders, Improved Brown turkey, Kadota, Desert King, Osborne Prolific, Panache Tiger, Purple Smyrna, White Genoa(100) Jujubee Lang and Li (100) Nectarines Desert Dawn(200) Desert Delight (100) Goldmine (400) Panamint (250) Snow Queen (250) Peaches YellowBonanza(250) YellowAugust Pride (250) Redbaron(250) White Babcock (250 Saturn Donut (400) Early Grand(250) FlordaPrince (150) MayPride (150) Midpride(250) Saturn(250) Santa Barbara (300) Tropic Snow (200) Pears Flordahome (200) Kieffer (350) Orient (350) Persimmons Fuyu-Jiro, Hachiya, chocolate, Izu, Nishimura, (all 100) Giant Fuyu, Maru, Tamopan (200) Plums Beauty, Mariposa, Methley, Santa Rosa, Satsuma(All 250) Burbank, Burgundy, Catalina, ElDorado, Friar, Kelsey, Larodo(400) Plout(r): Dapple Dandy, Flavorosa, (400) Pomegranate: Sweet (100) Ambrosia, Eversweet, Garnet Sash, Grenada,Kashmir Blend,Pink Satin, Red Silk, Sharp Velvet, Wonderful(150) Quince Orange, Pineapple, Smyrna (all 300) Enclosure #2 Norman Beard Nursery 200 Ellwood Ridge Road; Goleta, CA 805-968-0989, mailto:Beardtropics@earthlink.net Dwarf and standard in buckets #3,#5,#7,#15,#22; Boxes 24 in, 36 in Call for appointment to purchase. Free delivery First 20 miles (Orders $300+) If not on this list, call! We'll find it for you. Our prices are the best! Low Chill Plants: We give free Fruit garden tours! Apples: Beverly Hills, Gala, fuji Avocado: Holiday, Little Cado, Hass Banana: Cardaba, Dwarf Cavendish, Goldfinger, Ice Cream, Lady Finger, Mysore, Manzano, Rajapuri, 50 + Varieties to pick from Citrus: Calmodin, Calamodin Variegated, Citron Fingered, Etrog Grapefruit: Cocktail Hybrid, Marsh, Orobianco, Rio Red, Star Ruby Kumquat: Nagami Lemon: Eureka, Improved Meyer, Pink Lemonade, Pomona Sweet Lime: Bears Seedless, Mexican, Mexican Thornless, Kaffir Mandarin/Tangerine: Algerian/Clementine, Dancy, Honey, Pixie, Satsuma, Yosemite Gold, Kitshu Seedless, Gold nugget seedless, Page Orange: Cara Cara Navel , Moro Blood, Valencia, Trovita, Washington Navel Seedless, Tarocco Blood, Pummello: Chandler, VN Sweet(thin skin) Tangelo: Minneola Specialty Citrus & Citron: Yuzu, Finger limes, Etrog, Budda Hand Sub-Tropical Fruit trees: Guava: Mexican Pear, Mexican Cream, Mexican Beaumont, TropicPink, Tropic White, Red Malaysian, China White, Red Strawberry, Lemon guava, White Indian Kiwi: Vincent(Need One male & One female for pollination) Litchi: Mauritus, Brewster Longan: Kohala, Bieu Kieu Loquat: Big Jim, Advance, Champagne, Gold Nugget, McBeth Mango: Manilla, Haden, Bombay, Valencia, Glenn, Nam Doc Mai Papaya: Mexican, Hawaiian, Babaco Passiflora (Passion Fruit) Frederick, Edulis Sapote: Suebell, White, McDill, Black Sapote Specialties: Weeping, white & black Mulberry, Coolidgei Fejioa, Almonds, pinapples, Santa Barbara Peach, Cherries, Carambola(Star Fruit) Bay Leaf, All-Spice, Coffee, Tea, Cranberry, Wampi, Atemoya, Lapins Caper Plant, Asian Pears, Pomegranate, Plums, Nut Trees, Apricot, Dragon Fruit, Cherimoya(White, Pierce, Selma, Booth), Taro Root, Kool-ade Tree, Olives, Canistel, Jujubee (Li & Lang), Flowering ginger Blueberry: Sharp Blue, Blueridge, Misty, Sampson, and Marimba ------------------------------------------------ Subject: San Diego CRFG Now Meets FOURTH WEDNESDAY In 2008! From: "Jose Miguel Gallego" Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:29:41 -0800 CRFG San Diego CRFG Important Notice Note the meetings in 2008 are the 4th (FOURTH) Wednesdays of the month in room 101 Casa del Prado, Balboa Park, 7:00PM ‚Ä¢ January 23 is our next meeting = Scion Exchange. ‚Ä¢ If you have cuttings please bring them to share. ‚Ä¢ 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapters are the 4th (FOURTH) Wednesday of each month. Also, thank you very much for your suggestions, we are in the process of reviewing, compiling and organizing the 2008 CFRG San Diego Chapter Calendar. Happy Holidays! Your San Diego CRFG 2008 Board Members ------------------------------------------------ Subject: "Carlos Fern√°ndez-Viadero" Rare fruit member Spain From: "cfdezviadero@ono.com" Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 23:17:03 +0100 (CET) Dear Leo Thanks for your hard work in the newsletter Feliz Navidad y Pr√≥spero 2008 Greetings from Santander Spain Carlos Fern√°ndez-Viadero ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Purple Sweet Potato In Missouri From: "Richard Arnold" Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:00:59 -0600 Hi I live in St Peters, MO and I'm looking for purple sweet potato's for my garden. Where can I order them? Thanks Richard Arnold mailto:richfredaarnold@charter.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare Fruit News Online - Still Exists? From: "Charles Novak" Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:44:14 -0500 Dear Leo, I have not been receiving the Rare Fruit News letter for a few months. Do you still put out the Rare Fruit News letter? If you are Please put me on your list again. Have a very happy New Year! Best Regards, Charles Novak mailto:charles.novak@gmail.com [I don't know why it happens, but names sometimes disappear from the mailing list. If it happens to you, let me know as soon as possible. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG Ventura/Santa Barbara Newsletter From: "Norman Beard" Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:25:42 -0800 The January CRFG Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter newsletter has been posted to http://www.crfg.blogspot.com Happy New Year Norman Beard mailto:Beardtropics@earthlink.net <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Scientists Identify Bacterial Pathogen of Citrus From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:14:43 -0500 ___________________________________________ View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Forensic plant pathologists have identified the original pathogen responsible for the first U.S. outbreak of citrus bacterial canker (CBC), a disease that historically has imperiled the Florida citrus industry. The project was led by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant pathologist John Hartung. He and colleagues studied plant specimens dating back nearly 100 years that are preserved in a collection, called an herbarium, housed at the ARS Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center at Beltsville, Md. Historic specimens are valuable for studying the genetics of plants and their pathogens. The findings were described in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) chief scientific research agency. The ongoing project is a collaboration between Hartung and plant pathologist Wenbin Li, with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which provided funding. The scientists selected the 90 oldest specimens from among 741 preserved leaves, bark or fruit peels that showed symptoms of citrus bacterial canker. They carefully cut 10 raised lesions, or cankers, from each selection. Such cankers weaken trees, induce premature fruit drop and reduce the value of the crop. The researchers also developed a sensitive new technique for extracting and analyzing DNA fragments from the removed lesions. The team then matched the DNA fragments with strain-specific, genetic targets taken from a previously sequenced CBC strain. Standard bacterial identification methods require intact DNA that has been removed from live bacteria. The new technique is called IES, for insertion event scanning. IES is especially useful for identifying bacterial strains that are present in preserved specimens, in which the bacteria are no longer viable and their DNA has been degraded. By finding an exact match between CBC pathogens from both Japan and Florida preserved in the herbarium specimens, the researchers revealed the source of the original outbreak of citrus canker in Florida in 1911. Using the new IES method to solve contemporary problems could shed light on how bacteria are disseminated around the world, according to the authors. This is one of the news reports that ARS Information distributes to subscribers on weekdays. Send feedback and questions to the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200801A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - January 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200801B.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> My wife, Betty, returned yesterday, so I feel so much better! Our fifty-six years together makes separation difficult. It doesn't seem possible, does it, that one year ago today we had the coldest temperatures ever, does it? It's been in the low 70's for highs and low 50's for lows here. Just a few more letters from you would help make the newsletter more useful and interesting.... Only two mango trees have fruit now. Nam Doc Mai ‚Äì which blooms almost continuously when not loaded with fruit ‚Äì and a seedling. Several mango trees had fruit that split before fully ripe. I expect it was due to wetness of the soil near that time. Is it better to stop irrigating when the fruit is almost ripe? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber-Florida-Wants Yang-Mei Tree Carol Taylor Re: Yang-Mei - Who Sells Seeds Or Trees? zfu@ucsd.edu (Yang-Mei), the newest healthy fruit - Slashfood Leo Manuel <><><> Readers Write <><><> I Need Contact Information For Lou Lowder "Linda Coyner" New Calendar for Lindcove REC. Check us out! Anita Hunt [mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu] Greenhouse space needed by CRFG Chapter Harry nickerson Hachiya Persimmon "Minna Riber" Diospyros Kaki/Virginiana "Burt Dunn" Citrus Variety Evaluations for CA Field Day 2/1/08 Anita Hunt [mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu] CA Cherimoya Assn. Mtg Sat. Feb 2 - RSVP early "editor@crfgsandiego.org" <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Mississippi Blues -- Blueberries, That Is ARS News Service Mainland Markets for Tropical Fruit ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber-Florida-Wants Yang-Mei Tree From: Carol Taylor Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:57:52 -0500 I am Carol Taylor, in Sarasota, Florida I am growing Temple Orange, Lemon, Lime, Fig, Dwarf Pomegranate and want to grow Yang-Mei (Yumberry), Osage Orange Tree (Hedge Apple). I love to grow more but I have a very small yard. The rest of it I need the sun for the vegetable garden! Question: Where can I get a Yang-Mei? Carol Taylor mailto:quozzle@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Yang-Mei - Who Sells Seeds Or Trees? Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:36:07 -0800 (PST) From: zfu@ucsd.edu Hi Leo, Happy New Year! I have not seen Yang Mei tree available in US. I was looking for one several years ago and had no luck. It would be interesting to see if it would grow well here in San Diego. Thanks, Zhenxing mailto:zfu@ucsd.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: (Yang-Mei), the newest healthy fruit - Slashfood From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:31:31 -0800 Yumberry (Yang-Mei) - the newest healthy fruit Posted Jul 5th 2007 9:31AM by Jonathan M. Forester Filed under: Juice, South Asia, Fruit, Trends, New Products, America, Health & Medical I first tried Yumberry juice, the new commercial nickname for the Yang Mei berry, a few years ago at the NY Fancy Food Show where it was being showcased for the first time. I have tried to contact the company in China since then to find out more, but never could connect with them. So I was excited to hear about this tasty juice coming onto the market soon. Yang Mei, also called waxberries, are the waxy fruit of the wax myrtle. They have been collected for thousands of years in China and used medicinally. It is a healthy fruit, high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; including vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and carotene. The yumberry has over 100 varieties including white, pink, red, and purple. Usually the purple variety of yumberry has the best quality and taste. SunOpta Fruit Group will soon start marketing Yumberry juice concentrate in the United States, and then in Canada one year later. This means you should hopefully start seeing the juice on market shelves in a few months after the juice companies develop their products. The juice samples I tried a few years ago were slightly tart and sweet with a nice, deep, fruity flavor all its own. Expect to see it used in various juices and juice blends similar to how pomegranate and acai have been. The company says that "Yumberry will be used in diverse applications ranging from fruit juices to bakery applications, wines, cocktails and dairy products." Personally, I can't wait to play around with the juice in cocktails and I think there are a lot of possibilities; although it's going to be strange asking for a bottle of Yumberry juice in the store or a Yumberry Sour cocktail at a bar. www.slashfood.com/2007/07/05/yumberry-the-newest-healthy-fruit/2 <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: I Need Contact Information For Lou Lowder From: "Linda Coyner" Date: Wed, 9 Jan 2008 16:38:55 -0500 Hello Leo. I hoping you or someone who reads your emails might know how I can contact Lou Lowder. Until recently she had a persimmon nursery in Trenton, FL. Our fruit club, Collier Fruit Growers in Naples FL, would like her to speak at an upcoming meeting. By the way, I enjoy your Rarefruit News Online and sometimes use bits in the club newsletter. Thanks for any help you can provide. Regards Linda Coyner mailto:fruitnflowers@gmail.com Collier Fruit Growers Council Naples, FL ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Calendar for Lindcove REC. Check us out! From: Anita Hunt [mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu] Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 3:26 PM To: Anita Hunt Friends of Lindcove Research & Extension Center: We are excited to announce our new Calendar system located on our website. Now you can see upcoming events at the Center. Please visit the site to find out what events are about to take place. Just go to http://groups.ucanr.org/lindcove/ and click on 'calendar'. Anita Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu University of California Lindcove Research & Extension Center 22963 Carson Ave Exeter, CA 93221 (559)-592-2408 Ext. 10 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Greenhouse space needed by CRFG Chapter From: secetary nickerson Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:01:37 -0800 (PST) The north county chapter has a chance to order citrus rootstock. The minimum order is 100 seedlings. The presentt plan is to order 50 trifoliate and 50 c-35. These would be at least 1/4 inch diam. when shipped and would be suitable for budding by mid march this year. They will arrive next week and will require to be stored in a green house for about 8 weeks and be ready for budding in mid march. We have not confirmed this but think they may be shipped in 2" sleeves . They can be stored in 2" sleeves while in the greenhouse. What we need is some greenhouse space they would require watering periodically. If you have greenhouse space The club will reimbuese you for the water erxpense as we intend to resell the rootstock to club members at a mark up.TBD. In connection with this we are also planning to order budwood from the UCR citrus collection. That is the real schedule driver because they only release budwood 3 or 4 times a year and the deadline for this release is to have your order in by 17 Jan. So the Board approved the budwood puchase before the Jan. club meeting. It is therefoew essential that we verify the availability of greenhouse space ASAP. PLEASE, if you have any greeenhouse space available call Ben Pierce or myself, all phones are area code 760. Ben's phone #s H 744-4716, W 5974547, C 412-9614 Harry's Phone #s H 726-2083, C 224-4363 Harry Nickerson mailto:harnick@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Hachiya Persimmon From: "Minna Riber" Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2007 08:43:03 -0800 Hi Leo, Our Hachia Persimmons are half way through production and we have been finding that several have black tissue in the center of the fruit. It doesn't appear to spoil the fruit taste, just ugly and creating the question of how and why this happens. Is it possible that bacteria or mold is introduced when the calyx separates from the fruit? The tree is mature and watered regularly and deeply, fertilized 1 or 2x's per year. Hope all is well. Fondly, Minna mailto:minna@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Diospyros Kaki/Virginiana From: "Burt Dunn" Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2008 16:51:06 -0500 Hello Leo Trust you are well and your knees are holding up. Have my first appointment with knee surgeon in Feb. Hope it goes well and I can get back to my vineyard- now over 150 varieties of grapes. Saw in last months issue an invite for info of blackening in the DK but saw no responder this month. A similar discolouration with D. Virginianna but IMO it does not affect the taste. Much print info on blackening in the literature I have on D.V. Helga & I are accustomed to black in DK in the 3 varieties we get in small village stores here near Toronto. Canada. We consume the DK with relish. Few Canadians will even try DK- they don't know what they're missing. Best wishes for 2008 Bert Dunn mailto:helbert@idirect.com Box 352 Schomberg L0G 1T0 zone 4b/5a www.littlefatwino.com/bertslist ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Citrus Variety Evaluations for CA Field Day 2/1/08 From: Anita Hunt [mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu] Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 11:02 AM To: Anita Hunt Citrus Variety Evaluations for California Tracy Kahn Curator of the Citrus Variety Collection Botany and Plant Sciences Department, UC Riverside Date: February 1, 2008 Time: 10 am to noon Location: Lindcove Research and Extension Center, 22963 Carson Ave, Exeter, CA, (559-592-2408) Program: PowerPoint presentation and walk-through of the Lindcove Citrus Demonstration Orchard Tracy Kahn has been providing evaluations of new citrus varieties for California since 1995 with support from the Citrus Research Board. For the February 1st presentation, she will provide an overview of the major commercial and specialty types of citrus grown in California and discuss recent shifts in the types of citrus being planted in California. She will also cover information about the origins of new citrus varieties and present data on selected varieties from her current fruit quality evaluation research. The walk-through of the citrus Demonstration orchard will allow you to see more than 150 varieties of navels, Valencias, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins and other citrus fruits. This is a great opportunity to improve your recognition of citrus varieties and to see how the trees grow under San Joaquin Valley conditions. 2 units of continuing Education credits have been requested. Anita Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu University of California Lindcove Research & Extension Center 22963 Carson Ave Exeter, CA 93221 (559)-592-2408 Ext. 10 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CA Cherimoya Assn. Mtg Sat. Feb 2 - RSVP early From: "editor@crfgsandiego.org" Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:20:38 -0500 CRFG members can start reserving places now. Your reservation is confirmed with my receipt of your check but email or call me first so I can hold your space(s)..... Annual Meeting Notice & Program - Saturday, February 2, 2008 Presentation and Tour and BBQ lunch. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Ahmanson classroom in the Botanical Center. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. Visit www.huntington.org for directions and general information about The Huntington. Members - $30.00, Non-Members - $35.00, Full-Time Students - $15.00 (per person) To qualify for the member rate, you must be a paid 2008 renewing or new member. Space is limited to 100 people. CCA members have priority registration until Friday, January 18. The last day to reserve space is Monday, January 28. RSVP to: Ken Burton Email: kenburton@earthlink.net Tel: 661-297-3090 (Please leave your name and phone # clearly.) Make checks payable to California Cherimoya Association. Mail to CCA Annual Meeting, c/o Ken Burton, P O Box 801450, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-1450. Bill Gerlach will give the presentation. Bill Gerlach is Research and Development Director at Melissa's World Variety Produce, Inc, Los Angeles, California. Melissa's is the largest specialty produce wholesaler in the US. It services all major retail chains coast to coast with over 1,200 items of specialty produce. The Huntington was founded as a research institution, and each year serves nearly 2,000 scholars from all over the world conducting advanced research in the humanities. The Botanical Gardens are divided into more than a dozen thematic areas on 120 acres and include more than 15,000 different species of plants. The Library's rare books and manuscripts constitute one of the world's largest and most extensively used collections in America outside of the Library of Congress. The Art Collections are distinguished by their specialized character and elegant settings in three separate galleries. A fourth space, the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery, hosts changing exhibitions. Annual Meeting Program 10 am - 11 am Registration 11 am - 12 pm Bill Gerlach's presentation 12 pm - 1 pm BBQ lunch 1 pm - 2 pm Roundtable width='100%' discussion 2 pm Tour of gardens (weather permitting) Ken Burton mailto:kenburton@earthlink.net Newsletter Publisher 661-297-3090 <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Mississippi Blues -- Blueberries, That Is From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:16:14 -0500 ___________________________________________ View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Combining tenacity with taste, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Poplarville, Miss., have bred three new blueberry cultivars that can take the heat of growing in the South while offering high yields of plump, phytonutrient-rich fruit. Dixieblue, Gupton and DeSoto are the latest offerings from a blueberry breeding program begun in 1971 at the ARS Southern Horticultural Laboratory in Poplarville, Miss. With the exception of the so-called rabbiteye varieties, locally grown blueberries were nonexistent in Mississippi 30 years ago, primarily because of that Gulf Coast state's heat, humidity, abundant insects and occasional late-spring freezes. But when Hurricane Camille wiped out the region's tung oil industry in 1969, ARS researchers went to work developing blueberries as a viable alternative crop. Thirteen blueberry cultivars and 2,500 acres later, the ARS Poplarville lab is busier than ever furnishing Mississippi's burgeoning blueberry industry with heat-tolerant plants whose fruit embodies the flavor, firmness and shelf life that consumers and processors desire. Take Gupton, for example. In storage tests conducted by ARS horticulturist Donna Marshall, the cultivar's berries remained plump and juicy for more than 30 days under normal refrigeration. DeSoto, a new rabbiteye variety developed by ARS plant geneticist Stephen Stringer, has potential to extend the Gulf Coast rabbiteye season by up to three weeks. In Mississippi, this usually ends around the first week of July, according to Stringer. DeSoto's berries also don't suffer from splitting, which bursts open the fruit after it becomes waterlogged, such as from an afternoon rain shower. Dixieblue, a highbush cultivar, yields light-blue, medium-sized berries with a slightly flattened shape. Besides breeding and storage tests, the Poplarville team's research includes determining the best time to harvest berries for optimal flavor and elevated levels of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins and phenolics. Read more about this research in the January 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan08/blueberry0108.htm ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mainland Markets for Tropical Fruit From: ARS News Service Date: Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:08:18 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ New varieties of tropical fruit may soon make landfall on the U.S. mainland, thanks to work by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. They are using crop management practices to increase yield and obtain high-quality tropical fruit that can be imported safely into the continental United States. Though they seem right at home, many exotic fruits studied at the ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) come from lands far from Puerto Rico. The island's climate and soils, which include 10 of the 12 soil orders recognized worldwide, provide a unique laboratory for assessing the best ways to develop these crops for commercial production. For instance, U.S. imports of mamey sapote--a cantaloupe-sized fruit prized by the Hispanic community in the United States--have been restricted by concerns that it may serve as a host for the West Indian fruit fly. But studies conducted by TARS entomologist David Jenkins indicate that these insects are unlikely to infest mamey sapote crops produced in Puerto Rico. The station also maintains a germplasm collection of other exotic tropical and subtropical plants, including sapodilla, Spanish lime, and species of Annona and Garcinia. Large-scale cash crop research at TARS focuses on bananas and plantains (in the Musa genus), cacao, papaya, beans and sorghum. Horticulturist Brian Irish and research leader Ricardo Goenaga are conducting research evaluating Musa germplasm. Human activity, pests, diseases, weather-related causes and uniformity requirements for dessert bananas have diminished the diversity of cultivated bananas. The TARS germplasm collection holds 29 accessions of plantain and 92 accessions of banana, including popularly grown cultivars, insect- and disease-resistant cultivars and other previously uncharacterized accessions. TARS researchers want to help the tropical fruit industry expand its trade. They also hope to provide small farms and socially disadvantaged farmers with alternative high-value crops and effective management practices. Read more about the research in the January 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan08/fruit0108.htm. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200802A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - February 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200802A.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Time For Grafting Deciduous Fruit Trees? I cut back a peach and I plan to graft onto the sprouts that grew on the stump. I cut back an apple tree too recently for sprouts to have grown on it. I don't like top-working onto large diameter stumps, when it's so much easier to graft smaller sprouts, but I'd like to get it done. Have you had much success with rootstock that's almost six inches in diameter? Would you use cleft graft or bark graft if you were doing it? Jeff Earl wrote an interesting letter. He lives in Modesto where temperatures more often dip below freezing than for most of the rest of us. It would make the newsletter more interesting if more of you would write of your experiences - or whatever would be of interest. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber-San Diego-Wants Nam Doc Mai Mango "Mike Adams" Re: New Subscriber-San Diego-Wants Nam Doc Mai Mango Leo Manuel To: Mike Adams <><><> Readers Write <><><> Grafting Methods handout - are you the author? Treva Cal Cherimoya Assn Mtg Sat. Feb 2-RSVP early to attend "editor@crfgsandiego.org" How I Cope With Temperatures Outside Of Subtropics In Modesto, CA "Jeff Earl" San Diego CRFG Meets on 4th Wednesday in 2008 Doug Young *North* San Diego County Chapter of CRFG Newsletter Leo Manuel <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber-San Diego-Wants Nam Doc Mai Mango From: "Mike Adams" Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:19:01 -0800 Dear Mr and Mrs Manuel, Thank you for the opportunity to sign up for your newsletter. Please sign me up for your news letter ‚ÄúRare Fruit News Online‚Äù My contact info is as follows: Mike Adams mailto:mikeadams333@yahoo.com 11224 Walking Fern Cove, San Diego, CA 92131 760-310-6591 I would love to purchase a Nam Doc Mai mango, or similar desert mango, such as Manila and try to grow it in a large pot, that could be brought in during any frost threat. Can you give me a suggestion as to where I can buy a small one? I got a 2 in 1 mango at Exotica in Vista , but I lost it during the freeze a year ago. I am really just starting this hobby, and have been following many suggestions from the Dave Wilson Nursery Website (Backyard Orchard Culture), so I have various baby peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, and apriums, all low chill, most self fruitful. I have 2 figs, a surinam cherry, a cherimoya, a babaco papaya, loquat, pineapple guava, pomegranate, passion fruit. I am tying to keep everything small so as not to overrun my average size backyard. As I said everything is real small or brand new right now. I‚Äôm a new backyard hobbyist and find it a lot of fun. My family (Wife) is sick of hearing me talk about my 32 fruit trees, however. I live in Scripps Ranch, in San Diego. Thanks again, I look forward to receiving your interesting looking newsletter. Best regards, Mike Adams PS - I‚Äôd love to visit sometime, thanks. [Note to readers. I sent Mike a supplement "Growing Rare Fruit In Containers." It discusses several kinds of rare fruit that have been successfully grown in containers in cold climates. If others are interested in reading it, just let me know. It's in text format. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: New Subscriber-San Diego-Wants Nam Doc Mai Mango From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:56:48 -0800 To: Mike Adams Try the Ong Nursery, open for business on weekends, only ONG Nursery For Rare Fruit Trees and Plants 2528 Crandall Drive San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 277-8167 Located just just west of Highway 163. Directions: Take Genessee Exit from Highway 163 (West on) West on Genessee to Linda Vista Road Left on Linda Vista Road, 1 block, to Fulton Street Left on Fulton Street, 2 blocks, to Crandall Court Right on Crandall Court, to Crandall Drive Left on Crandall Drive. Nursery will be on your left, (second house from corner of Crandall Court and Crandall Drive. <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Grafting Methods handout - are you the author? Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:10:12 -0800 (PST) From: Treva Dear Leo Manuel, Hi, I'm a member of the South Bay CRFG chapter. Rose Arbuckle, our chairman, handed me an old copy of a Grafting Method handout (4 pages) which we would like to share with others. Since your name is in it I thought maybe you would be able to email a copy. She may have acquired it at the last Festival of Fruits since it was down in your area. Hope you the right one to be asking for this favor. Thanks, Treva Forister. [Yes, I passed out copies of my Grafting Supplement at the last Festival of Fruit. It's a MS Word document, and I'll send an attached copy to anyone who requests it. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cal Cherimoya Assn Mtg Sat. Feb 2-RSVP early to attend From: "editor@crfgsandiego.org" Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:20:38 -0500 To: CRFG members can start reserving places now. Your reservation is confirmed with my receipt of your check but email or call me first so I can hold your space(s)..... Annual Meeting Notice & Program - Saturday, February 2, 2008 Presentation and Tour and BBQ lunch. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Ahmanson classroom in the Botanical Center. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. Visit www.huntington.org for directions and general information about The Huntington. Members - $30.00, Non-Members - $35.00, Full-Time Students - $15.00 (per person) To qualify for the member rate, you must be a paid 2008 renewing or new member. Space is limited to 100 people. CCA members have priority registration until Friday, January 18. The last day to reserve space is Monday, January 28. RSVP To: Ken Burton Email: kenburton@earthlink.net Tel: 661-297-3090 (Please leave your name and phone # clearly.) Make checks payable to California Cherimoya Association. Mail to CCA Annual Meeting, c/o Ken Burton, P O Box 801450, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-1450. Bill Gerlach will give the presentation. Bill Gerlach is Research and Development Director at Melissa‚Äôs World Variety Produce, Inc, Los Angeles, California. Melissa‚Äôs is the largest specialty produce wholesaler in the US. It services all major retail chains coast to coast with over 1,200 items of specialty produce. The Huntington was founded as a research institution, and each year serves nearly 2,000 scholars from all over the world conducting advanced research in the humanities. The Botanical Gardens are divided into more than a dozen thematic areas on 120 acres and include more than 15,000 different species of plants. The Library‚Äôs rare books and manuscripts constitute one of the world‚Äôs largest and most extensively used collections in America outside of the Library of Congress. The Art Collections are distinguished by their specialized character and elegant settings in three separate galleries. A fourth space, the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery, hosts changing exhibitions. Annual Meeting Program 10 am - 11 am Registration 11 am - 12 pm Bill Gerlach's presentation 12 pm - 1 pm BBQ lunch 1 pm - 2 pm Roundtable width='100%' discussion 2 pm Tour of gardens (weather permitting) Ken Burton 661-297-3090 mailto:kenburton@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Rare Fruit News Online - January 15, 2008 From: "Jeff Earl" Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:40:21 -0800 To: "Leo Manuel" Hi everyone... I haven't written in awhile so I figuired I would drop a quick line with a mid winter report from Modesto. The winter has been much more mild than last winter. My low temp this winter having been only 31¬∞ f. This hasn't bother any of my tropical fruits at all. For those who are unfamiliar with me and my rarefruit growing, I grow a lot of tropical/ subtropical fruit trees on my tiny 5000 sq ft lot here in the San Joaquin valley. A couple of trees worth mentioning are my White Cherimoya which is about 20 ft tall and in an unprotected spot in the middle of my backyard. It produces a lot of fruit when I hand pollinate. I should note that cherimoya are quite sensitive to freezes when young, but as they grow larger and create a canopy, become quite hardy. Mine did lose 90% of its leaves last winter when we got hit with a low temp of 23¬∞ f, however very little wood was damaged. It is now covered with dinner plate sized leaves. Also worth noting is that cherimoyas don't seem to be bothered by full sun and heat up to 100¬∞ f providing that the tree has been well watered and not fertized within the past month. My 10 year old Dr Beaumont Macadamia is doing just fine, though due to its location next to my driveway. I will probably remove it this spring as it drops nuts year round. Macs also show a strong restance to freezing temps once they get a canopy. Here in Modesto, they start to show leaf damage at 23¬∞ f. Perhaps the most exciting tree I grow is my 5 year old 13 ft tall Maurious Lychee. I planted it in the walkway between my house and my next door neighbors. It doesn't seemed to be bothered by freezing weather, unlike my Longan that get scorched at temps below 29¬∞ f. My Longan has produced much more fruit though than my Lychee. My Lychee first fruited last year. My Longan got knocked way back by last winter freeze, but is now recovering. I should note that I do not cover any of my trees. I do plant the most frost tender ones in more sheltered areas of my yard. For example, tropical guavas are always plant next to my house, and they get the protection of the roof eve. Bananas are another thing that I grow a lot of. I get fruit every year. This year I got 3 bunches despite last winters 23¬∞ f. I have an un-named variety that does so well here in Modesto. Anyway, I have other exotic fruit and palm trees. That's all I have to report for now. Jeff Earl Modesto, Ca mailto:tropic2tropical@hotmail.com [Thanks, Jeff, for taking time to discuss your garden. You're doing a great job keeping winter's worst at bay. I hope others will also write to tell us about your garden. Thanks again!] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Correction: San Diego CRFG Meets on 4th Wednesday in 2008 From: Doug Young Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:30:21 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, I think the San Diego CRFG meets on the 4th WEDNESDAY now, not the 4th THURSDAY, right? The best part of my garden right now is the abundant and tasty Kishu mandarin. I just pruned my Santa Barbara peach. It has been very vigorous with excellent flavor. Doug Young El Cajon ------------------------------------------------ Subject: *North* San Diego County Chapter of CRFG Newsletter From: Leo Manuel Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:29:39 -0800 Feb. 29 (Friday) There will be a tour of the UCR citrus collection. Transportation details are still being worked. Dues Now Due- Chapter dues run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Chapter Dues are $12.00/yr for members who require USPS delivery of the newsletter and $8.00 a year for members who accept email delivery.o . Dottie Logan has agreed to assist Jim by receiving member√≠s dues checks and depositing them. Therefore send chapter dues to √¨Dottie Logan 702 Berkeley Way Vista, CA 92084 √Æ Make checks payable to√Æ North San Diego County CRFG√Æ CRFG Membership is $30 /yr and is required. CRFG dues run 1 year from the date you joined. Please mail your $30 CRFG dues to √¨California Rare Fruit Growers-66 Farragut Ave.-San Francisco, CA 94112-4050√Æ. Make checks payable to CRFG. Send address changes to Harry Nickerson, 1815 Yettford Rd. . Vista CA 92083; and to CRFG at the Farragut Ave. address. CRFG- North San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS Harry Nickerson CRFG San Diego County Chapter 1815 Yettford Rd. Vista CA 92083 NCSD Chapter website: http://nc.crfgsandiego.org/ Ben Pierce, Chair760-744-4716mailto:ncsdcrfg@cox.net Jim Rockoff, Treasurer760-434-5740jrockoff@hydranautics.com One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg.  7 PMMira Costa Hort,l Bldg. Rm 7003Scion ExchangeFeb. 22 7 PMMira Costa Hort,l Bldg. Rm 7003Cherimoya tastingMar. 14 7 PMMira Costa Hort,l Bldg. Rm 7003.Diaprepes Root Weevil <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: For Best Pest Detection, Suit the Attractant to the Fruit Fly From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:24:28 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Several Anastrepha fruit fly species that plague Latin American fruit growers are also quarantine pests in the United States. To evaluate lures used to monitor fruit flies in production areas, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and colleagues in the Dominican Republic recently tested two ammonia-based formulations and found them to differ in effectiveness, depending on the Anastrepha species. Synthetic lures rely on the attractiveness of protein sources to catch hungry fruit flies. One commercial attractant--Biolure, made by Suterra LLC of Bend, Ore.--includes ammonium acetate and putrescine among its components. Entomologist Nancy Epsky at the ARS Subtropical Horticultural Research Station in Miami, Fla., tested the effect of ammonia formulation, substituting ammonium biocarbonate for the ammonium acetate. Using Multilure traps, Epsky tested both ammonia formulations--at different release rates in combination with putrescine--on wild fruit flies. Collaborators at the Instituto Dominicano de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales in San Francisco de Macor√≠s, Dominican Republic, assisted with the testing. Traps were deployed at study sites with active populations of Mexican fruit flies (A. ludens) at Allende and Linares in Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Caribbean fruit flies (A. suspensa) near Fort Pierce, Fla.; and West Indian fruit flies (A. obliqua) at Hato Damas in the Dominican Republic. Researchers tested six treatments, including two standard liquid protein baits and four synthetic lure combinations, for periods of eight to 16 weeks, replacing the synthetic lures after four weeks. At both Mexican sites, traps with the ammonium acetate-putrescine combination captured more Mexflies than all of the other attractants, and the ammonium biocarbonate-putrescine combination performed better than protein-baited traps. The ammonium acetate-putrescine combination also worked better with Caribflies at the Florida test site. But with West Indian fruit flies in the Dominican Republic, protein baits outperformed both synthetic baits, although ammonium acetate again proved more attractive than ammonium bicarbonate. While one lure combination will not be optimal for all species and all regions where fruit flies are pests, these results showed what works best in the locations tested. The findings were reported at a recent meeting of the Entomological Society of America. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture‚Äôs chief scientific research agency. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200802A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - February 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200802B.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Unexpected rain Valentine's Day has raised the total for this year by over an(other) inch. I haven't heard of mud slides yet, but they probably occurred. Early peach nectarine varieties have begun to bloom, with apricot probably soon to follow. I seldom get dormant spraying done, so the fruit will be insect damaged. Did I ask you what is your favorite mango that you have growing? Take into consideration its bearing season. It may not be the best tasting one, because the best tasting may not grow in your climate zone. It's a hard question for me, but I have seldom eaten a mango I didn't like.... <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber‚ÄìUnited Kingdom‚ÄìWhat Can I Grow? "Ady & Lucy" New Subscriber With Impressive Have/Want List "Richard Ceman" <><><> Readers Write <><><> My 2nd favorite fruit: guava Cielo North County CRFG - New Web Page Address Ben Pierce Grafting onto large diameter stumps "Doug Jones" Avocado - New Resource Book ‚Äì URL Below "Joe Sabol" Pomegranates - Francis "matchstickman25" CRFG address for Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter "Norman Beard" San Diego North County Meeting Change Notice Secetary Nickerson Rare Fruit in Containers & Questions About Mulch "Minna Riber" Growing Rare Fruit In Containers Leo Manuel How to Eat a Rambutan - wikiHow ¬øName? mailto:bergerbuds@aol.com <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Fruit Fly Program Pays Off ARS News Service Partnering to Manage Plant Genebanks ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber‚ÄìUnited Kingdom‚ÄìWhat Can I Grow? From: "Ady & Lucy" Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:47:35 -0000 Hi I would like to subscribe to your newsletter. I am Lucy Cottle, living in the UK. I'm new to growing, so nothing at the moment, but I would like to gain knowledge on growing rarer varieties. Regards, Lucy. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber With Impressive Have/Want List From: "Richard Ceman" Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:15:36 -0800 Hi Leo & Betty, I'd like to get your newsletter if it is still offered. I am Richard Ceman, Rancho Palos Verdes, California I have growing Wash navel orange, Moro blood orange, Valencia orange, Meyer lemon, Beyers lime, Pixie-like, Tangerine (var. ?), Meiwa kumquat, Big Jim loquat, Avocados (Fuerte, Holiday, Pinkerton, ? just grafted scions of Hass, Gwen, Reed, Stwart), multigrafted (apple tree, cherry tree, peach tree, nectarine tree, plum tree, pear tree), banana trees (Cavendish, Mysore, Raja Puri, Dwarf Jamaica Red), El Bumpo cherimoya, Suebelle sapote, pomegranates (Wonderful, Eversweet) , Ataulfo mango, blueberries (Misty, Sharpeblue, Sunshineblue), blackberries (thorn & thornless), boysenberry, rasberry, Thompson seedless grape, papaya (Solo, Babaco), jaboticaba, dragon fruit (red, yellow, white), I'm sure I missed some but ? My wish list: scions of avocados JB Janboyce & Kona Sharwil if you know how I can get them, they weren't in the scion exchange at our SouthBay meeting last Saturday; Vista macadamia; Keitt, Kent, Mallika, Glenn mango; Booth, Honeyheart, Elixir, McPherson, Sabor cherimoya; aprium; pluot; plumcot; Dwarf Thailand papaya; Frederick passionfruit; guava; longon; lychee; miracle fruit, etc. Thanks for your commitment to our CRFG society, Richard <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: My 2nd favorite fruit: Pink Tropical Guava & Others From: Cielo Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:08:36 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, Sorry this is late. What's exciting in my fruit orchard are my pink tropical guavas and the red Malaysian guavas. The Malaysian seemed to take forever to ripen. They were the size of a penny for a long time since spring/summer of last year, and they're maturing to a size of a small apple. The taste reminds me of guavas I've enjoyed when I was a kid in the Philippines. I bought the tree for its beautiful red foliage, and the fruits are the bonus. I planted it from a 5-gal container from Home Depot about 5 years ago. Literally, I'm eating the "fruit" of my labor after fighting off brown scale infestation 3 years ago. This is my only guava tree that is easily prone to brown scales; I have 10 guava trees. It's worth the work. I pick them off by using an old toothbrush to remove the scales. I'm waiting for Uma and Vietnamese guavas to fully mature on the trees before I pick them. Anytime now! I have a beautiful Mexican Beaumont Guava tree that is about 5 years old (planted from a 5-gal container) that hasn't flowered at all. It looks healthy and full, with no visible problems. What could be the problem? Don't we have the best weather in San Diego? In the dead of winter (elsewhere), we can pick fruits and flowers from our garden. Come on, rain! BTW, my favorite fruit is mango. Thanks for your newsletter! Cielo [Mango is also my favorite fruit. Isn't true for everyone? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: North County CRFG - New Web Page Address From: Ben Pierce Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 09:18:43 -0800 Hi Leo, Thanks again for producing such a great newsletter on a regular and timely basis. Note: We have a new North San Diego County CRFG website. The URL is nc.crfgsandiego.org. The old URL will now take you to the new site for at least a little while longer. Ben Pierce ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grafting onto large diameter stumps From: "Doug Jones" Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 20:36:56 -0800 I saw your question about grafting onto large diameter stumps. I don't know if you received any replies yet, but I have a good website for you. Go look at "Texas Inlay Bark Graft' at the Texas coop extension. the website is http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/propagation/inlay/inlay.htm Great pics and easy to follow. I can't say how it works, as I have only used the cleft or crown graft on 3-4 inch trunks, but it looks easy enough. [Thanks, I copied the information and hope to use it soon. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocado - New Resource Book ‚Äì URL Below From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 09:40:27 -0800 Dear CRFG members and leaders in the avocado world... See new book on Avocados... I wonder if we could buy it at the Festival of Fruit in September!!! Joe http://ceventura.ucdavis.edu/newsletterfiles/Topics_in_Subtropics13293.pdf ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pomegranates - Francis From: "matchstickman25" Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:18:03 -0000 Hi Leo I want to ask you a question about pomegranates. I'm not sure if you know much about them but I thought perhaps you might know a contact or something and I don't know who else to ask. I've seen a few different mentions on the internet of a variety of pomegranate by the name of Francis. Apparently they originate from Jamaica, are prolific fruiters and supposedly had much potential in some areas around California. I've been trying to hunt down some more info on these - some pictures, someone who might be growing them etc., but so far no luck. I would ultimately like to get some small cuttings if I can. I don't know if you are still doing the rarefruit newsletters but if so it would be much appreciated if you could mention it in there. I'm not a subscriber but if anyone knew anything of them they could e-mail me at matchstickman25@hotmail.com. Thanks very much Jason [Write David Silverstein mailto:david.crfg-sd@cox.net as he probably knows the most about pomegranates around here. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Correct CRFG address for Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter From: "Norman Beard" Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 12:53:23 -0800 To: "Norman Beard" The late night goblins got me. The new blogsite is at cafruit.blogspot.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: San Diego North County Meeting Change Notice From: secetary nickerson Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2008 13:53:01 -0800 (PST) Just a couple of reminders, our Feb. meeting (Cherimoya Tasting) will be the 22nd not the 15th due to campus closure schedules; it is also time to pay chapter dues. Please send chapter dues to ‚ÄúDottie Logan 702 Berkeley Way Vista, CA 92084 ‚Äù Make checks payable to‚Äù North San Diego County CRFG‚Äù CRFG Membership is $30 /yr and is required. CRFG dues run 1 year from the date you joined. Please mail your $30 CRFG dues to ‚ÄúCalifornia Rare Fruit Growers-66 Farragut Ave.-San Francisco, CA 94112-4050‚Äù. Make checks payable to CRFG. Harry ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare Fruit in Containers & Questions About Mulch From: "Minna Riber" Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 13:27:15 -0800 Hi Leo, Thanks for keeping the news letter going. I would very much like to receive a copy of "Growing Rare Fruits In Containers". My mango babies are growing happily in their pots and are holding onto their leaves though I am not sure why. What types of mulch do your readers use for their fruit trees? I cannot remember what you use. Mike has been busy spraying and pruning. As seems to happen every year our Ne Plus Ultra and Non Pariel Almonds are beginning to bloom. They seem to come into full bloom just in time for a heavy rain. To our surprise, it does not appear to effect their productivity. We wish you and your wife a Healthy and Happy, Peaceful New Year, Fondly, Minna & Mike [Be very careful in choosing your mulch source. I wasn't and will forever be fighting noxious weeds from seeds in mulch I brought in. I got it mostly from San Diego city dump. Maybe readers will write about their mulch success stories. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Growing Rare Fruit In Containers From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:09:42 -0800 Growing Rare Fruit In Containers ‚Äì [Below is an exerpt of this supplement. I will send its entirety upon request.] UnderCover Crops - Mobile Tropical Fruit Orchards By Ray Bayer Tropical Fruit World (March/April 1990 22-24; May/June 1990 58-59; September/October 1990 130; Nov/Dec 1990 163; Jan/Feb 1991 29; Let me inspire you to discover a new kind of gardening pleasure. My excitement is over the container growing of tropical fruit plants, something I have now been doing for more than 13 years. Each year proving more pleasurable than the last. For the temperate climate gardener containerizing is the only method available for growing tropical fruit trees. I live in southwest Pennsylvania, and as I write this article we're in the midst of a winter snow squall with a wind chill of around 9?F. My tropical fruit trees are completely unaware of this miserable phenomenon known as an Arctic cold front and are busily blooming and setting fruit. After a summer outdoors, and before the first freeze, I simply pick up my potted plants and plop them in a greenhouse under fluorescent lights, where they spend their winter in the Tropic of Pennsylvania. The ability of these plants to adapt to their artificial environment and continual restrictive growing is tremendous. As I write, my plants are setting such varied fruits as jaboticaba, passionfruit, citrus, cherimoyas, feijoas and more. Enthusiasm over this method of tropical fruit culture need not be confined to northern gardeners. South Florida growers and others in sub-tropical and mild winter areas should be exposed to the joy of containerized growing. It opens up an entirely new area to the rare fruit hobbyist. Fruit trees can be moved from one area of the yard to another to take advantage of sun or shade. Inspection of root systems can be done as needed by simply tapping the tree out of the pot. Landscapes can be achieved by sinking the potted trees into various locations, and later moving them if a different garden scheme is desired. Exact watering and fertilization schedules are easier because confined root systems and nutrient deficiencies are taken care of more quickly. One of the most exciting aspects of this type of gardening is that, thanks to the portability of the plant, very tropical fruit trees, such as the South Asian mangosteen and rambutan, can be grown with little worry of frost or cold damage. In Florida this advantage, of course applies to any cold sensitive species. When the temperature threatens to plummet simply pick up the pot and set it in a protected area, whether a Florida room or a garage. Most trees will thrive for years in five to ten gallon pots without any special care. As most tropicals fruit on new growth, I usually top prune mine yearly to stimulate new fruiting growth, sometimes taking up to a third of the growth off. This drastic one-third reduction is done (if at all) every fourth or fifth year, and is sometimes accompanied by root pruning, also a one-third reduction. This is done by knocking the tree out of the pot and reducing the root system on all four sides and bottom by using a key hole saw or similar tool. The tree is then put back in the pot and fresh potting medium is packed around it, along with slow release fertilizer if desired. It is then set in a semi-shaded location in the yard (or greenhouse) until new growth is evident and the flowering/fruiting cycle will be revitalized. This is only done to trees that are stressed due to extreme root crowding and exhibit root bound symptoms by producing small or no fruit crops, small leaves and little new growth. Of course this stage of stunted growth is rarely ever reached, although newly purchased plants may be in need of an immediate root cut. Fibrous roots appearing on the top of the soil is the sign that it is now time to prune or repot. Pot grown fruit trees usually have a completely fibrous root system, being devoid of a tap root, so this method of keeping the tree within bounds is not at all detrimental. Think of it as having your hair styled; a little off the top and sides always makes your hair grow better and look fuller. So it is with containerized fruit trees. Every spring I like to replace the top three or four inches of soil with fresh medium. This gives the plant a growing boost and aids in better fruit production. My fruit trees are grown in a homemade potting mix of two-parts garden loam or packaged potting soil, one-part perlite, one-part vermiculite and a half-part peat. I also use a commercial soilless mix consisting of sphagnum or peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and dolomite lime for a pH buffer in which the trees seem to do as well as or better than in the soil mixture, though it needs to be enhanced more often with fertilizer. It should be noted that the reason I add lime to my soil mix is that fertilizing containerized trees often tends to lower the pH to the point where the nutrients are bound up in the soil making them unavailable to the plant; adding a small amount of dolomite lime simply keeps the pH in the neutral range. Of course, some fruit trees enjoy being on the acidic side of the pH tables as long as nutrients are available to them. Jaboticabas do well in a pure peat, perlite, vermiculite mixture. I usually use diluted amounts of fertilizer with every watering and full strength dosages twice monthly or more depending on rainfall. Due to the fact that the trees are raised in containers, nutrient leaching can be a problem in areas or seasons of heavy rain. I've found that Peter's 20-20-20 fertilizer mixture to be as close to ideal as any. I also supplement many of my trees with triple super phosphate every four to six weeks during the growing season along with a foliar feeding of potassium nitrate. Spraying is done in early morning and evening when the leaves are most receptive to this type of feeding. Once or twice a season I also spray on trace elements to round out their diet. Chlorosis of certain containerized trees can be a problem, but prudent applications of nitrogen corrects this problem as does iron. Passifloras, for instance, are susceptible to chlorotic new growth and require more nitrogen than either citrus or peach trees. Care must be taken whenever iron or nitrogen is sprayed on new growth to avoid burning. I have made the "more is better" mistake in foliar feeding before and it is not a pleasant sight to watch vigorous healthy new growth turn black almost overnight, shrivel up and flake away. Healthy deep green growth inevitably always appears but it sets back flower and fruit production considerably. Following the manufacturer's dosage is the key to successful chemical feeding. Personally, I use water soluble fertilizer, as I feel I have much more control over plant feeding with this method. Other growers might prefer the longer lasting pellet-type feed. There are various long lasting pellet fertilizers available that provide up to three months of constant feeding. Osmocote 14-14-14 is one such product. Many opt for completely organic feed such as bone meal, blood meal and green sand, but the percentage of nutrients are so low that I don't think a heavy feeding tree would benefit satisfactorily from them. The one organic I do use is fish, especially those from the briny depths of the sea. The trace elements and nitrogen these critters can supply to a potted fruit tree is tremendous, and it's a long lasting supply too. A few cubes of finny flesh will last a northern growing season and then some. Watering is, of course critical to all plants but especially to a potted fruit tree. During the summer a healthy, fruiting containerized tree drinks gallons of water. I've often had to water mine every other day. Growers in sub-tropical areas such as Florida who are used to growing in the ground may be watering more than they're accustomed to. This can be remedied somewhat by mulching the top of the pot with dried grass clippings, unmilled sphagnum moss or pre-packaged mulch. During the summer most fruit trees are holding a crop and dry soil can turn this year's pot crop into this year's pot drop: those delicious lychees may be this past year's history with only one soil drying. One of the best methods of preventing evaporation is by sinking the pot in the ground and mulching the top. Also, use plastic pots. Burying the containers gives added wind protection to the trees. It's frustrating to find a fruit laden tree toppled over and half of its' crop knocked off. Even by sinking the pot one third of its height into the ground will prevent this type of frustration. There are many reliable nurseries and growers in the U.S. who will ship tropical fruit trees. When visiting a nursery that has a plant I am looking for, I provide them with a suitable box with return postage and have them ship the plant to me. The tree is simply knocked out of the pot and bare rooted with the roots wrapped in damp newspaper and a trash bag to prevent leakage. Many nurseries will spray the plants with evaporation retardants to prevent water loss. The tree usually needs to be pruned back, sometimes severely, and is then placed in the box surrounded by newspaper to prevent too much movement in transit. It usually takes three days to reach me from Florida. In this short period of time the tree suffers very little damage, if any, and upon arrival is immediately potted up and placed in a protected location for a few days. Once acclimation is over it is placed in full sun and within a couple of weeks begins to push out new growth. I have been shipping plants for many years this way and I have never lost one due to shipping damage or shock. I usually request priority mail shipment through the U.S. postal service because they deliver six days out of the week unlike United Parcel Service which ships only five. My trees don't really feel their first spring breeze until mid-April when they are set outside. This is a critical time for the plants, being the beginning of their summer reacclimation period. They have been wintered over either in a greenhouse (which happens to be plastic with light intensity much less than glass) and under fluorescent lights. If they are exposed to sunlight immediately, even the weak spring sum, the leaves will be charred almost at once. I set them in a shaded location for a few days, then to an area of dappled sunlight and eventually to full sun. This entire process may take from two to three weeks depending on how the trees are reacting. If I notice bleached areas on the leaves, then they have been exposed to the sun too quickly and will be placed in a semishaded area a while longer. This acclimation period is not lost growing time because the trees are actively sending out new growth. It's simply a period of "hardening up" the leaves to the summer sun. The last years' growth is rarely affected to the extent of the current seasons growth; it usually stays green with no signs of scorching. The nights during mid-April to mid-May can drop more than 40 degrees which means a 70?F day can be followed by a 30?F night. This is a period of overwork for me because there is a likely chance the trees will have to be sheltered in the garage from a cold night. It doesn't happen nightly and rarely in May so the only early-season backaches I suffer are in the last weeks of April. After this initial yearly acclimating period, my trees grow as well as the same trees in Florida. The portability of my fruit orchard allows me to grow quite a number of different tropical fruit trees, and to see them flowering and fruiting in Pennsylvania is a definite sight to behold. Next to a black oak may be a blooming carambola or beside a sugar maple a jaboticaba crop will be ready to harvest. Crawling skyward beside a clematis is a passionvine while my red cattleya guava is ripening next to a dwarfing cherry. My summer yard is a pleasing combination of temperate and tropical. This infusion of tropical fruit trees among the standard zone varieties adds a measure of curiosity and appeal to all who see them. When viewing a Passiflora alata (Fragrant Granadilla) in full bloom for the first time a neighbor was absolutely convinced that the flowers were plastic because, as she stated," a flower just doesn't look like that." The incredible complexity of the passionflower certainly lends itself to be called the ultimate in flora beauty just as containerizing is the pinnacle of tropical fruit culture, at least for the temperate zone gardener. I have found one of the finest trees suitable for potted fruit culture to be the jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora). Flowering and fruiting occur throughout the year but it's during winter, spring and early summer that the trees become absolutely mobbed with delicious, 1" deep purple fruit. This small, bushy Brazilian tree develops a luxuriant deep green canopy that literally shields the branches and trunk from the sun. I've found that if the tree is kept from branching too much and kept somewhat open by judicial pruning a larger crop will be produced. The jaboticaba grows beautifully here in Pennsylvania and looks a bit like a large branchy privet. This is a plant that responds well to a supplemental diet of triple superphosphate, potassium nitrate as a foliar feed and constant water. It grows well in a soilless mix (available commercially) or simply pure peat with perlite and vermiculite added and a top mulch of rich humus. The real delights in growing this small tree are the fruit, which it so eagerly produces and tree's style of flowering and fruiting. The jaboticaba is cauliflorus, which means the flowers and fruit are borne directly on the trunk and larger branches. It is a pleasantly shocking revelation to the uninitiated to see a bumper crop of fruit for the first time covering the branches in purple clusters from the trunk to the uppermost canopy. They're even more amazed when told that it takes only 20 to 30 days for the fruit to mature and that up to eight crops a year can be harvested, making this tree an almost perpetual bearer. The final treat comes when they bite into a ripe fruit. The flavor is deliciously sweet with just the right amount of subacidity and plenty of Jaboticaba tree and fruit juice encased in a chewy outer skin. The result is invariably, "mmmmm.... that was delicious! How about another one?" This is a fruit that the novice fruit-taster likes immediately. An added incentive to growing the jaboticaba is that it is practically pest free. The only drawback is that it is primarily grown from seed and takes from seven to fifteen years to start bearing. I also grow Myciaria glomerata, which produces fuzzy yellow fruit of smaller size than the jaboticaba. The fruit is composed practically entirely of a single seed surrounded by a small amount of pleasantly sweet pulp. I am also growing M. vexator and M. jaboticaba but they are seedlings and still quite small. In my opinion, the jaboticaba is a prime candidate for commercial exploitation due to its overall taste appeal. My evidence for this is that during cropping, people I haven't seen for weeks will stroll into my yard, casually look around and walk away with jaboticaba breath. The passionvine (Passiflora spp.) is another fruiting plant that is well suited to container culture. I have over fifty different species and grow them not only for the fruit but also for their stunning flowers. I grow all of them around galvanized hoops pushed into the pots and wrap the rambling shoots around them. I have unraveled vines up to 15' in length from the hoops when trimming them back for their winter rest. Passiflora not only rewards the grower with delicious fruit but also with one of the most delicate and complex flowers in the plant kingdom. With over 400 species known (mostly native to the American tropics) I grow only a small fraction of what could be container grown. I'm constantly adding to my collection and grow them with fruiting almost as an afterthought! This is how much reverence I place in the flower. Passifloras are vines and they definitely like to ramble, so I raise most of them in 13" to 15" pots to keep their root systems happy. As mentioned earlier, these plants go chlorotic rather quickly and are also heavy feeders. They require more nitrogen than citrus and also iron supplements during the growing season. I feed them nitrogen and iron monthly during the summer, or whenever I notice the new growth turning chlorotic. As with all of my other fruit trees, I use diluted fertilizer almost every time I water. There are many fruiting passionvines that the tropical fruit gardener can grow but two species should definitely be mandatory. These are the purple granadilla (Passiflora edulis) and the giant granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis). There are many others that produce fruit as good or possibly better, but due to difficulties such as pollination they have been omitted. The purple granadilla is an extremely easy plant to fruit in a container and during the growing season is loaded with fruit. The flowers of this species will usually pollinate themselves, although I usually cross pollinate with other clones for maximum fruit set and size. It is not unusual for clones of P. edulis to produce nearly tennis ball sized fruit. The purple and white flower opens in the morning and usually closes in the evening, pollinating itself in the process. The result is usually noticeable in three to five days with the swelling of the fruit. Maturation is fairly rapid in my geographic area, taking from three to four months. Fruits that are evident in April are edible by July or August. Fruits of the purple granadilla are, as the name implies, dark I purple and fall from the vine when I ripe. The shell of this passionfruit is hard, so the fall doesn't bruise it. A gentle tug will also dislodge ripe fruit. I Once off the plant I usually let it ripen another two to three days until wrinkled and enhanced by a delightful ambrosial aroma. The fruit is I then halved and the pulp is scooped out and eaten, seeds included. Delicious! There is nothing quite like a juicy, fully ripened passionfruit to conjure up tropical visions of verdant lowland rainforests, raucous early morning fruit markets and the soothing lull of evening trade winds. The fruit of the giant granadilla also coats the palate with the same delectable tropical flavor but on a much larger scale. The fruit can be as large as a football and weigh up to six pounds! Unlike the leaves of P. edulis, which are deeply three lobed with serrated edges, the giant granadilla's leaves are oval, unlobed and up to eight inches long, with ten to twelve pronounced lateral veins running through them. The flowers are also larger-up to three inches in diameter - and pendulous; they hang downward instead of being held upright. There are actually two forms of P. quadrangularis, one with eight inch long fruit and one producing twelve inch long melon size meals! There is some self-compatibility in both forms, although some growers recommend cross-pollination with the larger form. Hand pollination will assure a good fruit set. The outer shell is not hard like the purple granadilla but somewhat soft and bruisable. When ripe the color turns to yellow-green with some clones exhibiting a slight pinkish blush at one end. Cut lengthwise the fruit opens to a mass of pulp covered seeds nestled in a cavity surrounded by a thick white melon-like rind. The rind can be eaten much the same way a melon is eaten, but it is not as aromatic. The pulp again is the main attraction and it's eaten straight from the shell along with the large soft seeds. It's very juicy, pleasantly sub-acid and aromatic. The green, immature fruits of this species can also be boiled and eaten as a vegetable, and in Jamaica the tuberous roots are said to be used as a substitute for yams. Quite a versatile plant! Most passifloras will begin to produce within a year to sixteen months when being grown from seed, and almost immediately when grown from cuttings. I have found that unrooted cuttings sent through the mail survive their journey nicely when dampened and sent in zip lock bags. I have received cuttings by this method from as far away as Honduras and have had them root within three weeks. There are many other passionvines that produce delicious fruit, but due to a number of problems with pollination, climatic requirements, poor flower production and other difficulties, these have been omitted. A few of the "best of the difficult" are P. ligularis (sweet granadilla), P. laurifolia (yellow granadilla), P. maliformis (sweet calabash) and P. antioquiensis (banana passionfruit). Cherimoya of Pennsylvania Mark Twain knew much about much and when biting into a particular fruit described it as 'Deliciousness itself! He was raving about the cherimoya (Annona cherimola) and the taste description still applies. I grow two varieties: 'Booth' and 'Pierce', and I couldn't agree more. Both flower freely for me but the 'Booth' is the only variety old enough to let a crop set. The cherimoya originated in the mountains of Ecuador and Peru, and since its' introduction into the gardening community many named cultivars have been produced. Mine are both grafted and grown in 18" pots. The cherimoya is a knobby looking fruit. The skin is smooth, light green and from lumpy to almost scale-like in appearance. My 'Booth' is more on the lumpy side. Cherimoyas may weigh up to a few pounds, with the fruit shape ranging from heart-shaped to oval. But no matter what shape or size, the true test of a fruit of legendary stature is decided by the palate and the cherimoya lives up to expectations. People are at first taken aback by the appearance of the fruit hanging from their thick stems on my tree and I have even been asked if it was a new avocado-pear hybrid! The cherimoya goes through a short deciduous period and the flowering takes place during this defoliated stage which adds even more to the peculiarity of the tree. The leaf drop is due to the formation of buds (flower and/or vegetative) beneath the petiole juncture. They first appear as small knobby protuberances encased in a fuzzy brown sheath. As they grow this sheath splits and the new growth presents itself along with the flowers. The flowers are fairly unattractive but produced in abundance. They are about l" long, greenish-yellow in color and very fleshy, exuding a wonderfully fruity fragrance. Once you detect this aroma the one major problem of the is at hand: hand- pollination. The flower is perfect, containing both stigmas and stamens (male and female reproductive organs) but herein lies the problem. The male is not ready when the female is - a botanical reversal of 'not to night, I have a headache' syndrome. She is usually ready the day before he is. That is, the pistils are receptive from 12 to 24 hours before the pollen is shed. There is a simple, though time consuming, remedy for this situation. Collect pollen from a male flower (the petals will be wide open) and place it in an empty 35mm film canister or a similar container. Next, find the receptive female. She'll be easy to spot because her petals will only be partially opened. Spread the three thick petals carefully with one hand and with a pollen laden paint brush (which has been dipped in the canister) gently stroke back and forth across the receptive pistils. Voila! a baby cherimoya will be born! There really can be no mistake in choosing the correct flower because they are either closed tightly, partially opened or completely spread apart. The success rate using this method is very high. Once fruit set is complete, maturation takes from five to ten months. During this time the tree will have adorned itself with new foliage and have become a very attractive member of the container orchard. The leaves are large, from 8" to 10" long, medium green on top with the brownish green underside exhibiting a velvety texture. Here in Pennsylvania, my cherimoyas shed their leaves in November-December, with flower buds evidenced towards the end of December. Actual pollination and fruit set doesn't take place until mid-February. My 'Booth' is a very precocious bloomer, producing at least some flowers throughout the summer and fall. It's very easy to get carried away with pollination so I selectively pollinate to be assured of four or five good sized fruit as opposed to a dozen smaller ones. The fruit is mature when a yellowish cast appears on the skin. It is now that they should be clipped, not picked off the tree. If they are pulled off, the core may remain attached to the stem. I usually let mine ripen from three to five days off the tree at room temperature. Once a ripe fruit is in your possession, have a pen and paper handy, because once one is eaten, you definitely have something to write home about! Cut it lengthwise and spoon out the white custard-like flesh. Get ready for an oral explosion as it melts in your mouth, releasing a juicy blend of tropical flavors - subacid and delicate, with taste tones of banana, papaya and pineapple is one way to describe it. As was so aptly stated by one Dr. Seemann more than 70 years ago, "Many people feel that the taste of the cherimoya surpasses every other fruit. That it is the masterpiece of nature." That fellow certainly knew what he was talking about. The best way to grow cherimoyas is to purchase one or more of the many grafted varieties available, which include 'White', 'Ott', 'Honeyhart' and 'Bays'. They can also be grown from seed and come into bearing after four years, but probably will not be true to type. Like the feijoa, a cherimoya requires a certain amount of chilling to flower, estimated at between 50 to 100 hours at 35?F to 45?F*. *[Editor's note: in southern Florida the cherimoya set flowers several times a year. Anything that causes defoliation sets the stage for a fresh batch of flowers. Though cold weather is certainly effective in this regard, so is dry-wet cycle, fertilizer shock, manual leaf stripping and pruning - Har Maheem]. Again, the warmer sections of the nation lose out but in this case a few substitute annonas can be grown. One is the sugar apple or sweetsop (Annona squamosa) which is a dependable bearer in the south Florida climate. The fruit is much knobbier and smaller than the cherimoya but the flesh exhibits a similar taste quality. The soursop or guanabana (Annona muricata) is another cherimoya relative and is the most tropical of the annonas. The fruit is the largest of the family, being 6" to 9" long, and is covered with soft fleshy spines. The flesh is juicy and more sub-acid in flavor and some people claim that the aftertaste is reminiscent of mango. The atemoya is a hybrid between the sugar apple and cherimoya and is the perfect marriage. Traits of both are blended together perfectly-the sweetsop's tolerance of humid, warm climates and the cherimoya's exquisite taste. The atemoya was hybridized between 1908 and 1910 in Miami, and continues to be the most reliable producer for that subtropical climate. Carambola: Star of Pennsylvania By Ray Bayer The star fruit or carambola (Averrhoa carambola) can be the centerpiece of any tropical fruit orchard, not only for its crisp sweet taste, but also because of the unusual structure of the fruit. The carambola has 4 to 6 prominently raised ribs traveling the length of the fruit and when cut horizontally, voila, a star is born! The cut fruit looks distinctly starlike, the number of ribs determining the number of points on the star. If the shape of the fruit isn't unusual enough, its coloration and skin texture add even more to the fruit's pleasing strangeness. The mature fruit is a beautiful bright yellow, and due to a heavy coating of natural wax, the skin shines as though it's been painted with enamel lacquer. For all of its uniqueness and exotic eye appeal though, the carambola is a pleasure to grow in a container and very easy to bring into fruiting. I grow two varieties, the 'Arkin' and 'Fwang Tung, and both provide me with stellar fruiting performances every year. My trees are grown in 17" pots and the soil is kept on the acidic side. I use ammonia sulfate on the carambolas several times during the growing season (as I do with several other trees) and they simply revel in this treatment. Beginning in late winter, flowers appear in seemingly constant flushes. They appear as inflorescences from the leaf axils (where the leaf attaches to the tree) on young growth or where the leaves have fallen away on old growth. The small flowers are beautifully lilac, pleasantly fragrant and perfect, although, again, I assist pollination with my ever-present brush. Fruit maturation takes from 3 to 5 months depending on the weather and the time of the season in which the tree is holding fruit. The carambola is such an exuberant producer that I have had two foot high airlayers holding six fruit. Vegetatively propagated plants are the only reliable method of growing this tree because fruit taste ranges from sour to very sweet, with the fruit produced by seedlings almost guaranteed to be poor. Another interesting point about the star fruit is that the compound leaves have the ability to fold back at night only to open again in the morning. When I first started growing the trees I was unaware of this trait. It was in the evening on the day after they arrived from Florida that I first noticed the folded leaves and it was right after I had fertilized them. Of course I immediately thought I had done them in. However, the morning brought with it not only unfurled leaves but the awareness that this ability was just another distinctive characteristic of the carambola. The one minor problem in growing this tree that could eventually become very bothersome is that the trees attracts spider mites. I'm sure for Florida growers this problem is nonexistent but to greenhouse gardeners it could easily get out of control. This problem only becomes evident in the winter when the trees are quartered to the hothouse and is quickly remedied by soapy water or other means, usually chemical. Other than this one inconvenience, the carambola is certainly one of my top picks for its ease of culture and abundance of fruit it produces so regularly. Psidium of Pennsylvania For the grower who can't be bothered with such tedious tasks as hand pollination or laying awake at night worrying about whether his beloved flowers are going to be male or female, the tropical guava (Psidium guajava) is the tree to grow. This small Central American tree is not overly concerned with the care it receives and is very tolerant of a neglectful owner. This is not to say that it can be thrown in a closet and be expected to produce fruit, but it is quite flexible in its growing requirements. I have raised a number of different varieties over the years and all have borne fruit without the slightest hesitation. At present, I am growing the 'Supreme', 'Redland', 'Beaumont', and 'Mexican Cream' varieties. All perform beautifully in 13 in. to 15 in. pots with a minimum of care. The guava is a fast grower and to keep it in bounds I prune it heavily (every other year drastically) immediately after the fruit has ripened, which for me happens to be in late fall to early winter. I usually take off nearly all of the current season's new growth, clipping it as close as possible to a dormant leaf bud. Due to the fact that the leaves are produced opposite one another, this single cut institutes a double response from the plant in that it produces two new growing shoots. This "two for one" effect is very beneficial to the plant and grower because flowers are produced on new growth and the trimming also revitalizes the plant, resulting in larger fruit. The new growth will appear as day length increases, which for me is mid-January. The flowers, which are produced along with the new growth, open up in May and are completely self-pollinating, although cross-pollination will produce more fruit. You can smell a flowering guava from a distance, the pleasing scent blanketing the growing area, inviting bees and other buzzing creatures to grab a free tropical meal. During this period of accelerated growth, I ply my trees with heavy doses of fertilized water which they imbibe gratefully, the extra dosage helping the nurturing of the plants' fruit. After flowering is completed, mature fruit delivery takes from four to six months. Growth slows considerably during this period, the plants' abundant energy now being funneled into the development of its fruit. It is during this holding stage that I lightly prune the trees, snipping back the more vigorous non-fruiting shoots or simply cutting off undesired branches. Watering during this time is very critical to the maturing guavas (as it is with all developing fruit) and prolonged dryness can lead to dry pulpless fruit. Four to six months is a too long a time to wait for fruit to ripen into worthless, dried out shells. My guavas ripen from September to November, with a slight color change in the yellow skin indicating maturation. Ripe fruit is also soft to the touch. Taste varies considerably among my varieties, ranging from the deliciously sweet dessert type ('Supreme') to the acidic processing type ('Beaumont'). Seediness also varies from extreme to minimal, with some fruit varieties being practically seed free. Flesh is either reddish or white in all varieties. Guavas are an excellent source of vitamin C and A, both higher in the red fleshed variety. For you health-conscious growers out there, this is the fruit for you! It has a remarkable number of uses ranging from medicinal (the leaves when chewed alleviate toothaches) to recreational (a fine wine can be made from the fermented fruit). When the leaves are boiled and the resulting broth drunk, diarrhea can be remedied; and as a mouthwash it helps cure swollen gums. These folk remedies are used in third world countries where the availability of Bayer aspirin or Pepto-Bismol is non-existent. In some cultures I'm sure that the tropical guava is quite an indispensable plant, one that's usefulness far exceeds simply a ripe fruit. The red cattley or strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) is another one of those ego-boosting subtropicals that makes the transition from temperate gardening to tropical fruit container gardening so successful. I state 'ego-boosting' because this plant is assured of producing fruit for the novice. It's the perfect crossover fruit to choose for the grower who would like to begin a tropical container orchard. The red cattley has always been one of my favorites and like the tropical guava doesn't require an abundance of care. I grow two red cattleys and one yellow or lemon cattley, this yellow variety bearing much larger fruit. The red strawberry guava is usually grown from seed because it produces true by this method. There's no noticeable variation in fruit quality from the parent tree. I have found that the only variation in seedling plants is in size and production, and not fruit taste. Two seedlings I have grown in particular have turned out to be exceptional producers, one in the extra large fruit it produces and the other in the quantity it bears. These cattleys both came from the same parent tree but from different fruit. Seedling trees can start bearing within two years and within twelve months when grown from cutting. This is a very attractive plant to grow, the glossy deep green leaves beautifully offsetting the red fruit. The flowers are abundantly produced on new growth which begins to appear in late winter. They begin to open in late March and my trees continue to flush throughout the summer. The flowers appear almost as small white, sweetly scented powder puffs, enhanced by the backdrop of deep green. They are completely self pollinating (although I use my trusty watercolor brush as I do on all my trees). The ripe fruit is ready for picking 90 days later. The small green guavas grow up to an inch and begin to blush red towards maturation, eventually turning a deep crimson and soft when fully ripe. These soft red fruits are deliciously sub-acid in flavor, with a slight hint of strawberry to entice the palate. The fruit has many hard seeds embedded in the pulp but I either grind them up when eating the fruit or simply swallow them whole. After harvest, my cattleys receive a light pruning to promote fruiting shoots and also to reshape the plant. My plants have a habit of producing both upright and horizontal branches and to keep the shape pleasing, I snip off and reshape, many times bending and tying horizontal branches vertically to produce the desired form I want to attain. The yellow or lemon cattley produces much larger yellow fruit, being definitely sweeter with absolutely no hint of sub-acidity. It's a good fruit, but to my taste buds some acidity must be present in a fruit to be truly savory. It also grows in a more open habit, being not as vigorous as the red cattley. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: How to Eat a Rambutan - wikiHow From: ¬øName? mailto:bergerbuds@aol.com Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:06:43 -0800 How to Eat a Rambutan Rambutan, a native of Southeast Asia, now grows in tropical climates all over the world. The leaves differ from one variety to another, but the hairy or spiky red (when mature) fruits are unmistakable. Rambut is the Malay word for "hair". Try one next time you're in the tropics! In Costa Rica they are known as "Mamon Chino" or Chinese Sucker for the way the fruit is eaten and that they are like a lychee fruit from China. They are now abundant in Central America. Steps 1. Open the rambutan by removing part of the skin in any one of several ways: * Squeeze the rambutan till the skin breaks. Then peel half the skin off, leaving the other half to hold in your hand like a wrapper. Find a seam running down the top to the bottom of the fruit, and pull apart the leathery skin. You'll find something resembling a peeled grape, but larger, beneath it. Alternatively, use a knife to make an incision into the skin, and squeeze the fruit out. Do not cut through the seed. 2. Eat around the seed. Avoid biting too close to the seed--you want to avoid the tough, papery skin surrounding it. Some people nibble at the flesh, others pop the whole thing in their mouth and spit out the seed when they're done (see Warnings below). Some varieties have bitter seeds; others have sweet seeds, presumably containing negligible amounts of tannins or alkaloids. In the latter case, one can eat the entire fruit, seed and all (but not the outer skin). Try the Universal Edibility Test before consuming the seeds in quantity. Tips * The fruit is not overly sweet, nor sour; it tastes something like a grape. * If serving, leave half the skin on after cutting as a decorative holder, such as if serving it as part of a fruit platter. * They cost 3/Quetzal, or about 4 cents each, at a market in San Pedro la Laguna, Guatemala (as of December 2007). This was one of the varieties with non-bitter seeds. In Costa Rica they cost about 50 cents a pound. * After buying rambutan, you can keep it for three to five days in the refrigerator and covered with plastic wrap to reduce moisture loss (or leave them out if you live in a humid environment). * They cost about 1 USD for 2 dozen sold street side in Honduras in 2007. Warnings * Some sources say not to eat the seed or the rind, which contain toxic saponins and tannins. * If the flesh sticks to the seed and is difficult to separate, the rambutan is probably overripe. * Watch out for fruit maggots, indicated by brownish, sandy stuff where the fruit is attached to the stem. As with any plant, make sure of positive identification before eating them. You'll likely find them in a local market, so try them from that source first before eating them in the wild. Sent by mailto:bergerbuds@aol.com http://www.wikihow.com/Eat-a-Rambutan <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Fruit Fly Program Pays Off From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:03:34 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ A research program to control exotic fruit flies in Hawaii has had an economic return of better than 30 percent. The Hawaii Area Wide Fruit Fly Integrated Pest Management (HAW-FLYPM) program is a cooperative effort of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The HAW-FLYPM program developed a way to control four foreign fruit fly species--Mediterranean fruit fly, melon fly, oriental fruit fly and Malaysian fruit fly--that have been devastating more than 400 fruits and vegetables in the Hawaiian Islands for 100 years. Without the HAW-FLYPM program, farmers must rely on nearly weekly spraying of pesticides. Susceptible crops include citrus, tomato, guava, mango, melon, papaya and persimmon. Within three years of the program's start, the researchers knew it worked scientifically and that growers could physically apply it for themselves. But for growers to continue with the program, real economic benefit needed to be demonstrated. So the program brought in economist Andrew M. McGregor to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, totaling benefits to farmers, households, and the public. These benefits add up to a hefty 32 percent return on an investment of $14 million over 15 years. For example, Aloun Farm in Oahu is now producing an additional 130,000 pounds of zucchini a year with minimal pesticide use, thanks to the HAW-FLYPM program, a gain of about $75,000. The program has also helped preserve a Hawaiian cultural tradition. Ipu, Hawaiian for the hard-shell gourd, has always been an important part of the island culture, used as a drum in hula dance and as a traditional way to store food or water. But the melon fly had made it almost impossible to grow the traditional ipu gourds in Hawaii, and thousands of gourds have had to be purchased from California instead. This past season, for the first time, the vice president of the Hawaii Gourd Society harvested hundreds of beautiful ipu gourds by using the HAW-FLYPM program. Read more about this research in the February 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb08/fly0208.htm ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture‚Äôs chief in-house scientific research agency. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Partnering to Manage Plant Genebanks From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:03:43 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Bioversity International are partnering with the Global Crop Diversity Trust to develop a powerful but easy-to-use, Internet-based information management system for the world's plant genebanks. The nucleus of the system will be ARS's existing Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), a database that already houses information about the more than 480,000 accessions (distinct varieties of plants) in ARS‚Äôs National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). In addition to serving as the information backbone of the NPGS, GRIN has been adopted by Canada‚Äôs national genebank system as their information management system. ARS has a long-term commitment to maintaining and enhancing GRIN, which it began developing more than 20 years ago. As more genetic and agricultural data are generated about the wide range of plants preserved in genebanks around the world, the huge amount of information is increasingly difficult to manage and make accessible. This is especially the case for smaller genebanks in the developing world that may lack the capacity and resources to develop their own information management systems. Now, thanks to the partnership between the Global Crop Diversity Trust, ARS and Bioversity, software upgrades will enable the GRIN system to be used by genebanks of all sizes, making more information about more plants available to researchers. The new system will help genebanks conserve and use precious genetic resources more effectively, and also help researchers, farmers and producers make the best possible use of information. For example, ARS recently screened a key part of the U.S. wheat and barley collection to find genes that provide resistance to a new rust fungus, Ug99, that could threaten 80 percent of the world's wheat. Ug99 first surfaced in Uganda in 1999, and has since been found in Kenya and Ethiopia. The Global Crop Diversity Trust will contribute a $1.4 million grant to support this three-year project. ARS will contribute the equivalent of more than $900,000 in in-kind co-financing. Bioversity is providing its expertise in information systems and its strong links with genebanks, particularly in the developing world. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. The Global Crop Diversity Trust is an independent international organization whose mission is to ensure the conservation and availability of crop diversity for food security worldwide. Bioversity International is the world's largest international research organization dedicated solely to the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200802B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - March 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200803A.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Quite a few mango trees are ready to start blooming, so Spring is in the air. I'm disappointed to not get any response to my question about your favorite mango varieties. I am often asked for recommendations and it helps to have opinions other than my own. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Singapore - With Children's Question Bucktha SEELAN New Subscriber - Beirut, Lebanon Toni Hajjar <><><> Readers Write <><><> Fig Varieties Information Source "Doug Jones" Correction Of Meeting Date CRFG North County secetary nickerson Fruit is slowly returning - Bees aren't! "John Brode" Where to buy parafilm grafting tape? CielonKevin Re: where to buy parafilm grafting tape? Leo Manuel To: CielonKevin Re: where to buy parafilm grafting tape? CielonKevin CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter - February 2008 Leo Manuel Your Invitation to Our New Informal San Diego Gathering CielonKevin In the Garden: Sunday, March 9th 1-3 pm Cielo Wanted - Source Of Thomson Mango "Jeff Earl" Re: Thomson Mango Leo Manuel To: Jeff Earl What to do with your scion wood/cutting by Jim Neitzel Cielo Myrciaria vexator seed Wanted "Rock Xu" CRFG Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter "Norman Beard" <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Singapore - With Children's Question From: Bucktha SEELAN Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:53:10 +0800 My name is Bucktha Seelan. Last name is Bucktha and first is Seelan I live in sunny Singapore. I am the Principal of an elementary school and would like the children to experience growing dragon fruit, chiku and custard apple. Any help is much appreciated, especially with the dragon fruit and custard apple. Saw the website which says that only half a large pot is to be filled with soil and that it should be watered once in two weeks. Is this accurate? Currently we have just planted a mango tree, a chiku tree, a hog plum tree and I have a soursop seedling. Thank you. Regards Bucktha Seelan Principal mailto:Bucktha_SEELAN@moe.gov.sg ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Beirut, Lebanon From: Toni Hajjar Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:42:45 +0200 I am Toni Hajjar, Agriculture Department, in Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIAB) Beirut - Sanayeh - Justinien street Toni Hajjar mailto:agriculture@ccib.org.lb <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Fig Varieties Information Source From: "Doug Jones" Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:56:48 -0800 I saw a question about fig varieties in your newsletter. The best place I have seen to look up varieties is http://figs4fun.com/ [Leo's Note: I didn't see Jon Verdick's name mentioned in the brief look I had, but it sounds like his site. He lives in Encanto suburb of San Diego] Doug Jones mailto:fruitguy@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Correction Of Meeting Date CRFG North County From: secetary nickerson Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:31:53 -0800 (PST) This correction changes the March meeting date to the 14th because the campus is closed the 21st. Harry mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fruit is slowly returning - Bees aren't! From: "John Brode" Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:42:58 GMT Hi Leo Nice to get the newsletter again. You were mentioning the appearance of blossom on the stone fruits. Fortunately ours has slowed up because of the recent cooler weather, otherwise the blossom is damaged by late rains. We have lost a lot of fruit in the past because of it. The lack of bees has me a bit concerned too. Have you noticed? Usually we have loads buzzing around our white sapote. But there is certainly a lack of them. I am wondering if they have found out exactly why the bees are decreasing so much. I have read various reports. We are getting some fruit from our white sapote. But the tree doesn't have many on. We usually have loads by this time but the tree was damaged so much by last years freeze it has taken it months to recover. It is however covered in new blossom and new fruits forming. So we live in hopes. I have also been reading recently the enormous health benefits of pomegranites. We give most of ours away and then leave the rest for the birds. But am thinking I should be juicing. After the great freeze of last year we did plant more stone fruits and extra persimmons last summer. The decidious fruit trees were fine. So we have concentrated our efforts on those. We decided not to replace the ones that were lost. Happy gardening to all. Marion mailto:marionjohnbrodie@msn.com [Leo's Note: Does anyone have a relatively quick way to extract the pomegranates?] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Where to buy parafilm grafting tape? From: CielonKevin Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:16:41 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, Just talked with Paul Fisher, he doesn't have Parafilm. Walter Andersen doesn't carry it either. Do you know any local nursery who carries it? Thanks, Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: where to buy parafilm grafting tape? From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:33:18 -0800 To: CielonKevin Hi Ceilo Lots of years ago I bought some in a lab supply store. I don't remember where. Jim may know. I know you can order it on the internet. Google parafilm. One hit was http://www.2spi.com/catalog/supp/supp4b.shtml Good luck! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: where to buy parafilm grafting tape? From: CielonKevin Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:25:49 -0800 (PST) Paul Fisher suggested Roger Meyer (OC), so I've made arrangements to buy it from him. I wanted to have lots of our grafting workshops that I'm helping Jim Neitzel put on. We hope you will honor us with your participation. If Jim's phone was busy, he was more likely on the phone with me. We were putting together a tentative grafting schedule. mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter - February 2008 From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:41:27 -0800 Chair: Jose M. Gallego (619) 69704417 mailto:chair@crfgsandiego.org Website: http://crfgsandiego.org Meeting Place: Rm. 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park Usually 4th Wednesdays, 7:00pm Suggested garden chores for February and March: ‚Ä¢ Do your grafting. ‚Ä¢ Continue to fertilize your citrus and avocados. ‚Ä¢ Check to see if your bananas are not starting to rot, because of the excess water from the rain. ‚Ä¢ Continue to control snails. ‚Ä¢ Take out those weeds, do not allow them to flower or you shall pay later with more weeds. ‚Ä¢ Trees start flowering, keep an eye on your fruit trees that need hand pollination like cherimoyas. ‚Ä¢ Screen your compost. ‚Ä¢ Heavy pruning for citrus. You ma y want to share your cutting with Chapter me mbers. ‚Ä¢ Check trees for iron and zinc deficiencies. ‚Ä¢ One last chance to do light pruning to your deciduous trees, be careful. ‚Ä¢ Time to add mulch or compost to your trees, the more mulch you add the happier your trees will be. Remember City of San Diego offers free mulch to residents of the City of San Diego, compost also free if you load it yourself, is about $5.00 if loaded by Greenery staff. (Trust me, $5.00 is worth it, otherwise it is a lot of work) (FT = Field Trip, WP= Work Party, CP: Chapter Promotion, NC= North County Chapter) March 3/26 - 6:00PM Intro Session: What is a CP: 3/1 ‚Äì 3/2 Home and Garden Show Rare Fruit/Your Garden‚Äôs Microclimate WP: 3/8 Quail Gardens 9:00AM 3/26: Program: Exploring Quail Gardens WS: 3/15 Hands-on GraField Triping Works hop Field Trip: 3/29 Quail Gardens April 4/23: - 6:00PM Intro Session: How to WP: 4/12 Quail Garden 9:00AM Select and Plant Rare Fruit Trees 4/23: Program: Water in San Diego Field Trip: 4/19 Green Scene ‚Äì Orange County ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Your Invitation to Our New Informal San Diego Gathering From: CielonKevin Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:56:11 -0800 (PST) Hello fellow fruit enthusiasts: You are invited to an informal monthly gathering of past and current members of the local CRFG chapter who would like to further enhance their knowledge and shared experience beyond the monthly meetings. Objective of this new informal group: We are committed to promoting the goals of fellowship in fruit and the sharing of information pertaining to fruit cultivation directly from the experienced "emeritus" members. Purpose The purpose of the meetings is to further share the enthusiasm and experience of longer established members in an orchard/garden setting outside the limiting confines of a nighttime meeting room. This is a separate gathering from the monthly chapter meetings and is outside the auspices of the chapter management, but is open to interested CRFG members. Participants will have a chance to see established orchards of some of our members, as well as newly established work-in-progress plantings and hands on topics such as grafting will be explored. This is open to interested participants regardless of experience, but with noble intentions of sharing and having fun learning with us. When & Where Plans are to have the meetings once a month, hosted at participants' home gardens/orchards/nursery‚Äôs for 2-3 hours on the second Sunday. If there is enough enthusiasm, these meetings will be planned a few months in advance and announced by e- mail or phone calls to members who request notice. Tentative Grafting Schedule: This is our tentative schedule, and may change due to weather and/or attendees' participation. Light refreshments and fruits for tasting (depending on what's available) will be served. One of our featured experts is Jim Neitzel. * Sun. 1-3 pm, March 9 Grafting: Deciduous fruit trees and avocados * Sun. 1-3pm, April 13 Grafting & Air Layering: Semi-tropical fruit trees (cherimoyas, loquats, sapotes, tropical guavas) * Sun. 1-3pm, May 18 Grafting: Tropical fruit tree (mangoes) Other Planned Events: * Green Scene (April 19-20) -- Fullerton Arboretum * June & July - Garden Tours of Participants' gardens/orchard -- sign up your garden/orchard for us to visit; Summer picnic * July 12-13 International Mango Festival in Miami (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden) -- if we get enough people interested, we can organize a group to go If you are interested in joining us, hosting a meeting, demonstrating a skill, suggesting a topic or have other comments or suggestions, please reply to Cielo at cielonkevin@yahoo.com Once we have gathered and processed the initial response, we will refine and send out this message to even more possibly interested members. Thank you in advance for any interest or support you may have for this idea. Cielo Foth mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com 619.818.0093 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: In the Garden: Sunday, March 9th 1-3 pm Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:11:41 -0800 (PST) From: Cielo When: Sunday, March 9th 1-3 pm This is an informal gathering in a very casual setting outdoors. It's okay to come late, just join the group when you can between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect. If you didn't RSVP, but could come anyway, please come and join us! What: Grafting: Deciduous fruit trees and avocados Who: Jim Neitzel will lead us on this hands-on grafting demonstrations Where: Billie English's orchard garden (Mira Mesa area) 10305 Hemphill Court, San Diego CA 92126 (Note: Parking in the cul-de-sac is limited; more street parking on adjacent streets.) What's in Billie's orchard garden Apples: Sekai Ichi, Anna, Beverly Hills, Winter Banana, Granny Smith, Einsheimer, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Arkansas Black, then a 6 in one of Melrose, Braeburn, Cortland, Gravenstein, Red McIntosh, and Yellow Delicious. Avocado: Fuerte and Haas and a dying hybrid that we are thinking of replacing. Apricot: Royal Rosa, Flavor Delight, Goldkist and Katy. Plum: Santa Rosa, Beauty and Flavor King pluot, all just planted this year. Cherimoya: Flat Persimmon(now called Asian persimmon) Asian Pears: Sinko and Shinseiki Citrus: Pink Lemonade lemon tree, Mexican Lime Oranges: Blood, Dancy Tangerine, Satsuma Mandarin Tangerine, Cara Cara Pink Navel, Golden Nugget mandarin Tangerine. Peach: Babcock Others: Strawberry Guava, Jelly Fig, Macadamia Then a few grapes, boysenberries and blackberries. We are deciding when to take out our beautiful Coastal Redwood to make room for more edibles, but we need to find something that is not harmful to our tortoise, Ella. What to bring: You're welcome to bring a plant and scion you'd like to practice grafting. Bring your own parafilm grafting tape and grafting knife, if you own them. If not, we'll have some available to share. Bring your enthusiasm to learn, enjoy and have fun. Our Calendar (dates may change due to inclement weather and/or member participation) Sunday 1-3 pm, April 13th (Rancho Penasquitos area) *Grafting & Air Layering: Semi-tropical fruit trees (cherimoyas, loquats, sapotes, tropical guavas) Sunday 1-3pm, May 18th *Grafting: Tropical fruit tree (mangoes) Orchard Garden sites Wanted > * Green Scene (April 19-20) -- Fullerton Arboretum > * June & July - Garden Tours of Participants' gardens/orchard -- sign up your garden/ orchard for us to visit; * Summer picnic at the beach! > * July 12-13 International Mango Festival in Miami (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden) -- if we get enough people interested, we can organize a group to go Please let us know if you plan to attend. It's okay to come late, just join the group when you can between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Come to learn, enjoy, have fun or just to catch up. We look forward to seeing you! Don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions and/or suggestions. Propagate & Be Fruitful! Cielo Foth mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com Jim Neitzel 619.262.8959 Aaron St. John mailto:astjohn@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted - Source Of Thomson Mango From: "Jeff Earl" Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:58:26 -0800 Hi Leo, I had a seedling Keitt Mango, grow and fruit for about 10 years here in Modesto. The fruit were ok. but seedless. So I had someone dig the tree up and transplant it. I now am interested in trying a different mango variety - The Thomson Mango. A friend here in the valley had some success, and I would like to give it a try. Do you know of a source for the Thomson Mango tree? Thanks in advance. Any help would be appreciated. Jeff mailto:jeffearl@sbcglobal.net Modesto, Ca [Leo's Note: I have a few seedling Thomson mango trees in pots. They are polyembryonic, of course, and usually precocious. Let me know if they are of interest. mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Thomson Mango From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:31:54 -0800 To: Jeff Earl Hi Jeff I have a Thomson graft on another tree. What I like about Thomson's is that it's polyembryonic, with seedlings that can begin to bear early, and prolific. It is also almost totally without fiber, and tastes pretty good. Its negatives are that the fruit is quite small, but could probably be made larger, if the fruit is thinned on the tree. It's not my favorite mango, and certainly not the worst. Eunice Messner mailTo: EuniceMessner3203@sbcglobal.net has one, I understand, that she likes very much, and you should get her opinion. I believe that she's in the Los Angeles area. I'll post your request in the newsletter. Thanks for writing. Leo mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What to do with your scion wood/cutting by Jim Neitzel From: Cielo Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:56:02 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, I'm submitting an article written by Jim Neitzel, a former member of the California Rare Fruit Growers San Diego Chapter. Anyone wishing to contact Jim can reach him at 619-262-8959. I was going to publish this in the February newsletter, but things happened. Thanks, Cielo What to do with Scionwood and cuttings by Jim Neitzel Each January most chapters of CRFG put on a scionwood and cuttings exchange. Hardwood cuttings are selected and enclosed in a ziplock or plastic bags wrapped with some moistened paper towel. These scions can be stored in the crisper of a refrigerator until the buds of your rootstock tree starts to swell ‚Äì indicating breaking of dormancy, sap flow and an activating cambial layer (between the bark and wood). Apple should be grafted on apple; pear on pear; prunus on prunus. Nemaguard peach is as disease resistant rootstock for almond, apricot, nectarine, peach ‚Äì even some plums. Citation is a red leafed semi-dwarfing peach rootstock that permits easy detection of suckers if any sprout below the graft. ‚ÄúLowell‚Äù peach is less common here than Nemaguard peach. Marianna plum selections are very good for plums, pluots, etc. and can deal with heavier and damper soils. Why do people do grafting? Firstly, a seedling is most likely going to bear inferior fruit. Budding it or grafting it over with scionwood of some superior selected varieties changes all growth above the graft union to that of the proven cultivars. Multi-grafting various branches is now commonly used to provide the consumer with ‚Äú3-in-1‚Äù or ‚Äú4-in-1‚Äù trees. The 3 or 4 varieties should have similar chill requirements; otherwise, the lowest chill cultivar (e.g. Anna or Dorsett and golden apple) will break dormancy several weeks earlier than most of the other grafts. Thus outgrowing everything else. Ideally the grower would seek early, mid and late cultivars to extend fruit production. Grafting onto dwarfing or semi-dwarfing rootstock selections allows the grower to plant much more intensely and makes for easier care (pruning, thinning out fruit and harvesting). Grapes, figs and pomegranates are generally propagated by placing the lower half or so into a well aerated planting mix. setting the containers off in a semi-shaded area and watering when necessary should give good results. Figs and pomegranates can also be grafted onto existing trees that are still dormant. Jon Verdick‚Äôs fig article in the Fruit Gardener November ‚Äì December 2007 issue gives fantastic instructions and hits regarding propagation of fig cuttings. (See page 17.) See Jon‚Äôs growing tips at http://figs4fun.com/Growing_Tips.html Many of the apples and prunus (peach, nectarines, plums, almonds, pluots, aprium and apricots) are also easy to reproduce from the shoots removed during winter pruning. The juvenility of the fast growing shoots or ‚Äúwatersprouts‚Äù are especially easy to root. Anyone who has stored scions a bit too long in the refrigerator has seen how the cuts have callused over and started to initiate roots. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Myrciaria vexator seed Wanted From: "Rock Xu" Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:02:03 +0800 Dear Sir, I am interested in Myrciaria vexator seed. Is it available now? I bulk seeds at least 20lbs If you can sell them to me, you will do me a great favor. Regards, Rock Xu mailto:sunfromwest@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter From: "Norman Beard" Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:02:27 -0800 MARCH MEETING WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 10-Noon WHERE: Seminis, 2700 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA 93030 (Seminis Inc) WHAT: Developer, grower and marketer of fruit and vegetable seeds Seminis is the largest developer, grower and marketer of fruit and vegetable seeds in the world. This should be VERY good! We are going to tour the genetics lab, the germ lab, QA lab, and a talk on plant/seed development! Most of us have never seen anything like this before. I honestly wouldn't miss this opportunity. Check out their web site: http://us.seminis.com/ Bring a friend. DIRECTIONS: From 101 take exit 60 to merge onto N Rice Ave (1.3 mi). Turn left at Camino Del Sol (0.1 mi) ******LOCAL OFFICERS Co Chair: Norman Beard mailto:beardtropics@earthlink.net Co-Chair: Scott Doyle mailto:cottmdoyle@msn.com Local website: current material http://crfg.blogspot.com older material: http://crfgvsb.blogspot.com; CRFG Website: http://crfg.org For Membership in California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc, send $30 to CRFG, Inc., 66 Farrugut Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112-4050 AND $10 (for local dues) to Roland Messori, 355 Sierra Vista Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Note: Members of the Parent CRFG organization receive the outstanding "Fruit Gardener" magazine.) <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200803A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - March 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200803B.txt ____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Suddenly it's spring! Temperatures in the 70s and even the 80s, together with the above-average rainfall, have caused flowers to bloom ‚Äì fruit trees and wild flowers. Of course, weeds have begun to grow, as well. Remember my question about your favorite mango? Kensington Pride from Australia is Cecilia's. Lots of years ago, I traded seeds from one of my polyembryonic seedlings for some of the also-polyembryonic Kensington Pride, from a newsletter reader in Australia. One seedling of it began to bear a few years ago, and it really does bear delicious fruit. Kensington is possibly identical. Anyone else with a favorite? Not many letters from you in recent newsletters. If you want RFNO to continue, then more of you will need to write. Ask questions, answer questions, report on concerns you have in your garden, or observations you have made on internet sites that might be of interest to the rest of us. There were once twice as many subscribers as there are now. Is there a message there? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber ‚Äì French Food Researcher Bernard Pichetto New Subscriber, San Diego David F. Long <><><> Readers Write <><><> Grafting Workshop San Diego TODAY 3/15/08!! Jose M. Gallego Blackberry Plants Wanted - Trade Atumn Bliss Raspberries? Barbara Banks Grow Pomegranates In Mozambique? Marthinus Prinsloo My Favorite Mango ‚Äì Kensington Pride Cecilia Garden Tour: Sat. March 29th Rolf & Connie's Cielo <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm World's Largest Gene Bank - In Norway ARS News Service Environmentally-Friendly Controls for Peach Tree Pests ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber ‚Äì French Food Researcher From: Bernard Pichetto Date: Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:29:29 +0100 Hello, French food researcher interested to receive your newsletter. Thank you, Best regards, Bernard Pichetto mailto:bernard.pichetto@toildepices.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, San Diego From: "David F. Long" Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 18:05:17 -0700 Hi Leo, It was nice to meet you at the garden party today with Jim Niezel and the rest. I hope we will have more gatherings like this because I like to see other gardens and learn about raising fruit. I would enjoy receiving your newsletter and would like to be added to the list if I may. I also finished the article I wrote of the UC Riverside trip and asked Cielo to edit it for me before I send it (I need help because writing was never easy for me). As soon as she sends it back I will forward you a copy. Take care, David Long mailto:daveflong@sbcglobal.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Grafting Workshop San Diego TODAY 3/15/08!! From: Jose M. Gallego Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:33:46 -0800 California Rare Fruit Growers San Diego Chapter Grafting Workshop Reminder This is a quick reminder about the Grafting Workshop this Saturday, March 15th from 2 to 4 PM. The location for the event is: 8673 Warmwell Dr. San Diego, CA 92119 Please RSVP at (619) 261-3610 If you have your own rootstock, scion wood and knife bring them to the workshop. We will provide tape and parafilm for you to use. There will be a couple of rootstocks available to demonstrate the different grafting techniques. See you TODAY Saturday! Jos√© M. Gallego mailto:JMGallego@LosGallego.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Blackberry Plants Wanted - Trade Atumn Bliss Raspberries? From: Barbara Banks Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 20:09:55 -0800 I writing to ask if anyone in North County (within 25 miles of Oceanside CA) has any established blackberry plants to sell, share, or trade for some Autumn Bliss raspberry plants (these fruited from May to Feb. this year and are tasty.) I'm looking for SWEET blackberry plants, the sweeter the better. Also, I'm making raised beds for new fruit trees, since my "soil" is terrible. Can anyone suggest a good place to get topsoil/planting mix? Thanks, Barbara Banks . 760 295 1288 mailto:ivorytikler@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grow Pomegranates In Mozambique? From: Marthinus Prinsloo Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 22:56:48 -0800 (PST) It has been a long time since I had any news from you. We are in Mozambique and are convinced that Pomegranates will grow here with no problem. and bare fruit at a time when the rest of the world is out of stock. What will be your opinion? Regards ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Favorite Mango ‚Äì Kensington Pride From: Cecilia Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 14:07:17 +0000 (GMT) Hi Leo, I am partial to the KENSINGTON PRIDE mango myself, purely on the basis of flavour. All the best Cecilia Below is from http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/horticulture/5359.html Mango variety: Kensington Pride Kensington Pride is the most popular variety grown in Australia, making up 80 per cent of all trees planted. This variety is grown throughout the sub-tropical and tropical regions of Australia. The major production areas are: Queensland Dry Tropics, Atherton Tablelands, central Queensland, south-east Queensland, northern New South Wales and, Darwin and Katherine (NT) and Kununurra and Carnarvon (WA). The variety was first discovered in Bowen, north Queensland, but is thought to have originated as a seed imported on a shipping line from India. Kensington Pride has been known under several different names such as Bowen, Bowen Special or Kensington. Although this variety is the most popular in Australia, it is not grown commercially overseas. Although Kensington Pride prised in Australia for it‚Äôs unique flavour, it is an irregular bearer with poor flowering in the northern regions and poor fruit set in the southern production areas. In 1997, there were approximately 650 000 trees planted in Queensland, with 800 000 planted throughout Australia, producing approximately 43 000 tonnes of fruit. Fruit characteristics Weight: 300-600 g Average length: 106 mm Average width: 79 mm Average depth: 83 mm Shape: ovate Flesh fibre: medium Skin thickness: medium-thick Beak shape: s light-prominent Stem end shape: level to depressed Fruit flavour: sweet, tangy % flesh recovery: 63% Tree characteristics - Kensington Pride is a large vigorous tree that can reach heights of 8 metres if left unpruned. The tree has a dense spreading canopy. The new leaves are initially purple, turning green as they expand and harden. The tree has a tendency for irregular bearing and medium to low yields. Seedling trees will bear fruit in the second or third year after field planting. Although widely grown, this variety performs poorly in the cooler sub-tropical regions where temperatures are often too low for pollination, and in the Northern Territory where the trees are excessively vigorous at the expense of flowering. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Garden Tour: Sat. March 29th Rolf & Connie's From: Cielo Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:30:16 -0700 (PDT) Who: Rolf Dethlefsen and Connie Lee, whose garden burned in the October 2007 wildfires, will show us what they've done in their garden since then. What: A Guided Garden Tour 9 am to 11 am, then on your own hiking (10-acre property west of Rancho Bernardo). Their garden burned in the October 2007 wildfires, and they have 35 new fruit trees now, a beautiful view and wildflowers. Now is a good time to learn eating wild vegetables from Mother Nature. They are juicy and abundant. When: Saturday, March 29th 9 to 11 am: Guided Garden Tour by Rolf Dethlefsen & Connie Lee (Early in the morning before it gets warmer in the day. If you get there late, just join us.) 11 am to ?: On your own-- hiking at your leisure with a spectacular view over Lake Hodges. Where: 9586 Camino Santa Fe, San Diego CA 92127 (west of Rancho Bernardo) Directions from I-15 North: Exit I-15 onto Camino del Norte (go west -- about 3.6 miles) Turn Right onto Four Gee Rd (about .6 mile) You'll pass a fire station. Four Gee Rd (becomes Camino Santa Fe). Go to the end of Four Gee Road. (There are two gates.) Turn left through the second gate which will be open for you. (if not, there is a call box) About 150 yards after the gate, make a Right Turn onto a 0.6 mile long, paved, uphill drive way. The house is the first one on the right.(and now only one after the fire) 9586 Camino Santa Fe, San Diego CA 92127 Parking: There is plenty of parking; however, carpooling is recommended. What to Wear: Visitors must be sure-footed and wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes for rugged terrain. Dress accordingly for your own comfort considering the terrain and weather inland. As the weather gets warmer, there is a chance of encountering snakes in the path, driveway, etc. Our Activities Calendar: > Sunday 1-3 pm, April 13th in Rancho Penasquitos garden -- Details to follow SOON Grafting & Air Layering: Semi-Tropical fruit trees (cherimoyas, loquats, sapotes, tropical guavas) Sunday 1-3 pm, May 18th in Mt.Helix garden (We have a location! Thanks, Bob & Kitty!) Grafting: Tropical fruit trees (mangoes) April 19-20, 10 am to 4 pm, Green Scene Garden Show in Fullerton Arboretum (Link to list of participating vendors: http://www.arboretum.fullerton.edu/arbpdf/Exhibitors_08.pdf > June and July -- Garden Tours of participants' gardens/orchards - sign up your garden for us to visit > Summer picnic at the beach > July 12-13 (To Be Confirmed) International Mango Festival in Miami (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden) Thanks to Billie & Rupe English for hosting our March 9th Grafting Deciduous fruit trees & avocados. What a nice garden party! Thanks to everyone who came and participated. Welcome back to Bob Holzinger from Ventura, and a Warm Welcome to new CRFG member Mike Adams! As usual, please let us know if you plan to attend, so we know how many to expect. We look forward to seeing you. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions and/or suggestions for other activities. Propagate & Be Fruitful! Cielo Foth cielonkevin@yahoo.com 619.818.0093 Jim Neitzel 619.262.8959 Aaron St. John astjohn@hotmail.com <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: World's Largest Gene Bank - In Norway From: ARS News Service Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:45:18 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ No doubt you've seen a lot of the recent media coverage about Norway's new Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world's largest genebank, where "backup" genetic material for thousands of plants is tucked away for safekeeping. And as a media professional, maybe you've wondered about whether there's a U.S. angle to this story. The answer is "Absolutely!" For the past 50 years, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation (NCGRP) at Fort Collins, Colo., has been busy storing hundreds of thousands of samples of plant germplasm and, more recently, animal germplasm. ARS is the chief scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the NCGRP is a state-of-the-art, super-high-tech facility designed to store duplicates of germplasm--the parts of plants and animals that are needed for reproduction, such as seeds or semen. The NCGRP has decades of experience in this field of science and is recognized as a world leader in germplasm storage techniques and maintaining sample quality, even for tropical seeds, many of which are notoriously difficult to conserve. The Fort Collins facility stores more than 730,000 samples of live plant germplasm--such as seeds, pollen and plant cuttings--which can be removed from storage and immediately used for regeneration, breeding or research. It's also home to more than 330,000 genetic samples from more than 7,800 individual animals, including chickens, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, elk, bison and aquatic animals...even insects! Not only does the NCGRP have enough animal germplasm on hand to regenerate the Holstein dairy cattle breed "from scratch" if the need arises; it's also helping preserve the germplasm of a very special breed of "sacred sheep" that are culturally important to the Navajo tribe of the American Southwest. The genetic materials stored at Fort Collins are regenerated through the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), which includes more than 20 ARS genebanks throughout the United States. These genebanks hold nearly half a million germplasm samples from a diverse array of plants, from avocados to zinnias. NPGS distributes, for free, about 150,000 seed samples worldwide every year for research that supports crop improvement, food security and biological diversity. There are great stories tucked away at the NCGRP, just waiting for your reporters to call or visit. If you're interested in pursuing this story, please give me a call and we'll be happy to set up phone interviews or meetings with some of the scientists who are protecting our plants' and animals' genetic diversity--not just for the United States, but for the world. Best regards, Kim Kaplan ARS Information Staff mailto:kim.kaplan@ars.usda.gov ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Environmentally-Friendly Controls for Peach Tree Pests From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:03:07 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Peach growers combat several insects that harm their crop, usually using chemical pesticides to do so. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in the Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory in Byron, Ga., are seeking environmentally friendly alternatives. ARS entomologists David Shapiro-Ilan and Ted Cottrell, along with colleagues at the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, are evaluating two tiny, soil-dwelling nematodes as possible biological controls. They were used to thwart damage caused by the plum curculio weevil (Conotrachelus nenuphar), and two clear-winged moths, the peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa), and the lesser peachtree borer (S. pictipes). Shapiro-Ilan and Cottrell used the Steinernema riobrave nematode to defend against plum curculio larvae--producing a suppression rate of 78 to 100 percent. For the peachtree borer, the researchers used another beneficial nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae. They found that a single field application of S. carpocapsae provided 88 percent suppression when applied to mature peachtree borer infestations in springtime. In a recent field trial, three applications of S. carpocapsae during the peachtree borer's fall egg-laying season completely suppressed all damage. The scientists knew from lab studies that another peach pest, the lesser peachtree borer, is also highly susceptible to S. carpocapsae. But the researchers also realized that controlling the lesser peachtree borer would be more difficult because they attack trees aboveground--where the nematodes dry out and are less effective. To deal with this problem, the researchers applied S. carpocapsae nematodes to tree wounds and then covered the wounds with moisture-holding bandages. In the first trial, 100 percent lesser peachtree borer mortality was attained in five days. Read more about this research in the March 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar08/peach0308.htm ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200803B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - April 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200804A.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Most mango trees have begun to bloom. The few that have not may be alternate bearing, as they had relatively heavy crops last year. Those that didn't bloom last year because of January's freeze are in full bloom, of course. Keep sending letters sharing what's happening with your garden or upcoming events we should know about - or about products that may help with our plant infections. I wish I knew what to do to get rid of the pitaya infection problem. Segments turn yellow, then brown, and often travel from the base up to the top.... If interested in citrus, you may want to read the citrus report submitted by David Long. It contains <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber ‚Äì Now San Diego Was Yugoslavia / Hungary Lazar Stefko New Subscriber‚ÄìFort Pierce, Florida bobbispencer@bellsouth.net <><><> Readers Write <><><> Identify Raspberries With Leaf Pictures? Possible? Ed Don't Give Up On The Newsletter Celeste Loquat seedlings In Melbourne Australia Available Cecilia FREE Rare Fruit Introductory Classes "CRFG San Diego" Manila Bulletin Online: Heavy use of chemicals, fertilizers threatens farms "Herminio" Fruitipedia - Help Wanted "Dr. Chiranjit Parmar" UC Riverside Citrus Tour Report February 29, 2008 "David F. Long" UC Riverside Citrus Rating "David F. Long" CRFG SAN DIEGO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER March 2008 Leo Manuel Convert Human Urine Into Safe Fertilizer Leo Manuel Buy your tickets today for Encinitas Garden Festival 2008! N Sterman Italian Nespola - Information Sought, Please "Marlene Mastro" Re: Italian Nespola - Information, Please Leo Manuel To: John Mastro re: Bees Are Not Returning "Herbert" To: marionjohnbrodie@msn.com How to transplant a mango tree (to make room for avocado trees) Cielo Re: transplanting a mango tree (to make room for avocado trees) Leo Manuel To: Cielo Avocado trees for coastal San Diego Cielo To: Julie Frink Lemon Grass As Cancer Help? Herminio Garden Tour - Sunday, April 13th 1 to 3pm--Pls RSVP Cielo <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber ‚Äì Now San Diego Was Yugoslavia / Hungary From: Lazar Stefko Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:49:01 -0700 (PDT) Hi I am Lazar Stefko and would like to subscribe to your newsletter. I live in Clairemont in San Diego I currently am growing a mulbary tree, and figs, all are from Yugoslavia and Hungary. I would love to grow dragon fruit and all other exotic fruits. I would love to get in the fruit (tree) growing business, however I don't know where to start, being raised in the city all my life, I also don't have a lot of room where currently I live. Lazar Stefko mailto:cikalazar@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber‚ÄìFort Pierce, Florida From: bobbispencer@bellsouth.net Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:12:11 +0000 Leo, I just sent you a message, but got an error message, so this may be a duplicate. My name is Bobbi Spencer and I live in Fort Pierce, FL. I am president of our local Treasure Coast Rare Fruit Club and also a member of Palm Beach, Indian River, and Brevard Counties Rare Fruit Councils. I have jakfruit, pitaya, Kari carambola, jaboticaba, guava, loquat, sugar cane, miracle fruit, tamarind, muntinga, monstera deliciosa, Barbados cherry, lychee, papaya, and others. I am always looking to add to my collection. We had a very mild winter this year, which was wonderful! Please add me to your newsletter subscription. Thanks! Bobbi mailto:bobbispencer@bellsouth.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Identify Raspberries With Leaf Pictures? Possible? From: Ed Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:47:37 -0400 Is there any place to see different leaf pictures of Raspberries? I have one that doesn't look like the ones I have found pictures of. Ed in Brandon FL mailto:eamusg@quixnet.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Don't Give Up On The Newsletter From: Celeste Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:17:53 -0400 Hi Leo, Please don't give up on the newsletter. I am part of newsletter groups and they all seem to grow large and then thin out - only to pick up again later. Here in Arizona, our unusually warm summers and unusually colder winters have caused the demise of many tropical fruit and flower plants of mine and other friends in the area. Am considering moving to Hawaii! Their weather still cooperative. Celeste G. Phoenix, AZ mailto:hheaven77@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Loquat seedlings In Melbourne Australia Available From: Cecilia Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 06:41:15 +0000 (GMT) To Rare Fruit Growers: If anyone in Melbourne, Australia, would like some loquat seedlings I have a few to spare. They were grown from seed so I cannot guarantee they will be identical to their parent trees, which are prolific bearers and very drought resilient. But they will be worth growing if you have the space. Cecilia mailto:dartthornton@yahoo.co.uk ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FREE Rare Fruit Introductory Classes From: "CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter Editor" Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:12:31 -0800 California Rare Fruit Growers FREE Rare Fruit Introductory Classes FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Jos√© M. Gallego at (619) 261-3610, Chair@CRFGSanDiego.org SAN DIEGO, Mar. 14, 2008 -- The San Diego Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. (CRFG) announced today that free Introductory classes will be held in San Diego, the fourth Wednesday of each month starting March 26, 2008. The class will be held at 6:00 PM at Balboa Park, Casa del Prado Room 104. These free classes are a unique opportunity to learn about growing unusual and rare fruit in San Diego. San Diegans can grow many fruit varieties including jujube, capulin cherry, raisin tree, pitahaya, longan, jaboticaba, tropical guava, passionfruit, wax jambu, excellent bananas and ice cream bean among others. According to Jos√© M. Gallego, Chairman of the California Rare Fruit Growers, San Diego Chapter, ‚ÄúWe want to share with anyone who has an interest in growing unusual fruit and unusual varieties of more common fruit. We also are bringing in some of the foremost experts on different fruit to share their experience with new gardeners.‚Äù Wednesday, March 26, will kick off the first session with a review of what is a rare fruit and how to determine microclimates in gardens and how that microclimate affects what rare fruits can be grown there. Full Schedule: March 3/26: What Is A Rare Fruit? / Your Garden‚Äôs Microclimate April 4/23: How To Select And Plant Rare Fruit Trees For Your Garden May 5/28: How To Plant Rare Fruit Trees June 6/25: How To Take Care Of Rare Fruit Trees July 7/23: Monitoring Your Rare Fruit Trees (Watering, Fertilizer, Soil Conditioning, Soil Ph) August 8/27: How To Maintain Your Rare Fruit Trees September 9/24: How To Naturally Protect Your Rare Fruit Trees From Pests October 10/22: What To Do With Rare Fruits ‚Äì An Introduction To Eating, Cooking, And Simply Enjoying Your Rare Fruits November 11/19: How To Propagate Rare Fruit Trees Detailed information and a schedule are available at http://www.crfgsandiego.org/ or by calling Jos√© M. Gallego at (619) 261-3610. Seating is limited. About California Rare Fruit Growers California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. is the largest amateur fruit-growing organization in the world with members in 48 states and 38 countries. It has 22 chapters, 19 in California, plus chapters Arizona and Texas. Among its services is a roster of specialists available to answer members‚Äô questions, a seed bank that collects and sells exotic seeds, and a book service that offers publications at special reduced prices. CRFG, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1968 by Paul H. Thomson and John M. Riley. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Manila Bulletin Online: Heavy use of chemicals Hazards From: "Herminio" Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:39:35 +0800 Heavy use of chemicals, fertilizers threatens farms Benguet embarks on a program promoting organic farming LA TRINIDAD, Benguet The unabated heavy use of chemicals and fertilizers by thousands of farmers in this vegetable-producing province has drastically reduced the productivity of the soil which, in turn, greatly contributed to the increase in the production cost of farm crops. This situation prompted provincial officials to appeal to the thousands of farmers to reduce the volume of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers they use in their farms and start shifting to the production of organic crops which are beneficial to the health of the consumers. Manila Bulletin Online http://www.mb.com.ph Herminio mailto:dracademia@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fruitipedia - Help Wanted From: "Dr. Chiranjit Parmar" Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:49:22 +0530 Dear Leo, I am compiling an encyclopedia of ALL EDIBLE FRUITS and have named it "FRUITPEDIA". I intend to put it on the website www.fruitipedia.com in a few weeks. My aim is to provide basic and introductory information (2-3 pages) alongwith 3-4 pictures about all the edible fruits irrespective of their commercial importance. Most enclypedic and other books available today carry information about commercially important fruits like mango, apple, oranges etc. There is very little information available on minor, lesser known and wild growing fruits. So I hope that this effort will be useful for fruit lovers as well as researchers all over the world. Wild growing, unexploited and lesser known fruits have been my field of for the past four decades. CRFG has listed nearly 1000 fruits at their website. There are many more and the final number might reach 2000. So it is a gigantic task for me to complete single handed. Till today, I have chapters on 135 fruits. Out of these 7 have come from Dr. Ken Love of the University of Hawaii. I therefore request all to help me in this work by writing chapters on minor and rarefruits. I am not in a position to pay anything for this work. However, the name of the contributor shall be mentioned. Please do make your contribution for this project and write me back. Dr. Chiranjit Parmar mailto:parmarch_mnd@dataone.in Mandi HP 175001, India. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: UC Riverside Citrus Tour February 29, 2008/Citrus Rating From: "David F. Long" Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:47:22 -0700 UC Riverside Citrus Tour February 29, 2008 By David F. Long (CRFG San Diego) Thirty-four members from the San Diego Chapter and the North County Chapter toured the UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection on February 29, 2008. The large group was divided into two smaller groups led separately by Tracy Kahn and Toots Bier, a retired Research Associate. The group that I was in was led by Tracy Kahn, Ph.D and Richard Lee, Ph.D. Tracy Kahn is the Curator of the Citrus Valley Collection. Richard Lee is a virologist and spent 26 years in Florida specializing in citrus before coming to Riverside. The UC Riverside citrus collection field is large. It is completely fenced in with barb wire at the top for security. Tracy said the gates will have security keypads soon because they are very concerned with contamination from the public coming in and taking trees and/or cuttings. She talked about the history of the citrus grove and the importance of keeping samples of all the citruses. The citrus grove was started in 1910 when the first trees were planted. Currently, there are 1,010 different varieties of citrus planted, and they evaluate new ones from around the world every year. Two trees of each variety are planted, with some of the original trees being grafted and replanted three times. The trees are planted in random order that is logged in a book for location. Again, this is because of security concerns to help prevent the potential of infecting the trees with viruses from people taking cuttings. Tracy walked us to numerous types of citrus trees and the sampling was continuous. She gave everyone paper sacks to fill while many of us brought our own, and fill them we did. There was much slicing and peeling going on as we were shown new breeds and mutations along with discussions about the different types, crossbreeding, pollination, and history. Many of the fruits we looked at were new varieties. We sampled their Mandarin Hybrids Shasta Gold and Yosemite Gold (we missed Tahoe Gold) which were seeds planted from the same orange that is a cross of Temple x Dancy x Encore. We also sampled a couple of kumquats: Marumi, Nordmann, and Indio Mandarinquat, several mandarins and oranges. My wife Gloria Chang and I rated some of these fruits we were lucky to take home. (See my separate article on ‚ÄúCitrus Ratings from UC Riverside Citrus February 29, 2008‚Äù below.) There was an area where we viewed ‚ÄòTRIFOLIATES‚Äù, a type of citrus that drops its leaves seasonally. This group is used for semi dwarf and dwarf root stock. Near that area was also a ‚ÄúPAPIDA‚Äù, which is distinguished by its small leaf with the wings of the petioles as large as the leaf blades. This group is used for acrid oils and is very fragrant. After our walk through the citrus grove, we went back to where we started the tour and Tracy showed us rare and unusual citrus fruits to smell and taste. One was a small tube shaped lime and when it was cut open, the water sacs came out like fish roe. Another was a new hybrid between a Dancy Mandarin, a pomelo and a blood orange called Red Valentine. The fruit is heart shaped and ripens near Valentine‚Äôs Day. There were also lemon varieties that were pink inside, green variegated outside, or sweet. There were good examples of Buddha‚Äôs hand citrons and many more. Richard Lee talked about the concern of virus contamination that is occurring in citrus now. He discussed the numerous types of pests and diseases and answered questions from our group. He said one pest that is here to stay is the leaf miner. This pest loves the tender young shoots of new growth causing them to twist and contort. He said, though it looks bad it generally will not hurt the tree. What Dr Lee spent most of his time discussing was a new pest and virus that was introduced in Florida in 2005, and during the last two years has spread dramatically. The bacterium causing the damage is HUANGLONGBING (in Mandarin HUANG=yellow; LONG= stripe; BING=sick) and the insect spreading it is the ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID. It is not in California yet but has already invaded Florida, Texas, Mexico, and Hawaii. Richard Lee feels that Florida will loose half of its citrus production from this virus in 2 years. For more on this please go to the UC Riverside web site at WWW.CCPP.UCR.EDU/NEWS. We all learned a lot from this trip. It made me realize how vulnerable our citrus industry can be because of imported pests and diseases. Tracy Khan and Richard Lee‚Äôs concern is the inadvertent spreading of virus by taking scions from a neighbor‚Äôs tree that has a virus and grafting it onto a healthy one in another area. They -recommend getting buds and wood that is registered and known to be disease-free to help stop the inadvertent spread of diseases. David F. Long mailto:daveflong@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: UC Riverside Citrus Rating From: "David F. Long" Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:47:22 -0700 Citrus Ratings from UC Riverside Citrus Tour Feb. 29, 2008 By David F. Long (CRFG San Diego) I find when I‚Äôm in the field picking fruit off the tree all of it tastes outstanding. Luckily, Gloria and I brought a magic marker and wrote down the name of oranges as they went into our bag so I would know what I was eating when I got home. I still had about a 1/3 that was unidentified, but I was able to get a good sampling for a taste test at our table. Some I found were as good in the house as they were in the field, and some I didn‚Äôt like at home. Here are my findings on the fruit I marked. Key G= Gloria; D= David; A through E Best through worst MARUMI KUMQUAT- Very mild and sweet, larger size and the pulp inside has a soft presence. Pleasant to eat, skin soft, fruit slightly mushy G= A; D= A- NORDMANN KUMQUAT- (Also spelled Nordman) This one is seedless and very sweet. Skin crisp and flesh firm for great eating. This has a kumquat presence with enough acid to give it great flavor but without sourness. Gloria said it was crunchy when comparing it to the other kumquats. Fruit size is about ¬æ x 1 ¬Ω inches, Best kumquat I‚Äôve ever eaten. I am going to get one for my yard. G= A+; D= A+ INDIO MANDARINQUAT- Very large fruit about 1 ¬Ω x 2 inches or larger; very pretty fruit, inside looks like orange with pleasant Tangerine smell. VERY STRONG tasting with sour pulp and sweet skin, more mandarin flavor than orange flavor. Long lasting after taste, my mouth was still tingling 10 minutes later. Possibly it would be good for canning or marmalade. I really liked this fruit when we were in the citrus grove, but this was after I had eaten a lot of citrus already and towards the end of the tour. Sitting at the table and having it by itself I found it too strong. Definetely for those who want a BIG BOLD flavor. Gloria didn‚Äôt like it in the orchard nor does she like it now. G= E; D= C YOSEMITE GOLD ‚Äì More orange flavored then tangerine, clean taste, a bit of acid to pick it up, the fruit has good flavor without being overly strong, fruit is wet but not super juicy, easy to peel, fruit large, 3-4 inches in diameter. I really liked this in the orchard and I really like it at the table. I would have this in my yard. G= B+; D= A SHASTA GOLD- Sister tree to Yosemite gold because they came out of the same orange. Taste is more tangerine then orange, very juicy with water dripping when pulling segments apart; strong mandarin taste with higher acid, this one has a real presence. G= C; D= B GOLD NUGGET MANDARIN ‚Äì Very sweet, bursting with flavor, clean finish, juicy but not dripping, not as strong flavored as the Yosemite Gold. I would have this in my yard. G= A+; D= A+ PIXIE- The Mandarin is sweet with good flavor. More acid then Gold Nugget, size small-medium, seedless, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter G= A-; D= A-, B WASHINGTON SANGUI- Beautiful orange/red skin that is fairly thick and the fruit is orange color with flecks of red pigment inside. This is a very pretty fruit inside and out. The flavor was nice but not remarkable and reminded me of a standard supermarket navel. I think we will see this in the stores at some point because of its beauty and good shipping ability from the thick rind. I would prefer something with more flavor. Gloria didn‚Äôt like this one, she said it wasn‚Äôt appealing. Size is med large. G= D; D= B- C USDA 882- This orange is sweet, flavorful, and juicy (but not dripping) with a clean finish. I thought this was an outstanding orange because of the flavor that came out. Gloria loves this one, but I don‚Äôt think it is quite as good as the Yosemite Gold, hence my slightly lower score. Fruit is medium sized G= A; D= A- B ARMSTRONG SATSUMA- it is not really fair to judge Satsuma now because it is way past its harvest season by 4 to 6 months. We did try this one which still had fruit hanging, though you had to look for good ones to eat. It was easy to peel and had a nice flavor but not exciting. The fact that the Armstrong still had fruit hanging on it this late is a good testament to its keeping on the tree. It would be good to come in November/December when they are at their height of ripeness and try the numerous varieties here. David F. Long mailto:daveflong@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG SAN DIEGO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER March 2008 From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:41:05 -0700 CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS SAN DIEGO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER March 2008 NEXT MEETING is March 26. It is on Exploring Quail Gardens. Also Free Rare Fruit Introductory Classes! Open to the Public. Part 1: What is a Rare Fruit? And Your Garden‚Äôs Microclimate Website: crfgsandiego.org Meeting Place: Rm. 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park 4th Wednesday, 7:00pm SECRETARY‚ÄôS REPORT By Barb Alvarez Jose gave a little intro and report. Joy presented an update on the status of the Festival of Fruit plant sale fact-finding report. She is still gathering info for this report. This year we had a nice group of speakers who each spoke on a particular aspect of propagation. Jim Bathgate started his talk by explaining how seeds germinate. "It's kind of miraculous how from a tiny seed you can grow a huge tree." Some seeds need to be stratified (kept in a cool place) to germinate. Here that means the refrigerator. Other seeds need to be scarified (scratched or altered in some way to break the coat) to germinate. Other seeds germinate best when they are planted fresh from the fruit, rather than after they have dried. Lee Bathgate talked about planting cuttings. For pomegranates she uses a mixture of peat and perlite. She uses Rootone (a plant growth hormone), but does not wait for the cuttings to callous before planting. Using moist soil, Lee puts the pot (with several cuttings in it) in a clear plastic produce bag with the opening of the bag at the top. She then ties the top to hold in the moisture, places it in the shade and checks it weekly. The Bathgates also use oasis block to start cuttings. Jim had a sample of laven-der, but oasis block can also be used to start trees. Barry Resetco uses 50/50 peat moss and perlite, which he talked about working specifically for passiflora. However, it will work on most cuttings. Passiflora seeds are usually not true to seed. Cuttings will be a duplicate of the parent. Barry likes to use Dip n Grow, but the powder works too. He scrapes the bottom of the cutting. Barry also bags it to keep it moist. Harder wood works better than the tips. They propagate well if you keep the branch attached to the mother plant and just bury part of the branch after you have cut away a portion of the lower side of the branch. The best time to do this is in the Spring. Lee Bathgate introduced air layering. Fill a Ziploc bag with damp sphagnum peat moss. Cut the branch about ¬Ω inch wide down just past the cambium layer of the wood. Peel the bark off between the two cuts. Be sure to cut all the way around the branch. Put rooting hormone over the cut and place a bag over the cut. Tie the bag on. Be sure to cover the bag with something to keep it dark, but make sure there is a cut in it so it does not overheat. Jim then gave us a grafting demonstration. Jim uses a rubber band to keep the scion in place. Be sure to line up cambium layers. Jim uses black electrical tape to hold the graft together. Then he covers the scion with parafilm and covers it with a paper bag to keep it shaded. Make sure the bag has a cut in it so that it too doesn't overheat. Sometime later he cuts off the black tape. Jose gave us a brief intro to the process of tissue culture propagation. Plants can be propagated by tissue by using a small part of the plant. Things that are needed: Clean environment, agar, nutrients, vitamins, proteins, sugar, a scale, baby-food jars with magenta B-cap, and a beaker to prepare the solutions. A workshop is scheduled for the club in October. From El Presidente Plant Propagation Presentations Our BIG thanks go to Jim and Lee Bathgate, and to Barry Resetco who presented us with different plant propagation methods. They talked about pro-pagation from seed, cuttings, tip propagation, grafting and air layering. Included in this great presentation were samples of each method. Lee brought a very interesting air layered plant that she cut from her tree and showed how the roots were ready to be planted. Joy Bladykas brought healthy cuttings of her two kinds of passifloras. Barry explained how these can be propagated by scarring and putting them in soil or by scarring a branch from the plant and covering with soil. Jim brought in a very interesting teaching tool. He had several cuttings on a board to demonstrate the different types of grafting. Finally, the presentation ended with a brief PowerPoint introduction to tissue culture, which included a brief story, what part of the plant can be used, how to sterilize and what equipment is needed for home tissue culture propagation. UC Davis Riverside Trip Over 35 people attended this unique field trip opportunity. Please read David Long‚Äôs article on details of this wonderful day. We all had a great time, even if it started a little cloudy and cold. Less than half way through the tour the sun came out and we enjoyed a beautiful day surrounded by the smell of citrus flowers and fruit. You can also enjoy some of David‚Äôs and my pictures posted now on our web site: http://www.crfgsandiego.org/ Go to events, then click on: UC Riverside Citrus Collection Field Trip. Home and Garden Show While some of us were enjoying a great field trip another group of our members were working hard at the Home and Garden Show an the Fairgrounds. Our gratitude goes to June Andersen for organizing and spending the whole three day staffing the CRFG booth. Our thanks to Frank Habetler, Zhenxing Fu and Carol Graham for staffing the booth and then closing it down. Quail Garden Presentation Our next meeting will be a special presentation, Dave Erhlinger will be covering the history of Quail Gardens and its main attractions. Included will be a brief description about our Chapter‚Äôs contribution to Subtropical Area, also known as the Fruit Tree area. Exploring Quail Garden Field Trip As a follow up to our meeting, we are having an exclusive guided tour of Quail Gardens by their staff. In addition, some of our members will give a tour of the Subtropical area and its history on how it evolved from an arid area to the current wonderful collection. Introductory Presentations Just a quick reminder about our first introductory class, which will take place an hour before our regular meeting. In this session we will review what is a rare fruit and show you how to identify your garden‚Äôs microclimate which will help determine what rare fruit you can grow in your garden. This session will take place Wednesday, March 26, 6:00PM, Balboa Park, Casa del Prado, Room 104. If you know of anyone who is interested in learning about rare fruit, please invite them to this free series of sessions. Jos√© Certified Farmers' Markets TUESDAY Coronado - 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Old Ferry Landing at First St and B Ave Escondido - 2:30 to 6:00 p.m.(4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Summer) Grand Ave between Juniper and Kalmia St UCSD/La Jolla - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (September thru June) UCSD Price Center near the bookstore at Lyman Lane and Library Walk WEDNESDAY Carlsbad - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Roosevelt St between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village Dr Ocean Beach - 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Summer) 4900 block of Newport Ave between Cable St and Bacon St Temecula - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Promenade Mall across from Edwards Theatres THURSDAY Chula Vista - 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Summer Downtown Chula Vista at Center St and Third Ave Horton Square/San Diego - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (March thru October) Downtown San Diego at 225 Broadway and Broadway Circle North Park - 3:00 p.m. to Sunset CVS Pharmacy parking lot at University and 32nd St Oceanside - 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m., Coast Hwy & Pier View Way Oceanside - 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tremont and Pier View Way Tierrasanta - 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. De Portola Middle School at 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Santo Rd FRIDAY Borrego Springs - 7:00 a.m. to Noon (November thru June) Christmas Circle Community Park at Christmas Circle and Palm Canyon Dr La Mesa - 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. 8300 block of Allison Ave east of Spring St Rancho Bernardo - 9:00 a.m. to Noon Bernardo Winery parking lot at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte SATURDAY Carlsbad - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Roosevelt St between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village Dr Del Mar - 1:00 to 4:00 p.m City hall parking lot at Camino Del Mar between 10th &11th St Pacific Beach - 8:00 a.m. to Noon Promenade Mall on Mission Blvd between Reed and Pacific Beach Blvd Poway - 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Old Poway Park at Midland Rd and Temple Scripps Ranch - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School at Scripps Poway Parkway and Spring Canyon Rd Temecula - 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Old Town Temecula at 6th and Front Street Vista - 7:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. City hall parking lot at Eucalyptus Ave and Escondido Ave SUNDAY Hillcrest - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. DMV parking lot at 3960 Normal St and Lincoln St La Jolla - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. La Jolla Elementary School at Girard Ave and Genter Leucadia/Encinitas - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Paul Ecke Elementary at Union St and Vulcan St Third Avenue/San Diego - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Downtown San Diego at Third Ave and J St Don't forget to bring your garden's fruit to share for the tasting table or if your last name starts with E-H bring anything for snacks. Also, if you have some plants for the opportunity table, please bring them. NEXT Meeting: WHERE: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park WHEN: March 26, 2008 MEETING INFO: The history of Quail Botanical Gardens and the Subtropical Fruit Garden and also a slide show of his recent trip to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Fruit Spice Park in Florida by Dave Erhlinger, Director of Horticulture CRFG, San Diego Chapter 2008 Calendar (FT = Field Trip, WP= Work Party) Month Meeting/Program/Speaker Event/Field Trip/Activity 3/26 - 6:00PM Intro Session: What is a Rare Fruit/Your Garden‚Äôs Microclimate WS: 3/15 Hands-on Grafting Workshop 3/26: Program: Exploring Quail Gardens FT: 3/29 Quail Gardens 4/23: - 6:00PM Intro Session: How to Select and Plant Rare Fruit Trees WP: 4/12 Quail Garden 9:00AM 4/23: Program: Water in San Diego FT: 4/19 Green Scene ‚Äì Orange County ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Convert Human Urine Into Safe Fertilizer From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:07:29 -0700 A project about the role our bodies play in larger ecosystems. The project includes an installation and a DIY kit for turning your pee into fertilizer. The installation will be on view and the DIY kits will be available at the exhibition: FEEDBACK at Eyebeam 540 W. 21st St. (between 10th and 11th March 13 - April 19 The project was created by Britta Riley and Rebecca Bray, artists and collaborators who also own a company called submersible design. What happens when we think of our bodies as their own ecosystems? Are they open or closed ecosystems? Where do we draw the boundaries? Before we take medication, do we ask ourselves how it will affect our internal organs, our friendly bacteria? What is our medication‚Äôs future, beyond our bodies, in the sewage system and out in the waterways we swim in and eventually drink? What are the possible futures of our personal waste? What do sentient ecosystems eat and drink? In this work we can see our urine become a source of overfeeding, mutation, and disease or a fertilizer in a new lifecycle economy. Waste can spur death or growth. For more information, email: info [at] submersibledesign [dot] com. research From the scientists at EAWAG Aquatic Research: Although urine makes up only 1% of the total volume of wastewater, it accounts for 50‚Äì80% of the nutrient content. Nutrients have to be removed by resource-intensive processes at wastewater treatment plants. In the absence of these processes, nutrient discharges pose a risk of eutrophication ‚Äì threatening in particular coastal waters and fish stocks. Many problematic substances, such as residues of medicines or endocrine disrupters, also enter wastewater via urine and may subsequently be released into the environment. The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) has now shown that separate collection and treatment of urine could make significant contributions to water pollution control and nutrient recycling worldwide . . . Novaquatis tested various methods of processing urine. Ideally, treatment should permit recycling of nutrients as fertilizers and, at the same time, removal of problematic micropollutants. For example, 98% of the phosphorus in urine can be recovered by precipitation with magnesium. The product ‚Äì struvite ‚Äì is an attractive fertilizer, free of pharmaceuticals and hormones. In Switzerland, nutrients from human urine could serve as substitutes for at least 37% of the nitrogen and 20% of the phosphorus demand that is currently met by imported artificial fertilizers. What's the problem with urine in wastewater? While urine accounts for less than 1% of total wastewater volume, it contains 50‚Äì80% of all the nutrients in wastewater. Many micropollutants, i.e. residues of pharmaceuticals and hormones from human metabolism, also enter wastewater via urine. On average, for all medicines and hormones ingested, 60‚Äì70% of the active ingredient is excreted in the urine. 85-90% of the nitrogen and 50-80% of the phosphorus are concentrated in the urine. These nutrients are desirable in agriculture, but not in waterbodies. It may therefore make sense to separate urine from wastewater and use it for fertilizer production. For more information on this research, see the EAWAG press release. *** We would like to thank the following generous and amazing people for helping us make this project possible: Maria Jarkowiec- Maria is a brilliant med student and former chef who was the perfect person to help us translate laboratory procedures loosely described in dense scientific papers into a clear, precise lab manua for a home DIY kit. Christopher Kucinski- Chris consulted with us on the design, did a lot of the finer installation work at Eyebeam, helped us refine the reactions and peed into a cup for us a lot. Maria Kucinski- Maria is our intrepid assistant. Thanks to her undying foresight we are much more organized than we had ever know ourselves to be. The guys at New World Aquarium who have laughed at us and helped us along all the way through our crash course in salt water aquarium keeping. Jaime, Jason, Paul, Joanna and all the amazing folks at Eyebeam put up with our request to basically hang out at Eyebeam all the time so we could properly attend to our little fishies. James Bigbee Garver for sound and installation assistance. http://www.submersibledesign.com/drinkpee/ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Buy your tickets today for Encinitas Garden Festival 2008! From: N Sterman Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:27:34 -0700 Announcing.... The Encinitas Garden Festival, May 3, 2008 from 10 am to 4 pm. This year is going to be GREAT! 20 of my neighbors in Olivenhain have agreed to open their garden gates. There is a vineyard, a garden with a fabulous display of old farm tools, native plant gardens, Mediterranean climate gardens, and more. They are awesome! Our Gardeners' Marketplace is going to be at the historic Olivenhain Town Hall. We'll have plant vendors, people talking about low water gardening (I'll be selling my book), Mary the Snail Lady will be here, and much much more. Because the neighborhood backs onto Escondido Creek which is the upper region of San Elijo Lagoon, we have an awesome opportunity to include some new opportunities. The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy will be on hand to talk about the lagoon, why it is important, and how we can create beautiful gardens in ways that protect (and maybe even enhance) the creek and lagoon. San Diego Audubon will talk about birds in the creeks and lagoons (did you know that Olivenhain is highly regarded for its birding?). They will also be talking about their new backyard habitat program. The Encinitas Trails Coalition will be talking about trails and horses and walking and riding.... And a bunch of others Here's the critical info: The Marketplace is free but you need a ticket to see the gardens. Tickets are $21/adult, $7 kids (6 - 10 years old). IF there are tickets left on the day, they'll be $25/adult, $10 kids. (if you volunteer for part of the day, garden admission is free) Buy tickets on-line at www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org. If you don't like using PayPal, download a ticket order form and mail it in with a check before April 22. OR purchase tickets in person at Anderson La Costa Nursery, www.andersonslacostanursery.com/ Because there is no parking at the Olivenhain Town Hall, parking is ONLY at the San Elijo Campus of Mira Costa College www.miracosta.edu/OfficeOfThePresident/PIO/maps.htm#SEC Buses start running at 9:30 in the morning and loop all day. We'll have food in the marketplace but if you'd rather do a nice, sit-down lunch, we'll be doing a bus loop to West Village Plaza midday. This is a walking tour, so dress accordingly and don't forget your sunscreen For more information (and see our growing list of sponsors), please visit www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org I look forward to seeing you! Nan mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com Encinitas, CA 92023 2008 Encinitas Garden Festival tickets are on sale now! Order yours before we are sold out. Go to www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Italian Nespola - Information Sought, Please From: "Marlene Mastro" Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:29:15 -0400 Hello, my name is Marlene, and I am searching for a fruit that my friend raves about. He is from the beautiful area of Calabria, italy. Last summer we travelled through California and we found this said fruit in the napa valley. The only thing that I can tell you is that it is tiny ‚Äìoval shape like a miniature pear. It is yellow, {but I remember it being orange}‚Ķ.{he may be color blind} hehehehhe‚Ķ‚Ķand on the inside ‚Ķ.well I found it to be empty, while he was in heaven eating it. He calls it a NESPOLA, this of course is the Italian name, can you tell me what is its name in English?....again oval, grows on a tree, on the grounds of SATTUI vineyards in Napa,yellow-orange in color, smaller than a quince, but not a quince‚Ķ..almost the size of an apricot but not round ‚Äì oval ‚Äì almost like a tear-drop.ty Marlene mailto:marlene_mastro@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Italian Nespola - Information, Please From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:50:56 -0700 To: John Mastro Marlene You'll find two possibilities, if you do a Google search for NESPOLA fruit. Maybe Medlar; or Maybe Loquat. I'd think it's probably Loquat. Here's something I found at: http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/2005/05/nespola.html My husband was more than a little enthused when he saw these in the produce section and again I'm surprised to discover yet another exotic, unfamiliar-looking foodstuff. Nespola (nespole plural) are grown in Italy but I noticed that the ones we purchased were being brought over from Spain. The flavor is a bit difficult to describe... sort of a cross between a tart apple and a ripe pear? They fit easily in the palm of my hand and are about the size of a golf ball. Known as medlar fruit in English, net research revealed a fair amount of information on nespola/medlar and its uses, including recipes mainly for jams, jellies, and tarts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loquat says that the English name is Loquat, not medlar I'm pretty sure that is probably what it is. So, read, look at pictures, and decide which is your fruit. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Bees Are Not Returning From: "Herbert" To: marionjohnbrodie@msn.com Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 11:24 AM Hi there Marion, I read your letter :Bees are not returning? Apparently you do not keep bees?. We live in a small village in the south east of France, in the high Alps and temperatures may drop in winter down to - 20¬∞C but this year was not to cold, only - 7¬∞C. We keep 2 bee hives just for the pleasure and some honey. Of course they pollinate also our orchard. We have about 30 different fruit trees- shrubs, all cold hardy to -15¬∞ without protection. The scientists write that the bees die because of the widespread use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and genetically modified plants. If you like reading I would like to recommend two authors: a Japanese called Masanobu Fukuoka who wrote about : No Cultivation, No Fertilizer, No Weeding, No Pesticides gardening and an Englishman Robert Heart who wrote about forest gardening, you will find it on the web. best regards, Herbert mailto:herbert@quovadis.aero ------------------------------------------------ Subject: How to transplant a mango tree (to make room for avocado trees) From: Cielo Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:58:33 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, I'm relandscaping a 12x12 area where an existing Manila mango tree is planted. So far, I've successfully transplanted a pitomba, a longan and a Tsao jujube out of the same area. I'm wondering if I should just leave the mango or transplant it elsewhere. I also have a sapodilla chico that I plan to leave there since I don't want to risk harming it. About this mango, how difficult is it to dig it up and transplant? Are the roots in deep or shallow but spreading? I know you've done this a few times, so I thought I'd ask you. I planted it about 2-3 years ago from a 5-gal pot. It seems very happy where it is now. What do you think? Thanks for your help. Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com P.S. The lucky new residents of this newly landscaped bed would be 2-3 (smaller) avocado trees. For coastal area, what are your avocado recommendations? ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: transplanting a mango tree (to make room for avocado trees) From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:15:20 -0700 To: Cielo CC: "Frink, Julie" Hi Cielo I've moved a few mango trees, most survived. Yours is young enough to probably survive. You'll want a large clear plastic bag to enclose the tree down below leaves, to create a greenhouse, while the removed tree is in the new pot in a shady place. (Shade is important.) Find a pot somewhat larger than the original container the tree came in from the nursery. With a shovel, dig around the tree, just outside of the area where the original potted tree was. Dig down and under the tree, and eventually, gently place the tree on its side. Before laying it down, try to find a large tarp or piece of burlap for the root ball to lie on, when you lift it up to put it in the new pot. You'll see that this will probably require two strong people to accomplish. Bag the tree to near the ground and tie to hold moisture while the tree is recovering, and move to a shady place. You could replant immediately, if you can provide sufficient shade while the tree recovers in its miniature greenhouse. Mango trees are not always 'happy' about being moved. One as young as that should survive, however. How far will you move it? I'm not that knowledgeable about avocados. Julie Frink is the expert mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com> Why not graft 2-3 avocados onto a single tree? Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocado trees for coastal San Diego From: Cielo Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:23:24 -0700 (PDT) To: Julie Frink Hi Julie, Leo Manuel suggests that I get your suggestion as to which avocados will do best where I live, which is coastal SD (Point Loma). I've read your article in the recent Fruit Gardener, and enjoyed your Avocado program at the SD Chapter in 2006. You came with a lot of avocados for us to taste and take home. I can't remember any other program presenter with so much knowledge and bearing lotsa fruits. It has been a few months since we've had a decent program, but that's another issue on its own. Leo also suggests plant one tree and graft 2-3 varieties onto it. But I'd like to ensure I'm getting the production, and I'm somewhat impatient on waiting for the grafts to take on to start production. I'd like to plant at least one each of A and B flower types, and of course, small and manageable. I'd be grateful for your recommendations. Propagate & Be Fruitful! Cielo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Lemon Grass As Cancer Help? Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:17:10 -0700 From: Herminio Lemon Grass and Cancer Help ‚Äì Discovery of a Cancer Patient While I was undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, my oncologist, Dr. Cecilia Llave, suggested that I try lemon grass for a drink, a tip she got from one of her patients. That's what I have been doing the past three years. I don't know if lemon grass has something to do with it but so far I'm okay. A few weeks ago, an article on the medicinal powers of lemon grass went the rounds of internet. There's no harm trying this. A bunch of lemon grass is ten centavos. Or you can plant it in your backyard for a steady supply. The article is by Allison Kaplan Sommer: At first, Benny Zabidov, an Israeli agriculturalist who grows greenhouses full of lush spices on a pastoral farm in Kfar Yedidya in the Sharon region, couldn't understand why so many cancer patients from around the country were showing up on his doorstep asking for fresh lemon grass. It turned out that their doctors had sent them. They had been told to drink eight glasses of hot water with fresh lemongrass steeped in it on the days that they went for their radiation and chemotherapy treatments,' Zabidov told ISRAEL21c. 'And this is the place you go to in Israel for fresh lemon grass. It all began when researchers at Ben Gurion University of the Negev discovered last year that the lemon aroma in herbs like lemon grass kills cancer cells in vitro, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The research team was led by Dr. Rivka Ofir and Prof. Yakov Weinstein, incumbent of the Albert Katz Chair in Cell-Differentiatio n and Malignant Diseases, from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at BGU. Citral is the key component that gives the lemony aroma and taste in several herbal plants such as lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Melissa (Melissa officinalis) and verbena (Verbena officinalis. ) According to Ofir, the study found that citral causes cancer cells to 'commit suicide: using apoptosis, a mechanism called programmed cell death. A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass contains enough citral toprompt the cancer cells to commit suicide in the test tube. The BGU investigators checked the influence of the citral on cancerous cells by adding them to both cancerous cells and normal cells that were grown in a petri dish. The quantity added in the concentrate was equivalent to the amount contained in a cup of regular tea using one gram of lemon herbs in hot water. While the citral killed the cancerous cells, the normal cells remained unharmed. The findings were published in the scientific journal Planta Medica, which highlights research on alternative and herbal remedies. Shortly afterwards, the discovery was featured in the popular Israeli press. Why does it work? Nobody knows for certain, but the BGU scientists have a theory. In each cell in our body, there is a genetic program which causes programmed cell death. When something goes wrong, the cells divide with no control and become cancer cells. In normal cells, when the cell discovers that the control system is not operating correctly - for example, when it recognizes that a cell contains faulty genetic material following cell division it triggers cell death,' explains Weinstein. 'This research may explain the medical benefit of these herbs. The success of their research led them to the conclusion that herbs containing citral may be consumed as a preventative measure against certain cancerous cells. As they learned of the BGU findings in the press, many physicians in Israel began to believe that while the research certainly needed to be explored further, in the meantime it would be advisable for their patients, who were looking for any possible tool to fight their condition, to try to harness the cancer-destroying properties of citral. That's why Zabidov's farm - the only major grower of fresh lemon grass in Israel - has become a pilgrimage destination for these patients. Luckily, they found themselves in sympathetic hands. Zabidov greets visitors with a large kettle of aromatic lemon grass tea, a plate of cookies, and a supportive attitude. My father died of cancer, and my wife's sister died young because of cancer,' said Zabidov. 'So I understand what they are dealing with. And I may not know anything about medicine, but I'm a good listener. And so they tell me about their expensive painful treatments and what they've been through. I would never tell them to stop being treated, but it's great that they are exploring alternatives and drinking the lemon grass tea as well. Zabidov knew from a young age that agriculture was his calling. At age 14, he enrolled in the Kfar Hayarok Agricultural high school. After his army service, he joined an idealistic group which headed south, in the Arava desert region, to found a new moshav (agricultural settlement) called Tsofar. We were very successful; we raised fruits and vegetables, and,' he notes with a smile, 'We raised some very nice children. On a trip to Europe in the mid-80s, he began to become interested in herbs. Israel , at the time, was nothing like the trend-conscious cuisine-oriented country it is today, and the only spices being grown commercially were basics like parsley, dill, and coriander. Wandering in the Paris market, looking at the variety of herbs and spices, Zabidov realized that there was a great export potential in this niche. He brought samples back home with him, which was technically illegal,' he says with a guilty smile, to see how they would grow in his desert greenhouses. Soon, he was growing basil, oregano, tarragon, chives, sage, marjoram and melissa, and mint just to name a few. His business began to outgrow his desert facilities, and so he decided to move north, settling in the moshav of Kfar Yedidya, an hour and a half north of Tel Aviv. He is now selling 'several hundred kilos' of lemon grass per week, and has signed with a distributor to package and put it in health food stores. Zabidov has taken it upon himself to learn more about the properties of citral, and help his customers learn more, and has invited medical experts to his farm to give lectures about how the citral works and why. He also felt a responsibility to know what to tell his customers about its see. 'When I realized what was happening, I picked up the phone and called Dr. Weinstein at Ben-Gurion University , because these people were asking me exactly the best way to consume the citral. He said to put the loose grass in hot water, and drink about eight glasses each day. Herminio mailto:dracademia@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Garden Tour - Sunday, April 13th 1 to 3pm--Pls RSVP From: Cielo Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:02:44 -0700 (PDT) Hi Everyone! When: Sunday, April 13th 1-3 pm This is an informal gathering in a very casual setting outdoors. It's okay to come late, just join the group when you can between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect and have name tags printed for you. What: Grafting semi-tropical fruit trees (cherimoyas, loquats and sapotes); Airlayering guavas; and Budding citrus Who: Jim Neitzel and perhaps, Leo Manuel, will lead us on this hands-on grafting demonstrations Where: Aaron St. John & Cathy Spring's Machu PQ orchard garden (Rancho Penasquitos) 15150 Amalia St., San Diego CA 92129 What's in Aaron & Cathy's Machu PQ orchard: They have recently reclaimed a neglected south facing slope with terracing to create an extensive orchard. (Due to the terracing and their location in Rancho Penasquitos, they have vaingloriously called the orchard "Machu PQ.") You will see how they worked around a couple of established Torrey Pines, three figs, plus a California Live Oak, a Western Red Bud and some cottonwoods. There is also an established Eureka Lemon recently heavily pruned and an established mediocre quality loquat that they hope Jim will advise on appropriate topwork grafting. The upper garden features some more fruit trees in conjunction with flower and vegetable gardens. They have about 3 dozen established fruit trees and quite a few more "grafts" in pots, plus a couple dozen grape and berry varieties. All is a work in progress (including a 1970's tract house slowly being converted to an Arts and Crafts inspired cottage). They consider themselves "beginning intermediate" and look forward to sharing what has come out well, as well as getting advice from Jim, Leo and any other more experienced gardener/orchardists on how to improve the operation. Directions: 15150 Amalia St., San Diego CA 92129 It is important to follow the directions below to get to the garden. (Even though they are in a residential neighborhood, Map Quest routinely directs people off course to their place -- it tries to send you through a fire access alley that it doesn't realize is gated.) I -15 North or South to Carmel Mountain Rd. Exit Go west on Carmel Mountain Rd. Turn right at the first traffic light beyond freeway exits (Double Tree resort on your right) onto Penasquitos Dr. Proceed uphill, veering gently right, (PAST Del Diablo St.) to the first Stop Sign at DEL DIABLO WAY. Turn right on Del Diablo Way ‚Äì proceed up gentle rise and then down and around the curve to the left. (Del Diablo has now become Andorra Way.) Turn left (west) on Madrigal, at Stop Sign at the base of the hill Proceed up the hill 2 blks. You‚Äôre nearly there! Turn left on Amalia (Amalia winds around about 1/4 mile ‚Äòtil you reach 15150 Amalia St.) Look for the birch "forest" standing over ivy behind the only cobblestone pillars in the neighborhood. Park on the street. Note: There are some steep steps down to the bottom of Machu PQ where the loquat is, and that there is an active bee hive there as well. The grafting and airlaying demonstrations will take place on the upper level, and there are view points to take in the terracing without having to negotiate the steps or bees if anyone is squeamish about those. Some garden resident lizards maybe around and about the paths soaking up some rays. What to bring: You're welcome to bring your own plant(s) and scion(s) if you'd like to practice grafting. Bring your own parafilm grafting tape and grafting knife, if you own them. If not, we'll have some available to share. If you can, bring something from your garden (fruits or cuttings of our subject grafting) to share with the group. Bring your enthusiasm to learn, enjoy and have fun. Our Calendar (dates may change due to inclement weather and/or member participation) > Saturday 10 am, May 17th: Garden Tour of a Water-Wise Garden (Singing Hills area of El Cajon). A separate invitation email will be sent regarding this garden that implements rain harvesting and greywater from the laundry and shower that has won this home garden a Water Conservation Award. > Sunday 1-3pm, May 18th Grafting: Tropical fruit tree (mangoes) at Bob & Kitty's garden in Mt. Helix area > Sat. & Sun 10 am to 4 pm, April 19-20: Green Scene Plant Sale & Garden Show -- Fullerton Arboretum http://arboretum.fullerton.edu/BulletinsDetail.asp?BB=125 -- the local chapter may have scheduled a field trip for this -- sign up if you can. If not, a few of us may want to vanpool there on April 19th. Cost is $6/adult; free children under 12 > June --- Nursery Hopping Spree is being planned. If you have a favorite nursery, let us know to add to our list. > June/ July / August - Garden Tours of Participants' gardens/orchard -- sign up your garden/ orchard for us to visit; > August -- Summer picnic at the beach! --- We can use your help if you'd like to help plan this picnic. > July 12-13 International Mango Festival in Miami (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden) -- if we get enough people interested, we can organize a group to go. (I think, Jim Neitzel and Paul Fisher have already made plans to go.) Thanks to Rolf & Connie for inviting us to their garden 3/29. They've lost their garden to the October 2007 wildfires, and have replaced 35 fruit trees already. The hills were alive with abundant wildflowers. The view from their 10-acre property is incredibly beautiful with the open sky. According to Rolf, development is underway, and those views will be changing, too. Some maybe native wildflowers but some were courtesy of the birds and critters in the area. Rolf prepared an herbal tea and sesame seed snacks for us. Milk chocolates satisfied the sweet tooth. Thanks to our generous CRFG members and friends for bringing fruit trees, plants and fruits from their own gardens. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We hope you can join us, and we look forward to seeing you! We're all in this to learn, enjoy and have fun. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions and/or suggestions. If grafting isn't your thing, it's okay to just socialize, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Propagate & Be Fruitful! Cielo Foth cielonkevin@yahoo.com; Jim Neitzel 619.262.8959 Aaron St. John mailto:astjohn@hotmail.com <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200804A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - April 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200804B.txt ____________________________________________________________ <><><><><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><><><><> Suddenly Hot Summer In S. California! Makes me wish I had spread more mulch and gotten a few things planted. I have adjusted my water timer, but probably should drag a few hoses around for insurance. The forcast is for much cooler conditions, beginning today, April 15. Have any of you used Kaolin clay to whitewash sun-sensitive plants or fruit? Does it clog sprayers? I have some but haven't tried it yet. The National Sustainable Ag site http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/kaolin-clay-apples.html makes it sound attractive.... Bob Holzinger has told me that the sucking insect pests causing problems in my hotbed are Thrips. Have you successfully combated these with a safe insecticide? If so, what do you recommend? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> New Subscriber - Bloomington, Indiana Richard Wilk New Subscriber ‚Äì Virginia Beach, Virginia "Cindy Adair" New Subscriber, Now Austria But Soon Sri Lanka "Raniit Wimalaratne" Hello, Fellow Farmer! "Greg Saltzman" <><><> Readers Write <><><> Yellow Sapote Bark Problem ‚Äì need solution! RE: Multi-Graft Avocado Trees? Cielo To: Julie & Paul Frink re: Lemon Grass Article in Rare Fruit News eamusg@quixnet.net To: dracademia@aol.com Manila Bulletin Mango Festival April 16-20 Herminio Tour Encinitas Gardens May 3rd (Price Info Below) N Sterman <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Tracing Florida Mangoes' Family Tree ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Bloomington, Indiana From: Richard Wilk Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:29:57 +0100 I am Prof. Richard Wilk Indiana University, Anthropology and Gender Studies SB130 701 E. Kirkwood Ave Bloomington IN 47405 Presently: Leverhulme Fellow, Anthropology Dept. University College London 14 Taviton Street London WC1H 0BW, cell 07852152671 US Phone 812 961 8190 I am interested in your newsletter because I work in the Central American country of Belize. I am trying to help some small villages of Mayan Indian farmers who are looking for new market crops. They have a great deal of trouble finding information about fruits, cultivation methods, and marketing. I also own a house on the coast of Belize, where I am planning to plant some trees in the next two years. In the past I have successfully planted mango, coconut, sapodilla and mamey in houses where I have lived in Belize, and have also harvested soursop, custard apple (anona), numerous varieties of plantains, bribri, peach palm, and other fruits over the years. Cacao, coffee, achiote, nutmeg and vanilla too. Richard Wilk mailto:wilkr@indiana.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber ‚Äì Virginia Beach, Virginia From: "Cindy Adair" Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 12:39:32 -0400 I'm Cindy Adair and live in Virginia Beach, VA. I grow many tropical fruits in 2 hobby greenhouses as well as on a 7 acre farm in Western Puerto Rico. I started growing spices such as vanilla, allspice and chocolate, but have grown or tried to grow hundreds of species. I've enjoyed membership in RFCI and CRFG for about 12 years. So I know a bit about many genera, but am still have a great deal to learn! I also collect orchids and am trying to learn about all the palms and heliconias on the farm in Puerto Rico, where we plan to retire in 7 years. Cindy Adair mailto:aladair@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Now Austria But Soon Sri Lanka From: "Raniit Wimalaratne" Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 22:49:05 +0200 I am Ranjit Wimalaratne, a retiree with a lot of free time! now in Austria, but originally from Sri Lanka, I am hoping to go back in two years. I am growing: Peach, Rasp berry (Black and yellow types), and would like to grow Dragon fruit, Lychee and Longon in Sri Lanka when I return. Ranjit Wimalaratne mailto:Ranjit.Wimalaratne@utanet.at ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Hello Fellow Farmer! From: "Greg Saltzman" Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 14:24:40 -0700 Hi, My name is Greg Saltzman and I live in east county near Ranch San Diego. I grow bananas, Passion Fruit, and a lot of Pindo Palm fruit, which is really quite tasty. I have recently planted a Singuinelli and Tarocco Blood Orange, a Tahitian Pummelo and a Valencia Orange. I love tropical plants and palms, having many species on my property. I would like to grow more of my own fruit, and, having lived and worked in several tropical locations, I have the bug for tropical fruit and for locally grown fresh fruit. I am married with three daughters, one in college presently. I am an Airline Pilot, and have been with Continental for over 20 years. Greg SaltzmanGreg Saltzman mailto:salty777@gmail.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Yellow Sapote Bark Problem ‚Äì need solution! From: Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 11:00:18 -0400 Hi Leo I have a problem with my Yellow Sapote - Eggfruit - The bark is getting cracks up & down all over the trunk . Is there anything I can do to help this tree ? It is in the partial shade The other one has a little more sun with no problem yet . The one in more sun has no fruit yet , the one in more shade has fruited . The fruiting one is younger . Ed In Brandon FL mailto:eamusg@quixnet.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Multi-Graft Avocado Trees? From: Cielo Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 11:05:18 -0700 (PDT) To: Julie & Paul Frink Hi Julie, Thanks for the information on avocados. Reed is not readily available at the typical nurseries. Will the OC Chapter be selling Reed at the Green Scene? Would this be a 5-gal size? Again, thanks for the great information. Coincidentally, my 87-year old gardener neighbor's name is Reed. He has a couple of unknown variety avocado trees in his yard. I'll be sure to tell him about the "Reed" avocado tree I'm buying. Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com Julie & Paul Frink wrote: Grafting 2-3 avocados onto a single tree is not often successful unless you start with a large rootstock, cut the entire tree down and graft the varieties at the same time. To graft onto an existing tree, unless you have a very large, low growing limb to graft onto, you have the best luck by cutting down a tree, waiting a year for green growth to come out below the cut and grafting onto that. The best information I can give is to go buy a nice Reed avocado tree, the healthiest available tree. The Reed is one of the narrowest avocado trees so it won't take up as much room as other available nursery trees. The Reed does well near the beach, is self pollinating at our (near the beach) house and had fantastic fruit after 1 1/2 years on the tree. Right now our 6 foot tall, 5 foot across Reed has lots of large, soft ball shaped but larger, shiny forest green fruits within the canopy of the tree. These will be ready to pick in September but if any fall we'll use them ahead of time. By September we will have 2 crops on the tree. The new crop will be the result of the set from this spring's flowers which will be our '09' harvest. The Reed is an excellent avocado. It is rich in oils, has excellent flavor and hangs on the tree for 5 months after the onset of maturity. It is always best to plant an avocado on a mound rather than in the ground and never clean the leaves and wood pieces from under the tree. This is what feeds and protects the surface feeder roots that make the leaves and fruit healthy. Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Lemon Grass Article in Rare Fruit News From: Ed To: Herminio Acadamia Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 3:22 am I read your article in Leo's Rare fruit news . I think that it is very good news . I also had an experience with Lemon Grass you might want to check into . My mother was a diabetic and was told that the tea would lower her blood sugar & it did . There is another good use for it , it only does for those who have high blood sugar like diabetics . Ed in Brandon FL eamusg@quixnet.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Manila Bulletin Online-Guimaras mango festival mid-April From: Herminio Acadamia Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:02:26 +0800 Guimaras mango festival set April 16-20 A five-day mango festival will be held at the provincial capitol grounds of Guimaras from April 16 to 20, it was learned from Neptune Pittman, president of the Guimaras Cutflower and Ornamental Growers Association. Pittman's group is one of the exhibitors in the trade fair. Aside from the exhibits of the famous Guimaras mango fruits and various food products in the province, the event will also feature an exhibit of flowers and ornamental plants. Herminio Acadamia mailto:dracademia@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tour Encinitas Gardens May 3rd (Price Info Below) From: N Sterman Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:57:16 -0700 The Encinitas Garden Festival, May 3, 2008 from 10 am to 4 pm. TICKETS ARE GOING FAST! 20 of my neighbors in Olivenhain have agreed to open their garden gates. There is a vineyard, a garden with a fabulous display of old farm tools, native plant gardens, Mediterranean climate gardens, and more. They are awesome! Our Gardeners' Marketplace is going to be at the historic Olivenhain Town Hall. We'll have plant vendors, people talking about low water gardening (I'll be selling my book), Mary the Snail Lady will be here, and much much more. Because the neighborhood backs onto Escondido Creek which is the upper region of San Elijo Lagoon, we have an awesome opportunity to include some new opportunities. The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy will be on hand to talk about the lagoon, why it is important, and how we can create beautiful gardens in ways that protect (and maybe even enhance) the creek and lagoon. San Diego Audubon will talk about their new backyard habitat program. The Encinitas Trails Coalition will be talking about trails and horses and walking and riding.... And a bunch of others Here's the critical info: The Marketplace is free but you need a ticket to see the gardens. Tickets are $21/adult, $7 kids (6 - 10 years old). IF there are tickets left on the day, they'll be $25/adult, $10 kids. (if you volunteer for part of the day, garden admission is free) Buy tickets on-line at www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org. If you don't like using PayPal, download a ticket order form and mail it in with a check before April 22. OR purchase tickets in person at Anderson La Costa Nursery, www.andersonslacostanursery.com/ Because there is no parking at the Olivenhain Town Hall, parking is ONLY at the San Elijo Campus of Mira Costa College www.miracosta.edu/OfficeOfThePresident/PIO/maps.htm#SEC Buses start running at 9:30 in the morning and loop all day. We'll have food in the marketplace but if you'd rather do a nice, sit-down lunch, we'll be doing a bus loop to West Village Plaza midday. This is a walking tour, so dress accordingly and don't forget your sunscreen For more information (and see our growing list of sponsors), please visit http://www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org I look forward to seeing you! Nan mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Tracing Florida Mangoes' Family Tree From: ARS News Service Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:38:53 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ A traditional crop in India and Southeast Asia for centuries, as well as in tropical regions of Central and South America, mangoes are also grown today in Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Over the past dozen years, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have played a huge role in the introduction and subsequent development of a unique Florida group of mangoes. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief research agency. At the helm of mango genetic research at the ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami, Fla., is geneticist Raymond Schnell, who has thoroughly reviewed the mango cultivars held there. Since 1980, the station has been the clonal repository within the National Plant Germplasm System bearing primary responsibility for collecting and preserving mango and other subtropical crop species. Mango cultivars are classified based on the type of embryo that develops from the seed. Monoembryonic cultivars produce a single shoot, while polyembryonic types germinate multiple shoots. The early mango introductions to Florida were primarily from the West Indies and India. Although cultivars from the West Indies flowered and set fruit well under Florida conditions, they had a poor flavor. On the other hand, the early Indian mango cultivars were fine-flavored, but they flowered and set fruit poorly in south Florida. So hybridization efforts have been aimed at creating cultivars that embody desirable traits of both Indian cultivars (primarily monoembryonic) and Southeast Asian cultivars (primarily polyembryonic) in selections suitable for production under Florida's subtropical conditions. DNA extraction and analysis performed on the leaf tissue have led to findings suggesting that Florida mango cultivar types are more closely related to Indian than to Southeast Asian types. Interestingly, the Florida types were not found to be genetically more diverse than either of the originating parental groups. The Florida mangoes are unique, and a subset of them has proven to have an unusually high level of production stability and environmental adaptability. Among these productive, adaptable mango varieties are "Keitt," "Tommy Atkins," "Haden," "Parvin" and "Irwin," all of which produce dependably over a range of environmental conditions. Read more about the research in the April 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr08/mango0408.htm <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200804B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - May 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200805A.txt _________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Quite a few questions asked by readers and new subscribers. We all look to you for suggestions to solutions. It's gratifying that so many of you have written. Thanks! <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber-Boca Raton, FL-Wants Abiu Seeds And.... "Donald Buddle" Re: Where To Find Seeds For Abiu Leo Manuel To: "Donald Buddle" New Subscriber‚ÄìSan Marcos, CA‚ÄìHas Several Info Requests Henry Aguirre New Subscriber ‚Äì Memphis, Tennessee Jess Jarvis <><><> Readers Write <><><> Why? Older Citrus Trees Stopped Blooming - Remedy? Ron Rosato Interrupted Newsletter - Resumed Bob Gear Fire Ant Battle Without Unhealthful Chemicals ‚Äì Possible? MSJ1819@aol.com Wanted - Muscadine Source And Information Vital Scherrer Gypsum and Caliche - Treatment Option Question Leo Manuel Evaluation of Kaolin (Surround) on Mangoes ‚Äì South Africa Leo Manuel Wanted: Pomegranate Plant Material Charles Orthene For Orchids' Thrips Suggested Myrnavargas@cs.com April 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter "CRFG San Diego Editor" Avocado Fruit Set - Not This Year - A/B Question "Doug Jones" To see 21 beautiful gardens in Olivenhain N Sterman Wanted: Loquat and Guava plants And Information "TP Wen" <8879576@gmail.com> Reed Avocados Available In Some Home Depot Outlets PETER DIEWALD To: Cielo Re: Reed Avocados Cielo To: KATHY DIEWALD In the Garden: Mango TangoMay 18th 1 to 3pm -- Pls RSVP Cielo & Kevin The Coqui Frog In Puerto Rico Leo Manuel http://www.topuertorico.org/coqui.shtml <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Papaya's Genome Unmasked ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber-Boca Raton, FL-Wants Abiu Seeds And.... From: "Donald Buddle" Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:52:47 -0400 I am Dr. DONALD BUDDLE, in BOCA RATON, FLORIDA Fruit trees I am now growing are lychee, longan, custard apple, soursop ,pitaya, canistel, persimmon, atemoya, guava, carambola and star apple. One I want to grow is Abiu - Where can I get some seeds I have a doctorate in agriculture education and I am interested in planting tropical fruit trees. QUESTION--- I have a sapodilla tree that produces lots of flowers but no fruits.--- what is the problem, it produced a few fruits 5 years ago. I also need information on support for pitaya plants . What is the sweetest variety of dragon fruit. Donald Buddle mailto:dbuddboca2@netzero.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Where To Find Seeds For Abiu From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:06:50 -0700 To: "Donald Buddle" http://www.fruitlovers.com/seedlistforeign.html FRUIT LOVER'S SEED CO. A division of Fruit Lover's Nursery TROICAL FRUIT SEED LIST Dear Rare Fruit enthusiasts, here are the rare fruit seeds and exotic tropical fruit seeds we have for sale. Other varieties may be available. Please ask. To add any item below to your shopping cart just click on the image. You can also mail us a check or money order if you prefer. Use the shopping cart to figure out shipping and handling costs. Print out the order form and mail in your check or money order together with the order form. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber‚ÄìSan Marcos, CA‚ÄìHas Several Info Requests From: "Henry Aguirre" Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:16:52 -0700 Hello, I am Henry Aguirre, in San Marcos, CA, and very interested in subscribing in your newsletter. I am only a backyard grower but has passion in finding and growing tropical fruit trees, like Mango, Sapodilla and the likes, currently I have several citrus varieties, jujube, persimon, avocado, and several varieties of the chili peppers... I am interested in finding a good Mango variety, Sapodilla, Ciruela (siniguelas), Jackfruits and the likes, most welcome are the grafted or dwarf kinds... We would appreciate receiving information on the above. Very truly yours, Henry Aguirre mailto:healthquestrs@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber ‚Äì Memphis, Tennessee From: Jess Jarvis Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:35:07 +0000 My name is Jess Jarvis and I live in memphis. I've had a difficult time growing rare fruits here. I've tried cherimoya, passion fruit, guava and pitaya. I still have the dragonfruits red and yellow but they have not flowered after 4 years. I'd love to receive this newsletter so I can learn more and discover new fruits as well as maybe find growers willing to overnight my fruits to me. Thanks:) Jess <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Why? Older Citrus Trees Stopped Blooming - Remedy? From: Ron Rosato Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:34:08 EDT I have a large collection of citrus trees. I live in the New Orleans area so we do have a subtropical climate. Zone 8a. I been having a problem with some of my older citrus trees not blooming over the past few years. These trees are about 18- 20 years old. The ones that I am having trouble with are my Moro blood oranges and my some Valencia navels. I would appreciate it if some one could give me information on what the problem maybe and how to correct it. Many Thanks Ron Rosato mailto:Rosierosato@aol.com Chaplain (retired) ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Interrupted Newsletter - Resumption From: "Bob Gear" Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:14:31 -0400 (EDT) Leo, So very glad to get the new edition of the news. I haven't received it for a few years. Glad to get it now. Such great information. [I found an older address list with more readers and used it starting last issue. It may cause problems for people who needed to stop the subscription. If so, please let me know. -Leo] Bob Gear mailto:naturopathicphy@pol.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fire Ant Battle Without Unhealthful Chemicals - Possible? From: "Marsha Jackson" Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:54:18 EDT Hello Leo, I was wondering if any of your readers have advice on how to eradicate (or at least reduce) fire ant populations without using the stronger poisons commonly available. We've read about spinosad but have not been able to find it in central Puerto Rico except in large quantities. We've also heard that spinosad treated hives just move a few feet and come back to the surface again after the next rain, just like they do with other chemicals. We're trying to be as organic as possible but it isn't easy! We had our first (small) harvest of Rambutans this winter after we planted three trees five years ago. Among other fruits, we have varieties of mangoes, bananas, plantains, surinam cherries, Meyer lemon, lime, fig, jobos de india, calamondin, various other oranges and grapefruits, as well as black sapote, bakupari and Tahiti lemon that haven't yet produced. Thanks for keeping this up - we always enjoy reading the newsletter! Marsha Jackson mailto:MSJ1819@aol.com Utuado, PR and Hanover, MD ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted - Muscadine Source And Information From: Vital Scherrer Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:38:26 +0100 Ol√°, Recently I came across some articles about scientific studies of muscadine berries. As their antioxidant contents are supposed to be the highest ever analysed in any fruit up to the present, I would like to make them a part of my diet. As it doesn't seem to be very likely that I will be able to get such high heat demanding plants to produce any reasonable fruit in the climate zone where my plot is located - though I would like to try, once I have some time for more time requiring plants - I'm therefore looking for a mail order supplier of (preferably lose whole) muscadine seeds, dried muscadine berry marc and/or skins, from preferably organic cultivation and not fermented with the juice (for wine). Thus my question is: Does anybody know such a (European or international) supplier and does anybody have any experience with a muscadine product? Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Gypsum and Caliche - Treatment Option Question From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:46:10 -0700 Gypsum and Caliche Question: With the typical soil in southwest Amarillo, does gypsum or sulfur help much? Answer: This question is among the more common ones asked. Many of the lawn/garden retailers in Amarillo recommend gypsum. They claim that gypsum should open up the soil. There are some applications where the addition of gypsum improves soil structure and water infiltration into the soil. The following article is by Dr. J.R. Feucht, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Specialist Gypsum is a salt - calcium sulfate - and when added to calcareous clay soils (the typical high calcium soil in Colorado), does no more than increase the already high calcium content. Thus, gypsum + calcareous clay = gypsum + calcareous clay. In other words, adding gypsum to a soil that does not need calcium is a waste of money. Also avoid adding gypsum to a saline soil (soil high in salts). Gypsum increases salt levels. The use of sulfur in a clay soil high in calcium also has been acclaimed by some as a method of breaking up a tight soil. While sulfur added in small amounts over a long time eventually can improve the condition and reduce soil alkalinity, this practice generally is not advised because the sulfur reacting with the calcium simply forms gypsum. The only soil that can be benefitted by adding gypsum is a soil high in sodium, called "sodic soil" or "black alkali." These soils normally are found where there is a high water table and poor drainage. Such soils are hard and cloddy when dry and take water very slowly. Few plants can survive in them. Dr. Feucht accurately identifies the use of gypsum on a sodic soil. Saline-sodic soils (soils high in both salts and sodium) will also benefit from the addition of gypsum, or sulfur if the soil already contains calcium (sulfur and calcium form gypsum). In a sodic soil, the gypsum dissolves slowly, and some of the sodium ions on the soil are replaced by calcium ions. Sodium causes things to disperse, which is the reason it is a primary ingredient in lye and many other detergents. The result of high sodium is poorer soil structure and water infiltration into the soil. Calcium promotes aggregation, and so over time, will gradually improve structure. Generally, addition of gypsum or sulfur are not economical practices for our soils. Many of our soils are high in calcium and have caliche (a form of calcium carbonate) at shallow depths (6 inches to 5 feet). Any soils with caliche will not benefit from the addition of gypsum, though in *rare* instances, sulfur might help. I encourage soil testing. Information and materials required to collect a soil sample and send it to a laboratory are available from your local County Extension office. Soil testing provide information on pH, several nutrients, sodium and salinity. The soil test report will also include a recommendation if you request it. If the soil sodium levels are high and sulfur is low, the addition of sulfur will, over time, improve soil conditions as gypsum is formed, and calcium replaces sodium in the soil. If the sodium levels are low, do not add gypsum or sulfur. The soils in most arid and semiarid regions contain some sodium. Additional sodium may be added in water used to irrigate, as is the case with water from Lake Meredith. The Canadian River Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA) has taken preventive measures to lower the salt content of the lake. Additionally, they are mixing it with water from the Ogallala aquifer to improve the water quality. Some producers in the region are using water from the Santa Rosa aquifer which generally has a much higher sodium content than the water from the Ogallala aquifer. This is not in their long-term best interests since sodium will ruin the water intake. The soils in this area are tight because they have a high clay content. It is not feasible, on the scale of a lawn, to add enough sand to improve the texture. It is more practical in a small garden to add some sand and some compost or manure to loosen the soil. Many lawns are compacted because of the total disregard contractors have for what happens after construction. Most of the time, the lawns are established without ever attempting to alleviate the compaction caused by the construction. Caliche at shallow depths (less than 12 inches) poses many problems. Caliche forms a barrier to water movement, so water will pond on top of the caliche. Even in the hottest days of summer, this can result in plants drowning from lack of oxygen (too much water) in the root zone. Irrigation management is crucial in these soils. If possible, it is beneficial to break up the caliche and mix in compost, especially under perennials. Caliche also buffers the pH around 8, and often limits availability of iron. Many evergreen trees in this area suffer from a caliche-induced iron deficiency. Iron sulfate is the most economical, commercially available source of iron fertilizer. This brief page attempts to address some of the more common questions about gypsum and caliche. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Clay Robinson (alias Dr. Dirt). Return to Dr. Dirt's homepage http://www.wtamu.edu/~crobinson/DrDirt/gypsum.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Evaluation of Kaolin (Surround) on Mangoes ‚Äì South Africa From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:55:22 -0700 English Title: Evaluation of kaolin (Surround¬Æ Wp) in an IPM program on mangoes in South Africa. Personal Authors: Joubert, P. H., Grov√©, T., Beer, M. S. de, Steyn, W. P. Author Affiliation: ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa. Editors: Pinto, A. C. Q., Pereira, M. E. C., Alves, R. E. Document Title: Acta Horticulturae, 2004 (No. 645) 493-499 Abstract: On 4 October 2001, the following treatments were each applied to 10 randomly selected mango cv. Sensation trees in an orchard in South Africa to determine their effects on mango pests: blank control; kaolin (Surround WP); kaolin + sulfur (wettable sulfur (S)) + polysulfide sulfur (lime-sulfur (LS)); and fipronil (Regent). Surround alone, Surround + S + LS, and Regent effectively prevented thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii) from colonizing fruits during the entire period which smaller mangoes were susceptible to thrips damage. Most of the coconut bug (Pseudotheraptus wayi) damage occurred early in the season, but both Surround treatments and Regent effectively reduced the damage. Both Surround treatments and Regent effectively prevented weevils (Sternochetus mangiferae) from depositing eggs on fruits. Although not statistically significant, Surround + S + LS was more effective against the adult weevils infesting mango seeds at harvest than Surround alone. Mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) numbers started increasing towards the end of December, reaching relatively high levels of infestation, especially in the Surround alone and Regent treatments. Surround combination resulted in much less repercussion than Surround alone or Regent, and it can be accepted that S and LS had a suppressing effect on the development of mango scale. Treatment with Surround alone caused the highest number of long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) to occur on fruits, while Surround + S + LS resulted in markedly less infestation. None of the treatments had any impact on gall fly (Procontarinia matteiana) and twig miner (Spulerina sp.). Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo= 20043097733 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted: Pomegranate Plant Material From: "Charles Cornelius" Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:29:35 -0700 (PDT) Do you have a source for pomegranate cuttings, rooted cuttings, or bare root at this time of year.... I saw the address on rare fruit abac google search and thought I'd try. I have some acreage in Lowndes co. considering some cultivation of these, but wanted some for personal use at present...your help is appreciated. Charles Cornelius mailto:swillrock@yahoo.com hahira ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Orthene For Orchids From: Myrnavargas@cs.com Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:54:05 -0400 Hi, My cymbidium orchids petals have white spot and I showed it to the orchid expert and he told me it is thrips and that I need to use orthene. I have not done it yet and I have not use this chemical. good luck. Myrna mailto:Myrnavargas@cs.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: April 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: "CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter Editor" Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:27:55 -0700 Greetings SD CRFG Chapter Members Our program will be: Current Sources of Water for San Diego, its Quality and our Future by Eric Larson, Executive Director of the San Diego Farm Bureau. Wednesday April 23th, 7:00PM at Casa del Prado Room 101. Also, we are having our FREE Rare Fruit Introductory Classes at 6:00PM at Casa del Prado Room 104. Part 2 of 10: ‚ÄúHow to Select and Plant Rare Fruit Trees‚Äù continues where Part 1 left off. By knowing your garden‚Äôs microclimate you can easily select possible rare fruit trees you can grow. See you then. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocado Fruit Set - Not This Year - A/B Question From: "Doug Jones" Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:31:47 -0700 Just a note about fruit set on my avocado trees. I have 3 mature avocado trees that have set fruit in the past, at my Mesa Arizona home. One is a seedling, one a grafted "Aravaipa" seedling, and one is a Mexicola. Two years ago we had a very wet spring and I had a few dozen fruit set. This year we had a cool wet winter - not too bad of a freeze, but a lot of rain. We had no rain during the spring flowering. As a result I have no fruit set at all. I wonder if it's a result of the cool and dry spring, or do I still need more varieties to get the "A" and "B" flowers. How do you know what type a seedling is, anyway? I guess I'll just have to keep trying new varieties and see. Doug mailto:fruitguy@cox.net [Possibly Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com would have time to respond to your question. She's the avocado expert. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: To see 21 beautiful gardens in Olivenhain From: N Sterman Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:01:01 -0700 The May 3rd Encinitas Garden Festival is fast approaching and the organizing committee is very, very excited. 21 fabulous gardens will be open for viewing. Click here for a preview In an era when sustainable communities, invasive plants and habitat protection are so important, we are thrilled to feature so many of our community's environmentally conscious organizations in our marketplace- the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, San Diego Audubon, the Encinitas Trails Coalition - to name just a few. Of course we have several plant vendors coming, too. On-site lunch options include Champagne French Bakery Cafe and Flippin Pizza, but if you prefer a "proper" sit-down meal, our double decker buses will loop to West Village Center where there are several restaurants as well. Our auction will include the ever-popular color bowls from our good friends Proven Winners. Bid on yours early because they sell out fast! We also have lots of gift certificates, gift baskets, travel gear from Eagle Creek, tickets to sporting events, and more! San Dieguito Art Guild members will be painting in some of our gardens, other gardens will feature quilts handmade by El Camino Quilters. if you've already bought your tickets, we'll look forward to seeing you on May 3. To purchase tickets in person, visit Anderson's La Costa Nursery on La Costa Avenue in Leucadia. For more info, check out our website http//www.EncintasGardenFestival.org. We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd! Nan Sterman mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted: Loquat and Guava plants From: Tracy <8879576@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:51:29 -0700 Dear Sir, I just moved to North San Diego County. I planted Satsuma Mandarin, dwarf Santa Rosa Plum, pomegranates and fig recently. I wish to get some information about growing them. I am also interested in growing loquat and guava plants. Please help me find out where I can buy the following plants: 1) Loquat which will produce 2 inches long fruits, color is betwen yellow and light egg yolk color, What kind of loquat is this? Big Jim, Champaign or other name? 2) Thai guava - fruit size is large, bigger than a large lemon, and the texture is crispy but not too heavy. Thank you. Tracy mailto:8879576@gmail.com [I'm not sure where to suggest looking for the guava. If you know someone with a tree, you could try to persuade them to propagate it by an airlayer. For the loquat, probably the Big Jim would be the one to get. Where do you live? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Reed Avocados Available In Some Home Depot Outlets From: PETER DIEWALD Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:42:01 -0700 (PDT) To: Cielo Just wanted you to know that the Costa Mesa and Santa Ana Home Depots often carry the Reed Avocado trees. I know they can order one for you if they have none in stock. I hope you were able to buy a Reed at the Green Scene. I don't know how far away you live, but you are welcome to get some grafting wood from our Reed avocado to use on a seedling that you can start right now in the ground (I find that grafts are much more successful on trees that have their root systems established in the ground.) I use the "cleft" grafting method. Unlike many of my crfg fellow members, I use black electrical tape to secure the graft union, then cover it with parafilm. The tape holds the graft together for a couple of years, then gradually falls off, sometimes with a little help from me. Good Luck, Kathy Diewald, crfg- orange county chapter 949-645-7002 mailto:mccwald@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Reed Avocados From: Cielo Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:46:00 -0700 (PDT) To: KATHY DIEWALD Thanks for your email. I live in the coastal community of Point Loma in San Diego. I found a stocky 5-gal Reed avocado from a local chapter member David Archer's Bonita Creek Nursery. Also bought a Hass from Lowe's, and eventually returned the Holiday since I didn't want too many A-type trees. I was hoping to buy a Sharwil from the OC chapter at Green Scene, but they were all gone. I bought a Nimlioh as Julie Frink recommended since they were sold out of Sharwils. Here's my avocado combo in my newly landscaped raised bed: Reed, Hass, Nabal and a Nimlioh. I've learned a lot how to transplant them from their pots into the ground. I've learned to plant them in a mound with compost mulching and regular watering. Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: In the Garden: Mango TangoMay 18th 1 to 3pm -- Pls RSVP From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:13:38 -0700 (PDT) Hello Fruit Enthusiasts! You're receiving this email because you have asked to be on our email list of our upcoming Informal Gathering activities. When: Sunday, May 18th 1-3 pm This is an informal gathering in a very casual setting outdoors. It's okay to come late, just join the group when you can between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect. What: Mango Tango - Grafting Mangoes and Airlayering Tropical Guavas For refreshments, we'll have Ataulfo and Kent mangoes; ice cream; mango salsa; dried mangoes w/ hot chili, anything mangoes. A couple of grafted mango trees will be auctioned off -- minimum bid to cover the cost of the rootstocks (Manila mango trees) and mango refreshments. If you plan to bid, please bring cash! Who: Jim Neitzel will demonstrate grafting mangoes and removing mango seed from its husk; Leo Manuel will demonstrate airlayering of a tropical guava. Where: Bob & Kitty Miller's garden (Mt. Helix) 4502 Conrad Dr., La Mesa CA 91941 phone # 619.460.5943 Directions: This address is available on Thomas Bros. guide, What's in Bob & Kitty's Garden: They have several deciduous, subtropical and citrus trees: 5 apples, 5 peaches, 4 plums, 3 apricots, 3 figs, nectarine, almond, aprium, pluot, pear, 2 cherimoyas, 2 strawberry guava, sapote, a group of bananas, 2 navel oranges, lemon; lime, tangerine, and a grapefruit. They grow vegetables and get fresh eggs from their 4 resident chickens. Note: Bring a hat and sunscreen. Easy terrain to walk. There is parking on the driveway and across the street in a lot. Parking spaces in front of the garage for folks unable to climb a moderate hill. What to bring: You're welcome to bring your own plant(s) and scion(s) if you'd like to practice grafting. Bring your own parafilm grafting tape and grafting knife, if you own them. If not, we'll have some available to share. If you can, bring something from your garden (fruits or cuttings of our subject grafting) to share with the group. Bring your enthusiasm to learn, enjoy and have fun. Mango Rootstocks & Scionwood Availability Manila mango trees, commonly used rootstocks, are currently available at reasonable price at HD and Lowe's. We'll have very limited mango scionwood/cuttings available on hand. There is plan to acquire more scionwood varieties later, if there is demand. Thanks to Cathy Springs & Aaron St. John for hosting our April 13th event. We appreciate all your hard work in the garden sprucing it up and all for our visit. We had the largest turnout -- so far to date -- of 24 people. Thanks to everyone who participated with us and brought something from their garden and kitchen to share with the group. We tasted the following fruit juices: almond, guanabano (soursop), guava, mango and star fruit (carambola). Almond and mango were the clear favorites, and the star fruit juice was the least favorite. The juices were purchased from 99 Ranch Market. It was a nice warm afternoon with the warmest reception. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We hope you can join us, and we look forward to seeing you! We're all in this to learn, enjoy and have fun. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions and/or suggestions. If grafting isn't your thing, it's okay to just socialize, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Propagate & Be Fruitful! Cielo Foth mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com Jim Neitzel 619.262.8959 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: The Coqui Frog In Puerto Rico Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:39:55 -0700 From: Leo Manuel http://www.topuertorico.org/coqui.shtml The Coqui Frog In Puerto Rico The Eleutherodactylus as known by its zoological name, exceeds the creature itself in length. The genus Eleutherodactylus, with over 600 species, is probably the most speciose genus of vertebrates (Crother 1999). More than 16 different species live in the island, 13 of which occur in the Caribbean National Forest. Other species of this genus can be found around the world: in Central and South America; and the Caribbean. The coqu√≠ - little frog, as it is called in Puerto Rico, has only a minute tail when it is born, and this quickly disappears. Its length ranges between 15mm-80mm and the color of the coqu√≠ varies considerably - green, brown and yellowish, sometimes having touches of different colors or two dorsolateral stripes. The genera Eleutherodactylus, which in Greek means free toes. As the name indicates, this genera has no inter digital membrane, which could indicate that they are not adapted to swim. All coquies have disks or pads on the tips of their toes, to help them adhere to surfaces, like moistened leaves. Coquis reproduce year-round in Puerto Rico, but breeding activity is concentrated in the wet season. This species utilizes internal fertilization and like other eleutherodactylids, the fertilized eggs undergo direct development, rather than passing through a free-living larval (tadpole) stage, which means the parents don't have to lay their eggs on water, as it happens with other amphibians. The "tadpole" stage occurs entirely within a terrestrial egg, rather than as a free-living larval stage, and adult features form directly, sometimes bypassing the stages normally present in tadpole ontogeny (Hung and Elinson 1996, Hanken et al. 1997). Thus, a tiny but fully functional froglet hatches directly from the egg. Coquis deposit 4-6 clutches of about 28 eggs each (range 16-41) per year, with a development period of 17-26 days. Males guard the eggs to keep them from drying out and remain in the nest for a few days after they emerge. It is a very popular creature throughout the island and enlivens the evenings with its timid ko-kee from which it get its name. The coquies begin to sing when the sun goes down at dusk, singing all night long until dawn. The male coqu√≠ sings - not the female. You can find the coqu√≠ nearly everywhere, from the margins of the forests where the areas receive large amounts of moisture, in highlands, lowlands, dry and arid places, even in caves depending on the species. [I learned today that this frog has invaded Hawaii and is regarded as a mixed blessing. It's insect appetite is wonderful, but the noise they make is not. -Leo] <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Papaya's Genome Unmasked From: ARS News Service Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:13:21 -0400 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Smooth, sweet papaya, one of America's most popular tropical fruits, has now surrendered some of its genetic secrets. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and others in a University of Hawaii-led venture have uncovered the structure or sequence of the genes and other genetic material that make up papaya's genome. An article in the journal Nature reports details of their accomplishment, which represents the first time the genome of a genetically engineered crop has been sequenced. That's according to Dennis Gonsalves, director of the ARS U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center at Hilo, Hawaii. He's also an author of the journal article. "SunUp," the red-fleshed papaya chosen for the investigation, was developed in research that Gonsalves began in 1985. Working at that time for Cornell University's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, Gonsalves collaborated with scientists from ARS, the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and Michigan-based Pharmacia Company to create the new papaya. The scientists genetically engineered SunUp plants to activate a gene--harmless to humans--that enables the papaya to resist attack by papaya ringspot virus. Starting in 1992, papaya ringspot disease, caused by the virus, threatened to destroy Hawaii's papaya plantations. SunUp was used as a parent of a yellow-fleshed, virus-resistant papaya called "Rainbow." Made available to growers in 1998, Rainbow became Hawaii's leading commercial papaya. Further scrutiny of the newly available SunUp genomic data is expected to speed identification of papaya genes that control prized traits such as flavor, texture, aroma, nutritional value, or resistance to insects and other pests. Former ARS scientists Henrik H. Albert and Paul C. Moore are among the other authors of the Nature article. Maqsudul Alam of the University of Hawaii-Manoa led the genome exploration. Papayas are rich in vitamins A and C and are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200805A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - May 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200805B.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Lots of new subscribers, many with questions you can help with suggestions or answers. Thanks! Mango trees with fruit for the first time for me that MAY hold until harvest: Pin Sen Mun, T-1 (Paul Thomson's other named variety, and he think's is the better of the two.) and Maha Chanook (Thailand, aka The King's Mango.) I'm testing a different delivery method for the newsletter. If yours doesn't get delivered, you won't know why, but if several of you write because it didn't come, then I'll know that the method was a mistake. What I'm testing is web mail from Time Warner's Road Runner. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Near San Diego Bill Munro New Subscriber - Perry, Florida SHIRLEY MURPHY New Subscriber, Texas, Has Tropical Fruit Interest Jim Robinson New Subscriber - Arroyo Grande, California Don Weeks New Subscriber, Israeli exotic fruit association Moshe New Subscriber - Ojai, CA Jerry Ryan <><><> Readers Write <><><> IF RFNO Stops Coming.... Leo Manuel Bonita Creek Nursery - David Archer Leo Manuel Kaffir lime tree Margaret lauterbach Coqui in Hawai'i & other notes Dan Lindsay RE: Avocado Fruit Set - Not This Year - A/B Question Julie & Paul Frink CRFG V/SB May 2008 Newsletter Norman Beard Re: Fire Ant Battle w/o Unhealthful Chemicals - Possible? Permacltur@aol.com Meyer Lemon Failure Permacltur@aol.com Rare Tropical Fruit Conference - July 9 to 13: Homestead, FL Cielo & Kevin Ok Leo and group, I am back ( I think ) Luc Vleeracker Bus Tour: May 21: The Huntington Botanical Gardens (San Marino) Cielo & Kevin Asimina Parviflora - safe to eat? David Williams Goleta neighborhood exchange 5/17/08 Leo Manuel Top ten on the local best seller's list! N Sterman Reminder: Mango Tango Sunday, May 18th 1 to 3pm Cielo & Kevin Thai guava source Cielo To: Tracy <8879576@gmail.com> FW: Guyabano (Graviola): Cure for Cancer? Herminio Academia <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Pollinators as Preservationists ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Near San Diego From: "Bill Munro" Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 21:31:24 -0700 Hi, My name is Bill Munro. My email address is bmunro@parsomni.com. We are currently growing 7 avocado trees, but we are interested in growing: Cherimoya (or Sapodilla, Mango, Elderberry (I guess this doesn't qualify as a 'rare' fruit tree). And we'd love to grow mangosteen (we lived in Malaysia for a while), but I don't know if it will grow here. Our property is outside San Diego at about 1600 feet, and about 16 miles from the ocean. We rarely get frost, and because of the very regular ocean breezes (we can see the ocean on clear days), our 'micro-climate' tends to be milder than surrounding areas. Also we tend to get more rainfall. But our site, located at the base of Mt. Woodson is susceptible to strong Santa Ana winds. I'd be interested in recommendations for rare fruit trees that are likely to do well in our particular conditions. Thanks. -Bill Munro mailto:bmunro@parsomni.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Perry, Florida From: "SHIRLEY MURPHY" Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 05:58:37 -0400 Ijust started interested in dragon fruit and different kinds of fruit. I have home made green house. and grow some epies. My name is Shirley Murphy and I live in Perry, Florida, I would like to receive your newsletter Please SHIRLEY MURPHY mailto:smurp@fairpoint.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Texas, Has Tropical Fruit Interest From: Jim Robinson Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 12:24:10 -0500 I am Jim Robinson in San Antonio and Rockport, Texas, USA. I am growing several kinds of citrus fruits and would very much enjoy learning more about tropical fruit. Please subscribe me to your newsletter. Jim ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Arroyo Grande, California From: "Don Weeks" Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:33:13 -0700 Please add me to your email list. Don Weeks 2265 Valley Oaks Lane Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 My present orchard includes: Apples, Apricots, Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Citrus, Figs, Filberts, Pluots, Atriums, Olives, Nectarines, Pears, Blueberries. All are LOW CHILL species. I am interested in adding: Loquat, Papaya, Mango, Macadamia Don Weeks mailto:donweeks1@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Israeli exotic fruit association From: "Moshe" Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 14:17:24 +0300 Hi Leo & Betty My name is Moshe Weiss currently director-general of the Israeli exotic fruit association, profsor Gazit is our chaiman. Yossi (now in Japan) is one of our honorary members. http://www.exoticfruit.co.il/en/ Shalom. Moshe mailto:davel1m@bezeqint.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Ojai, CA From: Jerry Ryan Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 12:05:45 -0700 (PDT) Hi. I am interested in being on your rare fruit newsletter. My name is gerald ryan. I currently live in ojai, california. My email is ryanpotato@yahoo.com. I live in a community on five acres, and we are growing fuyu and hachiya persimmons, pomegranites, mulberries (pakistan and oscar(?)), and apricots, asian pears, nectarines and peaches, a few grapes, some apples, some guavas, loquats, plums and some annuals in the garden. I have lived here for just one year (almost) and have been in california for just over a year, from north dakota. I will probably be leaving this winter for warmer climates, to find a community in central or south america that has a tropical orchard and maybe is a raw food or vegan community. I am definitely interested in having my own orchard or a shared orchard in the near future, growing whatever is possible and pushing the limits and varieties. If I live somewhere I can grow durian I will definitely grow lots of this. I would also like to grow lots of cherimoyas and a few yellow sapotes, lots of figs and grapes if I can, and persimmons and lychees and rambutan and mangoes and bananas. I am interested in growing the food as sustainably and ecologically as possible, in harmony with nature and minimizing the invasiveness to the environment. I don't yet know if I want to grow commercially or if I would rather grow as a homestead and intentional community but I really believe I could meet almost all of my needs just from a piece of land well located. Right now I am just interested in learning as much as I can about fruit and agriculture, the different types and varieties that exist, about health and nutrition, and about what we can do to be caretakers of the environment and what it means to live well in and create community. I am a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers Association, and I look forward to your newsletters. Jerry mailto:ryanpotato@yahoo.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: If RFNO Stops Coming.... From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 09:06:53 -0700 For some reason, many mail servers believe that email sent from my server is probably spam, so that the newsletter is blocked from delivery. You may be able to keep that from happening by making sure that this email address is added to your address book. Harvey Correia mailto:harvey@chestnuts.us had this happen and wrote to me: Many servers and hosting companies utilize a common database for spam and you may be on the "blacklist". For about a year I've had all of my e-mail go through gmail to get filtered and I've added you to my address book earlier today to see if that helps, though I am not too hopeful since I don't recall seeing the spam folder in gmail. I don't know of any other e-mail that I've been missing though I do see some go into my spam folder which I am pretty careful at going through. You might want to contact your ISP to see if they have any suggestions. If you still can't get the newsletter, I can send it to you by way of my Yahoo address (but, please don't write to me using it, as I seldom check for email there. When I have, it is usually junk.) Let me know if you want me to send it by an alternate method. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bonita Creek Nursery - David Archer From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 09:06:53 -0700 Bonita Creek Nursery Dave Archer (619) 470-2005 Wholesale / Retail Fruit trees http://www.bonitacreeknursery.com Local pick-up by appointment only 3440 Proctor Valley Rd Bonita, CA 91902 mailto:sales@bonitacreeknursery.com Avocado, Banana, Cherimoya, Atemoya Citrus: Calamansi, Grapefruit, Kumquat, Lemon, Lime, Mandarine, Orange, Pommelo, Tangelo, Tangerine Strawberry Guava, Pineapple Guava, Guava, Longan, Loquat, Mango, Papaya, Pitaya Dragon Fruit, Sapote Tropical Cherries Capulin, Jabotica, Rio Grande, Surinam Deciduous: Apple, Apricot, Aprium Pear, Blueberry, Quince, Cherry: Fruiting & Japanese Flowering, Crabapple, European Pear, Fig, Jujube, Kiwi, Mulberry, Nectarine, Peach, Persimmon, Plum, Pluot, Pomegranate Nuts: Almond, Chestnut, Macadamia, Pecan, Walnut Evergreen Shade Trees: Unusual Varieties of Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Pine [Suggestion: Call (619) 470-2005 probably early morning or late evening, for best results. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Kaffir lime tree From: Margaret lauterbach Date: Thu, 01 May 2008 09:25:16 -0600 I've lost two kaffir lime trees to scale in past years, and have had a kaffir lime doing well in the greenhouse for the past three or more years. This spring, it and a 1 year old lime tree, side by side, turned all leaves completely yellow, and the kaffir struggled to refoliate, but died. The roots looked healthy, so if it was overwatered, it hadn't killed the roots. After the kaffir was clearly dead, I noticed some dark anthracnose-like sunken areas on the trunk. The lime tree did not have those, however, and didn't die (but hasn't refoliated). I used some old (years old) citrus fertilizer on both a few weeks prior to their problems. Could that have contributed? I have a replacement kaffir lime tree, and would like to keep it going. Thanks, Margaret Lauterbach mailto:melauter@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Coqui in Hawai'i & other notes From: Dan Lindsay Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 07:11:10 -1000 Hi Leo and others, You commented that the Coqui Frog is a "mixed blessing" in Hawai'i. Most of us here would not call it that. We would call it a @!!##*% nuisance! I understand that it is well-loved in PR, where there are many natural predators to keep its numbers within reason, but that is not the case in Hawai"i. We have no snakes and no frog-eating spiders -- and we earnestly want to keep it that way! -- and thus the Coqui can breed to mind-boggling numbers. Estimates are that in some areas the numbers exceed 10,000 frogs per acre! Noise levels have been recorded over 95 decibels, which is in the hearing-damage range. I don't have a serious problem where I live (1400' is a little high for them, as the temperature gets down into the upper 50s at night in the winter), but even here I have to close windows in order to hear the television at night. The racket definitely reduces property values in areas of heavy infestation. As to their insect-eating capacity, there are mixed reports. I have seen no difference whatever since their arrival about three years ago, though others have reported some significant reductions in some insects. So far, the frogs are out of control only on Hawai'i Island. They have invaded but been exterminated on Kaua'i. There is one valley on O'ahu where a small colony is in the process of being wiped out. On Maui, one valley is considered too heavily infested for eradication to be possible, but it is thought that they can be contained there. I don't believe they have reached Moloka'i or Lana'i. Many methods of eradication have been tried. For all their fertility, they are pretty delicate creatures individually, and are fairly easy to kill. Hot water kills them, and one suggestion for preventing their transfer from island to island is to put everything through a car wash before it gets on a barge or boat. Many treatments for existing infestations have been tried, but three are accepted in one way or another: concentrated caffeine spray, concentrated citric acid spray, and hydrated lime spray. (Recently, blowing powdered baking soda over the infested areas has been advocated, but it has many drawbacks and is not accepted by the EPA as an effective or legal treatment.) Caffeine is very effective, but it's hard to persuade the frogs to take that second cup of coffee. Actually, there are no pesticide applicators in the islands licensed to use it and none interested inn the fairly arduous training involved, so it's a dead issue here. Citric acid is quite effective, but it damages plants and acidifies soil which is usually too acid anyway. Hydrated lime helps the soil, is cheaper than citric acid, and is about as effective; but it does not make a true solution and thus cannot be used by a backpack sprayer, and it leaves a white residue on everything that makes it look as if you have flocked your property for Christmas. Most people just try to keep heavy vegetation away from their houses, and then get used to the noise. ***** This has been a weird year for fruit trees here. My Avocados, which usually bear in December and January, are giving me huge crops now! (Ihave no idea which variety they are; it's an ancient tree that was here when I got the place, and nobody in neighborhood knows anything except that they're delicious.) My Tangerines, again usually bearing in December, were at their peak in late February, and there are still a few on the tree. I had 2 Meyer Lemon trees, both about 5 years old, and both were bearing well. But suddenly, within a week, one of them died, while the other continues to thrive. The young Brazilian Apple Banana plants I've started are all doing very well, and I'll have many stems ready beginning in about a week. Ah, life is good in Paradise! Aloha, Dan Lindsay Hilo, Hawai'i mailto:danl1@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Avocado Fruit Set - Not This Year - A/B Question From: Julie & Paul Frink Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 01:10:59 +0000 Avocados like a lot of water and good drainage. The crops are much larger in the avocado growing areas here in California when the water is plentiful. However avocados are so alternating in production that it is often hard to say what the problem is when they don't produce. It could be they are just resting up from a year of high production. I have a question. What is the Aravaipa like? We have some growing from wood brought to us in January from a very nice Arizona fellow. We would like to know if this variety is good enough to encourage people in marginal areas to grow it. Some varieties are pretty self pollinating and others seem to require a pollinator. There are 2 flower types. A flowers are female in the morning and male the following afternoon. B flowers are female in the afternoon and male the following morning. Weather and climate affect the actions of the flowers so much so that some B flower types don't open as female at all because the nights are too cold but some varieties don't seem quite as affected. I live a the beach and during the hot weather my B flower types had zillions of female flowers but all the male flowers on the A flower type varieties were closed. Some varieties open later than others and some seem always to have a few male and female open at the same time. I guess you'd have to say that it helps to have more than one variety, especially if one is an A flower type and the other a B. Hope this helps. Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG V/SB May 2008 Newsletter From: "Norman Beard" Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 22:49:29 -0700 The newsletter has been posted to a new blogsite: cafruit1.blogspot.com This site will be reserved for the current issue only. Older issues can be found at cafruit.blogspot.com (without the "1" in the middle). Norman Beard mailto:beardtropics@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fire Ant Battle w/o Unhealthful Chemicals - Possible? From: Permacltur@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 14:40:28 EDT We use two methods, one organic and one not, but relatively harmless. During the winter, when we heat and cook with a wood stove, we heat a stock pot full of water when the stove isn't needed for cooking. I put the hot water in a 5-gal bucket with a dab of dishwashing detergent and lug it out to the garden, where fire ants are most bothersome to me. I pour the water slowly into the fire ant nest, stopping when it starts to run off and resuming as it drains. This doesn't always get all the ants, but it takes out the vast majority. Sometimes I need to repeat 2 or 3 times. The detergent is just for a wetting agent that makes the water penetrate the soil faster. Where there is sod, there may be a dead spot. In the hot season, we use household ammonia in the same manner, though less profligately due to the cost and to the importance of not overloading the soil with nitrogen. This also kills most or all ants in a nest, though in hot water, foragers are more likely to be out of the nest in numbers. Since ammonia is a naturally occurring chemical, the reason it is not organic is that this particular ammonia was manufactured synthetically. The chemical structure is identical, though certainly we want to minimize use of chemicals (and necessarily chemical factories) of any sort. Oil of citrus is said to be effective. I've not found a source and I suspect it would be expensive. The don't mind the citrus when I trench compost. We've purchased an allegedly organic insecticide (forget the name) that is supposed to work on fire ants, but it is not as effective as our home remedies. Caffeine is said to be effective on mollusks and perhaps arthropods. We get coffee grounds from Starbucks as fertilizer and mixing a good batch into the surface of a container I was replanting yesterday drove out the fire ants, which I was never able to eliminate from this container with hot water. (Now the little suckers have moved their nest to the path, so I can nail them with ammonia.) I suspect that coffee grounds are at least a repellent, and may be harmful to larvae. I've seen no maggots in grounds I've left around, though the analysis is similar to cow manure, but slightly lower in the NPK columns. Hope that helps. Dan Hemenway mailto:Permacltur@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Meyer Lemon Failure From: Permacltur@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 14:55:45 EDT We have grown our Meyer lemon tree for roughly 10 years and during that time we have harvested, at most, four lemons. The tree appears healthy. We get light to moderate blooming each spring, and while the perfume of the flowers is worth keeping the tree, it would be nice to get lemons too! Our other citrus produces well. Our locale is North Central Florida, which moved from zone 8 to 9 since we moved here. This year, which I cite because I can be sure I remember details accurately, we had plenty of insect pollinators: wild bees, honey bees, bumble bees, assorted flies, etc. They always give us a good crop of blueberries, which are much more difficult to pollinate than citrus. I'm thinking about top-working the tree to a productive citrus, but if anyone has ideas, I'd be happy hear them. Dan Hemenway mailto:Permacltur@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Florida Event (See Cielo's Letter Below) From: "Joel Vinikoor" Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 13:25:24 -0400 Hi Leo, Some of your subscribers may want to attend this event in Miami at the Fruit and Spice Park. You are doing a great job with your newsletter! Regards, Joel Vinikoor mailto:joelv@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare Tropical Fruit Conference - July 9 to 13: Homestead, FL From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 20:52:05 -0700 (PDT) Hello Fruit Enthusiasts! I'm sharing this information with you in the event you may find it interesting enough to go. Some CRFG folks, including myself and my husband Kevin have already made air travel arrangements to go. It's not for everyone: it'll be hot and humid in July, but it should be fun and interesting to learn something new. This time, we won't be scuba diving in the Keys, we hope to go nuts over some Rare Tropical Fruits at the Fruit & Spice Park & Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Join us! Cielo & Kevin mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com The Friends of the Fruit & Spice Park (Miami-Date County Park & Recreation Dept.) is sponsoring the 2008 Rare Tropical Fruit Conference at the Fruit & Spice Park: July 9th to July 13th 24801 SW 187 Avenue, Homestead, Florida 33031. Phone: 305.247.5727; Fax: 305.245.3369; Email: fsp@miamidade.gov Tours, workshops, speakers and group discussions highlight the Conference with speakers from Florida, Brazil and Hawaii. The cost is $150 per person. It covers all scheduled activities and some meals. For general information about the Fruit & Spice Park, visit www.fruitandspicepark.org. Contact the Fruit & Spice Park Office at 305.247.5727 or email fsp@miamidadte.gov with any questions or help with local accommodations. Itinerary: July 9 to 13 Wednesday July 9th: Registration 9-5 at the Fruit & Spice Park. Pre-conference all day self-guided nursery tour and farm tour of the Redland. Instructions will be given at Registration at the Park on Wednesday morning. Thursday July 10th: 9 am at the Fruit & Spice Park, 10 am USDA at Chapman Field Tour & lunch. (Lunch provided). 1:30 pm until 3 pm Montgomery Foundation. 4pm at Propagation workshop hosted by Pine Island Nursery. 6 pm Dinner at the Fruit & Spice Park. Explore the Fruit & Spice Park in the cool of the evening. Friday, July 11th 9 am Meet at Fruit & Spice Park. Tour: University of Florida TREC Station, Brooks Tropicals and Schnebly Winery. BBQ at the Fruit & Spice Park (cost included in registration). Fruit & Spice Park Tour, Fruit Tasting Party. Evening Speaker TBA. 9pm Late night at the park: Round Table Discussions hosted by Chris Rollins, Roger Meyer and Crafton Cliff. Saturday, July 12th 9 am Open for you to visit Mango Morning at Fairchild Tropical Garden (http://www.fairchildgarden.org/index.cfm?page=events&date=07- 2008). Lunch on your own. 1:30 pm Tour of the Kampong. Mango Tasting and Tour of the Fruit & Spice Park. Asian Banquet (cost included in registration). Evening Speaker TBA. Late night at the Fruit & Spice Park: Ask the experts your questions. Sunday, July 13th Speakers at the Ag. Ext. Office 9 am: Dr. Jonathan Crane, Florida, Professor University of Floriday, "Notes for Tropical Fruit 10:30 am: Break 10:45 am: Dr. Angela Kepler, Hawaii, "Modern & Historic Bananas Varieties of the Pacific." 11:45 am: Lunch 12:30 pm: Chris Rollins, Florida, Fruit & Spice Park Mgr., "An Overview of Tropical Fruit Organizations in the Private Sector." 1:00 pm: Mr. Harry Lorenzi, Brazil, author, "Little Known Rare Fruits of Brazil." 2:00 pm: Break 3:00 pm TBA 4:00 pm Conference Ends Location: Fruit & Spice Park 24801 SW 187 Ave. Homestead, FL 33031 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Ok Leo and group, I am back ( I think ) From: Luc Vleeracker Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 17:30:21 -0700 (PDT) A few years went by and my collection of "rare fruit" has grown to a point where I am running out of space , the last time I updated the list , I am over 300 , between some still in nursery bags and fruiting. Since I only have about 4,000 M2 availlable , all my trees are planted way to close to each other and the trick is pruning , pruning and more pruning....it works for most of the trees. The orchard is located at 20.5 degrees north pacific coast , Mexico , elevation 295 meters. This last winter was the coldest ever , temperatures at night dropped to 5-6 degrees celsius and i lost a few of my " Ultra Tropicals " ( Borojoa , Guarana , Whillugbea etc...). Fortunatly I have some friends who have plantingspace at sea level , so I am planting some of the delicate seedlings in their garden. Hope this makes it for the next newsletter. Luc Puerto Vallarta Mexico mailto:lucvleeracker@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bus Tour: 5/21: The Huntington Botanical Gardens From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:08:18 -0700 (PDT) There are a few seats left on this bus tour. If interested, please call SD Floral directly at 619.232.5762 Monday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm to reserve your seat. If you've never been to The Huntington, this is an excellent opportunity to go. -Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com San Diego Floral Association Presents a Bus Tour to The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Depart 9:00 AM at the Balboa Naval Hospital Parking lot (old building) Rest stop at Mission Viejo Mall Coffee & snacks provided en route Arrive at 12:00 noon (lunch available at various cafe and restaurants on-site, www.huntington.org for reservations) Highlights during May include: Fabulous Rose Gardens in Bloom Newly opened Chinese Garden of Fragrance Famous paintings in the gallery, including Blue Boy Library Exhibition Hall displaying some of the finest rare books and manuscripts in existence Cost: $45 SDFA members $55 non-members (includes entrance fee to Huntington) Departure for express return to San Diego at 4:00 PM Reservations Required as seating is limited to 47 Phone SDFA Office for reservations: 619-232-5762 Mon-Fri 9-3 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Asimina Parviflora - safe to eat? From: "David Williams" Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:49:10 -0700 Have identified some Asimina Parviflora on property of in laws in Tennessee plan to get seed and plant some on my property in Alabama. In any case want to make sure Parviflora are as safe to eat as the larger Triloba. Thanks, David Williams mailto:davidwilliams@paxway.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Goleta neighborhood exchange 5/17/08 From: Leo Manuel Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 19:08:47 -0700 CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWER, INC Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter - 2008 MAY MEETING Saturday, May 17, 10-Noon WHERE: 199 Winchester Canyon Road, Goleta WHAT: Patricia Bragg's Farm (bragg.com) DIRECTIONS: 101 Southbound, take Hollister off ramp, make left turn on overhead, make right turn on Calle Real and go to Winchester Canyon Road, stay on Winchester to the end. 101 Northbound, Get off at Winchester Canyon Road and follow Winchester Canyon Road to the end. Watch for CRFG signs to the end of the Winchester Canyon Road Road. After many requests from chapter members; our next meeting will be held at Patricia Bragg's farm. Patricia has been a long time member of our chapter, She is a dynamic speaker on health issues and has formulated many products under the Bragg Live Food label. Patricia Bragg's father, Paul Bragg pioneered the health food business in 1912 and was later instrumental in launching Prevention Magazine. Partricia and her father authored many books on living healthy lifestyles, body purification, toxicless diet, and healing systems. In her trademark flowered hat, she graced the cover of the April issue of Vision Magazine Patricia Bragg, ND, PH.d, (her credentials speak for themselves), has toured the world over and over again speaking to huge audiences about the need to live healthy. You are going to receive a message from her that is well worth the trip and view her 110 acre farm with a river walk, corporate offices, a fabulous rose garden of over 600 rose bushes and hundreds of apple trees. The well-groomed grounds are filled with flowers, stone work and an assortment of rare plants. Bring your friends; you can picnic across the road from farm, in one of the counties nicely secluded and almost unknown parks. AND AFTER THE TOUR Norman Beard's nursery, which is very close to Patricia's farm (200 Ellwood Ridge Rd Goleta), will be open after the meeting. If you have any #5 and #15 buckets, bring them to his Nursery. Help recycle! Norm has over 400 fruit trees, including paw-paws and cocktail hybrids, in stock. Developed by UC Riverside experimental station, cocktail hybrids are a cross between a pumello and a mandarin orange and produce large, sweet fruit. CONGRATULATIONS Goleta Valley Beautiful has awarded Norm Beard it's 2008 Life Time Achievement Award. Congratulations, Norm. DOES ANYONE HAVE... ...avocado bud/scionwood for unusual or hard to get varieties such as Sharwil, Jan Boyce, Hellen, Edranol, etc.? I live in Camarillo and only need a few sticks. Alec Goldstein 805-437-6473. MANY THANKS to Fairview Gardens which played host last Month to at least 50 friends and members. Just looking at their lush,-healthy-plants could make a person hungry for a good salad. CALENDAR Sept 19-20 Festival of Fruit hosted by Orange County CFRG at CSU at Fullerton and the Fullerton Arbetoreum. IN THE WORKS Scott is setting up a tour of the California Mushroom Farm in Ventura. Got any ideas for tours? Places you've dreamed of visiting? Contact Norm or Scott. TREASURER'S REPORT: The current balance as of April 30th is $5,782.63 LOCAL OFFICERS Co Chair: Norman Beard, (805) 968-0989, mailto:beardtropics@earthlink.net Co-Chair: Scott Doyle (805) 805-450-7162 scottmdoyle@msn.com Treasurer: Roland Messori, (805) 969-4167, Furlanro@msn.com Newsletter Team: Kathy Southard, (805) 683-1777 cafruit@gmail.com; Laura Nanna, (805) 687-4553, laurainsb@gmail.com Local website: current material http://crfg.blogspot.com older material: http://crfgvsb.blogspot.com; CRFG Website: http://crfg.org For Membership in California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc, send $30 to CRFG, Inc., 66 Farrugut Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112-4050 AND $10 (for local dues) to Roland Messori, 355 Sierra Vista Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Note: Members of the Parent CRFG organization receive the outstanding "Fruit Gardener" magazine.) Send address changes to BOTH the parent (address above) and to Laura Nanna, 541 Alan Rd, SB CA 93109, laurainsb@gmail.com. Send e-mail address changes to cafruit@gmail.com Norman Beard mailto:beardtropics@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Top ten on the local best seller's list! From: N Sterman Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 07:38:40 -0700 I'm thrilled to announce that California Gardeners Guide Volume II is on the top ten best seller list at The Books Works, one of San Diego's best independent book stores. Read all about it! LOCAL BOOKSTORE BEST-SELLERS Here are the Top 10 best-selling books from April 23 to May 7 for the Book Works, 2670 Via De La Valle, Del Mar; www.book-works.com. ... 10. CALIFORNIA GARDENER'S GUIDE II, by Nan Sterman Nan Sterman mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Reminder: Mango Tango Sunday, May 18th 1 to 3pm Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 20:32:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Cielo & Kevin Hello Fruit Enthusiasts! This is just a reminder about our 3rd and final installment of our grafting demonstrations in the garden. Please RSVP by Friday May 16th so we know how much refreshments to provide. Thanks to those who already sent their RSVP. -- RSVP by Friday When: Sunday, May 18th 1-3 pm This is an informal gathering in a very casual setting outdoors. It's okay to come late, just join the group when you can between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. What: Mango Tango - Grafting Mangoes and Airlayering Tropical Guavas For refreshments, we'll have Ataulfo and Kent mangoes; ice cream; mango salsa; dried mangoes w/ hot chili, anything mangoes. A couple of grafted mango trees will be auctioned off -- minimum bid to cover the cost of the rootstocks (Manila mango trees). If you plan to bid, please bring cash! Who: Jim Neitzel will demonstrate grafting mangoes and removing mango seed from its husk; Leo Manuel will demonstrate airlayering of a tropical guava. Where: Bob & Kitty Miller's garden (Mt. Helix) 4502 Conrad Dr., La Mesa CA 91941 phone # 619.460.5943 Directions: This address is available on Thomas Bros. guide, Map Quest & Google Map. Click here for Google map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4502+conrad+la+mesa+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.29802,59.414063&ie=UTF8&ll=32.763857,-116.981392&spn=0.008625,0.014505&z=16 What's in Bob & Kitty's Garden: They have several deciduous, subtropical and citrus trees: 5 apples, 5 peaches, 4 plums, 3 apricots, 3 figs, nectarine, almond, aprium, pluot, pear, 2 cherimoyas, 2 strawberry guava, sapote, a group of bananas, 2 navel oranges, lemon; lime, tangerine, and a grapefruit. They grow vegetables and get fresh eggs from their 4 resident chickens. Note: Bring a hat and sunscreen. Easy terrain to walk. There is parking on the driveway and across the street in a lot. Parking spaces in front of the garage for folks unable to climb a moderate hill. What to bring: You're welcome to bring your own plant(s) and scion(s) if you'd like to practice grafting. Bring your own parafilm grafting tape and grafting knife, if you own them. If not, we'll have some available to share. If you can, bring something from your garden (fruits or cuttings of our subject grafting) to share with the group. Bring your enthusiasm to learn, enjoy and have fun. Mango Rootstocks & Scionwood Availability Manila mango trees, commonly used rootstocks, are currently available at reasonable price at HD and Lowe's. We'll have very limited mango scionwood/cuttings available on hand. There is plan to acquire more scionwood varieties later, if there is demand. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We hope you can join us, and we look forward to seeing you! We're all in this to learn, enjoy and have fun. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions and/or suggestions. If grafting isn't your thing, it's okay to just socialize, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Propagate & Be Fruitful! Cielo Foth mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com Jim Neitzel 619.262.8959 Aaron St. John mailto:astjohn@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Thai guava source Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 21:02:09 -0700 (PDT) From: Cielo To: Tracy <8879576@gmail.com> Hi Tracy, I bought my red Thai guava from David Archer (Bonita Creek Nursery). He has a new website www.bonitacreeknursery.com. He also carries different varieties of loquats. Walk around the nursery and taste what's in season. That's how I end up buying my fruit trees from David. A guava variety that I recommend is the red Malaysian guava. I first bought it for the beautiful red foliage, then fell in love with the aromatic and tasty fruits. They're available in 5-gal containers at HD and Lowe's for less. We're doing a demonstration on airlayering a tropical guava on Sunday, May 18th 1 to 3 pm in La Mesa. In addition, we're also doing a mango grafting demonstration. Let me know if you're interested in attending. Happy Gardening! Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com Subject: re: Wanted: Loquat and Guava plants From: Tracy <8879576@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:51:29 -0700 Dear Sir, I just moved to North San Diego County. I planted Satsuma Mandarin, dwarf Santa Rosa Plum, pomegranates and fig recently. I wish to get some information about growing them. I am also interested in growing loquat and guava plants. Please help me find out where I can buy the following plants: 1) Loquat which will produce 2 inches long fruits, color is betwen yellow and light egg yolk color, What kind of loquat is this? Big Jim, Champaign or other name? 2) Thai guava - fruit size is large, bigger than a large lemon, and the texture is crispy but not too heavy. Thank you. Tracy mailto:8879576@gmail.com [I'm not sure where to suggest looking for the guava. If you know someone with a tree, you could try to persuade them to propagate it by an airlayer. For the loquat, probably the Big Jim would be the one to get. Where do you live? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FW: Guyabano (Graviola): Cure for Cancer? From: Herminio Academia Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 15:50:29 -0400 Here's an article that reveals the medical benefits of Guyabano (Graviola) Graviola fights more than cancer: While the research of Graviola has focused on its cancer-fighting effect, the plant has been used for centuries by medicine men in South America to treat an astonishing number of ailments, including: Hypertension Ringworm, Influenza, Scurvy, Rashes, Malaria, Neuralgia, Dysentery, Arthritis, Palpitations, Rheumatism, Nervousness, High blood pressure, Insomnia, Diarrhea, Fever, Nausea, Boils, Dyspepsia, Muscle spasms, Ulcer. Herminio Academia mailto:dracademia@aol.com [Contact Herminio for the internet source for this article. -Leo] <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Pollinators as Preservationists From: ARS News Service Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 09:59:59 -0400 ___________________________________________ View this report online, at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ At the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) in Ames, Iowa, the scientists constantly fine-tune the professional relationships they have with their pollinating colleagues. The station's success--and the preservation of thousands of plant varieties--depend on it. The NCRPIS maintains more than 49,000 plant accessions belonging to the National Plant Germplasm System, administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Station curators periodically cultivate plants from the stored seeds to generate plants and seeds that express the same distinct genetic characteristics as their parent material. Periodically replenishing stocks ensures that seeds or clonal materials contained in the NCRPIS collections are capable of germinating, or are viable. The NCRPIS curators team up with a range of pollinators to give plants their best chance of success. The best-known--and one of the hardest-working pollinators--is the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which has been utilized at NCRPIS since 1957. To ensure that enough honey bees are available to meet demand, ARS entomologist Steve Hanlin assembles start-up homes for queen bees and workers. If the bees take a liking to the premises and start to reproduce, Hanlin moves them into the field to begin working. Other pollinators also pitch in. The alfalfa leaf-cutter bee (Megachile rotundata), which ARS research technician Sharon McClurg nurtures from pupa to adult, is a solitary, more docile worker that pollinates a range of plants in the collection. Bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) also frequent the fields, pollinating ornamental plants with trumpet-like flowers. The mason bees Osmia cornifrons and Osmia lignaria are active in cool spring conditions, but after June they call it quits for the year. At NCRPIS, house flies (Musca domestica) and blue bottle flies (Calliphora sp.) are no longer a nuisance--they're part of the work plan. McClurg has them partnering with honey bees to pollinate carrots and other plants. Read more about this research in the May/June 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may08/insects0508.htm ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200805B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - June 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200806A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><><> I just got a call from Paul Thomson's Nurse at Silvergate. He had just died a few minutes ago. I was writing to tell you of my visit with him yesterday. He was in very poor health, depressed, and really wanting it to end. Now it has. Most of you know that Paul Thomson was one of the two original founders of California Rare Fruit Growers, in the late 1960s. I expect that services will be held in the Fallbrook church where he and Helen attended for many years, and where Helen's services were held. Pitaya Bloom Early! There were blooms on pitaya plants beginning in the last week of May. That's weeks earlier than I've seen before. The variety was G-1, a Guatemalan selection. Apricots and Nectarines - Fair crop of apricots, and an early nectarine variety (Desert "something") have been ripening. It's too bad that apricots can't ripen over a longer time period. I've forgotten the name of my apricot, but the size is above average, free-stone, reliable, and delicious. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><> New Subscriber - Tholen, The Netherlands Jeffrey Schipper New Subscriber - Hawaiian gardens. CA Joey Cendana <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Fruitipedia - http://www.fruitipedia.com Dr. Chiranjit Parmar Meyer Lemon Failure Vital Scherrer Correctives for poor and acid soil Vital Scherrer Re: What About A. parviflora Edibility? Permacltur@aol.com re: Growing Mangosteen In California Dan Lindsay To: Bruce Dwarf Pawpaw Dan Lindsay To: davidwilliams@paxway.com My Nimlioh is full of little avocados!!!!!!!!! PETER DIEWALD To: jrfavodata@hotmail.com May 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter Editor The Miracle Fruit-Tease for the Taste Buds-NYTimes.com Leo Manuel <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Tholen, The Netherlands From: "Jeffrey Schipper" Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 11:45:13 +0200 Hello, I am Jeffrey Schipper and I live in Tholen, The Netherlands. I want receive your newsletter because we need some information for the site www.groentenfruit.nl . Greetings, Jeffrey. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Hawaiian gardens. CA From: Joey Cendana Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 17:56:51 -0700 My name is Joey Cendana and I currently grow santol, mangosteen, jambolan or duhat, ciruela, jackfruit, atemoya, macopa, chico, pummelo or suha, noni and calamondinin in Southern California. Everything is growing well except the mangosteen which I am still waiting for new leaves. I planted them all last year. Joey Cendana, Hawaiian gardens, CA mailto:CendJf@aol.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Fruitipedia From: "Dr. Chiranjit Parmar" Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 22:14:59 +0530 Fruitipedia- The online encyclopedia on edible fruits containing information about 200 FRUITS can now be seen at www.fruitipedia.com Contribute articles to fruitipedia and let your knowledge benifit (sic) others Dr. Chiranjit Parmar www.fruitipedia.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Meyer Lemon Failure From: Vital Scherrer Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 12:11:41 +0100 Ol√° Dan, I may be wrong, but it might be that the Meyer lemon, as a hybrid of a true lemon and a sweet orange, may not be self-fertile, and thus might need one of its parents nearby as a pollinator. Alternatively you might want to try one of the following instead: - Lime 'Bearss' (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Rangpur Lime (Lemon x mandarin) - Citrangequat 'Thomasville' or 'Sinton' (Kumquat x orange x citrange) - Limequat 'Lakeland', 'Tavares' or 'Eustis' (Lime x kumquat) - Ichang-lemonn (Pummelo x Ichang) - Ichandarin 'Yuzu' (Mandarin x Ichang) - Citrange 'Morton' (Poncirus [bitter orange] x sweet orange) - Citrangedin 'Glen' (Poncirus [bitter orange] x sweet orange x kumquat x tangerine) - U.S. No. 119 (Citrange x grapefruit) - Calamondin (Citrus mitis) Cheerios Vital ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Correctives for poor and acid soil From: Vital Scherrer Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 12:31:29 +0100 Ol√°, Does anybody have experience with the improvement of poor and acid soils of old volcanic origin? Which additives are most useful? Cheerios Vital ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What About A. parviflora Edibility? From: Permacltur@aol.com Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 08:26:53 EDT I've only eaten a small amout of A. parviflora, with no bad results. But it wasn't very tasty. Even the tree rats (squirrels) prefer other fruits and nuts. We use it as a rootstock for A. triloba, for which it has proven very suitable so far. I've not had success moving A parviflora due to its very deep taproot. I'd be interested in pretreatments to germinate the seed effectively, though we have so much grafted now that I probably could not justify the effort of planting them. By the way, while the grafts 'take' readily, the A. triloba scion leafs out very late compared to parviflora, so you have to keep up with eliminating rootstock sprouts. Presumably this will be less of a problem in another decade or so. Dan Hemenway > Subject: Asimina Parviflora - safe to eat? > From: "David Williams" > Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:49:10 -0700 > > > Have identified some Asimina Parviflora on property of in laws in > Tennessee plan to get seed and plant some on my property in > Alabama. In any case want to make sure Parviflora are as safe to > eat as the larger Triloba. > > Thanks, > > David Williams mailto:davidwilliams@paxway.com Our 13th Annual Permaculture Design Course Online begins Sept. 14, 2008. The protocol for our Annual Permaculture Design Course Online is at http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/Protocol4-23-06.pdf Simultaneously, we will begin a concurrent Permaculture Design Clinic Online, serving people who mainly wish to design their own homes. A complete list of Yankee Permaculture publications by category may be downloaded From: http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/YPCpublicationsbycategory.pdf ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Growing Mangosteen In California From: Dan Lindsay Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 06:05:04 -1000 To: Bruce Hi Bruce, My bet is that Mangosteen will not grow in California. I wanted to plant one here in Hawai‚Äòi, and was told that my elevation (1400') was high enough and the temperatures (into the 60s at night for more than half the year) cool enough that Mangosteen might possibly survive, but would not fruit well. It's an ultra-tropical, I'm told, which needs really very warm weather. Dan Lindsay Hilo, Hawai‚Äòi ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dwarf Pawpaw From: Dan Lindsay Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 06:23:38 -1000 To: davidwilliams@paxway.com Hi David, According to the Texas Native Plants website (http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/ asiminaparviflor.ht), the Dwarf Pawpaw is fine. Dan Lindsay Hilo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Nimlioh is full of little avocados!!!!!!!!! From: PETER DIEWALD Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 18:43:56 -0700 (PDT) To: jrfavodata@hotmail.com Dear Julie, I have a Nimlioh that I feel very proud of, because it was the first avocado graft that I had successfully grafted (around eight to ten years ago). It was grafted onto a volunteer seedling that sprouted next to my compost pile. Long story, short version: my husband transplanted the skinny little tree by our back fence near by other avocados we grow in that area. It shot up like it had a race to win!!!!! The only trouble was that the crop although winning blue ribbons at the Orange County Fair for largest avocado, consisted of maybe two or three fruit at the most! The tree is very healthy and must be at least twenty feet tall. I kept it pruned away from the other trees; so who knows how tall it would be naturally if left alone. This year, it must had heard me threatened it with an axe, because it has put on a crop that will certainly be a limb breaker if they all stay on there! I live about a mile from the ocean, near the Newport Harbor. Is this a bad area for the Nimlioh avocado to produce well on a regular basis? This will be the only good crop over a ten year period. Thanks Julie, Kathy Diewald ------------------------------------------------ Subject: May 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: "CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter Editor" Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 20:25:25 -0700 Greetings SD CRFG Chapter Members We are having our FREE Rare Fruit Introductory Classes at 6:00PM at Casa del Prado Room 104. Part 3 of 10: ‚ÄúHow To Plant Rare Fruit Trees For Your Garden‚Äù which will cover how to properly plant fruit trees in San Diego‚Äôs difficult soils. See you Wednesday! mailto:Editor@CRFGSanDiego.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: The Miracle Fruit-Tease for the Taste Buds-NYTimes.com From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 16:58:14 -0700 Sent by Shirley Dellerson mailto:shaindy@mindspring.com http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/dining/28flavor.html?_r=2&no_interstitial&oref=slogin RADISH, WHERE IS THY STING? - Miracle Fruit Makes Everything Sweet - A Tiny Fruit That Tricks the Tongue - Joe Fornabaio for The New York Times By PATRICK FARRELL and KASSIE BRACKEN Published: May 28, 2008 Joe Fornabaio for The New York Times Nearby, Yuka Yoneda tilted her head back as her boyfriend, Albert Yuen, drizzled Tabasco sauce onto her tongue. She swallowed and considered the flavor: ‚ÄúDoughnut glaze, hot doughnut glaze!‚Äù They were among 40 or so people who were tasting under the influence of a small red berry called miracle fruit at a rooftop party in Long Island City, Queens, last Friday night. The berry rewires the way the palate perceives sour flavors for an hour or so, rendering lemons as sweet as candy. The host was Franz Aliquo, 32, a lawyer who styles himself Supreme Commander (Supreme for short) when he‚Äôs presiding over what he calls ‚Äúflavor tripping parties.‚Äù Mr. Aliquo greeted new arrivals and took their $15 entrance fees. In return, he handed each one a single berry from his jacket pocket. ‚ÄúYou pop it in your mouth and scrape the pulp off the seed, swirl it around and hold it in your mouth for about a minute,‚Äù he said. ‚ÄúThen you‚Äôre ready to go.‚Äù He ushered his guests to a table piled with citrus wedges, cheeses, Brussels sprouts, mustard, vinegars, pickles, dark beers, strawberries and cheap tequila, which Mr. Aliquo promised would now taste like top-shelf Patr√≥n. The miracle fruit, Synsepalum dulcificum, is native to West Africa and has been known to Westerners since the 18th century. The cause of the reaction is a protein called miraculin, which binds with the taste buds and acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes in contact with acids, according to a scientist who has studied the fruit, Linda Bartoshuk at the University of Florida‚Äôs Center for Smell and Taste. Dr. Bartoshuk said she did not know of any dangers associated with eating miracle fruit. During the 1970s, a ruling by the Food and Drug Administration dashed hopes that an extract of miraculin could be sold as a sugar substitute. In the absence of any plausible commercial application, the miracle fruit has acquired a bit of a cult following. Sina Najafi, editor in chief of the art magazine Cabinet, has featured miracle fruits at some of the publication‚Äôs events. At a party in London last October, the fruit, he said, ‚Äúhad people testifying like some baptismal thing.‚Äù The berries were passed out last week at a reading of ‚ÄúThe Fruit Hunters,‚Äù a new book by Adam Leith Gollner with a chapter about miracle fruit. Bartenders have been experimenting with the fruit as well. Don Lee, a beverage director at the East Village bar Please Don‚Äôt Tell, has been making miracle fruit cocktails on his own time, but the bar probably won‚Äôt offer them anytime soon. The fruit is highly perishable and expensive ‚Äî a single berry goes for $2 or more. Lance J. Mayhew developed a series of drink recipes with miracle fruit foams and extracts for a recent issue of the cocktail magazine Imbibe and may create others for Beaker & Flask, a restaurant opening later this year in Portland, Ore. He cautioned that not everyone enjoys the berry‚Äôs long-lasting effects. Despite warnings, he said, one woman became irate after drinking one of his cocktails. He said, ‚ÄúShe was, like, ‚ÄòWhat did you do to my mouth?‚Äô ‚Äù Mr. Aliquo issues his own warnings. ‚ÄúIt will make all wine taste like Manischewitz,‚Äù he said. And already sweet foods like candy can become cloying. He said that he had learned about miracle fruit while searching ethnobotany Web sites for foods he could make for a diabetic friend. The party last week was his sixth ‚Äúflavor tripping‚Äù event. He hopes to put on a much larger, more expensive affair in June. Although he does sell the berries on his blog, www.flavortripping.wordpress.com, Mr. Aliquo maintains that he isn‚Äôt in it for the money. (He said he made about $100 on Friday.) Rather, he said, he does it to ‚Äúturn on a bunch of people‚Äôs taste buds.‚Äù He believes that the best way to encounter the fruit is in a group. ‚ÄúYou need other people to benchmark the experience,‚Äù he said. At his first party, a small gathering at his apartment in January, guests murmured with delight as they tasted citrus wedges and goat cheese. Then things got trippy. ‚ÄúYou kept hearing ‚Äòoh, oh, oh,‚Äô ‚Äù he said, and then the guests became ‚Äúliterally like wild animals, tearing apart everything on the table.‚Äù ‚ÄúIt was like no holds barred in terms of what people would try to eat, so they opened my fridge and started downing Tabasco and maple syrup,‚Äù he said. Many of the guests last week found the party through a posting at www.tThrillist.com. Mr. Aliquo sent invitations to a list of contacts he has been gathering since he and a friend began organizing StreetWars, a popular urban assassination game using water guns. One woman wanted to see Mr. Aliquo eat a berry before she tried one. ‚ÄúWhat, you don‚Äôt trust me?‚Äù he said. She replied, ‚ÄúWell, I just met you.‚Äù Another guest said, ‚ÄúBut you met him on the Internet, so it‚Äôs safe.‚Äù The fruits are available by special order from specialty suppliers in New York, including Baldor Specialty Foods and S. Katzman Produce. Katzman sells the berries for about $2.50 a piece, and has been offering them to chefs. Mr. Aliquo gets his miracle fruit from Curtis Mozie, 64, a Florida grower who sells thousands of the berries each year through his Web site, www.miraclefruitman.com. (A freezer pack of 30 berries costs about $90 with overnight shipping.) Mr. Mozie, who was in New York for Mr. Gollner‚Äôs reading, stopped by the flavor-tripping party. Mr. Mozie listed his favorite miracle fruit pairings, which included green mangoes and raw aloe. ‚ÄúI like oysters with some lemon juice,‚Äù he said. ‚ÄúUsually you just swallow them, but I just chew like it was chewing gum.‚Äù A large group of guests reached its own consensus: limes were candied, vinegar resembled apple juice, goat cheese tasted like cheesecake on the tongue and goat cheese on the throat. Bananas were just bananas. For all the excitement it inspires, the miracle fruit does not make much of an impression on its own. It has a mildly sweet tang, with firm pulp surrounding an edible, but bitter, seed. Mr. Aliquo said it reminded him of a less flavorful cranberry. ‚ÄúIt‚Äôs not something I‚Äôd just want to eat,‚Äù he said. [For me, it's a miracle when I can keep the tree alive. -Leo] <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200806A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - June 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200806B.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Paul Thomson - In Memorium There were many friends and acquaintances of Paul who wrote to express their solicitude and sadness when the news of death, May 31 was reported. The funeral chapel was full for the ceremony, and several friends of Paul rose to share their remembrances. A moving recording of Paul singing several verses of a hymn "The Holy City" recorded about ten years ago, ... his remarkable bass voice was moving: "Last night I lay a sleep-ing, There came a dream so fair, I stood in old Je-ru-sa-lem Be-side the tem-ple there. I heard the chil-dren sing-ing And ev-er as they sang, Me thought the voice of An-gels From Heav'n in an-swer rang. Me thought the voice of An-gels From Heav'n in an-swer rang. Je-ru-sa-lem! Je-ru-sa-lem! Lift up your gates and sing, Ho-san-na in the high-est! Ho-san-na to your King!...." <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber-Fallbrook-Friend of Paul Thomson Manuel Villarreal <><><> Readers Write <><><> Paul Thomson Memorial Edgar Valdivia Honoring Paul Thomson Gray Martin Rare fruit growers have lost a pioneer Matthew Shugart http://fruitsandvotes.com/?p=1678 (Blog) RE: Paul Thomson Jane Falkenstein RE: Meyer lemon & soil Vital Scherrer To:Dan Lindsay Name of your apricot tree? Leo Manuel To: Frink, Julie RE: Name of your apricot tree? Julie & Paul Frink Re: Name of your apricot tree? Early Golden - Cling? Leo Manuel To: Julie & Paul Frink RE: Name of your apricot tree? Early Golden Julie & Paul Frink Informativo Colecionando Frutas!! (Portuguese) Frutas Raras Mangoes Wanted-Carrie, Glenn, Kent Richard Ceman Re: Mangoes Leo Manuel To: Richard Ceman Re: Mangoes Richard Ceman How do his veggies grow? The no-dig way Herminio Newsletter - crfg north county San Diego Harry Nickerson http://ucmgvideo.ucanr.org/ Master Gardener Lecture Details <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: "New" Subscriber-Fallbrook-Friend of Paul Thomson Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:39:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Manuel Villarreal [I had a recent telephone conversation with Manny Villarreal. I found his telephone number after Paul Thomson's memorial service. I knew that he was a long-time friend of Paul, and was concerned that he wasn't at the service. Manny was saddened to learn of the death, and also told me that he wanted to renew his subscription to RFNO. Manny lives in Fallbrook, CA, and has grown pitayas for some time. -Leo] Manuel Villarreal mailto:revmannyv@sbcglobal.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Paul Thomson Memorial From: Edgar Valdivia Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:56:25 -0000 Dear Members, I want you all to know that the services held in honor of Paul Thomson were very beautifully done. Because he had served 20 years as a Marine, he had a military service. This was very emotional for all of us, as they played Taps and presented the flag to his sister. Paul's wife had passed away last year and they never had any children. His youngest sister (83) was present as were many many friends. Most of them were members of California Rare Fruit Growers which Paul had started 40 years ago. Many people spoke about their memories with Paul. One of the highlights of the service, was hearing a tape in which Paul sang. He was an accomplished musician, not only did he have a wonderful bass voice, he also had played many instruments. This was a surprise to many of us, who did not know about this talent. Paul will be remembered here in the United States as the "Father of the Pitaya (dragon fruit)'. He worked many many years in introducing and developing this plant in the U.S. He lived his 92 years of life devoted to horticulture and inspired many of us to follow in his footsteps. Regards, Edgar mailto:edgarv@lafn.org [The mortuary was so crowded that every bench seat was almost full. Edgar and Gray Martin from out Pitaya Fruit club spoke, as well as several people from CRFG. Several spoke of his sense of humor, his generosity, his extensive botanical knowledge, and his authorship of numerous publications. His sister Ellen led us in a hymn and we learned that all four sisters as well as Paul were musical, and often sang together while growing up. It was a fitting memorial service for Paul Thomson. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ SUBJECT: Honoring Paul Thomson From: Gray Martin Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:10:42 -0000 I thought that the Pitaya group members would like to know that the services held in Paul Thomson's memory were fitting his life of service to country and horticultural contributions... The santuary was filled to capacity. The Marine Honor Guard gave a military style flag ceremony and gun salute. Many long time friends spoke with life changing stories about an often quiet, creative man, who could be gruff but who represented honesty, intelligence, passion, creativity and a deep devotion for God and country... All who attended were as honored as they came to honor! Edgar, who writes that he is back to his old ways of vitality, spoke with such a zest that the service became a true celebration of life! and Paul would have be very pleased! Gray Martin mailto:graymavo@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare fruit growers have lost a pioneer From: Matthew Shugart Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:26:49 -0700 http://fruitsandvotes.com/?p=1678 (Blog) I just learned that Paul Thomson has died. Paul was one of the founders in 1968 of the California Rare Fruit Growers, and continued to pioneer the growing of rare fruits until his declining health prevented him from doing so in recent years. He lived into his 90s, which I always thought was a good testament to the power of eating a rich variety of fruits! I had the pleasure of knowing Paul personally, though not intimately, because I am fortunate enough to live near him and to be a member of the same local chapter of CRFG as its co-founder. He regularly imparted his wisdom on us newcomers (example: always graft at the waxing moon). I distinctly remember two specific pieces of advice he had for me. When I had just joined CRFG in 1996, and we spoke about where I was planting my first little orchard, in Carlsbad, he asked if I was near ‚Äúthat slough.‚Äù Yes, just above one of the lagoons on the coastline. Paul said, ‚Äúyou‚Äôll get a lot more chill than you think.‚Äù He was right. It turned out to be a great place to grow stone fruits, including many that the more conventional nursery experts thought I could not grow, but not so good for subtropicals. Then after moving to Bonsall‚Äìjust down the road from where Paul lived and experimented for many years‚ÄìI remember how he repeated with an exclamation the name of the locale of our finca-to-be. Moosa Canyon!! You had better be up high if you want to grow anything that‚Äôs tender to frost, he warned me. You‚Äôll get some hard freezes in there, and then he related the experience of his frozen pipes years ago. Well, I planted the tender stuff up as high as I could. And lost almost all of it in the freeze of 2007. The killed trees included a mango variety that bears his name, as it was one of his selections for best mango for a region that will always marginal for subtropical fruits. Indeed, it had just had the most fruit I have ever had in ten years of trying various varieties. No obituary has appeared yet in the local newspaper, but Seasonal Chef has a nice feature, dated 1997, about the impact Thomson and his followers had on rare-fruit growing here in northern San Diego County and beyond. The story explains how he realized Bonsall was not the place to grow the most tender fruits, and bought a property known as Edgehill, in Vista. I had just driven up to Edgehill a few weeks ago. Many of the magnificent lychee and other trees that he planted decades ago still stand and fruit, even though the property has been developed with several luxury homes. Of course, the real luxury‚Äìwhether the residents realize it or not‚Äìis those great old fruit trees. Paul knew his fruit. I am blessed to have known Paul. Matthew Shugart mailto:mshugart@ucsd.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Paul Thomson From: "Jane Falkenstein" Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 17:56:33 -0700 Thank you, Leo for your quick reply. My husband is very sad, as we all are. We drove over to see Paul February 14th. He was so very unhappy in the nursing home and did like getting out to have Chinese food and shop a little. He was a good friend. Jane and Al Falkenstein mailto:jane@rganghavanese.com 480-239-7006 www.rganghavanese.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Meyer lemon & soil From: Vital Scherrer Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:35:56 +0100 To: Dan Lindsay Hello Dan, It doesn't sound like you're too bad off with citrus variety. Otherwise you seem to have pretty much the same problems as I. I also had trees which suddenly died, while others next to them don't seem to show any signs of stress; and I have difficulties to get a good range of cultivars too. Actually I had my soil analysed and applied at least the recommended quantity of calcium in the form of calcified seaweed, as this should supply the whole range of trace elements as well. But it seemed to do nothing noticeable to improve the soil as far as worms and other useful or symbiotic organisms go. It reminds me of what I once read about the poor and acid soils in the tropics - like e.g. in the Brazilian rainforests, except of course where there is the "magic" highly fertile and seemingly undepletable Terra Preta (see: www.css.cornell.edu/faculty/lehmann/terra_preta/TerraPretahome .htm or: www.geo.uni-bayreuth.de/bodenkunde/terra_preta and: http://www.bidstrup.com/carbon.htm) - that the trees are getting all the (recycled) nutrients in the organic top layer, while the soil itself supposedly appears to be rather sort of sterile - as if there is only an organic composting mulch layer on top of infertile (sub-)soil, and no humus. So I just keep on mulching as much as I can with the prunings of the acacias, which are growing between the widely spaced fruit trees and which are improving the otherwise seemingly dead and purely mineral soil - which unfortunately seems to take a rather long time to yield good results. At least this prevents stress through drought and weed competition. By the way, as my plot is located in a similar climate zone as upland Hawai'i - where e.g. apple trees bear fruit - I wonder whether you ever came across some information about the cultivars which are most prolific in such places, including those of subtropical and tropical highland species. Kind regards Vital Scherrer S. Jorge, Madeira mailto:vital233@hotmail.com > From: danl1@aloha.net > Subject: Meyer lemon & soil > Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 05:52:10 -1000 > To: vital233@hotmail.com > > Hi Vital, > > Thanks for the input, but I guess I wasn't clear about the > problem. The tree bore fruit plentifully, but after about four > years it suddenly died. Another Meyer lemon, 100 yards away > and a year younger, is bearing bountifully and seems perfectly > healthy. Other citrus near the dead Meyer lemon are also doing > very nicely, so it was something about that particular tree, I > think. > > I also have two Calamondin which bear very well. Incidentally, > the best marmalade I've ever made is a Tangerine-Calamondin > combination. > > I would love to try some of the other citrus you mention, but > getting fruit trees in Hawai‚Äòi is a difficult matter. > Importing them is hard, so we are pretty well limited to what > the local growers choose to offer, and they aren't very > inventive. I've got five varieties of Tangerine/Mandarin, a > Valencia and two varieties of Navel Orange, a Tangor (great > fruit!), a Tangelo, two Tahitian Limes, a Mexican Lime, two > Kaffir Limes, a variegated and a standard Eureka Lemon, two > Kumquats (Meiwa and Nagumi), a Flame Grapefruit, and a Ben Hu > Pomelo. Most of them are too young to give fruit yet, but > those that are old enough are doing quite well. > > I'm dealing with old volcanic soil which is usually pretty > acidic, quite standard in Hawai‚Äòi. In some places, volcanic > soil is very fertile, but I get about 250 inches of rain a > year which washes the nutrients out pretty fast. I fertilize > and apply dolomite quarterly, using a 13-4-9 for citrus and > young trees, and 10-20-20 for the more mature regular fruit > trees. Most trees are doing well, but I have several that are > severely chlorotic. I'm planning to take samples to the local > University Ag station for analysis, but haven't done so yet. > > Cheers! > > Dan Lindsay Hilo, Hawai‚Äòi mailto:danl1@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Name of your apricot tree? Date: Sat, 31 May 2008 16:31:30 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: "Frink, Julie" Hi Julie, You gave me scions from one of your apricot trees, and I've lost its name. I think 'Gold' was part of it. It has excellent fruit, and I want to thank you again for the gift. If you remember, would you remind me of its name, please? Horticordially, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Name of your apricot tree? From: Julie & Paul Frink Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 17:38:48 +0000 The only budwood I've ever given out for apricots is one called Early Golden. It is cling, very juicy, very early and has a really attention getting flavor and zing. I got the original tree (since died of bark beetle) from a nursery and later read where it needed 600 hours of chill. Since I'd already planted it I let it survive and it became my best producing out of about 8 varieties. It apparently needs no chill what so ever. I grafted a seedling and gave it to my son. He had a big crop this year. I've taken wood from him and made several others which are growing in my yard but are still too young to produce. I'm glad you like your apricot. I hope lots of people have this because I want them to enjoy it and I'd like to be sure that all excellent varieties are propagated a lot so we have no chance to lose that which is best! Thanks for writing. Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Name of your apricot tree? Early Golden - Cling? From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:01:37 -0700 To: Julie & Paul Frink Hi Julie Everything you said in describing the one I thought I got from you rings true, except, it's not cling. Now I'm puzzled as to the source and variety of my apricot. Thanks! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Name of your apricot tree? Early Golden From: Julie & Paul Frink Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 02:23:19 +0000 The last ones I ate were free stone on one side but the seed did cling to part of the other side of the apricot. Some years there was no breaking the apricots open. The seed adhered to the fruit completely. This is the season for Early Golden.... in fact last week was right in the middle of the season. If your fruit are very juicy and with great zing and very early you probably have Early Golden. Some characteristics vary from year to year and climates make a difference too. Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com [Early Golden Apricot is remarkable for its reliable bearing, low-chill requirements, relatively large size, and great taste. I shared the fruit with several friends, and everyone remarked on its taste. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Informativo Colecionando Frutas!! (Portuguese) From: "Frutas Raras" Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 19:24:26 -0300 Prezados (as) amigos (as): √â um prazer informar sobre as novidades! O arduo trabalho de cultivar frutas √© recompensador, veja no link abaixo as novas esp√©cies frutiferas que come√ßaram a produzir na propriedade. Nesse mesmo link, voc√™ poder√° ver as novas frutas descobertas e identificadas nas matas e cerrados visitados em varias expedi√ß√µes! Veja fotos em: http://frutasraras.sites.uol.com.br/novidades.htm Em Breve o Livro Colecionando Frutas V-1 estar√° disponivel, por isso fa√ßa o seu cadastro e reserve j√° o seu exemplar. Mais informa√ß√µes em: http://frutasraras.sites.uol.com.br/livro.htm Voc√™ que quer ajudar a preservar as Frutas do Brasil? ent√£o comece a cultivar essas raras e saborosas frutas, no seu Quintal, Jardim, Sitio, Chacara ou Fazenda, n√£o perca a promo√ß√£o do m√™s de Junho e escolha as mudas de sua prefer√™ncia na listagem disponivel em: http://frutasraras.sites.uol.com.br/listagemmudas.htm Na compra de 150,00 em mudas (no estado de S√£o Paulo) voc√™ n√£o paga o sedex e recebe as suas mudas em casa! Para outros estados, na compra de 300,00 em mudas, voc√™ tamb√©m n√£o paga o sedex e recebe as mudas em casa! Finalmente expresso meu sincero agradecimento a voc√™ que comprou mudas, enviou um e-mail de elogio, ou que fez uma pergunta, ou que simplesmente visitou a minha pagina, contribuindo de alguma forma para a sustentabilidade do projeto Colecionando Frutas que tem como lema "preservar para conhecer e conhecer para preservar"! A Voc√™ que leu essa mensagem, muito obrigado! Qualquer duvida ou pergunta, entre em contato comigo! por e-mail - frutasraras@uol.com.br ou pelo telefone (0xx15) 8132 5140 Atenciosamente! Helton Josu√© Projeto Colecionando Frutas Campina do Monte Alegre - SP www.colecionandofrutas.org Rough(!) (Internet) Translation To English From Portuguese Prezados () friends (): It is a pleasure to inform on the new features! The arduous work to cultivate fruits is recompensador, sees in link below the new fruitful species that had started to produce in the property. In this exactly link, you will be able to see the new fruits discovered and identified in the visited closed bushes and in you vary expeditions! It sees photos in: http://frutasraras.sites.uol.com.br/novidades.htm Soon the Book Collecting V-1 Fruits will be available, therefore it makes its I register in cadastre and I reserve already its unit. More information in: http://frutasraras.sites.uol.com.br/livro.htm You who want to help to preserve the Fruits of Brazil? then it starts to cultivate these rare and flavorful fruits, in its Yard, Garden, Besieges, Mansion or Farm, does not lose the promotion of the month of June and will choose the changes of its preference in the available listing in: http://frutasraras.sites.uol.com.br/listagemmudas.htm In the purchase of 150,00 in changes (in the state of S√£o Paulo) not paid you sedex and receive its changes in house! For other states, in the purchase of 300,00 in dumbs, also not paid you sedex and receives the changes in house! Finally express my sincere gratefulness you who bought move, she sent a compliment email, or that she made a question, or that simply visited my page, contributing of some form for the support of the project Collecting Fruits that have as motto " to preserve to know and to know for preservar"! You who read this message, thanks a lot! Any doubts or asks, enters in contact with me! for email - frutasraras@ uol.com.br or telephone (0xx15) 8132 5140 Yours truly! Helton Joshua Project Collecting Fruits Campina of Glad Mount - SP "Frutas Raras" mailto:frutasraras@uol.com.br ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mangoes Wanted-Carrie, Glenn, Kent From: "Richard Ceman" Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2008 20:56:10 -0700 Hi Leo, I've been looking around (called over 15 nurseries & enthusiasts) for mango trees (ie. Carrie, Glenn, Kent), but to no avail. I already have a Manilla mango tree. As a CRFG (So Bay chapter) member, I know you have exceptional expertise and knowledge re: mangoes. Do you know where I might buy one of each of those plants? Or would you suggest I buy whichever might be available of those, if all are not available, and graft on the other varieties next year? I live in Rancho Palos Verdes, zip 90275. I joined your mailer group about 4 months ago. It has been very helpful. Your advice or recommendations would be muchly appreciated. Thanks, Richard Ceman mailto:dick-jill@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mangoes From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:01:41 -0700 To: Richard Ceman Did you contact Quang Ong (858) 277-8167? mailto:quang12@aol.com His San Diego nursery is only open on weekends, but he may have Kent and possibly Carrie. Take care, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mangoes From: "Richard Ceman" Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2008 14:57:01 -0700 Hi Leo, As fate would have it, I did go down to Quang Ong's nursery/house yesterday (Saturday) about 1 pm. He had a Glenn and a Carrie. I figured I could graft the other varieties on from scions from other members during exchange next spring. Quang had just gotten a big shipment of Nam Doc Mai mangoes in from Florida and said that is the best because there is no fiber and it fruits 2-3 x's/yr. I have a Manilla mango and I guess if I'm going to spend $160 on 2 varieties it would be on the Indica type. Thanks for you help, Richard mailto:dick-jill@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: How do his veggies grow? The no-dig way From: Herminio Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 6:00 pm Pat Marfisi applies the low-water, layering technique to his Hollywood Hills plot and reaps an abundance of organic produce. By Lisa Boone Los Angeles Times Staff Writer PAT MARFISI carries bales of alfalfa hay and straw into the center aisle of his Hollywood Hills vegetable garden and begins tearing off pieces of the stuff. He doesn't have any animals to feed, just his "no-dig" landscape: raised beds using lasagna-like layers of fodder, bone and blood meal and compost -- and remarkably little water. The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-nodig12-2008jun12,0,55177.story ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Newsletter - crfg north county From: Harry Nickerson Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:09:43 -0700 The Newsletter of the North San Diego County Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers Member News-Sadly, Paul Thomson, one of two founders of the California Rare Fruit Growers, passed away Saturday afternoon around 4:30 PM. Ben Pierce and Jim Bathgate had visited him earlier in the day and observed he seemed weak but communicative. Paul thanked them for the help of CRFG members in moving him to Fallbrook and keeping him involved in CRFG activities. Services arrangements have not yet been announced. We will track developments and keep you informed May Meeting - The program was the viewing of a 1 hr video ‚ÄúThe Home Orchard Part 1‚Äù This was a detailed fundamental presentation. It was oriented to the Sacramento area, but is applicable to San Diego County. You can view this video by going to the following url: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/the-home-orchard-part-1/ 3118674202 there is a part 2 also available. June Meeting-We will meet June 13 at 7PM in room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg. We are meeting the second Friday instead of the 3rd Friday because Ben one of the presenters will be out of town the following week. The program will be ‚ÄùLow Chill Apricots for San Diego County‚Äù By Jim Bathgate and Ben Pierce From Dottie Logan: At the June 13th meeting, I will have some great gardening books for sale at $5.00 ea. I also have 3 new computer books that give info on keeping track of your plantings. Each of these books was $50.00 ea. Now for members they are $5.00 ea. The books are:‚ÄùGIS Data conversion‚Äù, ‚ÄúGIS Geographic Info Systems & Science‚Äù, and ‚ÄúGetting to know ArcGIS.‚Äù. July Meeting-We will have our annual Potluck Picnic and Plant Sale July 19 at Quail Gardens. We will eat at noon but if bringing plants try to arrive by 11:30. Budwood Order-Ben Pierce has agreed to coordinate the chapters June order of budwood from UCR-CCPP. He needs your requests by June 8. You can find facts on available budwood at http://www.ccpp.ucr.edu/variety/index.html Website Changes-. Ben Pierce is adding a section to the website for chapter members to list fruit tree varieties they are looking for or a rare variety that they want to see propagated so it doesn‚Äôt get lost. Ben is currently looking for the "Salsberry" plum and the "Copes" pear. Any member that has a tree should contact Ben at (760) 744-4716. Please call him at this same number if you have something that you are looking for too. Also we are temporarily sharing an Internet domain name with the San Diego chapter. They have given notice that they would like us to find our own domain. Also some members have told me they find the current Internet address hard to remember. We will have a chapter contest to pick a new domain. The new name should be easy to remember, not already in use and accurately reflect our chapter's identity. The naming suggestions should be sent to Tony Thomas at mailto:ajtljtamt@cox.net The winner of the contest will be given a 25.00 gift certificate to a nursery of their choice. All suggestions should be in by the July picnic. We will vote on the new name at that time. After the name is chosen we will register it as our permanent web home. San Diego County Fair CRFG Exhibit-by Carol Frye Graham San Diego County Fair 2008 14 June (Saturday) -6 July (Sunday) Closed 16 & 23 June (Mondays) THANK YOU to all who have already volunteered. I hope that the following information will be useful to you and that it may encourage others to volunteer. This year we will again have space in the Pat O‚ÄôBrien Building (but in the northeast section) and Fair entrance passes for CRFG members staffing our exhibit will again be distributed through WILL CALL (see below). CRFG is endeavoring to have multiple members at our exhibit every day of this twenty-one day Fair. GETTING TO THE FAIR & PARKING (NOTE DIRECTIONS TO FREE PARKING LOT) The Fair will again be charging for parking in its main parking lot (at least $9 per vehicle) and this will cause traffic congestion. No one expects you to pay for parking so that you can staff the exhibit, so please use the free parking at Horsepark (same as last year). From Interstate-5 drive approximately 1 mile east on Via de la Valle. At the traffic light, turn south (right) onto El Camino Real and start looking to the west (right) for the entrance to Horsepark‚Äôs large unpaved parking lot. Taking a few seconds to note where you parked can save several minutes when returning to your vehicle. From 9AM until closing, a free shuttle will travel between Horsepark and the Fairgrounds four times an hour (shuttle does not leave at precise times). I recommend staying on this shuttle until it stops at the O‚ÄôBrien Gate (Fair's main entrance), about a 15 minute ride through the back of the Fairgrounds to the O‚ÄôBrien Gate. This shuttle service will run everyday that the Fair is open. Warning - Read the next paragraph only if you want to go to the Fair on a Saturday or Sunday or July 4th (Friday) If you are going to the Fair on a weekend or July 4th (I need to emphasize that the following information applies only to Saturdays and Sundays and July 4th) you may find one of two alternate remote parking and shuttle services more convenient (but remember these other two sites operate only on the weekends and July 4th). If you are driving south to the Fair, you may exit Interstate-5 at Manchester Avenue, go east for approximately 3/4 of a mile and turn north (left) into Mira Costa College, San Elijo Campus (the big traffic light makes it simple to find the only entrance into this small campus). I have used this site for weekend access to the Fair and have always found it most convenient. If you are driving north to the Fair, you may exit Interstate-5 at Del Mar Heights Road; go east for approximately 1 mile and turn north (left) into Torrey Pines High School. The parking and shuttle services from both Mira Costa College (San Elijo Campus) and Torrey Pines High School are free and leave at approximately 15 minute intervals, starting at about 9AM. WILL CALL before you enter the Fairgrounds, you need to pick up an entrance pass (credential) at WILL CALL, a small booth immediately south of the O‚ÄôBrien Gate. Identify yourself as staffing the California Rare Fruit Growers Exhibit and give your name. REMEMBER: Go to WILL CALL (not the Ticket Sales Booth) to pick up your pass. WILL CALL opens at ~9AM which will be plenty early for us since the Fairgrounds are not scheduled to open to the public until 10AM. EXHIBIT AREA the O'Brien Building (first large building left of the main entrance) will open to the public simultaneously with the opening of the main gate of the Fairgrounds. Harry Nickerson mailto:harnick@sbcglobal.net 2008 Calendar Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg.. June 13 7 PM Mira Costa Hort. Bldg. Rm 7003. Apricots Jim Bathgate & Ben Pierce July 19 11:30 AM Quail Botanical Gardens Annual Potluck Picnic and Plant Sale Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 ncsdcrfg@cox.net NCSDC Chapter website http://nc.crfgsandiego.org ------------------------------------------------ http://ucmgvideo.ucanr.org/ Master Gardener Lecture Details If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, contact your local Cooperative Extension office to enroll in a Master Gardener Training Program. Here are the California Master Gardener Program links listed by California county. This website does not offer Master Gardener certification. It is here to support public information and interest. This is where viewers of the UC Master Gardener lectures presented on University of California Television (UCTV) can find additional information about the programs, download handouts and outlines, and take quizzes on the topics presented. This is also where copies of the tapes are available for sale. There is a great deal of information available from the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the people of California. In the far left column look at the various Other UC and ANR Links to access online resources for Master Gardeners, homeowners, agriculture producers, health advisors and people from many walks of life. University of California TV What is UCTV? The University of California launched UCTV to provide the public with informational, educational and enrichment programming that draws upon the vast intellectual, scientific and creative talents of the University of California. UCTV delivers documentaries, faculty lectures, cutting-edge research symposiums and artistic performances from each of the ten UC campuses and the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources which includes UC Cooperative Extension. UCTV programs are broadcast live and on-demand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at http://uctv.tv using the latest in Web-delivery technology. UCTV is also available to more than 7 million television viewers throughout North America on Echostar Satellite's DISH Network, channel 9412. Programs (Hot links for each of the following:) ‚Ä¢ Chuck Ingels The Home Orchard This is the first of two lectures, each 60-minutes in length. Recorded in California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento County. ‚Ä¢ Donna Hirschfelt Home Vineyard One 90-minute lecture. Donna Hirschfelt, County Director and Farm Advisor, Amador County, UC Cooperative Extension, introduces a class of UC Master Gardener students to the home vineyard. ‚Ä¢ Donna Hirschfelt & Lynn Wunderlich Introduction to Entomology This lecture is presented in two parts. Each part is 60-minutes in length. Recorded in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills. ‚Ä¢ Mary Louise Flint Integrated Pest Management This lecture is presented in two parts. Each part is 90-minutes in length. Recorded in California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento County. ‚Ä¢ Master Gardener Handbook an invaluable reference tool for retail nursery staff, horticultural advisors, and all California gardeners. Covers soil, fertilizer, and water management; plant propagation; weeds and pests; home vegetable gardening; specific garden crops including grapes,berries,temperate fruits and nuts,citrus, and avocados. ‚Ä¢ Pam Bone Planting and Care of Landscape Trees This lecture is presented in two parts. Each part is 90-minutes in length. Recorded in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills. ‚Ä¢ Patrick O'Connor-Marer Understanding Pesticides This lecture is presented in two parts. Each part is 90-minutes in length. Recorded in California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento County. ‚Ä¢ Robert Norris Home Vegetable Gardening This lecture is presented in two parts. Each part is 60-minutes in length. Recorded in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills. ‚Ä¢ Terry Salmon Principles of Vertebrate Pest Control This lecture is presented in two parts. Each part is 60-minutes in length. Recorded in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills. <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200806B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - July 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200807A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> What's happening in your fruit garden? We all like to hear news from other members. Maybe it's some new variety you have, or product you like (or don't) or just have questions that one of us might help with.... I have my usual codling moth problem with apples. If you are successful in fighting them, what works - or not? Cosmo asks about a mystery fruit that seems to be Arbutus unedo, or Strawberry Tree fruit. Have you seen any that are much better than average? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Mesa, AZ Dolores Testerman New Subscriber-Santa Barbara, CA-Avocado Question Wayne Norris New Subscriber-San Diego-Grow Acerola and Mangosteen? Mike Iufer <><><> Readers Write <><><> Wanted: Figs for foraging, wild or cultivated Jerry Ryan RE: Meyer lemon & soil Judi Steinman To: danl1@aloha.net What could this fruit tree be? Cosmo Re: What could this fruit tree be? Cosmo Re: What could this fruit tree be? Leo Manuel Re: What could this fruit tree be? Cosmo Re: What could this fruit tree be? Leo Manuel To: Cosmo Re: What could this fruit tree be? Cosmo Cool or cold Hardy Papaya Casper Curto RE: Avocado Question Julie & Paul Frink To: Wayne Norris Pitaya Festival-South Coast Field Station-Irvine, CA Edgar <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Mesa, AZ From: Dolores Testerman Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:27:56 -0700 I am Dolores Testerman, in Mesa AZ. Now I have growing Passionfruit; Mango; Ice cream banana; Papaya and hope to get Avocado soon Dolores Testerman mailto:dolores@gladtidingsstudio.com www.GladTidingsStudio.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber-Santa Barbara, CA-Avocado Question From: "Wayne Norris" Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:01:52 -0400 I did a full yard remodel, and have no fruit trees or plants yet. I like the idea of [easy-care] fruit, and get the idea that most nurseries do not have that as a specific focus, making their advice low-value. Here are some questions I ponder: * Is there any way to get a Hass avocado tree that will stay fairly compact [less than about 10 feet wide], not get diseases, and bear good fruit? I‚Äôd consider buying one with Hass branches grafted onto another varietal tree, for example. * How about bananas in Santa Barbara? Reliable or a royal pain? * Grapes / berries? * Other tropicals: guavas, cherimoyas, lilikoi, papyas, etc.? I don't have a ton of time to garden‚ I head up a company and work a lot, lots of time on the road. Looking for easy-care stuff, but good easy-care! Thanks! Wayne B. Norris, Chief Scientist mailto:wnorris@bossdev.com http://www.BOSSdev.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Avocado Question From: Julie & Paul Frink Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:15:14 +0000 To: Wayne Norris Wayne, When you graft a variety onto a rootstock the growth takes all the characteristics of the variety grafted, not the rootstock. If you want a narrow tree plant a Reed and get nice fall fruit after a few years. If you want a small compact tree a Holiday is nice. I don't know where this tree would be planted. There are quite a few people working hard and doing expensive measures just to get an avocado tree to survive at all. Avocados can be pruned if necessary. Julie Frink - Avocado Specialist CRFG mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber-San Diego-Grow Acerola and Mangosteen? From: Mike Iufer Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:38:21 -0700 Hi Leo, My name is Michael Iufer, I live in San Diego (Mira Mesa), my email is mike.iufer@therockacademy.org. I am currently growing pitahaya, cereus peruvianus, barbados gooseberry, ice cream bean, surinam cherry, and other vegetable plants. I would like to grow acerola and mangosteen. I was just wondering if people are successfully growing acerola, desert hackberrry, or carica quericifolia in san diego and are able to get any good tasting fruit. I would also like to know where I can get a hold of some varieties of pitahaya and peruvian apple cactus varieties that have been improved for sweetness/flavor. Thank you very much, Michael Iufer mailto:mike.iufer@therockacademy.org <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Where to find figs for foraging, wild or cultivated From: Jerry Ryan Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:20:36 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, I am looking for where to find figs for enjoying from any growers who have excess to wild figs that anyone can just take. If you have excess figs I will pay for them. If you are close enough to me I would go there often, as I am practically a fruitarian and get essentially all my calories from fruit. I live in the ojai valley right now but am planning to take a trip up north for three months to northern california and oregon sometime late july into late october. any growers in/around ventura county it would be wonderful to visit your place and talk fruit Jerry mailto:ryanpotato@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Meyer lemon & soil From: Judi Steinman Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:51:20 -0700 (PDT) To: danl1@aloha.net Dear Dan, We live in Laupahoehoe, 25 or so miles north of Hilo and had a remarkably similar experience with an Eureka lemon tree. The tree produced an enormous amount of fruit in its second year and then lost every single leaf after it was done fruiting. I think that a few of the roots may have been damaged when we moved some soil around. I cut the tree back and noticed that the wood was still green. After several months of no growth, I thought the tree was dead but didn't get around to removing it. Two months ago, I noticed leaf growth on some of the tips and it is now producing leaves and even a couple of blossoms. We have the same acidic soil as Hilo, depleted from years of sugar cane production. Plants respond to just about any calcium it can find. I also found that adding magnesium to the soil did wonders for just about all of our trees, as well as my pineapples. Malama pono, Judi Steinman mailto:jsteinman@biotechnolegal.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What could this fruit tree be? From: Cosmo Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:37:46 -0700 Hi there, I live in SAn Francisco and there is a tree near me with an amazing fruit. It has a yellow to red skin which is composed of the seeds, and the inside is like a peach or a mango. Do you know what it might be? Thanks, Cosmo mailto:cosmoxoxo@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What could this fruit tree be? From: Cosmo Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:29:20 -0700 Hi leo, Thanks for replying! They are not in season right now, so no pic. But they are up to 1" diameter balls. When they are ripest, they are bright red. The skin is composed of seeds about the size of a strawberry, where the skin is ALL seeds! They are packed right up against each other, pointing outwards, so that the outside is a little bumpy. They inside is all mango colored, and the flesh is soft like a peach. The skin is very delicate, and gives a nice crunch when eaten. Ring a bell? I searched thru Googles images of fruit, rare and exotic, and didn't see it yet! Thanks, Cosmo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What could this fruit tree be? From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:55:10 -0700 To: Cosmo Look for arbutus unedo sometimes called a strawberry tree, I believe. You can search Google images http://images.google.com/ or a web search for arbutus unedo. Let me know if it sounds like 'it.' Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What could this fruit tree be? From: Cosmo Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:02:59 -0700 THat's it! Thank you so much! The wonders of the internet! Have you tried them? They are really a treat. What part of the world are you in? Cosmo mailto:cosmoxoxo@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What could this fruit tree be? From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:58:12 -0700 To: Cosmo I'm in San Diego, and I have eaten them. Some are much better than others. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: What could this fruit tree be? From: Cosmo Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:57:12 -0700 Hi Leo, I was looking into more about Arbutus Unedo, and came across a description of the fruit that says it is tasteless, at this site: http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/arbu_une.cfm "The fruit is edible, but mealy and tasteless." Is it the same, or are there different varieties? The fruit on my local "arbutus" is delicious! Thanks, Cosmo mailto:cosmoxoxo@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cool or cold Hardy Papaya From: Casper Curto Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:03:32 -0700 Hi There my name is Casper R, Curto , I live in Oakland California . I design build and maintain residential gardens for the past 40 years still looking and learning. My interest in types plants vary. Recently a Friend had a Papaya that was grafted and stated that it was cold hardy but had not produced fruit yet as he did not know if it was male or female and needed the other to bare fruit . Do you or anyone else have any info to share . Thanks Casper mailto:casperlandscape.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pitaya Festival-South Coast Field Station-Irvine, CA From: "Edgar" Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:59:10 -0000 Hi Friends, I want you to know that the Pitaya Festival for this year will be held on September 13th at the South Coast Field Station in Irvine, California. This is the same location that we held it last year. Ramiro Lobo is organizing the program at the Field Station and he will be posting the details of the whole program as we get closer to the date. If you think you might attend, please consider extending your vacations to include attending the Festival of Fruit of CRFG which will be held the 18th and 19th of September-the week after the Pitaya Festival. To get more information about the CRFG Festival go to http://www.crfg.org. I want to update you on my pitayas. Since Simi Valley had a very cold winter, I have no flowers coming. My flowers ususally bloom toward the beginning of August.But I have been visiting people in Vista, CA which is more south and a warmer climate and the same varieties that I have are blooming and even setting fruit. That tells you how important the climate is in the pitayas.The same varieties can do better depending on the climate. I also had a chance to taste the pitayas from Mexico-(columnar type).I I took a trip to Mexico for the sole purpose of tasting them. The fruit is much smaller than the dragon fruit (size of a chicken egg), round and covered with thorns. The flavor is tasty and sweet. I had expected it to be more sweet. The pulp of this fruit can be white, pink, red or yellow. I wish all of you a bountiful crop this year. And I thank all of the members that continue to share information with us. I know you are very appreciated by all. Edgar mailto:characato1091@yahoo.com <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200807A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - July 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200807B.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Shrinking RFNO - This issue is very small, with far fewer letters from readers. I get uneasy when this happens. If you haven't written recently to tell us how your fruit garden is doing, this would be a perfect time to do it. Maybe you've found a better source for garden-related products? Or, are looking for a source that one of us might know? Or, you have a pest that you have been able to control? Please help to keep RFNO interesting and useful. Pitaya fruit will be more plentiful this year at our home. In fact, almost every fruiting plant is more productive this year than last. A raspberry question: I have had an Oregon 1030 in a pot for years. I tried it in the ground once, and it was a nuisance to control the suckers. My questions for you are: What low- chill raspberries produce well for you? I've seen Fallgold, Rosanna, 'San Diego,' and Bababerry mentioned on the 'net. What varieties do you recommend? Thornless would be best, but I don't know of any genetic thornless varieties. I think I'd like to grow more of them, as they are one of my favorite fruits. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None This Time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Fw: Greywater Workshops available -- RSVP ASAP!!! Cielo & Kevin White Sapote Fruiting For First Time. Manuel Villarreal Re: Arbutus unedo Query Garden Report & Pitaya Responds To My Water Error James Freedner Mexican Beaumont Guava -- doing just fine! Cielo CRFG North County July Newsletter Harry Nickerson <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None This Time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Fw: Greywater Workshops available -- RSVP ASAP!!! From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:17:30 -0700 (PDT) According to Stephanie's email below, there are 4 spaces left. So, if you're interested in attending this workshop (either Fri or Sat), please email Stephanie directly with your RSVP at mailto:scauchon1@cox.net ASAP. The workshop details are at the bottom of this email. I'll sign up for the Friday workshop. Cielo On Mon, 7/14/08, scauchon1 wrote: From: scauchon1 Subject: Re: [sdfoodnotlawns] More Greywater Workshops available Date: Monday, July 14, 2008, 10:18 AM Sliding scale is suggested donation range to pay the two presenters for their expertise time and travel. Amount is self determined. Everyone welcome, regardless of ability to pay. There are about 4 places left in the workshop. Laura suggests people complete the preworkshop planning worksheet prior to the event, and can email it to her by the 18th at lauraoakland@gmail.com Stephanie Cauchon, 3684 Louisiana St San Diego, CA 92104 619.220.6865 --- On Sat, 7/12/08, Joann Cofrancesco wrote: From: Joann Cofrancesco Subject: [sdfoodnotlawns] More Greywater Workshops available To: sdfoodnotlawns@lists.riseup.net Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 11:08 AM Space is limited! Date: Friday, July 25, 2008 Time: 5:30-8:30 pm Cost: $20-40 sliding scale Location: San Diego (once registered you'll be emailed directions) Description: Greywater Design Workshop with Hands-on component Interested in reusing your greywater? Want to learn more about it and how to build your own system? Come to our design workshop. We'll present you with information on the most common, low-tech, low-cost, effective, residential greywater systems. Then we'll break into groups and help you plan a system for your own home. Participants will be emailed a greywater planning sheet, that you'll fill out and bring to the workshop. We'll also look at an existing greywater system from a washing machine and do an "upgrade" so you'll get some hands-on practice too! To register contact: Stephanie mailto:scauchon1@cox.net Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008 Time: 11am- 3pm Cost: $20-40 Location: Carlsbad, north of San Diego. (Once registered you'll be emailed directions.) Description: Hands-On Greywater Workshop - Workshop will include a presentation on greywater reuse, the design process of the system we'll be building, and the construction of a greywater system from the washing machine to ornamental plants. Activities will involve digging, measuring, cutting pipes, observing, and more! For registration contact: mailto:info@yardfairy.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: White Sapote Fruiting For First Time. From: Manuel Villarreal Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 23:23:35 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo I was on vacation for the last 2 weeks, just returned on the 1st. of July. In fact I have a white zapote that's fruiting for the first time, the fruit is very large. I am looking forward to taste them, I'll let you know how they turn out. Sincerely Rev. Manuel V. mailto:revmannyv@sbcglobal.net [Do you know the variety of your white sapote? The McDill sapote is quite large - about softball size. I like to use white sapote pulp mixed with yogurt for a fruit salad dressing. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Arbutus unedo Query From: Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:43:07 -0400 Hi, Just wanted to say that it was great to hear that Arbutus unedo ("Strawberry Tree") *can* produce tasty fruit! I have read in several places that the fruit is insipid and worthless, but I've always wondered if maybe some varieties are better than others. So it was great to find out that the answer is yes! A similar tree is Cornus mas ("Cornelian Cherry"), which is a dogwood. I ate the fruit one time and found it to be quite good, as I recall. Both are excellent trees to grow for those living in the right climate. They're very attractive, too. Ollie Patterson mailto:ollie_patterson@embarqmail.com [Is Cornus mas fruitful in subtropical climate zones? I am not familiar with it. What's the fruit like? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Garden Report & Pitaya Responds To My Water Error From: James Freedner Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:03:48 -0700 Hi, Leo, A couple of weeks back, I turned on the sprinklers and forgot about them for a few hours until my roommate reminded me. A good flooding is perhaps what the pitaya plant was waiting for. This afternoon I was surprised to see 40 flower buds coming out! Probably a few won't make it but it looks like a record bloom up here if all goes well. Somewhat surprising to me in light of the miserably hot weather. My pussy willow tree died some months back. Don't know why. Seemed perfectly healthy and suddenly - gone! Perhaps a root fungus of some sort? Grapefruit tree just about finished with this year's crop. Small but very sweet and juicy yellow ones. I guess grapefruit are not "exotics" in California, though... I have an 8-foot tall sunflower plant that sprang up out of a small crack in our blacktop driveway. Those guys are amazing the way they can suddenly take over the smallest spot to make a huge tree-like shrub, if only for a few months. Hope all is well with you. J. Eric Freedner mailto:freedner@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mexican Beaumont Guava -- doing just fine! From: Cielo Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:42:47 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, I sent an email a few months ago inquiring about my Mexican Beaumont guava not flowering nor fruiting. This spring, I've decided to turn off the drip irrigation to all fruit trees. I have been hand watering each and every one of them. This way, I got to know each one and discovered the watering needs of each fruit trees. I'm glad to report that there are several flower buds on this particular guava tree -- the very first time since I planted it in August 2002. All 14 different guava trees are either fruiting and/or flowering! In my garden, the mango is the king, and guava is second. Thanks for your newsletter. Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com P.S. Just returned from the Rare Tropical Fruit Conference in Homestead, Florida -- more on that by separate email shortly. [I hope you don't forget to write about your Florida trip -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG North County July Newsletter From: Harry Nickerson Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:09:14 -0700 (PDT) The Newsletter of the North San Diego County Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers Member News-Memorial services for Paul Thomson, which were held June 12th in Fallbrook, were well attended by CRFG members. The CRFG parent organization and both of the San Diego county chapters provided lots of fruit and refreshments for the reception that followed the services. Special thanks to Jim Bathgate, Keith Harold, Jim Nietzel, the Snows, the Poirers and Ben Pierce. Thanks to their efforts we did ourselves proud and Paul's sister appreciated it. June Meeting Jim Bathgate and Ben Pierce gave a presentation on Apricots for Southern California. July Meeting-from Art & Dottie Logan-It's Picnic & Plant Sale time at Quail Gardens on Sat, July 19 at 11 AM. Please bring a dish to share & some plants for our plant sale. Dottie suggests if you have a hardy plant whose cutting might successfully take root put it in a pot when you get this newsletter and it might be ready for plant sale. Social hour and plant sale starts at 11 AM. We will also have Fruit Gardeners for sale. Food will be served at 12 noon. Hope to see everyone there AUG. Meeting We will meet at room 7003 in the new Hort. bldg. at Mira Costa College (our regular meeting place) at 7pm August 15. Program and speaker to be determined. Publicist Needed -We are still looking for a volunteer to put our meeting notices in the local newspaper on a regular basis. We would like to hit as many as we can–Union Tribune, North County Times, and the San Diego Reader for a start. This should only require 2-3 hours a month and is important to the future of our club. If you would like to volunteer please call Ben Pierce at (760) 744-4716. San Diego County Fair-Carol reports that our booth was well staffed. She wants to thank all who volunteered and also those who brought in fruit for tasting and exhibit. During your editor's stint the booth had good traffic. 2008 Calendar Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College One Bernard Dr., Oceanside Room 7003 Horticultural Bldg.. July 19 11:00 AM Quail Botanical Gardens Annual Potluck Picnic and Plant Sale Aug. 15th 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Sept. no meeting FOF Officers and Contact information Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 mailto:ncsdcrfg@cox.net Parent CRFG Website< crfg.org> Apricot Varieties & Characteristics Variety -------Size -------Taste ----------Chill Req----Season Katy---------- Large ------Ok Can Be Mushy-------?-------Early Earligold -----Small -------Excellent------------?---------? Goldkist ------Medium------- Good------------ Low ---------? Goldbeck's Perfection-----Medium -------Good -------?---------------Early Joes Italian ----?----------Bland -------V. Low -----Mid Season *Flavor Delite--Sml To Med----?-----------?----------Mid Season Blenheim------- Medium ------Excellent ----?---------Mid Season Moorpark -------Small -------Excellent --Higher----- Mid Season Tilton--------- Large -------Bland --------Higher -- Mid Season Hotchkiss---------?--------- Good-----------? ------ Mid Season *Aprium North SD County CRFG Chapter website Harry Nickerson mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200807B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - August 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200808A.txt ____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> What a difference in mail volume! Thanks!! Lets try to find answers to questions that have come in. Pitaya blooms seem to be at the highest rate for a long time. Also, the early blooms of the first few weeks of June have resulted in ripened fruit. Apples have also been plentiful. The earlier crop seems to been more heavily infested with codling moth than more recent ones. Every year I resolve that I'll take more preventive measures next year.... Also, tomato plants have produced lots of fruit. Surprisingly, no hornworms yet. Keep passing along news from your garden. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Fruit News From Hawaii-Lychee & Longan timnovida@aol.com Avocado Pollinators In Arizona - Type A? B? Doug Jones: My Raspberry Experience And Recommendations Vital Scherrer White Sapote Cultivars For Low-Heat Coastal Areas?? Vital Scherrer Arbutus unedo and Cornus spp Questions Vital Scherrer Re: Garden Report & Pitaya Responds To My Water Error Vital Scherrer Mundappa Mango - India Favorite - Available In US? Belle Shenoi Mysore Black Raspberries Great In Hawaii, However.... Dan Lindsay News of the Weird - Fruit Seasons Changing Here Dan Lindsay Avocados Marc Schuyler Fwd: Avocados Leo Manuel To: Frink, Julie: My Tropical Kiwis In Pennsylvania! Bove, Roger Even: Re: Fwd: Avocados Leo Manuel To: marc_schuyler@yahoo.com Beware! Raspberries are escape artists! Kathy Diewald Out of Africa: Mangoes of varied flavors Herminio To: brbrunner@yahoo.com Closure of the CRFG Bulletin Board BBS@crfg.org Pests On Our Cherry & Apple Trees - How To Control? Health Quest Resource Solutions Mango Nectarine - I Recommend It ChiuMoho@aol.com Mango Nectarine Leo Manuel Sugar Apple Questions Hays, Gary: Report - Rare Tropical Fruit Conference - Homestead, FL Cielo 2 New Mango Varieties Cielo Key Mgmt. Strategies for Controlling Common Mango Diseases Cielo Manila Bulletin Online: Natural farming on the upswing Herminio <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Fruit News From Hawaii-Lychee & Longan From: timnovida@aol.com Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:10:07 -0400 Leo, In Hawaii it is Lychee harvesting season and wow, we have a bumper crop, some as large as golf balls. There is so much that even Costco sells bags of this delicious fruit. Thank goodness I have seen none of the green-colored, immature, gassed, variety imported from China in 13.5# plastic crates. I try to buy local to reduce the carbon footprint. I did force my Longan trees to bear fruit this year with potassium clorate. Laurie UH Master Gardener mailto:timnovida@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocado Pollinators In Arizona - Type A? B? From: "Doug Jones" Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:11:01 -0700 I have a few nice size avocado trees in Mesa, Az. Three of them had thousands of blossoms this spring. The 2 seedlings had the most, but a Mexicola also had a bunch. However, they only set a few large fruit ‚Äìbut many nubbins that are marble size. Id like to get a pollinator for the seedlings. Any way of telling whether they are A or B, or do I just have to plant pollinators of both? I have tried other grafted trees, but they usually succumb to the cold and heat. So I keep planting seedlings because they are hardier. Id like to get seedlings of both A and B. If I plant seeds of an A variety will the seeds also be A, and B a B? Doug Jones: mailto:fruitguy@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: A raspberry question-and From: Vital Scherrer Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:42:03 +0100 Dear Leo and all, First of all I would like to mention that I feel much discouraged to ask questions here as I posted a few and got only once a reply. I got the impression that there is nobody on this list with similar climatic conditions (low chill/low heat). Actually I consider myself a fruit (tree grower) enthusiast and would be very glad to exchange experiences and knowledge - which is why I joined this list in the first place. But if there's nobody there for such an exchange, I feel that I don't want to bore everybody to death if they can't relate to my situation. And to waste(?) my precious time to write without getting any feedback just isn't my kind of thing. However as for low chill raspberries, I am able to eat just these days from my 'Fallgold' and what is most likely 'Joan Squire', which is spineless and quite sturdy. Though I must say that I would consider the taste of both to be rather fair to good at the most - certainly clearly inferior to the best of the so called summer fruiting ones. I acquired the latter cultivar because it is described to have excellent taste. Though this is likely to depend on the climate- and soil conditions too, still this seems to be just another one of the apparently so numerous cock-and-bull stories which are published about the qualities of cultivars. I had planted a few others too, like 'Amity' and 'Indian Summer', but obviously can not recommend them for situations like mine. Anyway, the only types which are probably recommendable for low chill climates are the so called autumn fruiting, primocane or everbearing ones. I wouldn't consider their spines to be a problem as they are nothing like the ones of e.g. blackberries. And as to control of the suckers, I let mine just roam in the orchard, where they grow wherever they find the most favorable conditions. Any undesired surplus can easily be trampled down to the ground and covered with mulch. Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com [Vital, where are the Fallgold and Joan Squire raspberry plants available? ------------------------------------------------ Subject: White Sapote Cultivars For Low-Heat Coastal Areas?? From: Vital Scherrer Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:47:30 +0100 Hello, I would be very much interested whether there are any white sapote cultivars better suited than others to low heat coastal areas. Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Arbutus unedo and Cornus spp Questions From: Vital Scherrer Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:23:42 +0100 Hi, I would be very much interested in Arbutus unedo plants or basal cuttings of varieties bearing superior tasting fruits. Cornus mas ("Cornelian Cherry") is not likely to be fruitful in subtropical climate zones. In the Sunset Western Garden book it is recommended to zone 6 only, which means: Not adapted to climates south of Oregon. Though more similar to this than the Strawberry Tree would be Cornus kousa ("Kousa Dogwood") which is recommended there at least to zone 17, which is coastal central and northern California - so it is likely to be adapted to low chill to some degree. This is also considered to be more palatable than Cornus mas, if one eats just the pulp. At www.pfaf.org/database it reads: "Edible Parts: Fruit; Leaves. Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy, it is very nice in small quantities. Very seedy. The skin is rather tough and unpleasant, but the pulp is delicious with a custard-like texture, it is one of our favourite late summer fruits. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter." There exist cultivars with larger fruit up to 2" (5cm), but I couldn't find any information about the taste of their fruit. Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Garden Report & Pitaya Responds To My Water Error From: Vital Scherrer Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:32:46 +0100 Hi J. Eric, Though not exactly a rare fruit, I wonder which species you call pussy willow, and did it bloom where you grow your grapefruit tree? And which cultivar are the grapefruits you mentioned? I have never heard of "Small but very sweet and juicy yellow ones". Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mundappa Mango - India Favorite - Available In US? From: Belle Shenoi Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:57:48 -0400 Hi Leo: When I was growing up on the west coast of India, I enjoyed eating a particular cultivar of mango just as the rainy season began in July and I am reminiscing about it just now. The fruit is very large almost as large as a small coconut in size and is green even when it is ripe. Eating it whole was more than a meal and sometimes you would find worms inside the fruit. In my county it was called "Mundappa" but I dont know if any such variety is available in this country. If any one knows of a mango with similar characteristics, and a nursery where it is available, I would very much appreciate hearing from the members. Bell mailto:b.shenoi@wright.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mysore Black Raspberries Great In Hawaii, However.... From: Dan Lindsay Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:27:41 -1000 Hi Leo, Here in Hawaii, I don't know of any Red Raspberries that grow well. But Mysore Black Raspberries do wonderfully! I got mine from Oscar Jaitt a couple of years ago, and they are growing and bearing like crazy. They are nearly a year-round crop here, and it does take work to keep them under control. The only down side is that they have thorns that would make a Himalaya Blackberry envious. Dan Lindsay Hilo, Hawaii mailto:danl1@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: News of the Weird - Fruit Seasons Changing Here From: Dan Lindsay Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:49:23 -1000 Hi Leo, I've written before about the odd fruiting patterns here in Hawaii this year, and it still goes on. My Calamondin, which usually fruits in November, is loaded with ripe fruit right now! The tree top is literally bent to the ground. My Avocado, which usually gives me fruit in December through February, this year had a huge crop in April and May, and now is fruiting again, though not as heavily. My Passionfruit, which is usually an October-November crop, looks like it will be ripe no later than September and maybe August. And the fruit numbers are in general way above average! It has been almost unbelievably dry here. My place gets about 250 inches a year, and I had 88 inches at the end of last February. Since then, I have not had as much as 12 in any month, and in June had less than 5 -- only about half the previous low in the eight years I've lived here. July is even worse. We have less than an inch of rain so far this month, and we average 20. The established plants are doing okay, but the newbies are in need of daily or twice-daily watering. (That means putting containers in my truck, driving out to them, and watering by hand -- a time-consuming chore!) I got my first Soursop this year, and loved every bite. My Acerola and Grumichama have flowers for the first time, and I'm looking forward to tasting those as well. Dan Lindsay Hilo, Hawaii mailto:danl1@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocados From: Marc Schuyler Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:42:26 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo - greetings from northern California (San Jose area). Like many fruit growing enthusiasts up here, I've had my share of Guatamalan avocados die or fail to thrive with our wintertime low's and wet periods. Are there any sources for new, upcoming varieties, either in terms of experimental usage or retail supply, that I might be able to contact with the possibility of getting samples? We see this type of thing fairly commonly with banana cultivars (e.g., "new variety, we'll give you samples to try in your area") but, to my knowledge, not with avocados. I'd love to grow a Reed or Nabal, but believe they will not survive up here without protection, but I'm confident that new Guatamalan varieties will be discovered with improved cold tolerance. For sake of clarity, I am familiar with the "common" cultivars currently sold and as a home grower, I am interested in learning more about prospects for rare or newly developed cultivars. Incidentally, my experience with XX3/Holiday indicates that it has great cold tolerance, though my tree is not old enough or large enough to support fruit yet. Sincerely, Marc mailto:marc_schuyler@yahoo.com [I have written Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com for an authoritive opinion on these questions. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fwd: Avocados From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:57:45 -0700 To: "Frink, Julie" CC: Marc Schuyler Hi Julie, I hope it's ok to forward these avocado questions to you. I doubt that anyone would have the experience that you have. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Tropical Kiwis In Pennsylvania! From: "Bove, Roger Even" Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:11:40 -0400 This just to say that the tropical kiwi vines on the south end of my house are still reliable producers. The temperate kiwis on the east side are also beginning to produce a fair amount of fruit. Unfortunately, after the fall harvest the tropical vines will have to be cut back almost to the ground so that the house can be expanded and the trellis be rebuilt. Im still surprised that local nurseries have not picked up on the fact that we can grow kiwis in this part of Pennsylvania (20 miles west of Philadelphia). The season is a little short and the fruit has to be window ripened. Roger Even Bove, Ph.D. mailto:RBove@wcupa.edu West Chester PA 19383-2220 Website: http://courses.wcupa.edu/rbove/Genkey.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fwd: Avocados From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:53:39 -0700 To: marc_schuyler@yahoo.com I'm glad you wrote me as your letter as well as her response to it will be in the next newsletter. Horticordially, Leo Marc Schuyler wrote: > Thanks Leo! Actually, I could have emailed Julie, but I was > trying to give you more fodder for the next newsletter! But > you're probably right, there are few more qualified than Julie > who would respond. > > Thanks and best regards, > Marc ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Beware! Raspberries are escape artists! From: Kathy Diewald Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:26:55 -0700 (PDT) This is for all you folks wanting to grow the tasty red raspberry. I decided to grow red raspberries in the huge pots that I usually grew roses in to keep the thorns from hurting the dog's eyes,etc. These pots are at least three feet high and about the same across the top. I bought them years ago from Home Depot to deposit the soil from a huge raised bed that no longer was useful to us. Anyway, I already knew that raspberries can travel underground and end up all over the lawn and under various fruit trees, etc. I could pick lemons and raspberries in the same spot, fifty feet away from where I first planted them. All this was around thirty years ago, when I first got interested in gardening, after buying our home. I still remember the joy of running out in the morning and picking red raspberries and a few strawberries for our oatmeal. So I thought I had a workable plan to reintroduce them to our yard. The kicker is that the bareroot plants I bought two years ago, just said "Red Raspberries" on the label. I most likely bought them at Home Depot, Lowe's or Target. The berries are very large, tasty and very prolific......BUT, they have managed to exit the bottom of these huge pots and are growing two feet around the base at this time. I can dig them out, but hate to disturb the area due to possible injury to the root system of my Hass and Fuerte avocado trees that are huge enough to assume that the roots extend into this area as well. Maybe it would be a good idea to grow them in pots on top of a wooden surface or on concrete to restrict their rampant growth habit. Good Luck! Kathy Diewald, mailto:mccwald@sbcglobal.net Costa Mesa, Ca. zone 24, one mile from the ocean. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Out of Africa: Mangoes of varied flavors From: dracademia@aol.com Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:36:59 -0400 From: Noel.Ramos@ZLBPLASMA.COM To: brbrunner@yahoo.com THE CULTURAL KITCHEN Out of Africa: Mangoes of varied flavors, hues Posted on Thu, Jul. 17, 2008 By NANCY ANCRUM nancrum@MiamiHerald.com Richard Campbell, Fairchild's senior curator of tropical fruit, has worked on mango development in Africa, as did his father. The mangoes of Africa were ready for their close-up. Amid the scores of varieties savored at last weekend's International Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden -- and the hundreds that grow in Asia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean -- Heidi, Malindi, Zebda and Nelpetite were in the spotlight. "Mangoes came in from India to Egypt, then moved south through the African continent," says Richard Campbell, who, as senior curator of tropical fruit, is Fairchild's chief mango wrangler. "We grow them," he says. "One comes from Kenya -- Malindi. It is a spicy tropical mango, very Caribbean. It's flavorful, spicy, with a lot of peach in it. "Zebda, from Egypt, is very well-adapted to South Florida. It's a green mango -- green skin, very good, disease-resistant, no fiber. "Nelpetite and Heidi are from South Africa. Nelpetite is a dwarf variety with good, rich flavor. Heidi is a big, beautiful, bold mango," Campbell says. "It's a dense tree, not dwarf, but semi-dwarf." In our part of the world, mangoes are a slice-score-eat affair, and two decades ago, the Mango Gang of chefs -- Allen Susser, Norman Van Aken, Mark Militello, Douglas Rodriguez, Robbin Haas -- showed us how they can spark savory dishes. In African countries, Campbell says, there are some pretty distinct regional differences in how mangoes are used. "In the last 100 years, Egypt developed an industry based on juices. They started growing them in the '30s, '40s and '50s when it really took off. They eat a great deal of mangoes as juice. It's street food in Cairo. They have mangoes stacked and put them in a blender. Mango juices on those hot nights...." Early in the last century, he says, Portuguese traders brought mangoes into central Africa. "There the mango took on a very important role in everyday life. There are wild types grown from seeds. You find them in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa. There were important mango industries in Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana. They had a very nice and profitable industry based on a Florida variety -- the Keitt. "While at the University of Florida, my father [horticulturalist Carl Campbell] was working in Ghana in 1962, helping build their industry. It was a [U.S. Agency for International Development] project. Later, I went back to work with the World Bank to help them retool it. In central Africa, they eat mangoes fresh. They like them ripe and there's little juicing." Going farther south, Campbell says, the South African mango industry developed at the same time as that in Ghana. But it took a different road. "It was very high-tech, with sophisticated breeding programs. It took 26 days to get South African mangoes shipped to European markets. They created a red, red, red mango [the Heidi] that they could send on a ship for almost a month." Post-apartheid South Africa found new demand for its mangoes at home, including a growing dried-mango industry. "There's a new economic empowerment," Campbell says. "Most of the industry is now local. South Africa has a big population, and they know how to eat mangoes." FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN: Heidi, Nelpetite, and Zebda African mango varieties. Herminio mailto:dracademia@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Closure of the CRFG Bulletin Board From: BBS@crfg.org Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:35:07 -0400 The following is an email sent to you by an administrator of "CRFG Bulletin Board". If this message is spam, contains abusive or other comments you find offensive please contact the webmaster of the board at the following address: BBS@crfg.org Include this full email (particularly the headers). Message sent to you follows: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Because of the lack of member activity on the CRFG Bulletin Board (http://www.crfg.org/phpbb) and because of the increasing number of attempts to join by spammers using automated procedures, I was forced to lock up the bulletin board, at least until I can find a way to block the spammers. I am receiving 300-500 attempts per day, mostly from programs that submit applications to join the bulletin board, frequently using false email addresses and other fraudulent information, filling in some fields with attempts to promote pornography, drugs and just about anything else. Although I was able to automate some of the process to remove these accounts, there was still some manual effort required and it was a pain. Worse, in cleaning things up I sometimes inadvertently deleted a real attempt to join from a CRFG member or friend. It just made no sense the way it was. I am retaining all the previous posts, much of which is good information and may post the exchanges elsewhere or publish them in the Fruit Gardener.. I will cojntinue to seek a more secure platform for this forum but since spammers continue to become more sophisticated, such a platform might not exist. There is a new version of PHPBB but it does not appear to be much more secure than the old version. There are also packages that charge for their use but given the level of activity, it just doesn't seem worth it. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Thank you for your patience and support. Bill Grimes mailto:BBS@crfg.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pests On Our Cherry & Apple Trees - How To Control? From: Health Quest Resource Solutions Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:08:07 -0700 Hi Leo, Got some problems with our Cherry tree, we found some slimy, slug-like things sticking on its leaves needless to say that it is destroying the plant, also we got some squirrel, rabbit, or chipmunk that is feasting itself on our fuji apple tree, can you kindly help and suggest on how we can control the two issues mentioned herein.. We will appreciate your kind inputs on this matter. Best regards, Henry SD/CA mailto:healthquestrs@cox.net From http://www.essortment.com/all/pearsslugscali_rink.htm Pear slugs - Lauri Jean Crowe defines pear slugs, or caliroa cerasi, a troublesome cherry tree pest as well as an attacker of many other stone fruit trees. Cherry tree pear slugs are known as caliroa cerasi. Caliroa cerasi closely resemble your run of the mill slug, but are actually the larvae of the black-and-yellow sawfly. These pesky insect pests are troublesome not only to cherry trees, but also to other stone fruit trees such as the pear, plum and also a range of ornamental trees. At the most extreme case of pear slug damage the entire cherry tree may become defoliated and have a low yield of stone fruits which are of an extremely poor quality. What Does It Look Like? Cherry tree pear slugs of the caliroa cerasi species are orange worms. They are sluglike and range in size up to 1/2 inch in length. Occasionally the cherry tree pear slug will be a dark, almost forest green color which can make it difficult to spot in areas of dense foliage, however the majority are an orangish brown shade. Pear slugs are extremely wet worms which gives them a shiny appearance. Damage from cherry tree pear slugs occurs most often in the upper leaves of the trees and migrates downward. The upper surfaces of the cherry tree leaves may have a chewed appeareance, as if they are being eaten between the leaf veins, which they are. This feeding pattern can leave a lacy layer of tissue which begins as translucent and quickly turns light tan to brownish in appearance. As the leave turn brown they often drop off the tree entirely. Cherry tree pear slug damage may also result in a low fruit yield with poor quality of stone fruits. A heavy infestation can quickly weaken a newly planted cherry tree and cause it to die off. How Does It Manifest? Cherry tree pear slugs are the larvae of the black-and-yellow sawflies which are predators of stone fruit trees and some ornamentals. Adult sawflies appear in the late spring at which time the females lay their clusters of eggs on the leaves of the cherry tree. Within a matter of weeks the larvae hatch from the eggs on the cherry tree leaves and begin to feed on the foliage. The cherry tree pear slugs emit a slimy, olive green substance which gives them the appearance of shiny, slugs. It is this material that the larvae exude which makes some of them appear dark green rather than the more common orange. The amount exuded can affect coloring because of its adherance to the larval body. Cherry tree pear slugs feed on the leave foliage for approximately one month’s time at which point the pear slugs drop to the ground and burrow into the soil. The cherry tree pear slugs then pupate in the soil and later emerge as adult black-and-yellow sawflies to begin the reproducing and feeding cycle again. What Can I Do About It? There are many insecticides available specifically for use on sawflies and their pear slug larvae. You can find them labeled for use on sawflies, black-and-yellow sawflies, or pear slugs. All are effective on these pesky insects, but are simply marketed differently in regions which may call them pear slugs vs sawflies, etc. You will find these preparations in a spray formula and should apply them as soon as you notice pear slug damage on your cherry tree. These insects are tenacious, so you may have to respray more than once to get the populations under control. Follow the label instructions for your region. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango Nectarine - I Recommend It From: ChiuMoho@aol.com Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:44:28 EDT Hi Leo, Are mango/nectarine trees available? A google search has a lot of information, but no information about growing it. It is a cross of nectarine varieties and not a mango hybrid. It might be a nice fruit to grow in the back yard. This has been a fine season for fruit in my yard. The naval orange, donut peach and nectarine trees were loaded with sweet fruit. The fig and two year old Bartlett pear are loaded and even the oriental pear I planted last fall has a few fruit. The guava tree is in full bloom and the jujube is doing well. The meyer lemon I set out three years ago is existing and carries a few blossoms now and then. The lemonaide tree I planted last spring has grown a foot or more and always has flowers, but no fruit. The star fruit has recovered from the hard freeze we has in 2007. Both loquat trees died suddenly within days of each other. The bigger one had set a lot of fruit. Al Turnbull mailto:ChiuMoho@aol.com Moreno Valley, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango Nectarine From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:01:47 -0700 Mango Nectarines The mango nectarine has a delicious case of multiple personalities. It has the taste of a mango, the color and shape of a golden plum. Luckily for fruit lovers, this California-grown treat ‚Äî no relation to the mango, despite its name ‚Äî is a wonderful combination of flavor and texture. Sweet, juicy and slightly fibrous, it's great eaten out of hand, diced in a fruit salsa or salad, or grilled. More ambitious cooks might want to sample its unique taste in a homemade cobbler or ice cream. Sadly, it has a short season. The fruit just started heading to markets late last week, according to Robert Schueller, spokesman for Melissa's World Variety Produce in California, which distributes the fruit nationwide. He says mango nectarine season should last until the beginning of August. Look for the fruit first in Wegmans, where produce managers expect to have it in stock this week. Schueller says the nectarines will make their way into more markets as the season goes on. Magruder's will carry it as well. For recipe ideas, go to www.melissas.com. ___ Floyd Zaiger had it right. In case you aren't familiar with his name, he's the guy who brought us such cross-pollinized classics as Aprium, Nectaplum, Nectarot, Peacotum, and Pluot. Floyd certainly would have named the Nectarine Mango something a little more snazzy, more intriguing, more... succulent. So what of the Nectarine Mango? Well, it looks like a greenish-yellow nectarine, and it tastes like a mango. That is, if you find a tremendous difference between the taste of a yellow nectarine and the taste of a mango... it's subtle, but a slightly sweeter and firmer flesh, not as juicy as a nectarine, but just as delicious. You can also eat the skin, unlike a mango, and it's a whole lot easier to cut up and prepare (my usual mango adventures end up looking like something out of a cartoon horror film). The season ends soon - they'll be in stores for another week or so. Nectarine Mangos available at Whole Foods. I've now eaten 3 of the 4 mango nectarines that I bought, and I have to say: meh. They continue to smell heavenly, and they have a very nice firm texture that would make them great for cooking, but their flavor, while pleasant, is just a bit watery. It doesn't have the intensity that I'd expect from the scent. The firm texture, and the fact that a couple of the nectarines have a bit of green near the stem end, suggests to me that maybe they were picked a bit too early, before they were fully mature. (Russ Parsons does a great job of explaining this in How to Pick a Peach - basically, peaches and nectarines will continue to ripen after picking, but once they are removed from the tree, they pretty much have all the sugar and flavor they're ever going to develop. Pick them too early, and you're going to get an underflavored fruit.) Mango Nectarine Availability: 2-3 weeks in June and July Source: California General Information: Despite its name, this fruit isn't related to the mango. It is actually a cross between two varieties of pale nectarine. It is named for its texture and flavor which blends both mango and nectarine. Sweet, exotic and perfumey, they are a wonderful summer fruit, grown exclusively in California. At an immature stage the Mango Nectarine is a bright green color turning to a vivid yellow when ripe. Serve sliced in a fresh salad, in yogurt or ice cream or simply eat out of hand. The mango nectarine's season is brief, just 2 or 3 weeks in June and July, so enjoy these sweet, aromatic, California-grown beauties when you see them. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sugar Apple Questions From: "Hays, Gary" Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:48 -0400 Hi Leo, I'd like to seek commentary on Sugar Apple varieties. I have four varieties, but only one of production size, "Thai Lessard. And have planted out Kampong Mauve (red sugar apple), Golden Sugar apple (from Excalibur nursery) and a seedling from the Philippines. Wondering if people have experienced quite a difference in taste from varieties, and which they preferred. Another question would be what low temp anyone might have actually witnessed a soursop surviving, with how much in the way of damage? Gary mailto:ghays@harris.com [In the continental United States, the soursop can survive in the southernmost parts of Florida, and then only if carefully protected from frost during the winter months, according to information at http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-soursop.htm -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Report - Rare Tropical Fruit Conference - Homestead, FL From: Cielo Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:11:26 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, As much as I enjoyed tasting and eating all sorts of fruits, it's good to be back home in San Diego. Sponsored by the Miami-Dade County Park & Recreation Department, this conference took place on July 9 to 13th at the Fruit & Spice Park in Homestead, Florida. On Tues, July 8th, From Fort Lauderdale airport, it took about 1.5 hours to get to Grove Inn (www.groveinn.com) , a bed and breakfast lodging in Homestead. This place was recommended by the Fruit & Spice Park, and it's only 4 miles away from the Park. Along the way to the Inn, there were several palm, ornamental, and fruit tree nurseries -- hundreds -- all within a few hundred feet away from each other. The Inn is surrounded by mature fruit trees of Mamey, Jaboticaba, Cherry of the Rio Grande, Mango, Ciruela, Ambarella, etc. Each room is named for a fruit, i.e. Lychee, Coconut, Loquat, etc. We had excellent breakfast everyday prepared by our host Paul, who had a colorful and vibrant musical career in his heyday with Tina Turner and Gregory Hines. Three from Orange County CRFG were also staying at the Inn. On Wed. July 9th, We checked in at the Fruit & Spice Park. We met Chris Rollins, director of the Fruit & Spice Park; Maurice Kong, director of the Rare Fruit Council International; and many others. A few travelled from as far away as Thailand, the Caribbean, and South America. Some from New York, Chicago and California (6 of us!). Most were from Florida. The gift shop offers fruits in season for tasting, and lots of books. Our itinerary for this day was: guided nursery tours of Going Bananas (305-247-0397) and Lara Farms Nursery (305-233-2898). Don took us around his incredible banana forest. He has a variegated Ae-Ae Banana growing nicely. Didn't know that the SD Zoo is also growing it. (Garden Compass Summer 2008). Our favorite was tasting just about every ripe mango at Lara Farms Nursery. There were too many to list, but those that really stood out were the cruncy green mango Brahm Kai Meu, S.T. Maui (Kevin's favorite) and Bailey's Marvel. For dinner our host at the Inn recommended an authentic Cuban owned & operated restaurant Redland Grill. If you drove by it, you'd miss it -- since it's located just next to the Shell gas station. The food was very good, and the dessert "tres leches" shouldn't be missed. It was sinfully divine! On Thurs. July 10th, In the morning, we toured USDA at Chapman Field Tour (13601 Old Cutler Rd.) and had lunch there. No fruit tasting here, but we learned that seeds and cuttings are made available to the public. We weren't allowed to walk around on our own; we rode the tram to the field, then to a conference room for a program presentation by USDA curator. After lunch, we were off to a guided tour of Montgomery Foundation (11901 Old Cutler Rd.), a botanical garden of rare cycads and palm trees. They have some fruit trees, but they consider them more ornamental. Palm and/or cycad seeds from Montgomery are available at www.botanicalauctions.com. Then we're off to Pine Island Nursery where Eric, son of the owner demonstrated side veneer grafting of a jackfruit tree. The Fruit & Spice Park was open for attendees to explore it in the cool of the evening. On Fri. July 11th, We toured the University of Florida TREC (Tropical Research & Education Center) Station in Homestead, FL. We were allowed to pick up any fruits on the ground. Those prepared, brought plastic bags had a field day. We picked up several mangoes, mamey sapotes and avocadoes along our tour. Unfortunately for us, the trees weren't labeled, so we had no idea what varieties of fruits we were picking. Then again, nobody cared. We ate our lunch under the shade of huge trees. Then we're off for some wine tasting at the Schnebly Winery (www.schneblywinery.com). We tasted wines made of fruits -- no grapes were hurt nor involved in their winemaking. Here's our pick In the order of preferences: guava (red -- okay served chilled or at room temperature), mango (tasted more like dessert wine -- sweet), Category 3 hurricane (combination of lychee, guava and carambola), lychee and carambola. We bought 2 guava (drank one and shared one with a group), 1 mango (shared with a group) and category 3 (gifted). We didn't have time to tour the winery, but this place is worth another visit. Then to a private estate of Mrs. Blanco, a tropical garden paradise. It's also a sanctuary for some rare monkeys and exotic birds. A stop at "Robert is Here Fruit Stand" a must-stop place to taste all kinds of fruits made into shakes/smoothies. We tasted mamey, coconut, mango, guanabano shakes. Fruits in season can also be found at this fruit stand, but they're no bargain. This was our second visit to this Fruit Stand. We went there the day before. Just had to come back for more to taste another fruit shake. Yum! Then back to the Fruit & Spice Park for a guided tour of the park with Chris Rollins, park director. We rode the tram, and checked out what they're growing in their greenhouse: mangosteen fruit trees, cacao and several very tropical 20' + papaya trees. The greenhouse is kept at a constant 93 degrees F. For dinner, we enjoyed BBQ at the Fruit & Spice Park. The fruit table exhibit was incredible. Then some of those fruits on display were available for tasting, i.e. sapodilla "chico," jackfruit, mamey, breadfruit, bael -- not impressive, etc. The evening program was by Dr. Angela Kepler on "Ethnobotany of Pacific Food Plants." Unfortunately, her talk lasted for a long time that a round table discussion by Chris Rollins, Roger Meyer (of Orange County CRFG) and Crafton Cliff was scrubbed because it was already after 10 pm. We met the rest of our group at the Inn courtyard and shared the guava and mango wines. It was a very long day! On Sat. July 12th, We had the morning on our own to do whatever. We visited the Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Garden (http://www.fairchildgarden.org/) It was nice, Dr. Richard Campbell had tickets for us waiting at will call. It was hard to decide what & where to go first, especially, it was our first visit there. Although, we couldn't buy any to bring into California, we wanted to check what varieties were available: Mango Tree Sale for ONLY $40 each. Here's a short list: Zebda (Egypt), Nelpetite (South Africa), Heidi (south Africa), Manilita (Mexico), Neelum (India), Rosigold (Flordida), and San Felipe (Cuba) just to name some. Mangoes of the World Display -- about 200 + mangoes -- the largest mango collection in the world, showing genetic diversity of mango shapes, colors and aromas of every description. All mangoes on display were all from Fairchild's collection. There were Mango Culinary Demonstrations all day. We participated in the Mango Tastings and Evaluations of 10 top cultivars: Fairchild selected 10 of the finest quality mangoes, ripened to perfection and cut fresh that day. Can't remember them all, but here's a few that I can remember not in any order: Mallika, Carabao, Nam Doc Mai, Ataulfo, etc. There were Mango Lectures all day long: Mangoes of Africa, The Mango in South Africa, 2 new Mangoes for Estate Growing, Pest Disease Control in Mango, Pruning Management, etc. This was a 2-day Festival, and too bad we were only here for the Saturday morning. We had the opportunity to check out what they have growing in their greenhouse, and on the grounds. It was fun running into Steve Spangler of Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery (Vista, California) along our walk. We missed checking out their bookstore. We wished we had more time there. ------------------------------------------------- 10 Easy Steps for Growing the Best Mangoes in Your own Garden (By Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit) ---- NOTE: This was written for Florida growers; #4 below would not work if you garden outside of Florida's wet summer. 1. Choose a mango variety that you like. 2. Plant the mango tree where it gets sufficient sunlight for good production. 3. Water the tree once a week until well-established (about 1 to 3 months). *4. Do not irrigate after establishment. This will increase diseases and lower quality. 5. Fertilize lightly with low analysis fertilizers (0--0--50, iron) 2 months after planting. 6. Begin tipping in the first year and continue for the life of the tree. (Tipping is cutting the tips of the new blooms to enourage proper growth.) 7. Prune trees for size control after harvest each year. 8. Annually thn major limbs within the canopy to improve fruit color, disease and production. 9. Harvest fruit when mature on the tree and store for proper ripening. ----------------------------------------------- After lunch, we met up with the group at Kampong Garden (40413 Douglas Rd., Coconut Grove). The Kampong is named for the Malay or Javanese word for a village or cluster of houses. It has a diverse collection of heritage plants from Southeast Asia, central and south Americas, the Caribbean, The property is gifted to the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG). It serves as the mainland campus for the NTBG's educational courses as a living classroom used by universities and colleges for botany and horticulture courses. After a couple of hours break, we were back at the Fruit & Spice Park for an Asian Banquet, and ice cream treat -- (Mamey and Mango). There were more fruit tasting, and mango tasting. It was tough to say goodbye, but we had to leave after the ice cream Our flight was at 6:50 am the next day out of Fort Lauderdale, so we had decided to spend our last night in Fort Lauderdale. We missed out on the Sun. July 13th all day program.with guest speakers from Brazil (Harry Lorenzi, author), Hawaii (Dr. Angela Kepler), etc. The best part of this experience were learning what other fruit trees I can grow in San Diego and making friends. We met a nice couple who live in the area who welcomed us into their home. They gave us a tour of their home garden. I've never seen a wax jambu tree about 30 feet tall. They couldn't keep up with picking the fruits; the tree was surrounded with a lot of fallen fruits. They have a sugar apple tree loaded with fruits, and huge carambolas that put the Fruit & Spice Park's carambolas to shame. Of course, they have mango trees. Their summer is wet, and winter is dry -- a complete opposite of our weather in California. I've also added a few fruit trees on my wish list since learning about them. It's been a lot of fun. The conference is only held once every 3 years. The Park also plans foreign travels with focus on rare tropical fruit trees. The upcoming trip is to Bali & Borneo in August 2009. The tour will include the farms and rice paddies anchored in rich volcanic soils. Travel options are for 2 weeks or 30 days. I hope after reading about the conference, you and your readers may consider attending when it's offered again in 3 years. I'm sure, I'm forgetting some things I should be sharing. Happy Gardening! Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: 2 New Mango Varieties From: Cielo Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:54:59 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, Here's one I forgot to write about ... At the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's Mango Festival in July 2008, two new mango varieties were released as part of its introduction to new mangoes: Angie -- selected for home garden and estate agriculture in South Florida due to its compact growth habit, disease tolerance and overall fruit quality. The flesh is tangerine orange and fiberless. The flavor is classified in the "Alphonso" class of mangoes with a deep sweetness and sophisticated profile rich in apricot. The disease tolerance is excellent. The tree is semi-dwarf and highly manageable with annual pruning. The tree is easy to grow if nitrogen is kept low and the tree is not over-watered or grown in soils prone to flooding or with a high watertable. Jean Ellen -- selected as a home garden varieity due to its early season, heavy production and its multiple bearing habit. The flesh is an opaque yellow and there is a small amount of rough fiber near to the seed. The flavor is classified in the "Alphonso" class with a sweet, simple flavor of tropical spice. The tree grows easily and is semi-dwarf and precocious. The tree and fruit are moderately tolerant of disease and there are typically multiple blooms during the year. I'll write more --- as I remember them:-) I should have taken better notes. I picked up a handout on Key Management Strategies for controlling common mango diseases. I'll send email about that separately. Happy Gardening! Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Key Mgmt. Strategies for Controlling Common Mango Diseases Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:22:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Cielo Hi Leo, Here's a handout from Miami Dade Cooperative Extension University of Florida, I picked up from the Mango Festival. I have been alternately spraying with copper and neem oil. So far, so good. I hope you find this useful as I did. Cielo Algal Leaf Spot - Reduce humidity in the canopy by judicious pruning. Use of copper-based fungicides in the spring to control other diseases of mango will aid in the control of algal leaf spot. Anthracnose - Spraying copper once or twice during emergence of the panicles will enhance initial fruit set. Itis recommended that wind and insect damaged trees be treated with a fungicide such as azoxystrobin or copper. Diseased twig and fallen infected host debris should be removed. Indochinese varieties are more tolerant than Indian cultivars to this disease. Powdery Mildew - Mango cultivars differ in their susceptibility to powdery mildew: Zill, Kent, Alphonse, and Nam Doc Mai are very susceptible. Haden, Glen, Carrie and Keitt are moderately susceptible. Sensation, Tommy Atkins and kensington are slightly susceptible. For chemical control apply a sulfur spray according to the manufacturer's label. Be mindful that high rates of sulfur applied on hot sunny days can scorch flowers and young fruit. Never apply sulfur within 4 weeks of an application of horticultural oil sprays as severe plant damage may occur. Spraying is necessary only during flowering and fruit set. Scab - An effective spray program on mango to control anthracnose is generally sufficient for scab control. If warranted additional chemical sprays for scab control should start with emergence of the panicles and continue through early fruit set. Mature fruit are not susceptible and do not need to be protected. Chemical Name* Pathogens Controlled sulfur Powdery Mildew copper Anthracnose, Algal Spot chlorothalonil Anthracnose azoxystrobin Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew potassium bicarbonate Powdery Mildew bacillus subtilis Anthracnose, Scab hydrogen dioxide ** Anthracnose, Algal Spot, Powdery Mildew, Scab clove oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Scab neem oil Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Scab *Read fungicide labels for chemical name (active ingredient) as brand names vary. [** Is hydrogen dioxide the same as hydrogen peroxide? -Leo] Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Manila Bulletin Online: Natural farming on the upswing From: Herminio Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:59 am Natural farming on the upswing During our visit to Southern Mindanao last week, the usual talk among farming enthusiasts is how to reduce the cost of fertilizers. We were fortunate to meet Andry and Jojie Lim who are advocates of natural farming. And ry informed us about the success story of Mayor Irenea Hitgano of Trento, Agusan del Sur. Thanks to the lady mayor, the farmers have turned to organic in growing their rice, corn and ... read on at Manila Bulletin Online http://www.mb.com.ph Herminio mailto:dracademia@aol.com <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mailto:news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200808A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - August 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200808B.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Our summer has been significantly cooler, making it so much easier to stay physically active, and lower the water consumption a bit. My Brewster lychee has a couple of dozen fruit scattered widely in the tree - with almost none of them in reach from the ground. Of course, the mango fruit are looking good, and the pitaya fruit more plentiful than normally. Edgar says: The Pitaya Festival will be held this year on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the South Coast Research and Extension Center 7601 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618.(Same location as last year) This program is being planned by the University of California Cooperative Extension under the direction of Ramiro Lobo, Farm & Agriculture Economics Adviser. The program will take the whole day. We will have speakers, questions and answers, field trip to the University plantation. There will also be pitaya tasting to sample which pitayas have the best flavor. Also brix testing will be done. Registration online should be possible soon and will be announced. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber-San Pablo, CA-Interested In Pitayas Julian Altamirano New Subscriber-Pretoria, South Africa Charine <><><> Readers Write <><><> I'm Looking For Mamey Sapote Fruit, Not Trees Amy South Bay Green Scene-8/30-Chula Vista CA Cielo Tropical Kiwi Question Vital Scherrer Re: Tropical Kiwi Question Leo Manuel To: Vital Scherrer Avocados from Leo's newsletter Natureboy To: Mono Pine cell phone towers above my lovely garden! PETER DIEWALD Wanted: Beauty Plum/Citation Rootstock & Spray Info Nasmurphy@aol.com Kitchen gardens in today's S.D. Union-Tribune N Sterman My Garden In Fallbrook, California Manuel Villarreal YouTube videos On Mangoes and Other Rare Fruit Shirley Dellerson Newsletter - CRFG North San Diego County Secetary Nickerson RE: Pear- or cherry slug insecticides Vital Scherrer <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber-San Pablo, CA-Interested In Pitayas From: Julian Altamirano Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 15:32:04 -0700 (PDT) Hi, my interest is in growing pitahaya .I live in San Pablo California and I am interested in receiving the newsletter through E -mail. If you can help me in that regard, It will be highly appreciated. Julian mailto:julianaltamirano52@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber-Pretoria, South Africa From: "Charine" Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:46:11 +0200 Hi! My name is Charine Scholtz and I live in Pretoria, South Africa. My e-mail address is the same as the one I am sending From: charine@bigdoor.co.za. I do not grow any fruit trees myself, but write articles for an agricultural magazine called 'Afgriland'. We love placing interesting articles on rare fruits, and would like to receive your newsletter as a source of extra information. I am especially interested in fruits that can actually be grown in South Africa's climate. Any leads or information would be highly appreciated! Kind regards Charine Scholtz mailto:charine@bigdoor.co.za <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: I'm Looking For Mamey Sapote Fruit, Not Trees From: "amy " Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:17:42 -0400 Leo, Thank You so much for your response. I want the fruit, I crave it and need it badly. It is sold here at the Farmers Market on occasion but at 5.00 a lb and I can not pay that much I thought if I cut out the middle man and bought it by the case I may get it cheaper. Amy mailto:jaens@windstream.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: South Bay Green Scene-8/30-Chula Vista CA From: Cielo Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:36:47 -0700 (PDT) FOR MORE INFORMATION: Bill Homyak (619) 421-6700 ext. 5371, Nevada Smith (619) 482-6564 South Bay Green Scene‚ Celebrates SWC's Botanic Garden Grand Opening to be held on Saturday, August 30th WHAT: The Landscape and Nursery Technology Program at Southwestern College (SWC) is proud to announce the acceptance of their four acre horticulture area as a new botanic garden. A grand opening, South Bay Green Scene, will be held in celebration of the South Bay Botanic Garden at the College. The festivities include a garden show, plant vendors, horticultural clubs, energy and green-friendly organizations, and additional plant related businesses. The recently named South Bay Botanic Garden has been accepted as a nationally recognized garden by the American Public Garden Association. The beautifully landscaped facility consists of a large variety of mature trees, shrubs, ground covers, flowers, and water features. WHEN: Saturday, August 30, 2008 from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. WHERE: Southwestern College, South Bay Botanic Garden* 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910 COST: FREE & Open to the Public MORE INFO: For information on becoming a member of the South Bay Botanic Garden contact Bill Homyak at (619) 421-6700 ext. 5371. Member involvement includes attendance at meetings, volunteering of gardening skills, and helping to determine the future direction of the garden. The South Bay Botanic Garden is free and open to the public Tuesday's through Saturday's from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. * For a detailed map of the Southwestern College campus, visit http://www.swccd.edu/4thlevel/index.asp?L3=132. # # # Southwestern Community College District 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910-7299 619-482-6304 Fax: 619-482-6484 www.swccd.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tropical Kiwi Question From: Vital Scherrer Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 08:44:31 +0100 This may appear to be an odd question, but I have never heard of the term "Tropical Kiwi". Does this refer to the regular fuzzy kiwi, or which specie would this be? Vital Scherrer mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Tropical Kiwi Question Date: Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:51:10 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: Vital Scherrer Hi Vital I'm sure that the "Tropical Kiwi" is the fuzzy one, Actinidia deliciosa, in contrast to the so-called hardy kiwis, Actinidia arguta, which can tolerate colder temperatures. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocados from Leo's newsletter From: "Natureboy" Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 08:04:33 -0700 To: Marc, my recommendation is to plant some seeds and either graft them over or see how the fruit. Any new cultivars will be grafted on to a large seeded Mexican fruit. You will still have similar problems since the rootstock will not have changed. I have had good luck with seedlings of many fruit. Avocado seedlings will need absolute protection from temps below 33¬∞ but after they are about 6 feet high, you could test them out. I have found that seedlings seem better adapted than potted trees, but do expect to loose a few seedlings. I do not know your climate. Nabal and especially Reed are very good fruit (Reed is my favorite in Sept, Oct and November) but they have virtually no tolerance to cold. I would start with a few fuerte and Zutano seedlings. They both take cold to the mid 20's and taste good. Good luck Mike McCright mailto:natureboy@gotsky.com Escondido, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mono Pine cell phone towers above my lovely garden! From: Kathy Diewald Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 02:18:50 -0700 (PDT) Dear Leo, After nearly thirty years of nurturing seventy something fruit trees, I came home this week to find my husband with a sad face and wondered what went wrong. He pointed to a spiny huge tower just behind our neighbors yard and twenty five feet from where our yards share a fence. It is located at a Public Storage facility that borders the homes along our street. The "pine " limbs are arriving perhaps this coming week and I guess they will turn the monster one for service at that time. I did not get the customary post card in the mail from city hall that tells one how to oppose such things. Now my paradise of many varieties of wonderful fruiting trees and vines are overshadowed by this horrible monstrosity that emits eliectro.magnetic energy that may be harmful to our health and not just an eyesore! After searching over the Internet, it seems there is little recourse as far as getting the city to have them remove it. How dangerous are these things? I hate to move away and perhaps have another cell tower installed in my new location. How can anyone leave a lifetime of roots put down when I was barely thirty years old. At my age, I would not have the pleasure of living long enough to grow fifty foot trees again! This is a dark day for the Diewald Family ! Any ideas? Kathy Diewald mailto:mccwald@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted: Beauty Plum/Citation Rootstock & Spray Info From: Nasmurphy@aol.com Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 10:36:13 EDT Hello, Does anyone know where I can find a Beauty Plum on Citation rootstock this summer (August 2008)? Either mail order or local in San Diego, California. 5 gallon pot, 1-2 years? Also, I have received mixed information about dormant spraying of plum trees. Is anyone available for comment? Thank you, Stephanie Murphy mailto:nasmurphy@aol.com San Diego, CA (Zone 9-10) ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Kitchen gardens in today's S.D. Union-Tribune From: N Sterman Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 21:07:31 -0700 Hi! Thought you might enjoy reading my article in today's Union Tribune about kitchen gardens. It is at http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080803/news_1hs03kitgars.html Nan mailto:nsterman@plantsoup.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Garden In Fallbrook, California From: Manuel Villarreal Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 22:43:02 -0700 (PDT) To: Leo Manuel Thanks Leo I certainly enjoy hearing from you and all the contributors. As you probably know I also grow pitahayas and other fruits: such as mangoes, zapotes, guavas and chirimoyas. If you are ever around this area (Fallbrook) please let me know I would be thrilled to see you. Rev. Manny Villarreal mailto:revmannyv@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: YouTube videos On Mangoes and Other Rare Fruit From: Shirley Dellerson Date: Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:33:15 -0400 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-fdISAnvt8 Interesting video on mangoes - how to tell when they are ripe to pick. Other Other fruit videos there too. Regards Shirley mailto:shaindy@mindspring.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Newsletter - CRFG North San Diego County From: secetary nickerson Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 17:12:17 -0700 (PDT) The Newsletter of the North San Diego County Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers Member News- Ben Pierce our chapter chair took this picnic occasion to honor Jim Bathgate and Keith Harold for their contributions to the North County Chapter. It is safe to say that without their efforts there would not be a chapter today. Jim is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with individual members and with the Board of Directors to keep our club on an upward trend. Keith was the financial manager of this years Festival of Fruit and did an outstanding job. He also is a key person in our relationship with Quail Botanical Gardens due to his status in that organization. Both Jim and Keith are also active in the parent organization. We need more members willing to emulate their efforts to help keep our chapter rolling. July Meeting Our annual picnic & plant sale was well attended. This year we met in the Eucalyptus Grove which is just west of the office trailer. Mother nature came through with a beautiful San Diego summer day. Dottie Logan reports that we made $150.00 on the plant sale, thanks to Dottie and all who donated plants and all who bought. AUG. Meeting We will meet at room 7003 in the new horticultural bldg. at Mira Costa College (our regular meeting place) at 7pm August 15. Jon Verdick from Encanto Farms of Encinitas will be the speaker. Jon will speak on Figs. He is an expert on the subject and his website www.encantofarms.com has a link to his ‚ÄúFigs for Fun‚Äù which is a very active message board. Jon will bring some plants for sale. Members can go to his website and see what he has available. If you have any requests for specific plants email him at encantofarms@cox.net. We will also have a fig and fig foods tasting. Ben may even bring some of his fig preserves. Sept. Meeting-no meeting Festival of Fruit Quail Gardens Work Party-There will be a work party at Quail Gardens Saturday August 9th from 9AM to 1 PM. If you want to volunteer just show up. Please check in with June upon arrival. For more info call June at 760-729-3501. Board Meeting-There will be a board meeting at 6:00 PM Aug. 15th in room 7003. Website Update-There have been some new items added to our website at nc.crfgsandiego.org -2008 Festival Of Fruit announcement New links added: San Diego roots sustainable agriculture project, San Diego Food not lawns, Sign a petition to ask the next president to plant a kitchen garden on the white house lawn. Links deleted because they are no longer valid: California Cherimoya Assn., chapter meeting info. 2008 Calendar Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg.. Aug. 15th 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Jon Verdick-Figs Sept. No Meeting - Festival of Fruit Oct. 17th 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Speaker Officers and Contact information Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 ncsdcrfg@cox.net NCSDC Chapter website http://nc.crfgsandiego.org/ Secetary Nickerson mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Pear- or cherry slug insecticides From: Vital Scherrer Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:12:59 +0100 Hello pure and healthy fruit enthusiasts! As I believe that just an answer describing a conventional chemical treatment solution has been posted, I feel it's my duty to add a few more just as effective ones. I would like to point out that there are at least three more ways to deal with insects (-prevalence / imbalance), which are either virtually nontoxic to non-insects (like us, our pets and farm animals), which are preventive, or naturally self-regulatory, low effort / long-term and more. --------------------------------------------------- I don't want to go into details about the devastating (spillover) effects of toxic chemicals, but it is highly advisable to become aware of it and take on greater personal responsibility concerning their use http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide#Environmental_effects: "Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, including non-target species, air, water, bottom sediments, and food... Pesticides are one of the causes of water pollution, and some pesticides are persistent organic pollutants and contribute to soil contamination. The American Medical Association recommends limiting exposure to pesticides and using safer alternatives: Particular uncertainty exists regarding the long-term effects of low-dose pesticide exposures. Current surveillance systems are inadequate to characterize potential exposure problems related either to pesticide usage or pesticide-related illnesses…Considering these data gaps, it is prudent…to limit pesticide exposures…and to use the least toxic chemical pesticide or non-chemical alternative. Many food crops, including fruits and vegetables, contain pesticide residues after being washed or peeled. Chemicals that are no longer used but which are resistant to breakdown for long periods may remain in soil and water and thus in food." Ever wondered what might be the cause, or one principle of the many causes, of such an increase in cancer - to name just one of the most common fatal diseases of the modern Industrial Age? So one may understand that chemicals, as evidence proved, offer just an ultimately destructive and violent short-term solution, and are but an inconsiderate, careless and rather short-sighted way of dealing with any form of life or disorder. ----------------------------------------------- “If you want to know about nature [and: When you're dealing with nature], first of all start to abide by nature. The natural world has been in existence since million…. We humans have been cultivating the earth only since 8000 years and so must try not to be too arrogant. We must accept that nature’s ways are more efficient than ours”. – Founder of experimental sciences, Sir. Francis Bacon. -------------------------------------------------- 1. First there are the, also quick fix, but environmentally friendlier treatments with plant derived insecticides. For a list and general information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insecticide#Plant_derived I would expect that such ready to use products should be available at the same stores as the conventional ones. If you can't find any, feel free to ask me for a mail order supplier "near" you. For the pear- or cherry slug in particular see: www.greenharvest.com.au/pestcontrol/pear_and_cherry_slug_intro.html "Suggested Organic Strategies: - Hose them off the leaves with a strong jet of water; - Band the tree with a horticultural glue to prevent them climbing back up; - Encourage natural predators such as paper wasps, hoverflies, lacewings, spiders and insect-eating birds; - Fence bantams under the tree during winter to destroy overwintering pupae; - Stand downwind of the tree and throw ash over it." And as the Japanese Micro Biologist Masanobu Fukuoka wrote (http://fukuokafarmingol.info): “As an additional precaution, I would also recommend that pyrethrum and derris root be planted at the edge of the garden. Pyrethrum flowers and derris root must be dried and stored as powders. Pyrethrum is effective against aphids and caterpillars, while derris root works well against cabbage sawflies and leaf beetles. However, these may be used against all insect pests, including melon flies, by dissolving the agent in water and sprinkling the solution onto the vegetable plants with a watering can. Both agents are harmless to man and garden vegetables. ------------------------------------------------- 2. For those who don't want to take any unnecessary risks and rather not tamper with natural ecologies too much, here is a do-it-yourself recipe for a repelling rather than killing solution (slightly but insignificantly revised) from: www.inra.fr/ciab/papers/RevathiM.pdf "Herbal Pest Repellent Components: Herbal Paste & Cow’s Urine. (I would guess that the latter can be substituted by human urine - in many cases diluted - or possibly similar substances) Three categories of plants are used in the preparation of herbal pest repellant: a) Plants with latex e.g. Calotropis b) Plants with strong smell e.g. Ocimum Sanctum c) Plants that taste bitter e.g. Adathoda Vasica Names of a few plants suited to the preparation of pest repellant are: (a) Adathoda vasica b) Datura metal c) Azadiracta indica d) Pongamea glabra e) Calotropis gigantia f) Thevitia nerifolia g) Lantana camera h) Anona squamosa i) Tephrozia purpuree j) Bomoea cornea Preparation: A minimum of 5 kinds of leaves are collected, cut into pieces, crashed into a paste and placed in a pot. Then cattle urine is added till the herbal plants are completely submerged. The mouth of the pot is closed. The fermentation reached the peak within 10 days, after which the solution is ready for use. Application: 10 % of solution is sprayed on the corps. How it acts: The herbal solution makes the plant leaf unpalatable for the insects. In addition it changes the smell of the leaves so that the adult insect is avoiding lying of eggs in the leaves as it is not able to find the usual smell. One other advantage of this solution is that is not killing the beneficial insects such as predators, pollinators and birds. --------------------------------------------- 3. And thirdly, the long-term solution, "let-nature-do-it" way, for those who are too busy or too lazy, or just enjoy the discoveries and even the entertainment of the variety and wealth of a balance re-establishing bio-diversity, or whoever believes that working with nature is better, ultimately more effective and thus more sensible than fighting against it (http://fukuokafarmingol.info): The smart thing to do would be to stop treating insects as pests and find a way that eliminates the need for control measures altogether. Try raising vegetables [and herbs, bulbous plants etc., but especially nitrogen fixing legumes and deep rooting plants] as the undergrowth in an orchard and let native fowl loose in the orchard. The birds will feed on the insects and their droppings will nourish the fruit trees. This is one perfect example of natural farming at work. No pesticides: Of course, one can also make use of plants [e.g. which are a feed crop and needed for the life cycle / habitat of beneficial insects] that prevent or inhibit the emergence of diseases and insect pests, but true non-control can be achieved when all types of insects and microorganisms are present. I may add that ditches or hollows and heaps of sand, stones, of leaves or (rotting) wood of all sizes and qualities or other organic matter, ponds, hedges and patches of indigenous plants - you think of and invent more, or copy it from nature and recreate it - the more variations of such biotopes (habitats) there are, the more resilient, sound and stable the ecosystem will become. If one wants to know how nature works - as a standard and example - consider particularly the time- and field-proven ecosystems of virgin forests. -------------------------------------------------- And a few more thoughts to ponder on (http://fukuokafarmingol.info): Human beings with their tampering do something wrong, leave the damage unrepaired, and when the adverse results accumulate, work with all their might to correct them. The living world is not understood by the technician, and since it is not understood, it is not studied for its diversity. People always want to apply mechanical laws to it... ... countermeasures are all based on too narrow a definition [perception and comprehension] of what is wrong. Human measures and countermeasures proceed from limited scientific truth [insight and understanding] and judgment. A true [efficient long-term] solution can never come about in this way." And I may add moreover: If we interfere with one species - one link in nature's chain - we imbalance it's soundness establishing equilibrium; as a prevalence of one species is but a symptom of such an imbalance. Nature's web - and even more so it's life activating energies and the intelligence which directs it's developments and evolution - is more complex, and non-material, than physical science ever will be able to comprehend, i.e. there's more to nature's principles and order than meets the eye, or whatever instruments we are able to construct and to study with. I conclude this would call for a lot more respect, humility and consideration, let alone reconciliation, accordance and cooperation. After all, nature has successfully corrected failures through trial and error during billions of years. Cheerios Vital P.S. Finally I would like to share with you this somehow related writing, which reflects more than just the signs of the times: 2000 BC--Here, eat this root. 1000 AD--That root is heathen; here, say this prayer. 1700 AD--That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion. 1900 AD--That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill. 1985 AD--That pill has become ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic. 2000 AD--That antibiotic doesn’t work anymore. Here, eat this root. (Author unknown) <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200808B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - September 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200809A.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Finally, my web page is up-to-date. Please check it out to see if you see errors. It's hard for me to proof read anything I've written. There are a few links I need yet to add.... Not much mail to publish. Hope you'll help us out. Early mango fruit beginning to ripen. Capulin cherries finished, figs continue, lots of ripening pitaya fruit coming on, Che about gone. Apple trees: Anna and Dorsett Golden gone, later varieties still coming. It's a great time of year, isn't it! <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Tampa, Florida - Replacing Lost Trees MomNson2@aol.com Subscribe to Rare Fruit News Online Tom Kosier <><><> Readers Write <><><> http://www.rarefruit.com Web page updated 080814 Leo Manuel Looking for rambutan fruit "David Thomas" Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? N Sterman Aravaipa avocado Doug Jones August 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Tampa, Florida - Replacing Lost Trees From: MomNson2@aol.com Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:27:31 EDT Hi, My name is Judy Carr. I live in Tampa Florida-but grew up in Jacksonville...and I love all the tropical plants and trees. I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents in Ft. Myers where they had many tropical fruits and flowers growing in their yard. My mother grew up in south Florida...and she created the love for the tropical fruits and flowers in my family. With my parents and grandparents now deceased......my joy in eating a delicious mango brings back wonderful memories. I enjoy going to the botanical gardens at University of South Florida...especially attending the Tropical Plant Fairs. Our children are now grown and happily married...and although not retired....I do have more time for things I would like to do. I have recently planted a mango and avocado tree in my yard...which I got at the recent USF fair. I have a Rose Apple Bush that was grown from a seed that came from grandparents bush. I am interested in learning more about what I can grow in Tampa...and tips on growing. This is my third set of fruit trees...I lost the others in the freezes in the 80's. Look forward to getting your newsletter...I will be more of a reader than contributor...but I will have questions. My email address is: momnson2@aol.com Have a good week, Judy mailto:MomNson2@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Subscribe to Rare Fruit News Online From: Tom Kosier Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:49:02 -0400 Good evening: I am writing this email to subscribe to your email newsletter. My name is Tom Kosier and I live in Boca Raton, Florida. Earlier this year I began my foray into this hobby by starting a small vegetable garden in my backyard. Through that and a general interest in plants since I was young (my Dad has a Ph.D. in Plant something-or-other from the University of Minnesota - some of my first memories are of the UM campus) I began looking into growing fruit trees. Being in South Florida, it only made sense to pursue the tropical and sub-tropical fruits. I'm currently growing: Meyer Lemon, Key Lime, Sunshine Blue Blueberries, Banana - Ice Cream, Banana - Dwarf Red, Banana - Rajapuri, Lychee - Brewster, Semi-meager beginnings but you gotta start somewhere, right? My future plans are pretty wide open but I am gravitating more towards the non-standard "exotic" / rare fruits. A couple off the top of my head that have caught my interest are Atemoya, additional banana, additional citrus, figs, jaboticaba, longans, mango, pitaya, and sapodilla. Propagation of plants is an area that interests me. I'm hoping to eventually learn (and do) grafting, air layering, root cuttings, etc. Looking forward to joining the mailing list and learning from others. Thanks, Tom Kosier mailto:t_kosier@bellsouth.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: http://www.rarefruit.com Web page updated 080814 From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:53:59 -0700 My web page http://www.rarefruit.com was recently updated, so that now ALL back issues of RFNO end-of-year posted through that date. If you see anything that should be changed, please let me know. Leo mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking for rambutan fruit From: "David Thomas" Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:04:55-0700 Hi, my name is David Thomas. I'm visiting in San Diego for a week and I'm trying to track down some fresh rambutan fruit while I'm here. Do you have any idea where I could get it? I've tried a few local Asian markets, but so far no luck. Thanks for your help! -David mailto:david@spontaneousfun.com [Did you try Ranch 99 Market on Clairemont Mesa Blvd? It's one of our best local sources of tropical fruit. Anyone know of another likely source? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? From: N Sterman Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:02:41 -0700 Hi Leo I am working on an interesting project and hoping that your readers can help. I am assembling a list of low water plants that are also edible - those that make fruits or nuts, have edible leaves, shoots, stems, flowers, or roots. Any way they can be edible is fine. I have the basics - fig, grape, pomegranate, olive, and many more but I am wondering what gems your readers might know about that I've overlooked. By the way, low water means that once they are established, watering can be cut back to a minimum in dry soils. Plants that require little irrigation if they grown in moist soils don't qualify for this list. It would be most helpful if suggestions are accompanied by a note about the plant's water needs. Please send suggestions directly to me, mailto:info@plantsoup.com Thanks! Nan Sterman mailto:info@PlantSoup.Com Encinitas, CA 92023 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Aravaipa avocado From: Doug Jones Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:36:39 -0700 Answer to the question about the 'Aravaipa' avocado... I discovered it on a camping trip to a friends ranch in the Aravaipa canyon near Mammoth AZ. The tree is probably a seedling planted about 1900 by the original workers building houses there. The tree is about 80-100 feet tall and 60-70 feet wide. It is on a flat about 100 feet from the stream so it gets constant water. It snows on it most every year and probably has seen temps in the low teens. The fruit was good-- not great, with very thin skin, about the size of 'Fuerte'. I grafted a few buds on to seedlings at my Mesa AZ home and it has hundreds of blossoms, but only sets a dozen or so fruit every year. It hope to get others blossoming to help pollination.We are looking to make a trip and get some new budwood this year. Doug Jones mailto:fruitguy@cox.net [Read about avocado pollen: "The story of pollination in avocado is a remarkable one, and it makes one appreciate how hard it is to get fruit to set. Avocados have flowers that open twice, on two successive days. The first day the pistil is receptive and protrudes from the flower; the second day the pistil is no longer receptive, and the stamens shed their pollen. Here is an example of protogyny, which means that the female is mature before the male ("early female"). The consequence of this is that a flower cannot self-pollinate, but requires transfer of pollen, typically by bees, from another flower, often another tree. Within avocado there happen to be cultivars that open with a receptive pistil in the morning of Day I and then reopen in the afternoon with stamens of Day 2 (A Group). Other avocados open with a receptive pistil in the afternoon of Day I and then reopen in the morning with stamens on Day 2 (B Group). Some growers take advantage of these differences and plant the two near each other, so that pollen from B (AM) can be transferred to Day 1 (AM) pistils, and Day 2 (PM) pollen can be transferred to Day 1 pistils (PM). Fortunately, flowers do not always behave so regularly, so some fruits may form on trees if some of its flowers are out of synchrony. An avocado tree typically produces a million flowers per year but only sets dozens or up to 400 fruits." from www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Persea/index.html ie., A different kind of avocado tree may be required to get more fruit? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: August 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:51:32 -0700 MEETINGS - Usually 4th Wednesday, 7:00pm Meeting Place: Rm. 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park Chair: José M. Gallego mailto:Chair@CRFGSanDiego.org Bats: There are over 1000 species of bats worldwide and they are the only flying mammal. There are 2 divisions of bats, little (micro) bats and big (mega) bats. The US has only small (micro) bats. All bats can swim and all bats can see. The megabats have better vision than we do in low night. In the US 75% of the bats are insectivores. The other 25% are nectar sippers which are the pollinators. We are very fortunate to have bats are all over San Diego, with over 23 species identified in the county. Bats are one of the cleanest animals; grooming almost 2 hours daily. They are not major carriers of rabies (unvaccinated dogs and cats, squirrels and cattle have more). If bats get rabies they go away and die. They don't foam at the mouth like dogs and they don't attack people. Bats echolocation, a clicking sound, is commonly called -bat radar-. Francie brought in a rescued bat for us to see and we could actually hear it click when we were close to it. Insectivore bats have sharper teeth, large ears and stubbier faces. The colorful orange, red and yellow bats live in trees. The Western yellow bats raise their young in palm trees. A better time to trim palms is the winter months from November through February. Bats biggest predator is humans followed by owls, night hawks and snakes. In Malaysia a bat carcass can be sold to a grocery store for $35 US. Figs are bats favorite fruit because of the calcium in the figs. We have no true fruit bats in North America. Bats are protected in several states and it is against the law to have a bat as a pet in California. There are only 3 small species of vampire bats in the world and they are found in Southern Mexico, Central and South America. Two of the species drink only the blood of birds. The tiny Desmondus rotundous drinks blood from animals and birds. Bats eat a lot of insects (including mosquitoes) and are beneficial to our environment. Bat guano is a well known natural fertilizer. In the next couple of weeks we have three major activities for our Chapter members, hope you all will be able to attend. South Bay Green Scene Event (August 30) Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit Festival and Field Day (Saturday September 13) There have been a couple of changes this year, the most important one is the admission price. In order to cover the expenses of the Festival and to bring some income to the research project of the pitahaya plantation at the Field Station (see the pitahaya Festival announcement in this issue) However, worth every cent! CRFG Festival of Fruit 2008 (September 19-20) This year marks the 40th Anniversary of our beloved California Rare Fruit Growers organization. To celebrate it, the Orange County Chapter has organized an incredible program (See the details in this issue). The San Diego Chapter is planning to rent a van to drive to the pitahaya Festival. $10 refundable holds your place, it is only refundable if you go, it is charged if you do not go. $15 non-refundable for non members (still a pretty good deal with the current prices of gas!). Seating will be limited, so please register at our general meeting this month. August Fruit Garden Calendar • Plant papayas and palms at this time • Pick and enjoy your berries during this month and when all your production is done; you can prune your bearing canes. Remember to leave about five canes for next year’s production. • Cut off any ‘water sprouts’ and ‘suckers’ from your trees. • Do not apply fertilizer to your deciduous fruiting trees this month. • Continue to remove weeds. Crab grass can become a problem at this time. • Verify that your irrigation system is properly working. • Verify that each tree is receiving the right amount of water. • You may need to start watering twice a week, check the moisture in your soil before irrigating. • Keep an eye on your fruit trees for draught stress. • Watch out for insects and snakes that may harm you when you are harvesting your fruits and berries. Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit Festival and Field Day Date: Saturday – September 13th, 2008 Registration 8am Program 9am – 3:30pm Location: UC South Coast Research and Extension Center, 7601 Irvine Boulevard, Irvine, CA 92618. From the 405 Freeway or the 5 Freeway exit at Sand Canyon Ave. Proceed east about 3 miles to Irvine Blvd. Make a right turn (south) and once you pass Lambert Rd. look for the sign on your left which will say South Coast Field Station and drive in. Registration Fee: $ 30.00 if postmarked or completed online by Friday – Sept. 5th or $40.00 at after that date. Lunch is not guaranteed for late registrations! The registration fee includes refreshments, a box lunch, three pitahaya cuttings, pitahaya fruit tasting and handout materials. You may register online at http://ucanr.org/pitahaya or by faxing your completed registration form to 760.752.4725. Payment for online or fax registrations will be collected at the door but same deadlines apply. For more information about the seminar or to request special accommodations, please contact Ramiro Lobo at 760.752.4716. For information about the pitahaya or dragon fruit tasting please contact Edgar Valdivia at 805.584.6244. Welcome, Introductions & Travel to Field Plots Ramiro Lobo and Edgar Valdivia Pitahaya Research Update & Tour of Pitahaya Research Field Plots (including grafting, pollen collection and pollination demonstration) Ramiro Lobo, UCCE Small Farms Advisor Pitahaya Producer Panel – A Moderated Discussion Speakers TBA (Invited: Edgar Valdivia, Gray Martin, Roger Washington, Arnoldo Rosales) Tour of UC Residential Demonstration Landscapes Markets and Marketing Outlook for Pitahayas Bill Gerlach, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Inc. Pitahaya Fruit Tasting & Brix Measurements ••Festival of Fruit 2008, Year of the Avocado Date: September 19th and 20th Location: Cal State Fullerton, Titan Student Union, 800 N State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831 (714) 278-2011 Cost: Early Registration $45 (postmarked before Sept. 1, 2008) $50 after. Student (valid Student ID required at entrance) $25 each Box Lunch (sandwich, pasta salad, chips, soft drink) $8.50 Dinner (Cucina Italian Buffet) $32.00 Program: For Friday afternoon, three speakers go in sequence for about an hour each. These will be: Greg Partida: *An overview of avocados* Roger Meyer: *Let's grow something different* Rick Yessayian: *Fruits from pole to pole* Saturday, two keynote addresses for the entire group: 9:00 Gary Bender, -The Future of Tree Crop Agriculture in Southern California- 1:45 (Presentation of CRFG Ryland scholarships to Mark Allen and Bridey Root) 1:55 John Kabashima *The right to grow fruit trees: threats, opportunities and the *Butterfly Effect** Four sessions in four different time slots: First time slot 10:15 -11:15: Julie Frink: Choosing the best avocado varieties for your home garden- Kevin Hauser: *Growing apples in a warm climate* Charles Portney: *Feed the soil, not the plant* Ramiro Lobo: *Pitahaya Production in California: A Research Update* Mark Allen: *Importance of honeybee pollination* Second time slot 11:30 -12:30: Greg Partida: *Avocado culture: treating the problems* Ben Poirier: *Fruits of the Myrtaceae family* Steven Markell: *Nutritional value of fruit* Tom Mortell: *Plant nutrients* Charles Portney: *Plant propagation* Third time slot 3:00 -4:00: Kern Hunewill: *Growing avocados in marginal areas* Pieter Severynen: *Perfect orchard, happy owner. Part I: Basic* Jim Bathgate: *Persimmons and other low chill fruit* Edgar Valdivia: *Semitropical fruits for California* Fourth time slot 4:15 -5:15: Mark Hoddle: *Potential New Avocado Pests for California from South of the Border* Pieter Severynen: *Perfect orchard, happy owner. Part II: Advanced* Tom Del Hotal: *Proactive strategies for pruning citrus* Jon Verdick: *From twigs to figs* Our final speaker will be Rick Yessayian at the Saturday evening dinner on Frozen Desserts. For further information, registration and directions visit the official Festival of Fruit web site: http://festivaloffruit.org/ <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200809A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - September 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200809B.txt ________________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Pitaya Festival At Irvine Yesterday - It's always great to see enthusiatic growers together, exchanging information, tasting pitayas, and getting new varieties to grow. The lecture room was too small for the large group who came. I'm finally down to about a dozen bloom buds of pitaya. They have done very well this year. Mango fruit is beginning to ripen, and there will be an over- abundance of that fruit as well. How has the year been for your fruit? Lots of questions among readers that I hope you'll help them with. Thanks to all of you for writing! <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> Re-Subscribe Sven Merten New Subscriber - Chino Hills, CA Ledgard Estrada New Subscriber - Thailand "Neal Holbrook" <><><> Readers Write <><><> Pawpaws In San Diego? Doug Young re: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? Vital Scherrer To: Nan Looking For Purple Mombin In California "Health Quest Resource Solutions" CRFG (North San Diego County} News Bulletin. secetary nickerson Leaf Miners On Citrus - What To Do? Sven Merten RE: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? Vital Scherrer Listen in - KPBS 10 am Monday's Garden Show N Sterman Miracle Berry: How Sweet Is It? - Dr. Weil Leo Manuel Rainwater Harvesting talk by Brad Lancaster Cielo & Kevin You can buy dragon fruit at 99 Ranch Market William Chow Canistel (aka Egg Fruit) I.D. Question Best and Most Beautiful Low-water Garden Plants N Sterman Looking For Pitaya Fruit In S. California Re: Looking For Pitaya Fruit In S. California. Seedling Mango Successfully Air layered (Again) Leo Manuel <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: Re-Subscribe From: Sven Merten Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 21:27:44 -0700 Hi Leo, How are things with you? I'd like to start getting your newsletter again if you don't mind. I've moved from North of you to South of you in Jamul. It's a nice place on 8.5 acres with some nice mature fruit trees, it even has a white sapote, the other mature ones are citrus (10 or so), avocado (2), macadamia (2), pecan (1), apricots (3), and pomegranates (4). This year I've put in 3 figs, 2 nectarines, 1 peach, 2 Asian pears, 2 regular pears, 3 apples and one almond (need a pollinator). I've finally started growing things again after my what 3 or 4 year vacation. My girlfriend and I also have a horse Ranch in Bonita which takes most of our time, but I am hoping to get back into growing fruit including bringing back my pitaya in Rainbow which have only been getting water this whole time. The property is at 3000 feet in Deerhorn Valley so may be too cold for some of the plants I want to grow but I have some cherimoya, guava, and rose apple I will try and I will bring more stuff down from Rainbow when I get a chance. Well, let me know how things are with you. Thanks. Best regards, Sven Merten 760-468-2296 mailto:junkscouts@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Chino Hills, CA From: Ledgard Estrada Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 21:42:19 -0700 Hello there, My name is Ledgard Estrada, I live in Chino Hills California. I was born in Nicaragua and since I can remember Pitahaya was one of my favorite fruits. My Grandmother had a large, by Nicaraguan standards, plantation of Pitahayas and other "exotic" and delicious fruits. To this day I remember picking cherimoyas, zapotes, mangos rosas and another personal favorite mamey in my grandmother's farm. My family and I left our country because of the war in 1982. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to enjoy all of the natural flavors of the fruits of my childhood. Fast forward to 2001, my grandmother passed away and I finally returned to Nicaragua. I was heartbroken to see the farm in such state of abandon. It used to be a garden of sorts and a source of fresh fruit for the local market. I was determined to get the farm in shape again. I even made some contacts here in the US to export the delicious fruits of my youth. I got the farm back in shape but the USDA did not allow the imports of fruits from Nicaragua. I was told that the Nicaraguan goverment had not complied with international protocols to guarantee the absence of fruit flies in the exports of fruits. So I came back to the US deflated but not defeated. Now after much research I came across your site and my dream is again alive. I am not really looking to grow these fruits comercially. But it is a goal of mine to grow Pitahaya in a self sustained farm. Is this possible in Southern California? I am not sure but I am willing to give it a shot. I do hope to hear from you. I am looking for cuttings and information from people who have had success in this endeavor. Best of luck to all, Sincerely, Ledgard Estrada mailto:lestrada2006@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Thailand From: "Neal Holbrook" Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 12:54:16 +0700 I am Neal Holbrook, in Thailand I am growing Rambutan (Ngok in Thai) and Twenty Other Varieties of Tropical Fruit Trees I just planted my trees about six months ago. Neal Holbrook mailto:nholbrook@usa.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Pawpaws In San Diego? From: Doug Young Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:20:10 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, Pawpaw seeds were passed out at the CRFG-San Diego meeting about 2 and a half years ago. The named variety seeds never sprouted, but one unnamed seed did sprout and I now have a 2-foot tall pawpaw in my backyard. I left the weeds around it to give it shade, as I understand young pawpaws like the undercover, but now it has emerged above the weeds and seems to be thriving. Whether it will fruit in San Diego or not is still unknown, but I'll keep you informed. Doug Young El Cajon mailto:douglasyo@sbcglobal.net [I have known of people who tried to grow them, but didn't hear how well they succeeded. Hopefully, someone will give us better information. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? From: Vital Scherrer Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 16:38:16 +0100 To: Nan Hi Nan, I would start to look for such information with the search engine at: www.pfaf.org/database/index.php Otherwise I think it also depends whether you have a good moisture retentive soil which is rich in organic matter and whether there's a thick mulch layer. If you have both of these then a lot more plants are likely to do well without regular water, including many more common food plants. By choosing the most drought tolerant rootstocks even more fruit and nut trees will be suitable for such locations, like e.g. the MM111 for apples, for pears and quinces the Pyrus betulifolia, and for apricots, plums, prunes and most almonds Marianna 26-24. A few more drought tolerant ones are (from www.raintreenursery.com/landscaping.cfm): Apricot; Almond; Black Locust; Cactus (Very); Chestnut; Eucalyptus/Fig; Grape; Jujube; Kinnickinick; Mulberry; Pea Shrub; Peach; Pomegranate; Rosa Rugosa; Sea Buckthorn; As well as many, if not most subtropical plants, as the subtropical climate zones are usually characterized by a pronounced dry season during the summer half-year. Hope this helps! Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Purple Mombin In California From: Henry Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 07:07:52 -0700 Hello Everyone, We are looking for Purple Mombin (Spondias Purpurea), can anyone help us with the information on where we can purchase here in California? Any information regarding this fruit tree will be highly appreciated. Best regards, Henry SD,CA mailto:healthquestrs@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG (North San Diego County} News Bulletin. From: secetary nickerson Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 08:46:35 -0700 (PDT) There will be no regular newsletter for September because due to the Festival of Fruit we will have no September meeting. There are however some news items whose timely dissemination is important . This news bulletin is only going to members via email. Quail Gardens Work Party- There will be a work party at Quail Gardens Saturday Sept. 6 from 9AM to 1 PM. June reports that Quail Gardens has hauled in and spread a lot of compost and the Fruit Garden is looking good thanks to efforts of our members. The banannas and figs are loaded with fruit. There will be a short orientation meetingg for new volunteers at 9:30 AM. This will allow new volunters to be part of the work party without requiring a separate trip for the orientation meeting. If you want to volunteer just show up. Please check in with June upon arrival. For more info call June at 760-729-3501. Home and Garden Show - The annual Home and Garden Show will be Sept. 12, 13, and 14th at the San Diego County Fair Grounds in Del Mar. The 2 San Diego Chapters jointly sponsor an exhibit there. We see a lot of traffic, this enables us to recruiut new members. June Andersen is our coordinator for this effort. She really needs volunteers to help man the booth. The chapter will pay for your parking. Booth duty is easy, intersting, and a good way to meet fellow gardeners and members of the San Diego Chapter. PLEASE call June at 760-729-3501 if you can volunteer. October meeting Plant Raffle- We will have our quarterly plant and gardening related item raffle at our Oct. 17th meeting. Now is a good time to pot that plant you are going to donate to the rafflr :-) gardening books, tools etc are also welcome. The nominal value of raffle items is in the $10. range. Harry Nickerson mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Leaf Miners On Citrus - What To Do? From: Sven Merten Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 22:24:25 -0700 Hi Leo, Have you had any problems or heard of anyone with problems with leaf miners on citrus? I've never seen them before but last year and even more this year I have had them do damage to some potted trees and now I've noticed them on a grapefruit in Jamul. Most of the info I found says to leave them alone and the natural predators will take care of them, but they seem to do a lot of damage. Regards, Sven mailto:junkscouts@hotmail.com [I believe that the topic came up here a while back, but I don't remember the conclusions. I did a Google search for "leaf miner citrus" and got several pages of hits. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? From: Vital Scherrer Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 18:07:22 +0100 I don't have much experience with such plants as my climate zone is not quite so dry. Here is another search engine which might be useful, especially if you know the annual rainfall of the climate zone you are interested in: http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/cropSearchForm As a few more 'Species for very dry sites' I found also: Carob; Burr oak; Holm oak; Valonia Oak (Q. ithaburensis macrolepis); Mesquites; New Zealand spinach; Prickly pear; Pistachio; Stone pine and other nut pines (Soledad- or torrey pine for southern California, also Pinus sabiniana, -quadrifolia for lower elevations); Honey locust; Quandong (Santalum acuminatum); Rosemary and many more aromatic herbs I'm not so sure though about the grapes, at least not the Vitis vinifera, if you're interested in good quality fruit. Good luck! Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Listen in - KPBS 10 am Monday's Garden Show From: N Sterman Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 21:56:59 -0700 Join us for an hour of garden talk as my pal Tom Piergrossi and I join Tom Fudge, host of These Days on San Diego Public Radio, 89.5 FM. This show, we'll be talking about what to do as fall approaches. And, we'll discuss one of my favorite topics: the amazing range of beautiful and low water Australian shrubs and trees that perform like stars in California gardens. Call in with your quesitons or submit them by email to thesedayskpbs.org. If you are outside KPBS' broadcast area, you can listen on line by logging on to http://www.kpbs.org/radio/listen. And, if you miss the show altogether, you can download a podcast by going to http://www.kpbs.org/radio/these_days and searching for my name or the date. For more information, visit http://www.kpbs.org/radio/these_days Watch A Growing Passion now on YouTube! Search for all five segments, starting at http://youtube.com/watch?v=4bpTdXY3cG8 Nan mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com Encinitas, CA 92023 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle Berry: How Sweet Is It? - Dr. Weil From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:44:29 -0700 http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400446/Miracle-Berry-How-Sweet-Is-It.html Q Miracle Berry: How Sweet Is It? What can you tell me about the "miracle fruit"? Does it help with weight loss or food cravings? A Answer (Published 9/8/2008) Miracle fruit is a longtime favorite of mine. It is a berry from a shrubby tree native to West Africa, now widely cultivated in Florida that has the effect of making sour foods taste sweet. It can make lemon juice and water taste like lemonade and is enjoying a burst of popularity as a novelty at parties in New York and San Francisco. The scientific name of miracle fruit is Synsepalum dulcificum, and its effect is due to a protein - miraculin - that binds with sweet receptors in taste buds to make them respond to sour acidic foods. You just have to suck on a single berry to get the effect, which can last up to an hour. But it can be a costly experience - one berry can cost $2.50, and according to the New York Times, 30 of them shipped overnight from Florida will run you $90. If you buy 30, you've got only a short time to invite all your friends to a tasting party, since the berries do not keep. They quickly turn brown and unappealing. The unique effects of miracle fruit have been known to westerners since the 18th century, when a French explorer came across them in Africa and saw natives eating berries before they dined on gruel and drank palm wine. I always thought it would be great to make a lozenge out of miracle fruit so you could cut down on sugar. Unfortunately, efforts in the United States to convert the fruit into a powder and a tablet ceased in the 1970s when the FDA decided that the product was a food additive that would need years of testing before it could be marketed. No such limitation applies to the fresh berries. In 2005 the Guardian, a British newspaper, reported on a caf√© in Tokyo that served bland dietetic foods plus miracle berries. Reportedly, the results were delicious, if pricey, low-cal treats. Andrew Weil, M.D. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rainwater Harvesting talk by Brad Lancaster From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 09:30:09 -0700 (PDT) We hope you will join us on Sunday, Sept. 21, International Day of Peace, for a talk on Rainwater Harvesting by author Brad Lancaster (see event announcement below). At this critical time for humanity and the planet, we welcome your presence and your actions to promote positive change. See you there! Marcia Boruta, Co-Chair San Diego Permaculture Center & SDECC (San Diego Economic Conversion Council) *** EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT*** "RAINWATER HARVESTING" TALK, SEPT. 21 Author Brad Lancaster will speak on his book "Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands" on Sunday, September 21, 3pm - 4:30pm, at the Peace Resource Center / Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Place, San Diego 92105 (City Heights). The event is free, donations are welcome. Info: San Diego Permaculture Center, 619-255-6111 or sdecc@igc.org Also, come early to participate in the Peace Resource Center's International Day of Peace Open House 12 pm - 3pm showcasing the soon-to-be completed Friends Center, an urban green building featuring strawbale construction, edible landscaping, and more! For information about the Friends Center, see www.sdfriendscenter.org . The San Diego presentation by author Brad Lancaster is part of a multi-city book tour organized by the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network. For other speaking locations, see www.sbpermaculture.org or www.harvestingrainwater.com/ *** MORE ABOUT THE BOOK AND THE AUTHOR *** Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands, Volume 2: Water-Harvesting Earthworks by Brad Lancaster Earthworks are one of the easiest, least expensive, and most effective ways of passively harvesting and conserving multiple sources of water in the soil. Associated vegetation then pumps the harvested water back out in the form of beauty, food, shelter, wildlife habitat, and passive heating and cooling strategies, while controlling erosion, increasing soil fertility, reducing downstream flooding, and improving water and air quality. Building on the information presented in Volume 1, this book shows you how to select, place, size, construct, and plant your chosen water-harvesting earthworks. It presents detailed how-to information and variations of a diverse array of earthworks, including chapters on mulch, vegetation, and greywater recycling so you can customize the techniques to the unique requirements of your site. Real life stories and examples permeate the book, includi ng: * How curb cuts redirect street runoff to passively irrigate flourishing shade trees planted along the street. * How check dams have helped create springs and perennial flows in once-dry creeks * How infiltration basins are creating thriving rain-fed gardens * How backyard greywater laundromats are turning ‚Äúwastewater‚Äù into a resource growing food, beauty, and shade that builds community, and more * How to create simple tools to read slope and water flow * More than 450 illustrations and photographs Brad Lancaster has been teaching the sustainable design system of permaculture and integrated rainwater harvesting systems, and running his own permaculture design, consultation, and education business since 1993. He has taught programs for the ECOSA Institute, Columbia University, University of Arizona, Prescott College, A udubon Expeditions, Berea College, Sonoran Permaculture Teaching Guild, Permaculture Drylands Institute, the Amphitheater School District, and others. He has designed water harvesting permaculture systems for Milagro Co-housing, Stone Curves Co-housing, Rio Development, Civano, and others. Brad and his brother have created, and live on, a thriving 1/8th of an acre urban permaculture site in downtown, Tucson Arizona. Within his neighborhood and beyond, Brad feeds his passion for community building and activism, resulting in the creation of the Dunbar/Spring Organic Community Garden, mini-nature park, BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Arts and Salvage), annual neighborhood native tree plantings, and the desert harvesters project ( www.DesertHarvesters.org) Cielo & Kevin mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: You can buy dragon fruit at 99 Ranch Market From: William Chow Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 12:54:36 -0700 Hi Leo, You can now buy dragon fruit at 99 Ranch Market. I visited the Vietnamese store in Linda Vista. They have both red and white flesh fruits. The red flesh is 2X more expensive. The Vietnamese in San Diego are getting rich on this fruit. I saw them move 50 boxes into a truck. As you know, some plants are very productive if the conditions are right. The epiphyllum fruit you gave me is a bit sour. It is marginally edible. The red fruit tastes great. All the other plants you gave me are doing good. The plant for Monarch Butterfly is now in the ground. I will keep the Yacon in 2 gallon pots until spring. William mailto:wchow@earthlite.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Canistel (aka Egg Fruit) I.D. Question From: Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:02:10 -0400 Hi Leo Are there 2 kinds of Canistel trees aka Egg Fruit ? I have one that is supposed to be a big one, tree is growing large but has no fruit & one that is smaller bears lots of smaller fruit . The leaves are the same the trunk on smaller one has multi-trunks. The bigger one is single. Is the name the same or different? Ed in Brandon FL mailto:eamusg@quixnet.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Best and Most Beautiful Low-water Garden Plants From: N Sterman Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:46:16 -0700 Please join me at 2 pm on September 28 at the new Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive in Encinitas for a talk entitled "30 (or more) of the Best and Most Beautiful Low-Water Garden Plants." In a world where water is fast becoming our most precious and limited resource, do you dream of a beautiful low-water garden but fear that "low-water" means "brown and dry?" Fear no more. There are thousands of gorgeous, low water plants to choose From: trees, shrubs, perennials, succulents, bulbs, and more! This talk will cover 30 (or more) of the most beautiful, unthirsty plants for our gardens. After the talk, I will be signing and selling copies of my new book, California Gardeners' Guide volume II I look forward to seeing you - bring your friends! Nan Sterman mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Pitaya Fruit In S. California From: Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:52:15 -0500 (CDT) Hello, My name is Mireya Gutierrez, I'm originally from Nicaragua where we have a few quite exotic fruits; one of them is pitahaya. I haven't been able to find these fruits where I live (Orange County). Does anyone know where I can find them? We make these fruits into ice cream and drinks. They're delicious, however, because I can't find them, we are not able to enjoy them as often as we would like. My mother loves them! Maybe someone will tell me where I can find some of these fruits. I'm sure my mother would love to plant them! Hope to hear from someone! Mireya mailto:nelsonsmustangs@verizon.net ------------------------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:13:21 -0500 (CDT) From: Subject: Re: Looking For Pitaya Fruit In S. California. Wow! I didn't expect a response so quick. I appreciate it...thank you! I will follow your suggestion and go to San Diego next week. Mireya >From: Leo Manuel >Date: 2008/09/13 Sat PM 09:00:53 PDT >To: nelsonsmustangs@verizon.net >Hi Mireya > >In San Diego the Asian markets sell the fruit in season. I saw >some at a Ranch 99 market on Claremont Mesa Blvd for about >$4.50 per pound. Some grocery stores also sell them sometimes. >You can buy plants several places. I have some at my home for >sale. > >I'll also put your letter in the newsletter to see if there >are other suggestions. > >Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Seedling Mango Successfully Air layered (Again) From: Leo Manuel Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:50:34 -0700 Year before last, I prepared for an air layer on a seedling mango that I grew from seed several years. It was in a poor location, and while grafting would have been faster and easier, I decided to try to try it this way. I had successfully propagated a mango seedling this way several years, and also have propagated cherimoya seedlings. It is much easier to get good results if you work with seedlings than with grafted material. It was more than a year after I placed it on that I cut it off. Roots are harder to see than for lychee and longan, because the roots are about the same color as the peat moss, rather than white. Air layering is the process of removing a large branch or section of the trunk of a tree to create another tree. Before the branch is removed it is girdled, protected with peat moss or other media and the girdled section is allowed to root. After rooting the branch is removed from the tree. On a less successful propagation note, I tried to propagate a nectarine by by grafting onto a peach rootstock, but none of several grafts took. I was successful with every nectarine graft onto St. Julian (A or X) root. Strange. Leo <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200809B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - October 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200810A.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Everyone likes to READ the RFNO when there are letters from the rest of you. This issue if pretty thin because there hasn't been much mail. Please take time occasionally to WRITE about whatever is of interest in your fruit garden, or new varieties you have questions about, or.... So many of you don't think anyone wants to know anything about what you could write about, but believe me, they do. And, I'm pretty sure that some of you'd feel a little sad if the newsletter stopped coming.... Please help. Effective Rodent Control - There are lots of kinds of rat and mouse bait, but the one that is most effective for rats seems to be "Real-Kill" Rat & Mouse Killer, All Weather Bars. Now some Home Depot stores sells a larger bag of 36 bars that is more economical than the smaller bag of 12. This seems to be more attractive to rats than other brands that are cheaper. It disappears while other kinds seem to not be touched. What has been your experience? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Wants Info On Curry Leaf Tree, And... Joyden Carr New Subscriber, South Oregon "Gary Pellett" New Subscriber - Lodi, California Brown, Mia S. <><><> Readers Write <><><> Avocado Difficulties "David Lappen" RE: Avocado Question Julie & Paul Frink Graft Pitayas To Reproduce Mutated Variety? Manuel Villarreal re: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? Permacltur@aol.com Re: paw paw papaya and asimina trilobata Leo Manuel To: Tony Asian Citrus Psyllid Meeting secetary nickerson CCQC Weekly Report and CRFG "Joe Sabol" paw paw papaya and asimina trilobata "paradisi" RE: [Fwd: Asian Citrus psyllid]] Sven Merten Dragon Fruit hydroponically? Mike <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Wants Info On Curry Leaf Tree, And... From: Joyden Carr Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:57:01 -0700 To: rarefruit@san.rr.com My name is Joyden Carr . I live in Yuma, Az. and I am interested in growing the curry leaf tree. East Indian cooking is delicious with the leaves of the curry leaf tree! The fruit in the garden, here, in Yuma grows citrus: Mexican limes, kinnow mandarines, ruby red grapefruit and a few tangelows . There are dwarf natal plums and 1 guava tree. The mango died with a cold spell we had; but we enjoyed 2 delicious mangos of it's 2nd year. Would love to know more about tropical fruit! Sincerely, Joyden Carr mailto:spottedzebra@roadrunner.com Google for Curry Leaf Tree yields: http://www.bhatia-nurseries.com/ Prices for Curry Leaf Tree Potted Plants Indian Name Botanical Name 2.5" Curry Leaves Regular Murraya Koenigii $7.00 Curry Leaves Dwarf $15.00 Curry Leaves Gamthi $15.00 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, South Oregon From: "Gary Pellett" Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:41:34 -0700 Dear Mr. Manuel, Could you please add our names to your list? We live in S. Oregon, and have 3 acres of older peach, nectarines, and apples in production for our roadside stand. Also, a few quince, plums, various pears, and Asian pear trees. Our principal business is involved with roses. We represent a breeder from Europe on patented varieties. Sincerely, Gary Pellett mailto:gpellett@newflora.com Kordes™ roses from Newflora™ LLC 972 Old Stage Rd. Central Point, Oregon USA 97502 web: http://www.Kordes-Roses.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Lodi, California Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:27:52 -0700 From: Brown, Mia S. Hello Mr. Manuel, I would like to subscribe to your rare fruit news letter. My name is Mia Brown, I live in Lodi, CA (about 45 mi. south of Sacramento), which is USDA zone 9b. Right now I have a tiny urban farm dedicated primarily to the cultivation of heirloom tomatoes (and pet chickens). I have the following not-so rare fruit trees: orange, fig, plum. I would like to put in some quince and pomegranate, as well as some Muscat-type grapes and muscadines or scuppernogs. Thank you, Mia S. Brown <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Avocado Difficulties From: "David Lappen" Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:44:05 -0700 Leo, I love getting your newsletter. I have been trying to grow 3 avocados with little luck. My location is Santa Monica, on 19th street, so about 2 miles from the ocean. My soil is clay. The first is a Reed, bought February 2006 from Brokaw Nursery, on Toro Canyon rootstock. I planted it in a raised bed, full sun. I added purchased garden soil and gypsum to try to improve drainage. I whitewashed the trunk for sun. The tree originally came with 3 avocados on it, we got to eat one of them. I fertilize with Citrus food monthly from May to September. Since planting, the tree has done very little. It has grown only about 1/2 foot and has sparse leaves. Here is a photo of it, still about 3 feet tall: I can see that the tops of the branches are getting sunburned (relatively new), so I think I need to paint again. Any suggestions as to why this tree isn't thriving? The other trees are more curiosity and may give some clue as to what is happening to the Reed. About 5 years ago, we were in Hawaii and ate some great avocados. I brought back two seeds (with the approval of the agricultural inspectors), and planted them in pots. They grew well, both being about the same. One year ago, I planted one of them in our yard, again with a raised bed, new soil, gypsum. The one in the ground gets more sun. After planting, it has deteriorated steadily, while the one in more shade and a small plastic pot is lush. Does this tell you something that I can use for saving the Reed or these trees? I feel that I need them in the ground to have room to grow, but they don't do well in the ground. I have also had trouble with kumquat trees that did well in the pots but fail to thrive in the ground. But loquat and sapote and figs seem to do well. I have had soil analysis that looked good (can provide if that would help). Photos of Hawaii avocados: - in pot: and in ground (next to white sapote and bananas): Any help would be greatly appreciated. David Lappen mailto:dlappen@digitalams.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Avocado Question From: Julie & Paul Frink Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:42:56 +0000 Leo, Thanks for sending the note on. I did not respond to him. You can send my letter on if you'd like. It makes me wonder if he has phytophthora or some kind of pathogen in the soil that avocados don't like. Amending clay soil, planting in a raised area and putting all kinds of leaf mulch on top helps a lot so he is doing that right. I hope he isn't fertilizing too much because that can be hard on the root system. Very dilute, very often is my mantra. Humic acid might help. Good drainage and lots of water is very important. Since his potted plants are doing well it can't be the type of water he is using. Planting up above the soil level is important. A hole in clay, amended or not, is death on an avocado because the water flows into the hole and stays there. Drainage, drainage, drainage!!!!! I wish he were coming to our Festival of Fruit. We have a chemist talking about plant nutrients and several good avocado experts. Dr. Partida, Dr. Bender and Dr. Kabishima among others. Loquats, sapotes and figs as well as macadamia and cherimoya seem to put up with soil that avocados are fussy about. Julie Frink mailto:jrfavodata@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Graft Pitayas To Reproduce Mutated Variety? From: Manny Villarreal Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:45:04 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo I am sorry I could not attend the Pitahaya seminar, I am employed full time and was unable to be there. I was interested in the new varieties and would like to find cuttings from them. I am also interested in the grafting techniques for pitahayas, since I did some and was somewhat successfully. I am excited because I think I have a couple of plants that appeared to have mutated from pink ( Paul Thomson #3s ) to an almost purple red. It is sweet with a tangyness to it. I am always looking forward to your newsletter. Sincerely yours Rev. Manny Villarreal mailto:revmannyv@sbcglobal.net [You don't need to graft pitaya aka pitahaya in order to reproduce one that is unique. Not only that, it is much better, in my opinion, to make cuttings and to root them. It is easier in warmer weather and when the days are longer, but with bottom heat and supplemental light, you can do it even in the winter. If you have questions, write or visit. Also, write to Edgar Valdivia mailto:edpitaya@gmail.com as he will be very interested in your unusual pitaya. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Low water consuming edibles - Ideas? From: Dan Hemenway Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:06:08 EDT I seem to have missed the original post. Not to belabor the obvious, but have folks mentioned the many edible plants in the Cactaceae and Agavaceae families. In these two families, you have fruits, starches and sugars (roots and sap), and vegetables. Add dryland annuals such as tepary bean and adapted varieties of common bean, mesquite and carob for protein and carbohydrates, and short lived perennials such as adapted species and varieties of peppers, and you have covered a pretty complete diet. Then there are desert varieties of figs and grapes, and of course dates, more carbs and minerals. In many cases, appropriate varieties and species of plants best tolerate dry conditions with wide spacing and small amounts of irrigation when they are getting started. Strategies for harvesting minimal rainwater can increase the variety and productivity of plants in dry conditions. Permaculture for Arid Lands, part of the Permaculture Design Course Pamphlet Series, is available for free download from our website, www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org The pamphlets are only available to be downloaded as a set, but the cost is right. Dan Hemenway mailto:Permacltur@aol.com A complete list of Yankee Permaculture publications by category may be downloaded From: http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Asian Citrus Psyllid Meeting From: secetary nickerson To: harnick@sbcglobal.net, anna@citrusresearch.org Date: September 12, 2008 California Citrus Research Board to Hold Sept. 25 Briefing Sessions on Scouting for the Disease-Carrying Asian Citrus Psyllid Over the Labor Day weekend, it was confirmed that the disease-carrying Asian citrus psyllid has invaded California. On Friday, August 29th, CDFA and USDA announced that a single Asian citrus psyllid had been found in a trap in a citrus tree in San Diego in the Sweetwater Reservoir area about 11 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The follow-up delimitation surveys have revealed multiple Asian citrus psyllids at multiple sites in the area. A tiny, aphid-sized insect, the Asian citrus psyllid is a threat to every citrus tree grown in California because it is an extremely efficient carrier of Huanglongbing, which is also known as HLB or citrus greening disease. HLB is literally a death sentence for citrus trees (see www.californiacitrusthreat.com on what to look for and what to do.) The situation is complicated by the fact that in addition to citrus, a number of closely related plants are also potential hosts for the psyllid, and the HLB bacteria can also infect some citrus relatives in addition to citrus. The citrus industry in California has been on high alert since the discovery of the psyllid in Tijuana, Mexico, in late June, and the Citrus Research Board is reaching out to other groups involved in horticulture that have a shared interest in being on the lookout for this insect. The Citrus Research Board is holding two informational meetings in Escondido on Sept. 25th specifically for members of various horticulture groups ‚Äì especially those with a particular interest in citrus trees and related plants ‚Äì to answer questions about the psyllid and about the devastating citrus plant disease that could be carried by this insect. The first briefing on Sept. 25 will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at the San Diego County Farm Bureau at 1670 East Valley Parkway, and the second will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, at 340 North Escondido Blvd. No reservations are needed. For more information, contact the Citrus Research Board at (559) 738-0246. Administering the Citrus Research Program Under authority of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, State of California ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: [Fwd: Asian Citrus psyllid]] From: Sven Merten Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:32:47 -0700 Hi Leo, Thanks for sending this to me. The Sweetwater reservoir is right across the street from our ranch, so I guess I won't be moving any citrus in and out of there any time soon. Not sure if I can make it up there for the meeting. Regards, Sven mailto:junkscouts@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CCQC Weekly Report and CRFG From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:56:18 -0700 From: Grafton-Cardwell, Beth [mailto:BETHGC@uckac.edu] Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 3:31 PM Subject: CCQC Weekly Report Jim Cranney is the new president of the California Citrus Quality Council. He is putting out a weekly newsletter of CCQC activities. I am forwarding you a copy of the most recent newsletter. If you are interested in being added to his mailing list, please contact him at the email address shown at the bottom of this message. Beth Grafton-Cardwell ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID: CCQC coordinated this week with DPR, CDFA and Bayer CropScience to expedite approval of two 24cs needed to prevent the establishment of Asian citrus psyllid in California. While Merit 2F®, a systemic drench, has already been approved for use DPR asked Bayer CropScience for additional residue information for its review of CoreTect™, a tablet formulation drench, and Tempo® a foliar pyrethroid. Bayer provided the CoreTect™ residue information to DPR on Friday and plans to submit Tempo® residue data on Monday. In conversations with CDFA Director of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services John Connell, CCQC learned that DPR will try to complete the CoreTect™ and Tempo® review’s within 30 days. DPR requested comments on its reviews on Friday and will accept public comments until Oct. 13. While DPR review’s the 24cs, CDFA plans to use Merit 2F and Pyganic® 5.0 2 EC when it makes applications in San Diego County sometime next week. Pyganic® 5.0 2 EC is an organic insecticide containing pyrethrum. Now that CDFA has established a quarantine in parts of San Diego County, plans are moving forward to respond to the threat. Pyrethrum is available to members of the public under the Nature’s Pest Fighter® label to kill Asian citrus psyllid. Alternatively, consumers can use carbaryl under the Sevin® label. CCQC contacted the California Citrus Nursery Society’s Tom Delfino for information about the need for nursery uses on the CoreTect™ and Tempo® 24cs after Bayer indicated it may not add the nursery uses. CCQC continues to work with Bayer in support of the nursery uses. JAPAN: CCQC joined Wally Ewart, and Sunkist’s Bob Elliott and Ken Yamamoto and a representative of USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to discuss the Japanese reviews of pyrimethanil and fludioxinil, retail posting of food additive chemicals and Japan’s classification of post harvest chemicals as food additives. FAS and a representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plan to raise these issues when they visit Japan next week. Cranney and Ewart along with other grower organizations participated in a conference call convened by FAS and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to discuss the possibility of filing a World Trade Organization complaint against Japan for its arbitrary MRL enforcement practices. CITRUS RESEARCH BOARD: CCQC attended CRB’s 2008-2009 research proposal meetings and its business meeting to provide a summary of CCQC’s annual work plan. The CRB discussed the public hearing scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Sept. 18 at the Tulare County Agricultural Building Auditorium. CRB president Ted Batkin commented that there would need to be significant grower participation at the hearing for the proposal to be put to a vote. James R. Cranney, Jr. California Citrus Quality Council 210 Magnolia Ave., Suite 3 Auburn, CA. 95603 Tel: (530) 885-1894 Cell: (530) 906-6546 mailto:jcranney@calcitrusquality.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Paw Paw Papaya And Asimina Trilobata From: Tony Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:33:07 -0700 Reading the latest newsletter and I came across a story about paw paw. Most of the English speaking world call Carica papaya - paw paw. Some Americans call Asimina trilobata paw paw. So is the writer in San Diego talking about the Carica or Asimina? Cheers Tony in Australia mailto:paradisi@aapt.net.au The universe is my eyes and ears, all else is hearsay. http://opinonated-bastard.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: paw paw papaya and asimina trilobata From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:00:27 -0700 To: Tony Hi Tony I should have caught that and am glad you wrote. The writer is talking about Asimina trilobata I am almost certain. All, or almost all US citizens say Papaya when then mean Carica papaya. Thanks for writing! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit hydroponically? From: Mike Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:56:54 -0000 Hi, I'm new to the forum, and to this conversation, but after receiving a few e-mails I thought I'd weigh in here. Some of you have seen my website http://www.artifex.ws/hydroponics.html where I mention growing Pitaya hydroponically. I currently have 2 specimens growing hydroponically and several others growing conventionally in pots. I am growing Hylocereus Guatamalensis and Selenicereus Megalanthus currently. They don't seem to be too finicky about moisture (unless it gets too wet for too long) but they do seem sensitive to light conditions. Too little (as in winter under HID bulbs indoors) and the growth is very long and spindly. In the summer here in Northwest Ohio, there is a tendency for them to get sun-burned in spring when my soil plants are first moved outdoors, but if I acclimatize them by moving them into the shade and slowly increasing their light exposure they do OK. My 2 largest plants I have had for approximately 2 years (they were already close to 18" tall and branching when I first received them) and the Selenicereus has 2 buds on it for the first time that I just noticed yesterday. As far as growing them hydroponically, it took some experience to get the right medium and moisture, as a medium that stays wet for too long caused rotting conditions. Poor lighting and cooler temperatures probably contributed to that. I have 2 cuttings that I have been growing for about a year and a half in pea-gravel with once-per-week waterings with a typical HP "growth phase" solution using General Hydroponics brand nutrients. I could probably increase the waterings and nutrients if I wanted because this is a fast draining, fast drying medium, but They are doing well and there is no sign of rot. I haven't had really any trouble with pests or disease, but I apply organic insecticidal soaps and neem oil to all of my plants occasionally, as some of them tend to get spider mite infections. I hope this information helps. If anyone else starts hydroculture dragon fruit, let me know, I'd love to hear about your setup, and results. ~Mike mailto:artifex@yahoo.com <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200810A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - October 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200810B.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> How To Control Ground Squirrels? John C. Carlson Feral Cats To Control Rodents? Doug Young Squirrel bait? mickey.white@gm.com California Ground Squirrel Management Guidelines Leo Manuel Re: Asimina trilobata as Paw Paw Doug Young Odd Fruit (In Pennsylvania) Doug Re: Odd Fruit (In Pennsylvania) Lon J. Rombough San Diego Solar Energy Week Oct. 13 - 18 Cielo & Kevin VIETNAM: Irradiation costly for dragon fruit exporters Peggy What's fruiting in our garden Cielo CRFG North County Oct. Newsletter secetary nickerson October 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter "Jose" <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: How To Control Ground Squirrels? From: "John C. Carlson" Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:33:03 -0700 Mr. Manuel, I am having trouble with ground squirrels that have established themselves in both my front and back yards. They helped themselves to much of my peach crop this year. Besides the usual bait obtainable in Home Depot, can you suggest any ways to send 'em packing. If I have to kill them, OK. Other cures will be considered. Thank you, John C. Carlson mailto:jcarlson@dslextreme.com Diamond Bar, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Feral Cats To Control Rodents? From: Doug Young Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 12:46:15 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, Does anyone have any info on feral cats to control rodents? Thanks, Doug Young El Cajon mailto:douglasyo@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Squirrel bait? From: mickey.white@gm.com Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 13:12:11 -0700 Hi Leo, what do you recommend for Squirrel bait? These are the brown ground squirrels, in the Arizona desert. Thank you Mickey mailto:mickey.white@gm.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: California Ground Squirrel Management Guidelines Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:41:57 -0700 From: Leo Manuel http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7438.html MANAGEMENT The selection of control procedures is heavily influenced by the unique life cycle and behavior of the ground squirrel. For example, baiting with treated grain is effective in summer and fall because squirrels primarily feed on seeds during this period. Fumigation is most effective in spring when soil is moist, which helps seal gasses in the burrow system. Fumigating at this time also is more effective because squirrels are removed before they can reproduce. The best time for baiting, trapping, and fumigation depends on the activity periods and food sources of the ground squirrel. Trapping Traps are practical for control when squirrel numbers are low to moderate. Live-catch traps are not recommended because they present the problem of how to dispose of the live animals. Because ground squirrels carry diseases and are agricultural pests, the California Fish and Game Code specifies that it is illegal to release them elsewhere without a written permit. There are several types of traps that kill ground squirrels, including box traps, Conibear traps, and tunnel traps. Box traps should be placed on the ground near squirrel burrows or runways. Bait these traps with walnuts, almonds, oats, barley, or melon rinds. Place the bait well behind the trigger or tied to it. Bait the traps but do not set them for several days so the squirrels become accustomed to them. After the squirrels are used to taking the bait, rebait and set the traps. To reduce hazards to children, pets, poultry, and nontarget wildlife, place box-type traps in a covered box with a 3-inch diameter entrance. Put the box near active burrows with signs of recent diggings. Inactive burrows will be filled with leaves, old straw, or have cobwebs across the entrance. The Conibear trap (No. 110) with a 4-1/2 by 4-1/2-inch jaw spread is also an effective kill trap. The wire trigger can be baited but is usually left unbaited. Place the trap directly in the burrow opening so the squirrel must pass through it, tripping the trigger. It may be necessary to partially fill in the burrow entrance around the outer edges of the trap with soil to prevent the squirrel from slipping around the outside of the trap. Closing all other burrows with soil may hasten success by directing the squirrel to the remaining open burrow with the trap. Attach the Conibear trap to a stake to prevent a scavenger from carrying off the trap and squirrel. With this type of trap, leaving the trap baited but unset has little effect on trapping success. Inspect traps at least once a day and remove dead squirrels. Do not handle the carcasses without protective gear. Use a plastic bag slipped over each hand and arm as a glove. Once the squirrel is removed from the trap, hold the animal with one hand and turn the bag inside out while slipping it off your arm and hand. If possible, keep small children and pets out of the area while traps are in use. In kit fox areas, spring all Conibear traps before nightfall and reset them the following morning. Fumigation Fumigation is a relatively safe method of control. As with any pesticide, read and follow label instructions with particular regard for nontarget species and safety factors. With some fumigants, flames may be produced, creating a fire danger. Do not use such fumigants where a significant fire hazard exists, such as near buildings, dry grass, or other flammable materials. To avoid the accumulation of fumes in enclosed areas, never fumigate beneath buildings or in burrows that may open under occupied buildings. Be aware of the signs of nontarget species inhabiting inactive ground squirrel burrows. Kit foxes will use an old burrow, enlarging the opening, often creating a keyhole-shaped entrance. Active pupping dens may be littered with prey remains, droppings, and matted vegetation, and show signs of fresh paw prints. The burrowing owl (Athenecunicularia) is another potential occupant of abandoned ground squirrel burrows. Only fumigate active ground squirrel burrows; county agricultural commissioners can provide additional information on how to recognize these. Do not treat a burrow if you suspect a nontarget animal is present. Many county agricultural commissioners' offices sell USDA gas cartridges, which are designed for fumigating burrowing rodents. Other types of fumigation cartridges are also available at retail outlets. Fumigation is most effective in spring or other times when soil moisture is high, which helps to contain the gas within the burrow system. Do not fumigate in summer or when the soil is dry because the gas more readily diffuses into small cracks present in dry soil. Do not fumigate during hibernation because the squirrel plugs its burrow with soil, preventing fumes from reaching the nest chamber. The plug cannot be seen by examining the burrow entrance. Treat all active burrow systems when fumigating. When using a USDA gas cartridge, puncture the end with a nail or screwdriver at the points marked and rotate the nail to loosen the material inside. Insert the fuse into the center hole. Place the cartridge in the burrow as far as possible and light the fuse. With a shovel handle or stick, push the lighted cartridge down the burrow and quickly seal the opening with soil, tamping it down. Fill in connected burrows if smoke is seen escaping. Larger burrow systems usually require two or more cartridges placed in the same or connecting burrow openings. After 24 hours, check for reopened burrows and re-treat as needed. Toxic Baits Anticoagulant baits, available at county agricultural commissioners' offices, are recommended for controlling ground squirrels. To be effective, anticoagulants must be consumed in several feedings over a period of 5 or more days. These features, as well as an antidote (vitamin K1), make anticoagulant baits relatively safe for humans and pets. Keep pets out of treated areas, check the areas daily, and remove and dispose of any carcasses. Dogs are more likely to consume the pelletized cereal-based baits than the loose grain baits. Pelletized baits are prohibited in kit fox areas. Anticoagulant baits can be used in bait boxes or by repeated spot baiting. Bait boxes are small structures that the squirrel must enter to eat the bait. Boxes contain sufficient bait for repeated feedings. They are the preferred baiting method around homes and other areas where children, pets, and poultry are present. Unless a bait label specifies otherwise, bait boxes can be constructed from any durable material and in a variety of designs. If you design a bait box, make the entrance hole(s) about 3 inches across to allow access to squirrels but not to larger animals. Construct a lip to prevent bait from spilling out of the box when squirrels exit. Provide a lock on the box or devise some other method that will make it difficult for children to open. Secure the bait box so it cannot be turned over or easily removed. A self-feeding arrangement insures that the pest gets a continuous supply of bait. Never fill a bait box with more than 5 pounds of bait. Place bait boxes near runways or burrows. If squirrels are present over a large area, space the boxes at 100- to 200-foot intervals. Initially, inspect bait stations daily and add bait as needed. Increase the amount of bait if all is eaten by the end of the day. Fresh bait is important; replace moldy or old bait. Do not use old, leftover bait. It may take a number of days before squirrels become accustomed to the bait box and enter it. Anticoagulant bait generally requires 2 to 4 weeks or more to be effective. Continue baiting until all feeding ceases and no squirrels are observed. While few ground squirrels will die aboveground, those that do should be picked up and disposed of as described in the section above on Trapping and in accordance with label directions. Also, pick up and dispose of unused bait (according to label instructions) upon completion of the control program. Habitat Modification Ground squirrels generally are found in open areas, although they sometimes use available cover. Remove brush piles and debris to make an area less desirable to ground squirrels. This also aids in detection of squirrels and their burrows, and improves access during control operations. Ground squirrels can reinvade a site by moving into vacant burrows. Destroy old burrows by deep ripping them to a depth of at least 20 inches, using a tractor and ripping bar(s). Simply filling in the burrows with soil does not prevent reinvasion as ground squirrels easily find and reopen old burrows. Other Control Techniques Shooting squirrels with a .22 rifle may provide some control but is very time-consuming. Shooting is recommended only when it can be safely done in rural locations where squirrel numbers are very low. There are no effective frightening devices or repellents that will cause ground squirrels to leave their burrows or avoid an area or crop. Natural Control Many predators, including hawks, eagles, rattlesnakes, and coyotes, eat ground squirrels. In most cases, predators are not able to keep ground squirrel populations below the level at which they become pests for the home gardener. Dogs may prevent squirrels from entering small areas, but they cannot control established squirrel populations. Follow-up For those who live next to wildlands or other areas where squirrels are common, an ongoing control program will be necessary. Squirrels will reinvade over time. Once ground squirrels have been controlled, periodically monitor the area for reinfestation. Check for new burrows. Start control actions as soon as new squirrels are noticed. It is easier and less expensive to control a small population. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Asimina trilobata as Paw Paw From: Doug Young Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 12:50:03 -0700 (PDT) Yes, Leo, you are correct. I was referring to the "Asimina trilobata" when I was talking of the Paw Paw. Doug Young El Cajon mailto:douglasyo@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Odd Fruit (In Pennsylvania) From: Doug Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:19:23 +0000 Leo & Betty I come on to a bush type plant that grows a fruit that is horny looking and has a orange fleshy fruit that has a very sweet taste but can't identify. It's on a stem like a cherry and turns from greenish yellow to red. The skin is kind of tough but breaks easy when squeezed. It has a pit about a 1/4" and a couple little seeds. The Bush is about 9' tall. I'll try to get you a picture of the fruit soon. Can you help? Thanks, Doug Turner Sr mailto:dugup377@comcast.net 377 E Main St. Mahaffey, PA 15757 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Odd Fruit (In Pennsylvania) From: "Lon J. Rombough" Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 08:42:56 -0700 Hi Leo: That's a species of Cornus (dogwood) almost certainly Cornus kousa. The leaves look a little deformed, but the fruit is unmistakable. -Lon Grapes, writing, consulting, my book, The Grape Grower, at http://www.bunchgrapes.com Winner of the Garden Writers Association "Best Talent in Writing" award for 2003. For all other things grape, http://www.vitisearch.com A video about The Grape Grower : http://cookingupastory.com/index.php/2008/04/18/the-grape-grower/ Oct 3, 2008, at 6:05 AM, Leo Manuel wrote: Lon, This fruit tree doesn't grow in Southern California, and I don't recognize the fruit, although I think I've seen the leaf type. Do you recognize it? Anyone you think might assist Doug? Thanks! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: San Diego Solar Energy Week Oct. 13 - 18 From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 20:30:58 -0700 (PDT) If you've ever thought about solar power for your home (or business), here's an opportunity to see actual homes using solar energy technologies. There are other solar events going on next week that you may find interesting. - Cielo 9th Annual San Diego Solar Homes Tour Saturday, October 18th The San Diego Solar Homes Tour is the longest running and most popular tour in California. More than 40 homes throughout San Diego County are opening their houses and roofs to the public. This self-guided tour offers real-life, working examples of three residential solar energy technologies: solar electric (photovoltaics), solar water heating and solar pool heating. Just pick the home sites you want to visit and show up anytime between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Look for the Solar Homes Tour lawn sign and you'll know you're in the right place! Both the homeowner and installer will be on hand to talk about their experience with solar. For a map and full list of homes, visit www.solarenergyweek.org. Other Solar Energy Week Events: Family Solar Day Sunday, October 12th There's something for everyone at CCSE's Family Solar Day! Solar Energy Week kicks off with this family fun event from 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. at Spanish Landing Park (West Basin at North Harbor Dr.) overlooking the beautiful San Diego Harbor. With music, solar cooking, mini solar car races and the latest in solar technology; this event is fun for the whole family! Attendees are encouraged to trade up to five incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) (offer limited to 5 bulbs per calendar year per residence). Please bring a valid California ID and/or your SDGE¬Æ bill. The CFL exchange is sponsored by The City of San Diego and SDGE¬Æ. For more information, visit www.solarenergyweek.org. Commercial Solar Tour Monday, October 13th & Friday, October 17th The Commercial Solar Tour 2008 is a guided bus tour of local commercial businesses showcasing various solar technologies and applications. Each tour site will have the business contact and the solar installer present to answer questions. Tickets for the tours are available through the Solar Power Conference & Expo website. California Day at Solar Power International 2008 Wednesday, October 15th For California business people, who are not registered for the five-day conference, but are interested in solar, Solar Power International 2008 is offering the ‚ÄòExpo Only' day, where passes are available for $100. Attendees can walk the show floor and speak with local solar sales representatives to learn about San Diego's solar opportunities. In addition, CEOs from SolarCity, Duke Energy, First Solar, Abengoa Solar, SCHOTT Solar, REC, Oerlikon and Q-Cells will discuss how to continue market development, while driving down costs, during two high profile CEO panels moderated by an editor from BusinessWeek. The expo hall with exhibitors displaying state-of-the-art solar technology is open to the public from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. free of charge. Also, don't miss the California Solar Initiative free public forum from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more details, visit www.solarpowerinternational.com. Cielo & Kevin mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: VIETNAM: Irradiation costly for dragon fruit exporters From: "Peggy" Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:13:24 -0700 13.oct.08 Thanh Nien Daily Que Ha http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=42810 Though Vietnam recently shipped its first supplies of dragon fruit to the US, local exporters say high irradiation costs may make it difficult for the fruit to gain a foothold in the market. The US gave four Vietnamese dragon fruit producers permission to enter its market last July based on several conditions, including requiring irradiation of the fruit to meet safety standards. All four producers are located in central Binh Thuan Province, which is Vietnam¬πs dragon fruit cultivation basket accounting for more than 70 percent of the country¬πs total supplies. Tran Ngoc Hiep, chairman of Binh Thuan Dragon Fruit Association, said radiating the fruit with X-rays was the chief financial concern for local exporters eyeing the US market. He said the irradiation service offered by HCMC-based Son Son Seafood Processing Company is too pricey at US$1 per kilogram. As Son Son Company is currently the only firm in Vietnam to provide such a service, local dragon fruit producers had no choice but accept this monopolistic pricing, the Saigon Economic Times quoted Nguyen Thuan, deputy chairman of the association, as saying. Thuan said the high irradiation cost presents a serious obstacle to multiplying exports to the US. To give a comparison, fruit irradiation costs only around 24 cents per kilogram in Thailand. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What's fruiting in our garden From: Cielo Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:11:03 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, I've been landscaping our hillside garden for the last four years. The bulk of the fruit trees have been planted just within the last two years so most fruit trees are fairly young. Otherwise, the older trees were planted just within the last 6 years. However, a lot of them are already fruiting. Here's what's fruiting in our garden. Guavas I have added a couple more tropical guavas: Ong and Philippine yellow. I bought a small Philippine white guava from Exotica in May, and since then it has grown almost a foot (if not more) and is fruiting already. I've harvested yellow lemon guavas, red strawberry guavas and pineapple guavas (Coolidge). There are still plenty of unripe fruits on the trees. This is the first time that I've actually tasted red strawberry guavas from our tree. Last year the birds didn't leave us any, and this year, they're all ours. Kevin likes it a little tart than too sweet, so he picks it when it's just red. I like it maroon red when it's really sweet. The red Malaysian guavas won't be ready until next spring/summer. This is the only guava tree that I have to be vigilant to remove brown scales, and hose down to remove mealy bugs & white flies The red Malaysian is my favorite guava in the garden so it's worth the work. I'm waiting for the following guavas to ripen on the tree in the next 2-3 months: Taiwan pear, Vietnamese white and pink tropical. Jujubes I've also harvested Li jujubes in the last 4 weeks. I've made a mistake of picking a couple and tasting them when they were still smaller and green -- in August. They tasted bland. Then I waited two months later, and the jujubes were a lot bigger - some the size of a small oblong plum and red blush on them. Tasted much better -- crispy and sweet. I also have a small Tsao jujube that usually produces a good amount; however, this year, the fruits were quite small and tarty. The Tsao has thorns so I had to be careful when I checked which branches the fruits were growing on. Discovered that the tarty jujube fruits were from suckers below the graft. I pruned the Tsao and removed all suckers below the graft. Pepino Dulce Melon This is the first year I've harvested these fruits. I bought a couple of 4" plants from the Orange County CRFG at Green Scene in Fullerton in April this year. They are two different varieties. The unripe fruit looks like a (big) green tomato, then as it ripens it develops a purple stripes around it. The more purple stripes the sweeter it gets. The flesh tastes like cantaloupe - honeydew sweet. It tastes really good. The plants are still flowering, and have a bunch of fruits that I'm waiting to ripen. The plant is evergreen, and the habit is similar to a tomato plant. I use a 12' wire fencing around it to keep it upright; otherwise, they're sprawling on the ground. I planted these two in my banana forest area -- where all my water hogs are planted. They get water runoffs when I water the bananas. Pear The 20th Century pear has decided to fruit this year. I've decided to put this tree on probation this year. It's in a prime location, and other fruit trees would give up a limb to be in that spot. Three fruits have already dropped, so there's only one fruit left on the tree. I hope that it gets big enough that I can taste it or it'll be sayonara. My 3-in-1 pear (Bartlett, Anjou and red Anjou) bore fruits this summer. I'm not crazy about pears, but these freshly picked pears were excellent tasting. Juicy, sweet, and crunchy. A keeper. Pomegranates My first year harvests are from Utah sweet and Wonderful. I've picked one that already cracked while still on the Utah sweet tree. The other 4 varieties flowered, set fruit, but the fruits dropped early. I'm waiting for them to go dormant so I can transplant them elsewhere in the garden. Figs The Flanders fig -- still a small tree at 4' tall does not disappoint at all. The interesting thing about this fig tree is that out of a few clusters of figs -- only one fruit ripens at a time -- days apart. I usually eat it fresh off the tree, then I save the next one to ripen for Kevin. Cherimoyas For the first time in 2-4 years, our cherimoyas are bearing fruits. Kevin hand pollinated the two larger trees in May or June, and it must have worked because there are several fruits large and small waiting to ripen. I have an atemoya planted nearby, and it, too, is fruiting. I think, it also helped to learn how to prune cherimoya trees. I learned this from Tom del Hotal when I took his 6-week pruning class offered in January to March at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. I used to keep my cherimoya trees upright; well, as soon as I got home from my pruning class, I took all the stakes off the cherimoya trees and just let them do their thing -- let their hair down. Ever since then, the trees have done better. Thanks, Tom! Spondias Dulcis (June Plum) There are several clusters of green fruits on the tree. I bought this tree as a second best thing to growing siniguelas (spondias purpurea). I haven't tasted it yet, but I'm anxiously waiting for my first bite. I'll let you know what it tastes like. Mangoes This year I've only let a couple of Bombay mangoes to mature on the tree. All others trees are too immature (small) to have fruits growing on them. I don't think the trunks can support the load, especially the Lancetilla. I look forward to next year's harvest. Persimmons This year, the Fuyu persimmon has 4 larger fruits on the tree. This is the 2nd year it is fruiting. Last year, it also had 4 fruits -- but quite smaller. Although the quantity is minimal, the quality is great! Maybe more next year. The Hachiya and Saijo didn't do much on their first year in the ground. I've also harvest about 40 pounds of honeydew melons this past summer. I planted them in and around the avocado trees. They were receiving the runoff water from the avocado trees. Now that their season is over, I use their old vines as mulch around the avocado trees. I've since replaced the honeydews with cantaloupe and watermelon plants. They're doing very well. I've already harvested 4 cantaloupes and waiting for the watermelon to get a bit bigger before I pick it. The cantalloupe innards (seeds and all) when squeezed and screened make a very delicious and refreshing juice. Just add chilled water and a little sugar. Ahhhhh good! Fruits always taste better freshly picked from our own garden. Happy Gardening! Cielo Coastal San Diego mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com P.S. I'll send a separate email on my Pitahaya fruit tasting. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG North County Oct. Newsletter Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 21:36:49 -0700 (PDT) From: secetary nickerson Bob Holzinger will address the San Diego Chapter on Passion Fruit. They meet Oct.22 at 7 PM in room 101 of Casa Del Prado in Balboa Park. Figs by Jon Verdick Jon's talk on figs covered: varieties, propagation, and caring for mature plants. He provided much useful info on the starting of new plants from cuttings, so we will start there. Collecting and Storing Cuttings -The best time to root cuttings is when they are dormant. For San Diego County that is approximately from Jan 1st to March 31st . When collecting cuttings try to have a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch. Cut them to length of 6 to 8 inches and have a couple of buds in the top 2 inches of the cutting. When it is time to start rooting your cuttings it is best to wrap your cuttings in a moist paper towel with the 2 inches of the root end of the cutting protruding from the bottom of the wrap. He does not recommend using rooting hormone, especially the powder. Place them in a sealed plastic bag (i. e. Ziploc) and put them in a warm place (70 to 80 Deg. F} to initiate root development. When they have started roots they can be transplanted to their root development cups. For rooting cups Jon recommends 26 oz. clear plastic cups. Clear is important to view root development. Good leaves on the cutting don't always mean good root development. During this stage it is important to control the temperature and humidity in the potting medium and in the atmosphere the where the leaves will develop. If it is to dry the small starter roots will dry up and if it is too wet they will rot. You can accelerate and improve the rooting process by elevating humidity to 60% and temperature to 70 Deg. An easy way to do this is by using an inexpensive plastic storage box with a hinged lid as a greenhouse. You can vary the amount of lid opening to control humidity. You can get large clear plastic cups from Smart and Final, of course you need drainage holes in the bottom, and you can stack and drill them or burn with hot metal tip. Cups should not sit in water that has drained to bottom of container. Jon avoids this by building a wooden frame using 2 by 2 lumber that fits in the bottom of the plastic greenhouse and nailing metal hardware cloth to one side of the frame for the cups to sit on. This keeps cups out of water but leaves some in the bottom of greenhouse to raise humidity by evaporating. For cup potting mix you can use pure perlite, which gives the roots air space. You can also add 10% to 40% vermiculite, depending on how often you water, to improve water retention. Garden potting mixes hold to much moisture. Rooted cuttings are ready to leave the cup when you have some leaves and a healthy root cluster. Transplanting Started Trees.-If you move to a regular 1 Gal nursery container he recommends a mix of 60% perlite and a good potting soil mix. When the plants outgrow a 5 gallon pot, they are ready for planting in-ground. If planting in a field with heavy clay soil, amend soil as necessary to provide good drainage. Jon did not specifically discuss this but if you anticipate gopher problems protection from gophers can be accomplished by lining the planting hole with a wire basket of chicken wire. 4. Caring for Mature Trees-It is essential to protect the fruit from birds. Bird netting is the best method. It is best to secure the bottom of the net as birds will learn they can enter through holes in the bottom. If you use mesh the net will also protect against the Green Fruit beetle. Your editor could only find it in 100 foot rolls for $146.0. So I settled for 5/8 mesh available in smaller much less expensive increments. There are several sites on the internet. Jon mentioned BirdsbeGone, I bought from Gardener's Supply. Pruning is done during the dormant season, about the end of January for San Diego County. You can prune heavily to control height and size. The main crop appears on this year's growth. A breba crop can occur on last year's growth but it yields less, and except for the mission variety is usually of inferior quality. Therefore, you can prune up to 80%_ 90% of last year's growth. Jon feeds his mature trees with Vigoro Citrus and Avocado plant food a 12-5-8 formula. Diseases and Insects-The Fig Mosaic Virus is a common disease; it causes leaf discoloration but does not seriously degrade the plant. There is no known cure. Insects are a problem, ants of course ubiquitous and love figs, particularly after any opening has occurred. The best remedy is Tanglefoot placed around all trunks between the ground and the fruit. Tanglefoot is a gummy substance that is placed over cloth or masking tape to entrap the ants. Your editor has found the corrugated paper nurseries sell to use does not hold up. Some figs may have several branches from the root I simplify the Tanglefoot application by judicious pruning. The Green Fruit Beetle can be brushed to the ground and stomped, but be quick they can move fast. Varieties-Jon gave a lot of information on varieties. He particularly likes the Celeste and the Conandria. He also mentioned the Pannache and Mission as suitable and nominated Fall Gold as the sweet fig. The emphasis of Jon's talk on varieties was there is wide variation in the taste and color in a single variety even from the same tree. Jon's Website-He has a fabulous website covering figs and bananas www.encantofarms.com . His presentation which I have only summarized is available there in its entirety with many more photos. On the left hand side of his home page you will find a ‚Äúfigs4fun link, not the forum the little one above it. It is a goldmine of information on figs. His presentation is on that link under Growing Tips. He provided the photos in this newsletter from that site. Acknowledgements-I need to acknowledge the contributions of Jon Harry Nickerson CRFG North San Diego County Chapter 1815 Yettford Rd. Vista CA 92083 2008 Calendar Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg.. Oct. 17tth 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Ron Hurov Nov. 21 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Yearly Business/Planning mtg. Officers and Contact information Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 ncsdcrfg@cox.net Harry Nickerson, Secretary 760-726-2083 harnick@sbcglobal.net NCSDC Chapter website nc.crfgsandiego.org Secetary Nickerson mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: October 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: "José M. Gallego" Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:35:08 -0700 CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS SAN DIEGO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER October 2008 NEXT MEETING is October 22 (4th Wednesday, 7:00pm) “Passifloras” Presented by Bob Holzinger Meeting Place: Rm. 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park Chair: José M. Gallego October 22nd Program “Passifloras” Presented by Bob Holzinger Bob Holzinger joined the San Diego Chapter of CRFG in 1985. The following year met Patrick Worley, one of the most knowledgeable passiflora growers/hybridizers in the US. Since Patrick was in San Diego County at that time, Bob spent a lot of time around him and his large collection of passifloras, learning all that he could. It was in the late 80’s that Patrick created the hybrids P. ‘Frederick’, P. ‘Purple Tiger’ and P. ‘Red Rover’, among others, and Bob was there to participate in their creation. In 1994 Bob moved to Ventura, California where he had more room to plant and propagate passifloras at a larger scale, flowering many species and hybrids. Lately he has been concentrating on growing Patrick’s fruiting hybrids and a few select species, such as P. vitafolia, P. manicata, and P. capsularis ‘Vanilla Crème’. Over the years while growing passifloras, Bob has also grown and fruited over 30 varieties of fruit, some rare and some not so rare. Ron Hurov (from SD CRFG) is speaking at the North County CRFG on Oct 17th. They meet at 7:00pm at Mira Cosa College room 7003 in Oceanside. Ron has an MA in Pomology. He was an agricultural officer in Borneo, then head of Libby's Pineapple research in Hawaii among other things. His topic "Wealth from Botanical Diversity: Gifts from the Rainforest". Congratulations: George and Irene Krepak celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September. How marvelous! Also Leo Manuel was given the Paul Thomson "Award of Excellence" at the Pitaya Festival on September 13th. Congratulations to all of you. October Fruit Garden Calendar: Here are some of the things that you may want to do this month: [] Continue to remove weeds. Crab grass can become a problem. [] Verify that your irrigation system is properly working. [] Verify that each tree is receiving the right amount of water especially your citrus, allowing them to go dry and then over watering them will cause the fruit to split. (Yes, your oranges will surely leave your garden and go someplace else if you don’t treat the right). [] Watch for brown rot on your citrus. [] You may need to start watering twice a week, check the moisture in your soil before irrigating. [] Keep an eye on your fruit trees for draught stress. [] Watch out for insects and snakes that may harm you when you are harvesting your fruits and berries. NEXT Meeting: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park WHEN: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 MEETING TOPIC: “Passifloras” Presented by Bob Holzinger <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200810B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - November 1, 2008 - AKA RFN200811A.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Like Pitaya Fruit? If you live in San Diego County, you may want to see if you can pick up some of the free fruit in San Marcos. Information in below. Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 2 I'm probably in a minority who would like for it to continue year around. Electric fruit dehydrator - We've used ours to preserve part of the bountiful mango and pitaya harvest this year. Drying pitaya concentrates the flavor and sugar, making it much sweeter than the fresh fruit. After drying, we seal in containers and then refrigerate or freeze, to preserve for longer. Some people have had success in using ovens turned to lowest temperatures, for drying the fruit. Our fruit - Mango will continue to come in for a few months, pitaya almost gone, persimmons have gone. Feel free to stop by for a visit, when in the vicinity, and after we find an acceptable time. Students at Mesa Verde Middle School, near San Diego, are interested in learning about soil chemistry, fertilization, and related topics, and have requested a chance for a field trip. If you have a suggestion, please write to Dr. ThuyDuong Truong mailto:drtruong@post.harvard.edu Thanks to those who took time to write. The newsletter is nothing without your letters.... <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> San Marcos Dragon Fruit Available Free (3-4 fruit limit) Leo Manuel Got pitaya (aka Dragon Fruit)! William Chow Students Want Field Trip To Learn Soil Chemistry.... Dr. ThuyDuong Truong Re: Students Want Field Trip To Learn Soil Chemistry.... Leo Manuel To: Dr. ThuyDuong Truong Exotic fruits information needed Charine Ground Squirrels Pest Control? Doug Jones White Sapote Orchard Tour (Fallbrook): 10 am Sat. 11/8 Cielo & Kevin Liquid baits control Argentine ants sustainably.... Leo Manuel Correct way of eating fruits Herminio Academia 2008 pitahaya festival tasting -- where are the results? Cielo & Kevin To: edpitaya@gmail.com Re: My Maha Chanok Mango Sainarong Siripen Rasananda FWD: Save this date-Lindcove's Annual Citrus Display Joe Sabol Humor - For all oldies who are still driving Sainarong Siripen Rasananda <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: San Marcos Dragon Fruit Available Free (3-4 fruit limit) From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:24:52 -0700 Ramiro Lobo called to say that the fields have produced LOTS of pitaya fruit which he is willing to give to people who will come to San Marcos to pick it up. For individuals, he suggested 3-4 fruit, but for food banks and food distribution places, he will deliver fruit to them in larger quantity. No fruit will be mailed. San Marcos is in San Diego County. Contact person: Barbara Henderson (760) 752-4724 334 Via Vera Cruz #152 Be sure to call to verify that fruit is still available. I believe more will be harvested soon, however. Some of the fruit varieties there: Physical Graffiti Haley's Comet Nicaraguan Red Delight (Paul Thomson's 3-S) Several H. undatus selections, About 70 of red-fleshed fruit were originally available, and over 100 white-fleshed undatus. All are excellent selections. We sampled many of them at the Pitaya Festival recently. Leo mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Got pitaya! Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:46:55 -0700 (PDT) From: William Chow Hi Leo, I was in Tucson this last weekend. I talked to some people who works at the Desert museum. They say the Monarch Butterfly lay eggs on Milkweed. The little caterpiller eats any kind of milkweed. The plant you gave me is one of the milkweeds. There are other milkweeds in Arizona. I went over to the FARM ADVISER office yesterday after work. They gave me 4 dragon fruits. It is really nice for them to give away the fruit. This will help people to know this fruit. I will probably go there and make a donation later this year. I made a new webpage with some advertisment for you and Paul Thomson. http://www.forestmulch.com/foto.htm Happy Halloween ! William mailto:williamwchow@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Students Want Field Trip To Learn Soil Chemistry.... Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:27:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Dr. ThuyDuong Truong Dear Mr. Manuel, I am Dr. ThuyDuong Truong. I am a volunteer coach for a group of students at Mesa Verde Middle School. The students are interested in soil chemistry (soil types, soil testing, fertilizer...) Do you have a dragon fruit farm in Rancho Penasquitos? We would like to go to your place for a field trip. If you have time, please contact me by email or phone. My cell number is 858-437- 2942. Thank you very much. Best regards, Dr. Truong ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Students Want Field Trip To Learn Soil Chemistry.... Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:53:58 -0700 From: Leo Manuel To: Dr. ThuyDuong Truong Dear Dr. Truong, I don't have anything that could be called a farm. In our usual urban lot where we live I have planted a few fruit trees and dragon fruit plants. There are dozens of other people doing the the same thing in San Diego and nearby communities in the county. I don't know much about soil chemistry, so students would not find much of interest here. However, if you or other interested adults want to visit, you would be welcome. I will put your letter in the newsletter, and possibly readers will have suggestions for places to visit and give students the opportunity of learn soil chemistry. Yours, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Exotic fruits information needed From: Charine Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:37:25 +0200 Good afternoon Leo I am writing an article for the South African agricultural magazine, Afgriland, wherein I identify some interesting exotic fruits that are not commonly known to South Africans. To make the article more relevant to our readers, I would like to include some relevant market information on the following fruits: - Dragon fruit / Pitahaya from the cactus: Hylocereus undatus - Monkey Orange, apparantly native to SA - Baobab's fruit, also originally from SA - African Cucumber, originally found in the Kalahari desert? I was wondering whether you have done any recent research regarding these fruits - I would especially like to know whether each of these plants can be cultivated in South Africa, and if so, in which regions? Any other relevant information such as cultivation requirements and export market would also be highly appreciated. Would you be able to help me with any of this information? Kind regards Charine Scholtz mailto:charine@bigdoor.co.za Afgriland 258 Brooks St. Brooklyn PO Box 2779 Brooklyn Square 0075 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Ground Squirrels From: Doug Jones Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:41:59 -0700 Regarding getting rid of ground squirrel pests..... I haven't tried it because I don't have the problem, but an old article in The Fruit Gardner magazine shows an invention called a Gopher Blaster that uses propane to blow them and their burrows away. Just Google it for an explanation. Should also work on ground squirrels? Doug Jones mailto:fruitguy@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: White Sapote Orchard Tour (Fallbrook): 10 am Sat. 11/8 From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:37:48 -0700 (PDT) Hello fellow fruit enthusiasts, Jim Neitzel has arranged for us a private tour of Robert (Bob) Chambers' white sapote orchard located in De luz area of Fallbrook. Jim has known Robert and his late wife Clytia for over 30 years, and had travelled on a group tour with them to South America, in search of rare tropical fruits. Clytia Chamber was the CRFG newsletter editor from the late 1980s to 1999, and had turned it into a bimonthly magazine, Fruit Gardener. Bob had reviewed books and contributed several articles for CRFG publications. Both were very active and major contributors in the growth of CRFG and the Fruit Gardener. We're thankful for this opportunity to Jim for arranging it, and to Bob for welcoming us to his orchard. What: White Sapote Orchard Tour (Bob Chambers) The several acre property has the largest selection -- more than 40 varieties of sapote (Casimiroa Edulis), a distant relative of the citrus family that originated in Mexico. Some are early - spring/summer and late varieties -- like Vernon, lemon gold, cuccio, and several others. We'll taste whatever varieties are in season during our tour. In addition to the sapote orchard, they are commercially growing wax flowers, silver dollar eucalyptus, etc. for the floral industry. When: Sat. Nov. 8th ---- 10 AM Where: ******Post Office parking lot ***************** > 747 S. Mission Rd., Fallbrook CA 92028 Google Maplink to Fallbrook post office: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=post+office+ fallbrook+calif&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=33.383508,-117.253904&spn=0. 033828,0.054932&z=14&iwloc=A&cbll=33.376105,-117.253614&panoid= fjOMRxjll_IfR6albsag5g *********Meet at the Fallbrook Post Office parking lot. From there we will carpool to the orchard to reduce vehicular traffic to the orchard. Robert will provide us a map & directions to the orchard. Wear appropriate shoes for walking. Optional Lunch: After the tour, those who want to join us for lunch are welcome. Jim will give us dirrection to a local Mexican restaurant that he, Leo Manuel, Dick & Alice Snow, (mostly old timers) used to frequent with Paul Thomson. Optional nursery hop: to Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery (www.exoticararefruit.com) 2508-B East Avenue, Vista CA 92084, 760/724-9093 Steve Spangler, owner, will meet us at the nursery, and we'll sample whatever fruits are in season in his nursery. Carpoolers: If you would like to be kind to the environment and you can take passenger(s) or would appreciate a ride, let me know what freeway & exit to which you're closer. I'll help to match drivers & riders together. Then you can decide among yourselves if you want to do the optional lunch and nursery hop. No RSVPs necessary, just meet us on Saturday the 8th at 10 am at the Post Office parking lot. We hope you can join us in this rare opportunity to tour Bob Chamber's private white sapote orchard. Fruitfully, Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com P.S. It would be inappropriate to take cuttings without permission from our host. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Liquid baits control Argentine ants sustainably.... From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:25:39 -0700 Go to California Ag site to download pdf with useful charts. -Leo http://repositories.cdlib.org/anrcs/californiaagriculture/v62/n4/p177/ ABSTRACT: Liquid ant baits are an alternative to broad-spectrum insecticide sprays conventionally used to control Argentine ants. We review the development of liquid ant baits, which capitalize on the ants’ sugar-feeding requirements and social structure to deliver small doses of toxicant throughout the colony. The ant bait program described here, developed for commercial vineyards, also has the potential to facilitate the use of biological controls for mealybug and scale pests. The implementation of an Argentine ant bait program will enable grape growers to target other pests more selectively with insecticides, further contributing to their sustainable viticulture practices. KEYWORDS: Argentine ants, liquid baits, sustainable management SUGGESTED CITATION: Monica L. Cooper, Kent M. Daane, Erik H. Nelson, Lucia G. Varela, Mark Battany, Neil D. Tsutsui, and M K. Rust (2008) "Liquid baits control Argentine ants sustainably in coastal vineyards", California Agriculture: Vol. 62: No. 4, Page 177. Liquid baits control Argentine ants sustainably in coastal vineyards by Monica L. Cooper, Kent M. Daane, Erik H. Nelson, Lucia G. Varela, Mark C. Battany, Neil D. Tsutsui and Michael K. Rust Liquid ant baits are an alternative to broad-spectrum insecticide sprays conventionally used to control Argentine ants. We review the development of liquid ant baits, which capitalize on the ants sugarfeeding requirements and social structure to deliver small doses of toxicant throughout the colony. The ant bait program described here, developed for commercial vineyards, also has the potential to facilitate the use of biological controls for mealybug and scale pests. The implementation of an Argentine ant bait program will enable grape growers to target other pests more selectively with insecticides, further contributing to their sustainable viticulture practices. REVIEW ARTICLE The Argentine ant is an invasive pest that has spread throughout California since it was first reported from Ontario, Calif., in 1905. Though popularly recognized as a household pest (Vega and Rust 2001), the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile [Mayr]) also causes severe problems in natural systems by displacing native ants and other insect species, and even some vertebrate and plant populations (Holway et al. 2002). In addition, in agricultural systems the Argentine ant is associated with outbreaks of phloem-feeding insects such as mealybugs, scale and aphids, which the ants protect from natural enemies; in exchange, the ants collect the sugarrich food source (honeydew) excreted by the phloem-feeders (Buckley and Gullan 1991). In California vineyards, the Argentine ant has been implicated in outbreaks of three mealybugs species: grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus [Ehrhorn]), obscure mealybug (P. viburni [Signoret]) (Daane et al. 2007; Phillips and Sherk 1991) and vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus [Signoret]), a particularly severe pest that recently invaded California (Daane, Bentley, et al. 2006). Mealybug feeding may partially defoliate vines, and crop damage results when mealybugs infest bunches and excrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty molds and bunch rots (Godfrey et al. 2002). Mealybugs also indirectly damage vines by vectoring leafroll viruses (Golino et al. 1999) (see page 156). To reduce vineyard damage from mealybugs and promote their biological control (see page 167), the Argentine ant must be suppressed. We review the development of liquid ant baits, which capitalize on the ants sugar-feeding requirements and social structure to deliver small doses of toxicant through out the colony. We also discuss future avenues of study to further control Argentine ant populations. Argentine ant biology In agricultural systems, Argentine ants are most commonly found in areas with disturbed habitats and some soil moisture. Their nests are composed of reproductive females (queens), sterile females (workers), winged reproductive males and immature ants (eggs, larvae and pupae). Outside the species native range, the social structure and biology of the Argentine ant have increased its pest status. In its introduced range, Argentine ant nests are unicolonial, forming massive supercolonies‚ characterized by the absence of aggression among workers across large geographic areas (Tsutsui et al. 2000). The main European supercolony has been reported to extend up to 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers), encompassing millions of nests and comprising billions of workers (Giraud et al. 2002). In the absence of aggression and territoriality, more resources can be directed to colony growth, the domination of food and nesting resources, and the displacement of native ants in direct, aggressive encounters (Holway et al. 1998). However, the ants biology can also be used against them. The Argentine ant diet is composed mainly of carbohydrates (sugars) in a liquid form, such as honeydew (Rust et al. 2000). Therefore, while granular protein baits are not heavily foraged by Argentine ant workers, sugar water laced with insecticide is an excellent method for delivering small butlethal amounts of toxicant to the colony (Silverman and Roulston 2001). Liquid baits exploit the social behavior of antsto distribute toxicant to colony members, including larvae and queens (Silverman and Roulston 2003). Argentine ants also use persistent trail pheromones to recruit colony members to food resources, resulting in fidelity to bait-station locations (Aron et al. 1989; Vega and Rust 2001). Because bait is exchanged among colony members via trophallaxis (i.e., ants feeding other ants), baits have the potentialto affect the nest population and provide season-long control (Forschler and Evans 1994; Klotz et al. 2006). Liquid baits reduce undesirable environmental impacts because they require a relatively small amount of insecticide, and the dispenser design can minimize insecticide delivery to nontarget insects including predators and pollinators (Taniguchi et al. 2005). In contrast, broad-spectrum insecticide sprays targeted at ants may disrupt integrated pest management (IPM) programs by suppressing populations of beneficial insects. While these sprays may also kill foraging ants, unlike baits they have little effect on ants in nests and so allow for an eventual resurgence of the population (Klotz et al. 2002; Rust et al. 1996). Developing liquid baits Ant control in vineyards has been investigated using granular protein baits for Formica species (Klotz et al. 2003; Tollerup et al. 2004) and liquid sugar baits for Argentine ants (Daane, Sime, et al. 2006; Daane et al. 2008; Nelson and Daane 2007). The liquid bait trials discussed here were conducted either in Central Coast vineyards (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Monterey counties) populated with obscure mealybug, or in North Coast vineyards (Napa and Sonoma counties) populated with grape mealybug. The initial liquid bait trials were conducted from 2000 to 2002, based on methodologies developed for urban systems by Klotz et al. (2002) and described in detail by Daane, Sime, et al. (2006). In brief, the liquid baits were composed of 25% sugar water laced with a small dose of one of four different toxicants, and were deployed in approximately 250-to 500-milliliter containers placed on the ground or attached to the vine trunk. Treatments were replicated four to six times in large experimental plots ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 acre (0.1 to 0.2 hectare) to account for the movement of Argentine ants, which forage up to 150 feet from their nests (Ripa et al. 1999). Ant feeding activity was used to quantify ant densities and was based on the amount of nontoxic sugar water ants removed from 50-milliliter plastic tubes (monitoring tubes). Sugar-water removal rates are related to ant density because each milliliter removed represents approximately 3,300 ant visits to the monitoring tube (Greenberg et al. 2006). Mealybug densities were assessed using 2.5-to-3-minute visual searches of randomly selected vines (timed counts), based on methodologies developed by Geiger and Daane (2001). Near harvest, crop damage was measured by rating fruit clusters on a scale from 0 to 3: represents no mealybugs; represents 1 to 10 mealybugs and/or honeydew; represents more than 10 mealybugs, sooty mold and/or honeydew; and represents heavily infested, unmarketable clusters. Because most insecticides are not highly soluble in water, one of the major challenges facing the study group was to find suitable toxicants that can be formulated into sugar water solutions. The first vineyard trials were in 2000 and 2001, and compared a no-bait control to four liquid bait treatments: boric acid (0.5%), imidacloprid (0.0001%), fipronil (0.0001%) and thiamethoxam (0.0001%). These initial trials showed little difference between the no-bait control and the liquid bait treatments. However, valuable lessons were learned and applied to subsequent trials, in which measurable differences were recorded among treatments (Daane, Sime, et al. 2006). First, bait stations left in the field for longer than 3 weeks, without the addition of preservative, fouled as the sugar fermented. Second, unlike the urban systems tested, the vineyards had incredibly large Argentine ant populations: up to 1.2 ounces (35 grams) of sugar water per day were removed from monitoring tubes, the equivalent of more than 100,000 ant visits! In a later trial in 2002, researchers refilled and cleaned the bait stations every 2 weeks to reduce bait fermentation, increased the distance between plots to keep the large ant population from spilling over between treatment plots, and increased the number of bait stations deployed from 35 per acre (85 per hectare) to 65 to 250 per acre (160 to 620 per hectare). The researchers also used only one bait formulation (0.0001% thiamethoxam) and deployed bait stations earlier in the season to take advantage of spring foraging activity. With these changes, researchers recorded significant differences in Argentine ant feeding activity and mealybug crop damage between thebait and no-bait treatments with the liquid bait treatment. Evaluating toxicants Results from the 2002 trial showed that liquid baits could, in principle, be used to lower Argentine ant densities (Daane, Sime, et al. 2006). However, in practice grower adoption would require answers to the following critical questions: What toxicant would be used, and would it be available as a commercial formulation? What bait station could be used? How many bait stations are needed per acre? At what time of year should baiting begin, and should bait be deployed continuously or seasonally? Using the improved bait-station deployment methods, researchers reevaluated different toxicants by testing the impact of liquid baits containing either boric acid (0.5%), imidacloprid (0.0001%) or thiamethoxam (0.0001%) against a no-bait control (Daane et al. 2008). As before, large plots were located in commercial vineyards, and liquid baits were delivered in plastic containers deployed at about 50 per acre (160 per hectare). Results showed that the thiamethoxam and boric acid treatments consistently and significantly reduced ant feeding activity measured by monitoring tubes, mealybug density measured by timed counts and fruit damage ratings (fig. 2). where complete statistical description is provided. The poor results with imidacloprid were attributed to rapid photodegradation of this toxicant and to the low concentration of active ingredient. Because the imidacloprid concentration in the bait (0.0001%) was below the reported, delayed toxicity range (0.00071% to 0.0092%) (Rust et al. 2004), it may have killed some foraging ants, but did not have the desired colonywide impact. The formulation of liquid baits can be tricky: the concentration of active ingredient must be great enough to cause ant mortality yet low enough to be slow-acting (killing ants in 1 to 4 days), allowing ample time for bait to spread throughout the colony and remain attractive to foraging ants (Rust et al. 2004). The range of suitable concentrations for a variety of toxicants has been delineated in laboratory trials, and baits with toxicant levels within these ranges are referred to as having delayed toxicity (Hooper-Bui and Rust 2000; Klotz et al. 2000; Rust et al. 2004). Commercial bait products The next phase of the bait program was to test commercially formulatedbait products, including a liquid bait containing imidacloprid (0.005%), a granular protein bait containing spinosad (0.015%) and a liquid baitcontaining spinosad (0.015%) (Daaneet al. 2008). Researchers used methodologies similar to those described previously, except that the bait stations were shielded from light withStyrofoam containers to protect against degradation of the toxicants. Results again demonstrated the suppressive impact that liquid baits have on Argentine ant and mealybug populations (fig. 3). Granular spinosad bait had no impact on ant populations, while both the spinosad and imidaclo prid liquid baits significantly lowered ant densities. This result reaffirmed the need for a liquid sugary bait to target the Argentine ant rather than a granular protein bait (Aron et al. 2001; Rust et al. 2000). As a result of this research, several liquid ant-bait products are now available for use in agricultural systems, and others may become available in the future. The registered products include Vitis (imidacloprid, Bayer CropScience), Gourmet Liquid AntBait (borate, Innovative Pest Control Products) and Tango (methoprene, Wellmark International). During the 2007 season growers began using these products in commercial vineyards and orchards in five California counties, independent of research activities. Ongoing efficacy trials will determine the long-term impacts of these baits on Argentine ant populations (Cooper and Daane, unpublished data). Bait-station design A commercially acceptable bait station for vineyards should protect the bait from degradation, be easily moved but sturdy, be relatively inexpensive or long-lasting, and hold enough bait so that it must be filled only once per season, provided the bait is formulated with preservative to prevent spoilage. The KM AntPro dispenser consists of a central reservoir that slowly releases bait in response to ant feeding. It has been used successfully in Argentine ant trials in citrus orchards (Greenberg et al. 2006). A bait station developed by UC researchers, which consists of an outer protective PVC housing and an inner disposable bait bottle, has been used in large-scale commercial vineyard trials since 2004. Both bait stations were approved in 2005 for use in vineyards and orchards by the ChemSAC arm of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Densities for effective control In urban systems, researchers were able to affect the relatively small Argentine ant populations by placing stations at very low densities (Klotz et al. 2006). In vineyards, however, bait stations were deployed at much higher densities to produce measurable effects on ant populations (Daane, Sime, et al. 2006). To determine how many bait stations are needed, Nelson and Daane (2007) compared a range of densities (0 to 91 per acre, or up to 225 per hectare) in commercial vineyards, and measured the impact on ant density and mealybug fruit-infestation levels. The results showed that incremental increases in bait-station density had an increasingly suppressive effecton both ant activity and mealybug abundance in fruit clusters. http://CaliforniaAgriculture.ucop.edu October/December 2008 183 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Correct way of eating fruits Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:56:24 -0700 From: Herminio Academia [Some people take the eating of fruit very seriously. -Leo] Correct way of eating fruits Eat Fresh Fruits We all think eating fruits means simply buying fruit, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. You will benefit much more if you know how and when to eat. ____________________ Correct Way of Eating Fruits Fruits should be taken in an empty stomach‚ not as dessert after the meal as is often done. If you eat fruit like that, it will also serve a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities. ____________________ Fruit is the Most Important Food Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. As fruit digests faster than bread, the slice of fruit digests quickly and is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but its passage is blocked by the bread which takes longer to digest ____________________ In the meantime the whole meal ferments and turns to acid. Consequently, when the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil. So it is better to eat your fruits in an empty stomach or before your meals ! ___________________ You have heard people complaining every time I eat water-melon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat banana I feel like running to the toilet etc actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit in an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat ! ____________________ Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, dark circles under the eyes all these will not happen if you take fruits in an empty stomach. It is incorrectly presumed that some fruits like orange and lemon are acidic and will enhance acidity in the stomach. Research however shows that all fruits become alkaline in our body. ____________________ When you need to drink fruit juice drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. So stop making 'durian porridge' if you want nutrients. Cooking fruit destroys all the vitamins. ____________________ Eating the pulp or whole fruit is far better than drinking the juice as the fibre is good for you. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. ____________________ A 3-day fruit fast is a very simple and effective way to cleanse and de-toxify your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look ! During the fruit fast you can eat different fruits at different times, although occasionally mixed fruit salad would also be permissible and more interesting. ____________________ If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight. So eat fresh fruits and always keep smiling. Wishing you a healthy life!!!!! [Herminio sent a PowerPoint presentation with beautiful fruit pictures and above text with the pictures. If you ask him, I'm sure he will send it to you mailto:dracademia@aol.com but you must have the Microsoft PowerPoint application to view it. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: 2008 pitahaya festival tasting -- where are the results? From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:07:28 -0700 (PDT) To: edpitaya@gmail.com Hi Ed, I'm looking for the results of the pitahaya tasting for both the (6) white and (6) red pitahayas. This was done before and after lunch. The tasting results you have listed in your website (www.edvaldivia.com) doesn't include the results of the 6 white and 6 red we tasted. It was a very fun festival, and I've learned a lot. I brought home quite a bit of cuttings and matching fruits. You guys were very generous! I'd recommend attending the festival to anyone. . Kudos to you and Ramiro for a festival well done! Thanks, Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com BTW, I've conducted my own pitahaya fruit tastings of the pitahaya fruits I brought home with CRFG friends, garden club friends, and friends/neighbors of the fruits I took home. Hailey's Comet (#15) came in #1 in 3 separate tastings. American Graffiti (#14), Delight (#12), and Bin Hoa (#10) took honors. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: My Maha Chanok From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:01:23 +0700 My one Maha Chanok tree is about eight years old or more. I sort of left it alone. It grew well and does not pose any problem. The canopy shape is a good one. It flowers well every year in all climate conditions. Pollination success is high without any aid. The number of fruits is just right. Fruit development is good. The only problem is that fungi seem to collect on the peel surface but then I did not take any preventive measures. All in all, it is pretty easy to manage. Two years ago I have planted about 200 Maha Chanok for commercial purpose. I grafted the scions on the root stocks. I expect saleable fruits in 2 years time. Maha Chanok can be exported frozen to Japan. The Japanese seem to like it. It can also be turned into delicious fruit juice. AS Thai people prefer Indochinese mangoes, I do not think that any Thais consider Maha Chanok to be their favorite because it is a cross between Indian and Indochinese mangoes. However, Maha Chanok is acceptable to many Thais. What is my favorite mango? It is hard to say. I like many varieties, such as Nam Doc Mai, Petch Baan Lard, Raad, Nung Klang Wan. I eat mangoes in many forms, including ripe, green and as mango salad. Enjoy Yourself! Sainarong mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th > From: Leo Manuel > To: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda > Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:20 AM > Subject: Re: My Maha Chanok > Beautiful! > Is it your favorite mango? If not, what is? > I've eaten a small one and the one I photographed and sent > blew off a few days ago, and is about ready to eat. > I liked the small one very much, and expect that the larger > one will be even better. > Is it polyembryonic? > Thanks so much for sending the picture! And, it's good to > hear from you again. > Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Save this date-Lindcove's Annual Citrus Display From: Joe Sabol Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:02:03 -0700 --- Subject: Save this date-Lindcove's Annual Citrus Display From: Anita M. Hunt [mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu] Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:18 PM Commercial Citrus growers are invited to attend the Citrus Fruit Display and Tasting on Friday December 12th 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Conference Center. Researchers and extension personnel will be present to answer your questions. This is an excellent opportunity to taste and evaluate citrus selections. On Saturday, December 13th, we welcome the Public to our Citrus Fruit Display and Tasting from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. The University of Lindcove Research and Extension Center is located at 22963 Carson Avenue (Corner of Road 228 and Avenue 315 North of Exeter) Exeter, CA. Please contact me in you need more information. I will be sending out a formal flyer in November. Anita Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu University of California Lindcove Research & Extension Center 559-592-2408 Ext. 151 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Humor - For all OPPIES who are still driving From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:00:26 +0700 As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful!" "Hell," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!" ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Save this date-Lindcove's Annual Citrus Display From: Joe Sabol Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:02:03 -0700 --- Save this date-Lindcove's Annual Citrus Display Anita M. Hunt [mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu] Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:18 PM Commercial Citrus growers are invited to attend the Citrus Fruit Display and Tasting on Friday December 12th 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Conference Center. Researchers and extension personnel will be present to answer your questions. This is an excellent opportunity to taste and evaluate citrus selections. On Saturday, December 13th, we welcome the Public to our Citrus Fruit Display and Tasting from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. The University of Lindcove Research and Extension Center is located at 22963 Carson Avenue (Corner of Road 228 and Avenue 315 North of Exeter) Exeter, CA. Please contact me in you need more information. I will be sending out a formal flyer in November. Anita Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu University of California Lindcove Research & Extension Center 559-592-2408 Ext. 151 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Humor - For all oldies who are still driving From: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:00:26 +0700 As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful!" "Hell," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!" <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200811A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - November 15, 2008 - AKA RFN200811B.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> Subscribe to news letter Christian New Subscriber - Melbourne Beach, Florida Kathy Joseph <><><> Readers Write <><><> Mystery fruit Coleman, Adam L. Re: Mystery fruit Lon J. Rombough To: Adam.Coleman@tateandlyle.com New Subscriber - Aitutaki - COOK ISLANDS Bill Tschan November 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter New DVD on Grape Pruning Lon Rombough Botanical Ark-Where the Wild Things Are Noel.Ramos@ZLBPLASMA.COM Backyard Growers Program (City Heights Farmers' Market) Cielo & Kevin <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: Subscribe to news letter From: Christian Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:12:37 -1000 Aloha Leo My Name is Chris Berg and I live in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. I have lived here for 37 years and love it. I am retired and am spending more time on my property. I have 3 acres with many fruit trees that I have planted myself. I am growing White Pineapple, Avocado, many types of Banana, Star Fruit, Guava, Papaya, Rollinia Delisiosa, and Pomagranite. I have taken an interest in Pitaya and want to learn as much as I can about growing it and I think your news letter will be very helpful to me. I hope to hear from you and would appreciate any advice you would be willing to share. thanks Chris Berg mailto:konaboy@hawaii.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Melbourne Beach, Florida From: "Kathy Joseph" Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:19:09 -0500 We are Kathy and George Joseph Melbourne Beach, Florida and we grow mangos, avocados, sapotes, sapodillas, bananas, jujube, dwarf amberella, citrus, some tropical cherries, dragon fruit. we have around 80 trees and plants. Kathy Joseph mailto:klj@cfl.rr.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Mystery fruit From: "Coleman, Adam L." Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 21:58:00 -0600 My family owns a farm in southern Illinois on the land there used to be a school house that has since been torn down but it had been there a little over a hundred years. The story my father was told by his father my grandfather that a teacher there had a science experiment with her students when the school first opened that involved graphing a pear tree and an apple tree together. Although I am not an expert by any means about fruit or anything of that nature I am not 100% sure what kind of fruit this tree now produces a fruit with pear like skin that is rough in the shape of a minature apple the fruit is very sour and draws all the moisture out of your mouth but it is still somewhat enjoyable to me and my family because I have never seen or heard of them anywhere else I have asked numerous college professors of biology and none of them seem to know what it is either. The tree itself is however done fruiting this year and I really have no specimen to send to figure out what it is. Any ideas? Thank you for your time Adam mailto:Adam.Coleman@tateandlyle.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mystery fruit From: "Lon J. Rombough" Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 14:11:27 -0800 To: Adam.Coleman@tateandlyle.com This sounds a lot like Sorbus domestica. I have some. It has a distinct compound leaf somewhat like the Mountain Ash that is planted as a street tree, but the fruit is more like what this fellow describes. If you let the fruit turn soft and brown, rather like a medlar, it becomes edible and has a rum-like flavor. I have corresponded with a man in Germany who says the fresh fruit is used for juice there. I should add that there are apples that were selected for use in cider (hard cider) that have high amounts of tannin and acid, which would give an apple such as Mr. Coleman described. We don't see them in stores any more, but apples with russet skin used to be common, and an astringent, acid crab would not have been that rare in the 1800's. And while "graft hybrids" are recorded as having happened, where the tissues of the two trees mingle to form a single "combination" fruit, they are pretty rare. -Lon Rombough mailto:lonrom@hevanet.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber-COOK ISLANDS–Wants Pulasan Seeds From: "Bill Tschan" Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 20:34:44 -0800 I am Bill Tschan in Aitutaki COOK ISLANDS, and am growing citrus, mango, and many more (over 100 varieties), and Pulasan Question: could anybody supply me with Pulasan seeds? Thank you for adding my name to your mailing list. Bill mailto:tarai@aitutaki.net.ck ------------------------------------------------ Subject: November 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:57:55 -0800 NEXT MEETING is Tuesday November 18th 'Growing Something Different' Presented by Roger Meyer Meeting Place: Rm. 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park (7:00pm) PLEASE NOTE: Our November Meeting is TUESDAY the 18th December Meeting is FRIDAY 19th; November 18th Program-Tuesday 'Growing Something Different' Presented by Roger Meyer Roger Meyer, with over 30 years of rare fruit growing experience, will give a presentation on what rare fruit trees will grow in this area, including kiwi, guava, jujube, mango, lychee, and longan. Roger will be also be talking about unusual plants he is experimenting with to see how they grow in southern California. He will bring potted examples of these plants and discuss their progress. October 22, 2008 Program "Passiflora" presented by Bob Holzinger with about 55 people in attendance. Bob sought out an expert on passiflora who was Patrick Worley, to learn all he could. Passiflora are mainly from the Americas. There are over 500 species with about 120 different types including native US passiflora. 'Purple Tiger' is very large and Bob's favorite fruit. Heat waves can kill passiflora. They are heavy feeders and need a lot of water. Most importantly they need a strong support system. Vines flower on new growth. Flowers usually last one day. Most species are not self-fruitful. The best thing is to use another clone of the same species. Cuttings are the best way to propagate. Specie's seeds grow true. The best time to propagate is June and July. They need warmth, humidity and long daylight hours. It takes about 2-3 months to root. Bob's rooting mix: 2 parts perlite, 3 parts vermiculite. Bob's planting mix: 4 parts peat, 2 parts perlite, 1 part vermiculite. Thank you Bob for sharing your passion for Passiflora. This was a great talk. And welcome back! Here are some of the things that you may want to do this month: [] Prune cane berries. [] Don't allow any of your citrus to go dry as the weather get cold [] Keep an eye on your peaches and nectarines, as soon as the leaves fall, you can start spraying them to prevent peach leaf curl. [] If you leave in an area where there is possibility of frost (such as Alpine) protect the trunk of your avocado or citrus trees. [] Start mulching all your trees, they will demonstrate their appreciation in springtime. [] Light pruning can be done before they go dormant. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New DVD on Grape Pruning From: Lon Rombough Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:58:44 -0800 Announcing A New Video: Proper Methods For Pruning Grapevines. By Lon J. Rombough An adjunct to the award winning book, THE GRAPE GROWER, this two video set takes you step-by-step to teach you how to prune dormant grape vines in any situation. The first video teaches the basic methods, tells which works best for your grapes, AND gives the principles behind the methods. Presented in "hands-on" style by Lon Rombough, author of The Grape Grower, you'll see how new and old vines are handled during pruning, and you'll learn tricks and tips to insure regular crops of the best quality fruit the vine is able to produce. The second DVD includes material on how to use "two step" pruning to give you additional frost protection, how to use layering to get new vines into production in the shortest time possible, and beautiful samples of what YOUR grapes can look like when they are properly pruned. 2 Dvd set, $28.50, postage paid within the U.S., $33.00 outside the U.S. Go to http://www.bunchgrapes.com/dvd.html or write to Lon J. Rombough, P.O. Box 365, Aurora, OR 97002 mailto:lonrom@bunchgrapes.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Botanical Ark-Where the Wild Things Are From: Noel.Ramos@ZLBPLASMA.COM Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:05 pm http://www.botanicalark.com/pages/tourism.html http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/06/24/4830_lifestyle.html A range of exotic fruit is grown at the beautiful Botanical Ark garden, north of Cairns. Originally Published July 2001 Deep in the heart of northeastern Australia, an American couple is building a rain forest for the future. Now we're coming into South America,' Alan Carle tells a visitor as he and his wife, Susan, lead the way through the 30-acre botanical garden they've created on the northeastern coast of Australia. Aside from a path of stubbly grass, the place looks more like a jungle than a garden. Tangled vines wrap around palm trees whose high canopy filters the tropic sun. Strange tree barks warn you to keep your distance: Some are covered with sharp-pointed pyramids, others radiate three-inch-long black needles. The leaves are even stranger: jagged philodendron so huge they seem hallucinogenic; fat, heart-shaped leaves in deep green marching up a tree trunk as if they had been tacked on one by one. Acanthus-shaped leaves slowly fan the humid air. A fast-flowing stream whooshes somewhere beyond. The Carles stop at what looks like a procession of red-and-pink torches. The 'flames' are actually pineapple-shaped blooms on green-and-purple stalks. 'Here, try a costus flower,' says Alan, plucking a blossom from its pinecone-like sleeve. 'They're very refreshing. No one knew they were edible before I tried them.' Susan smiles and says, 'Alan will eat anything. I've seen him turn red, swell up, and land in the emergency room.' This is hardly a reassuring invitation, but the flowers are watery and very lightly sweet-a cool sip on a hot, damp day. They are just one of the hundreds of edible revelations at the Carles' Botanical Ark, a kind of magic garden tucked into the rain forest of Queensland, a few miles from the Great Barrier Reef. The couple, both American expatriates, have spent the past 20 years gathering more than 3,000 species of plants from far-flung tropical regions in the course of an impassioned and admittedly eccentric quest to save the flora of the world's rain forests from the ravages of political turmoil and industrial pollution. What was once weedy wasteland riven by the streams and creeks that crisscross this low-lying, wet territory is now so dense with foliage that the only way to traverse it is to walk along the narrow paths. Statistics about the disappearance of the world's rain forests and the accompanying loss of plant and animal species are familiar: An area the size of a football field is slashed and burned every seven seconds by rapacious loggers, miners, oilmen, and developers. In Australia alone, says Alan, dozens of varieties of fruit that were in commercial production just a few decades ago are no longer available. Secondary species have dropped out of cultivation-and even out of consciousness-and the forests themselves are vanishing even faster. 'The burning of rain forests is like the burning of libraries,' he says. 'What if we lose something that might someday be important for disease resistance? What if a volcano in Hawaii comes along and destroys the last example of a certain species of tree?' It was questions like these that set the Carles on their headstrong path. Knowing that everything comes down to commercial utility, they made the decision to target secondary species-close relatives of plants known to be valuable for food, medicine, textiles, and construction-and use them to re-create the world's principal tropical zones in miniature so as to demonstrate the amazing range of tangible benefits a rain forest can provide if it's simply left alone to grow. In South America, for example, Alan explains as he nonchalantly chews a flower, the costus plant is valued for more than just its beauty (though the market for cut flowers accounts for its worldwide planting). The stems can be woven into mats, and juice from the stalks provides a drink that some Indian peoples use to cure earache. And, as Alan has discovered without any emergency-room detours, the flowers taste surprisingly good strewn over a salad. Stopping beside another tree, he reaches up into its long, shiny leaves and removes what looks like an oversize, thin-skinned lemon. Taking a penknife from his back pocket, he cuts the fruit open to reveal translucent white flesh and a big hollow seed like a giant lychee. 'Watch out, it's sticky,' he says, offering a half. He means the skin, which exudes a gummy secretion that sticks to the hand and lips. The flesh comes out in big, jellylike sections that taste of caramel. This is another multipurpose plant: The leaves of the abiu can be made into an antiseptic paste, but the tree is prized for its fruit, and that's why Carle wanted to plant it. 'These are delicious,' he says, sucking on the other half. 'Suzi makes them into ice cream. But there's only so many you can eat, and twenty years ago I needed enough seeds so that I could grow abiu in the garden. I went to the market in Iquitos, Peru, where the fruit is produced and sold. The market's just up the banks from the river, and sometimes you had to wade through floodwater to get from one part to the other. It was a wild place then, with pigs running around and vultures circling. I was with a collecting friend, and we decided to buy a ¬≠hundred-kilo bag and cut up the fruit and give it away. We told people they could eat as much as they wanted as long as they gave us the seeds. Two lines appeared out of nowhere, and two turned into twenty. The mob was pushing against us so hard we were frightened we'd hurt someone. Somebody offered us his hut, so we could pass the pieces through a window. That worked, even though people started throwing the skins back at us as a joke. We wound up with sticky hair from the latex, but we left with a hundred and fifty seeds.' ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Backyard Growers Program (City Heights Farmers' Market) From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:43:35 -0800 (PST) Hello fellow fruit enthusiasts, If you're interested in selling your extra harvest from your garden, here's a Backyard Growers Program by City Heights Farmers Market (Wightman St. & Fairmont Ave., San Diego) you might find interesting. The fruits and/or veges of your labor may earn you (extra) money, and you'll get to meet other farmers in the neighborhood. Fruitfully, Cielo P.S. For more information about this program, email Trillia mailto:cityheightsfarmersmarket@gmail.com --------------------------------------- City Heights Farmers Market is opening a new booth at the market where gardeners can sell produce from their garden to the public. The market is every Saturday from 9am to 1pm and our first day to be permitted to sell produce is Saturday November 15th! So we are hoping to find a few gardeners who have extra produce they are interested in selling! Below is the promotional poster and information/application flier, please pass the information on to gardeners you know. This poster/flier is also available at http://www.sdfoodnotlawns.com/ CITY HEIGHTS FARMERS' MARKET Backyard Growers Program Thank you for your interest in participating in the City Heights Farmers' Market as a backyard grower! We're excited to offer you the opportunity to sell your fresh produce to the neighborhood. The Backyard Growers Program was created so that small-scale, irregular food production can still be shared with the community. By pooling resources, we will be able to have an abundance of food to sell each week at the market and we can bypass some of the expensive permits that normally make it cost-prohibitive for individuals to sell what they've grown. What is a backyard grower? A backyard grower is someone who cultivates less than 1/2 an acre of fruits, vegetables and/or herbs at their home or in a community or school garden. The key is that you produce the food yourself and that you don't use any chemical herbicides or pesticides. A backyard grower is also someone who can produce a sellable amount of food-at least one paper grocery bag per "product" for each market. How will this work? There are 3 easy steps to becoming a backyard grower. 1. Turn in your interest form. 2. Pass an informal "certification" of your peers to verify your location, growing practices and crops. (Two members of San Diego Food Not Lawns will visit your home/garden for a brief inspection). 3. Turn in a harvest calendar of your intended crops for the year, including the estimated number of days you will bring product to market. What can I sell? You can sell any fruit, vegetable or herb and any value added product made from your harvest (excluding oranges, limes and avocados). However, any value added product must be produced in a certified kitchen. (Ask us for more details.) How will market day work? The City Heights Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 9 to 1 pm. Set up begins at 8 am and you must have your product at the market by no later than 8:30 am to sell on that day. You have three options on market day. 1. You can stay sell your own product in the B.G. (Backyard Growers') booth. There is a $5 flat fee for this option. 2. You can consign your product to the B.G. booth and it will be sold for you. 20% of the proceeds will be charged for this option. 3. You can donate your product to the B.G. booth and we will sell it for you. All proceeds will benefit the B.G. project and excess product will be donated to emergency pantries or other free food projects. How often can I sell? You can bring product to the B.G. booth 16 times per year. If your production exceeds this limit, we will help you become a certified producer (possibly including coverage of permit fees). Send application information to: Trillia: mailto:cityheightsfarmersmarket@gmail.com For questions email or call: Ellee: 619-641-7510 x 234 <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Usually – Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200811B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - December 1, 2008 - AKA RFN2008012A.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> This issue is lacking in volume of mail from readers. I appreciate the humorous letter from James Freedner, but his was a voice in the wilderness. Reminder: Rare Fruit News Online is a newsletter that is much different from most newsletters. You subscribe if you want to have a place where you AND other readers write to either ask questions or to answer questions other readers have posed. Also, you and the other readers exchange information about fruit-growing problems or solutions. It is not designed to be a stream of information that the editor collects to distribute, although it sometimes does so. It withers and dies if YOU don't write to share information that other readers can relate to. Recent rains have caused mango fruit to split on several trees. I should have anticipated the problem and drastically reduced the irrigation earlier. Some varieties seem to be much more affected than others. Keitt was notably one that was not affected by the increase in water. Diaprepes Root Weevil Update is in the CRFG newsletter (North County) (Last letter in Readers Write.) <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> RE: Pulasan Seeds Wanted Oscar Jaitt Disappointments Of A Rare Fruit Grower James Freedner CRFG-North San Diego County Chapter Dec. newsletter Harry Nickerson <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm Presenting Prince, a New Blueberry Cultivar USDA Agricultural Research Service http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081117.htm?pf=1 -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: RE: Pulasan Seeds Wanted From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:52:39 -1000 Saw your posting in Leo Manuel's newsletter. We sell pulasan seeds. You can order them online by going to http://www.fruitlovers.com/seedlistforeign.html Thank you, Oscar Jaitt, Fruit Lover's Nursery, Hawaii mailto:fruitlovers@hotmail.com [Thanks for responding! -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Disappointments Of A Rare Fruit Grower From: James Freedner Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:02:10 -0800 Hi, Leo, I am bummed! My "pistacchio tree" which I have nurtured for years, suddenly came out with small green berries, one per stem, which have now turned dark blue and are falling to the ground. Since pistacchios don't have little round berries, I have no idea what kind of tree it is! Also, my "papaya" turned out to be....a catalpa, which has blossomed for the first time and produced those long, fuzz-filled seed pods. How boring! Guess I'm not such a good "exotic" gardener as I thought. How those species ended up in flower pots with a pistacchio nut and some papaya seeds is beyond me! J. Eric Freedner Sun Valley, CA mailto:freedner@msn.com [Thanks for writing! The tree with berries turning blue could be the same type that birds have planted around my yard. I think that they are edible but not likely to be "eatible." -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG-North San Diego County Chapter Dec. Newsletter Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:12:04 -0800 (PST) From: Harry Nickerson CRFG-North San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS December 2008 The Newsletter of the North San Diego County Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers Holiday Party-Our annual Holidays party will be Sunday Dec.7th from 12PM to 3PM.This year we will have our annual potluck Holiday party at the home George and Helen Driver. Their address is 40567 Gavilan Mtn Rd. Fallbrook, CA 92028. Their phone number is 760-731-9302. I have included a map to help you find it, starting from downtown Fallbrook. The general plan is as follows: 1. Turkey and ham as the main entrées will be provided by George and Helen. 2. Helen also plans to bake some pies 3. plates and utensils will be supplied by George and Helen 4. Bring a potluck dish to share, attendance has in the past been about 15 to 25 5. They have a long driveway/access road so parking will be available. 6. Nomination and election of club officers will be held in accordance with the Club By-Laws. We will again have our gift exchange - Chinese Auction style. The gifts should have a value of $10.00 or more, must be garden related but do not have to be new. We will have fun taking each others gifts until the gift is frozen. We are planning the gift exchange (Chinese Auction) at approx. 2 PM to accommodate those who need to leave early. For more info on the Gift exchange call Dottie Logan 760-806-6678 Vince Lanzano: Diaprepes Root Weevil Update by Loretta Bates, UCCE San Diego County Staff Research Associate Since the root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus was first reported in San Diego County in 2006 the County and the State of California have been aggressively monitoring the movement of the weevil and attempting to contain and eradicate the pest. Currently, over 70 square miles are in quarantine zones, from La Jolla to Oceanside. The latest area to be added to the quarantine is in Vista, south of Highway 78. Within the quarantine zones, the CDFA had been spraying confirmed find sites until July 2008 when funding ran out. Money (at a reduced level) for continued spraying was initially included in the new State Budget, but at the last minute, Governor Schwarzenegger deleted all money for Diaprepes spraying. The San Diego County Farm Bureau is actively seeking funding to continue spraying. UCCE research activities to evaluate the effectiveness of various chemical and biological control agents continue and are funded through the end of this fiscal year (June 2009). From East Mission, between Mission and Main, go North on N. Pico Avenue. After 1 short block, N. Pico Ave. Becomes DeLuz Rd. Continue 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Sandia Creek Dr. Go 1.2 miles, then turn right onto Rock Mountain Dr. Go .5 miles, then turn right onto Gavilan Mountain Rd. (That's right correct, they're all right turns) Go .7 miles; we're on the right, just before the end of the county maintained road. Meetings are usually held the 3rd Fri., 7 PM Mira Costa College One Bernard Dr, Oceanside Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg. Jan. 18 7PM Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg - Scion Exchange Officers and Contact information Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 mailto:ncsdcrfg@cox.net Chapter website Harry Nickerson mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Presenting Prince, a New Blueberry Cultivar From: USDA Agricultural Research Service Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:59:00 -0800 http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081117.htm?pf=1 Presenting Prince, a New Blueberry Cultivar By Stephanie Yao Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have released a new early-ripening rabbiteye blueberry cultivar that, when grown with other blueberry varieties, will extend the growing and harvesting season in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The new variety, named Prince, was developed at the ARS Southern Horticultural Laboratory in Poplarville, Miss. and tested in Stone County and McNeil, Miss, by Stephen Stringer, a research geneticist at the Poplarville lab. Prince produced high scores when tested over three years in several categories including color, firmness, flavor and size. The Mississippi climate‚ with occasional early spring frosts and excessive heat and humidity‚ can be brutal on blueberry farming. Prince tends to have an extended bloom period, providing insurance against early spring frost. It is also more adapted to the region hot and humid climate than other varieties. Most notably, Prince ripens four to five days earlier than the earliest-ripening rabbiteye blueberry varieties, allowing growers to capitalize on the lucrative early-season, fresh-blueberry market period. A cross between MS 598 and Florida 80-11, Prince blueberries are medium in size and color with a mild flavor and less tartness than many other rabbiteye varieties. The cultivar was named Prince as a result of observations by retired ARS scientist and blueberry breeder Arlen Draper, who often commented that one has to "kiss a lot of frogs before finding a prince." Prince is the latest blueberry variety to be released by the ARS Poplarville lab. After Hurricane Camille wiped out the region tung oil industry in 1969, ARS scientists looked to blueberries to help growers overcome the economic loss. Today, blueberry growers along the Gulf Coast enjoy a competitive advantage over northern growers, since they are among the first to provide fruit for the fresh blueberry market as well as for processing and juice. A limited supply of one-year-old plants is available to nurserymen for propagation and sale to growers. ARS is a scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN2008012A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - December 15, 2008 - AKA RFN2008012B.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> T-1 Mango Paul Thomson had two mango seedling varieties he liked. Best known is the Thomson variety that is similar to Manilla mangoes. The other is T-1, which Paul liked even more than Thomson. This year, for the first time, my T-1 had fruit, and I've been disappointed in the fruit. The tree doesn't receive full sunshine, which may be the reason that they tend to split, and ripen unevenly. I picked some to ripen off the tree, but that didn't improve the quality. If any of you have that variety, what has been your experience? I will graft onto trees that are more fully exposed to the sun to see if that helps. At least one reader can't get email from her to reach me. Luckily, she lives nearby and can call. However, far better would be an effective email link. If you believe email from you doesn't reach me, I have a total of three email addresses. Surely, one of them will work: mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com or mailto:rarefruit.manuel@gmail.com or mailto:leo92129@Yahoo.com If you are unsure if mail reaching me, try to CC with one of other two addresses. The newsletter will surely fail if your letters don't reach me. I will always either publish your letters, or respond to them so you'll know that they were received. I am sure many newsletters don't reach the designated reader, because a large percentage of them are returned as not valid. This disturbs me greatly. If I can send from a different address, possibly I'll reach you. This month, I'll try mailing with the gmail return address. Hopefully, everyone will get it. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Pt. Loma San Diego Patrick Saunders FYI: Make a Simple Solar Air Heater Leo Manuel New Subscriber - John In Lakeside, Arizona Johnfcryptic@aol.com <><><> Readers Write <><><> Puzzles of fruit growing Dan Lindsay From Sainarong Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Re: Disappointments of a Rare Fruit Grower Doug Young Grafting Loquat Questions Pagnotta, Cory Re: Grafting Loquat Questions Leo Manuel To: Pagnotta, Cory Our Southern California Wonderful Weather JOSEPH REUTER Re: Disappointments of a Rare Fruit Grower James Freedner Sweetest pink guavas? & Where's Mike McWright? Barbara Banks Fw: Mayor Sanders' San Diego Clean Technology Program Cielo & Kevin To: Cielo & Kevin My Letters To You Don't Get Published! Kathy DIEWALD Re: My Letters To You Don't Get Published! Leo Manuel To: Kathy DIEWALD FWD: Genetic method found to kill gray mold Shirley mailto:shaindy@mindspring.com December 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter Editor <><><> Announcements and / or Web Sites To Consider <><><> http://www.crfgsandiego.org For *San Diego Chapter* CRFG Information http://members.cox.net/ncsdcrfg For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm ARS Newslink-USDA Agricultural Research Service ARS News Service Genetic Roots of Cacao Trees Traced / December 3, 2008 Leo Manuel Scientists Serve up Mustard Meal to Tame Weeds Leo Manuel -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - Pt. Loma San Diego From: Patrick Saunders Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:54:37 -0800 Hello, My name is Patrick Saunders, I live in Point Loma, facing the bay. I currently have Black Mission Fig, one tangerine probably 40 or 50 years old, apricot, plucot, and a bug eaten almond tree that never gets to grow a full leaf! I am currently attemping to grow Strawberry tree, Wild Black & Red Cherry, and Pecan trees from seed. I also have a bunch of Curacus (sp?) seeds, but none seem to germinate. (probably too cold here in Point Loma.) I would like to grow some more tropical fruit bearing plants, and the Dragon fruit, is one that has caught my attention. After reading the online info, it looks like starting from seed is a long, slow process, cuttings are the way to go. Any recomendation w/r to when / where to obtain the cuttings and when is the best time to start them out? Sping/Winter/Fall/Summer? fyi: I was also contemplating building a green house and using the "beer can" technique to heat it, so I can grow more exotic stuff.: http://www.reuk.co.uk/Make-a-Simple-Solar-Air-Heater.htm [See next letter.] I have a 4x8 foot glass plate to start a heater with, but I figure it will take in excess of 400 cans to populate it. My beer consumption isn't high enough, so it might take me years to get it going! :< Anyone out there ever tried to use this technique? V/R Patrick Saunders ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FYI: Make a Simple Solar Air Heater From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:47:59 -0800 [Illustrations needed to fully understand it. See web page....] This is the printer friendly version of the Make a Simple Solar Air Heater article from the Renewable Energy Website REUK.co.uk. http://www.reuk.co.uk/print.php?article=Make-a-Simple-Solar-Air-Heater.htm Make a Simple Solar Air Heater Heat a room or outhouse with a solar heater made from recycled aluminium cans Using the sun to heat water (1) is a very cost effective way to save energy. Typically payback on even the most expensive systems is under ten years, with DIY Solar Water Heaters (2) paying for themselves in just a few months. Similar techniques can be used to make a Solar Space Heater - a device which warms the air inside a room or building. Solar Garage Heater Solar garage heater made from recycled aluminium drinks cans Pictured above is a simple small passive solar heater made from recycled aluminium drinks cans and used to heat a garage. If the building to be heated is well insultated, a solar heater such as this can lift the temperature by a significant number of degrees. A larger heater or a number of similar heaters can be used to heat larger spaces, or to heat smaller spaces to a higher temperature. Offcuts of 2 x 4 and a sheet of plywood were used to build a box to tightly hold 5 rows of 10 black-painted aluminium drinks cans. The inside of the box was then sealed using caulk to prevent hot air from escaping. Cold air is drawn in from a hole at the bottom of the box, and the heated air emerges from the top passing through a pipe into the garage to be heated. A plexi-glass sheet was glued to the box to let sunlight in but not let the hot air escape. Click here to find out more about this basic almost free garage heat (3) project. Read on to find out how to make your own solar heater. Building a Solar Space Heater Solar air heater schematic This type of solar space heater works by drawing the air to be heated into the bottom can of a column of cans. The air is then heated inside the cans by the sun's energy and the hot air within them rises upwards (thanks to convection) to be fed into a pipe which re-enters the building to be heated. Building the Box First of all make a box out of whatever scrap materials you have to hand. Set the dimensions to that the width of the interior of the box is exactly the same as the width of however many columns of cans you would like to use in your heater. The height of the box should be the same as however many cans you would like to have in each column plus a few centimeters. For increased efficiency, you may choose to insulate the box to prevent heat escaping (by conduction) through the plywood. If so, size your box so that the cans and insulation will fit snuggly. Drilling the Cans For the air to pass through a column of cans, holes must be drilled into them. Remember that there is already a hole at the top of each can out of which the drink is poured. That just leaves holes at the bottom of each can to be drilled. In the bottom can of each column a 1/2 to 1 inch hole is drilled in the side. (see image below) Drill a hole in the side of the bottom can of each column The rest of the cans in the column have a similiarly sized hole drilled into the bottom. See image below) Drill holes in the bottom of all of the other cans Building the Can Columns and Painting Then the cans of each column are glued together using caulk or silicon adhesive and painted using black paint to help them absorb the sun's energy. Barbecue or fireplace/stove paint is excellent for this as it will not flake off, but any marine grade paint will do a similar job - just make sure it has a totally matt finish. Cans painted black inside the solar heating box The inside of the box must also be painted with the same paint before the columns of cans are glued into position using caulk or silicon adhesive. The outside of the box should be treated with preservative, varnish, or paint to help it survive the elements for many years. Sealing the Solar Heating Box Ideally the whole unit will be sealed with a sheet of tempered glass - of the type used in car windscreens. This glass is very strong and resilient to heat. However, tempered glass (unless you can find and recycle a sheet) is also very expensive. Therefore plexi-glass (plastic) can be used, but it will degrade far more quickly and become opaque blocking out the sunlight. A hole at the top of the box acts as the hot air outlet and can be connected to the building/room to be heated using an insulated pipe. Possible Improvements to the Design Alternative beer can solar air heater Pictured above is an alternative design in which the cans are all joined together in a snake. The illustrations shows an array of just 3 x 3 cans for simplicity however hundreds of cans could be joined in this way to make a larger heater. Air inside this snake would rise much more slowly through the heater (than was the case in the previous design) since it has a much longer path to travel, and it is obstructed from rising straight upwards. Therefore the air can be heated to a much greater temperature. An example of the type of CPU fan which can be used to drive air through a solar heater A PV Electric Solar Panel could be used to power a small fan (such as that used to cool the processor in a computer) to drive air through the snake. The final temperature achieved would be lower, but having a large quantity of 30 degree Celcius air entering a room is much better than a much smaller quantity of 50 degree Celcius air. Solar Heating Links Instructions on building a similar Beer Can Solar Heater (4) are available on the Squidoo website. An alternative very simple but larger design is detailed on this instructables page: Solar Heater (5) - no cans required. Web Link References (1) http://www.reuk.co.uk/Introduction-to-Solar-Water-Heating.htm (2) http://www.reuk.co.uk/DIY-Solar-Water-Heating.htm (3) http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2007/04/26/almost-free-garage- heat-just-drink-a-lot-of-soda/ (4) http://www.squidoo.com/beercansolarheater (5) http://www.instructables.com/id/EMU06ULZ1MEY95WRNU/ Article from REUK.co.uk: http://www.reuk.co.uk/Make-a-Simple-Solar-Air-Heater.htm ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - John In Lakeside, Arizona From: Johnfcryptic@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 15:12:56 EST Hello, I have planted the following in Lakeside, AZ Elevation is 7,000 Zip code is 85929: 2 Sauzee King White Nectarine (White fleshed flat donut-shaped) 1 Santa Rosa Plum 1 Tomcot Apricot 1 Flavor Delight Aprium 1 Flavor Grenade Pluot 1 Petite Negronne Fig 2 Honeyberry 2 Gooseberry(Planted 2 years ago. Bought at Walmart with Fruit on them. This year there was not even 1 berry. Any suggestions as I hear they do great in NorthEastern Arizona. Raspberries(Many Red, 2 Black and 1 Yellow(Anne)) In the Spring, I am planting: 1 Jiro Persimmon(Already have on Balcony in Phoenix, AZ and it Leafs are turning Red/Orange for the Winter, Planting in May in Lakeside, AZ) 1 Chee Tree(Already has leafed out beautifully in a Pot in Phoenix, Planting in May in Lakeside, AZ) 1 Marseilles Fig Tree(Already has leafed out beautifully in a Pot in Phoenix, Planting in May in Lakeside, AZ) 1 Sugar Pearl Apricot 1 Spring Satin Plumcot 1 Green Gage Plum 1 Golden Nectar Plum 1 Shiro Plum 1 Fig: Brown Turkey 1 Fig: Celeste 1 Fig: LSU Purple 1 Fig: Texas Ever Bearing Raspberry: Cumberland Black Raspberry: Nova, And 1 NectaPlum (1st one from Raintree.com did not leaf out, they are replacing in April) 1 Nakita's Gift Persimmon(1st one from Raintree.com did not leaf out only below the Graft at Ground level, they are replacing in April) 1 Geraldi dwarf Mulberry(1st one from Raintree.com did not leaf out, they are replacing in April) All of the above has been Mail ordered from Natures Hill(100% Leafed out), Raintree Nursery, Isons(Arriving in April), Edibile Landscaping(100% Leafed out), Stark Brothers (Arriving in April) Henry's & Gurney's. Have a nice day, John in Arizona <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Puzzles of fruit growing From: Dan Lindsay Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:44:36 -1000 I sympathize with James Freedner! I've had a few little puzzles of my own here in Hawaii. About three years ago, I bought two tiny little plants. One was supposed to be a Bacuripari, Rheedia macrophylla. The other was labeled Mamayito (Lemon Drop Mangosteen), Garcinia intermedia or Rheedia edulis. Both are now lovely little trees about two feet tall -- and as alike as any two peas you can imagine! I have no idea which (if either) they are, but they are undeniably the same! I have a number of trees which are now big enough to bear fruit, but which are not doing so. I spoke to my neighborhood nurseryman, and he suggested that instead of the 10-20-20 fertilizer I've been giving them, that I use K-Mag 0-0-22. My next round of fertilizing is in January, so I'll try that and see if it works. In the meantime, I am flooded with Passionfruit, a purplish-red variety of the common yellow Lilikoi. I've gotten enough frozen to last me for pie, ice cream, and drinks for the rest of the year, I've given away or sold literally hundreds of them, and still they ripen! I make a drink of 1/3 Lilikoi juice, 1/3 orange juice (or tangerine, if they're ripe), 1/3 dark rum, and a dash of Grenadine if the juices are too tart. Heaven in a glass! I'm also overloaded with Meyer Lemons, the biggest crop I've had yet. The tree is about 7 feet tall, and I just harvested about three dozen lemons and there are half again that many on the tree not yet ripe. If the 0-0-22 works, I should be wallowing in Abiu, Wampi, Acerola, Loquat, and Soursop in another few months. If anyone has any other ideas about fertilizing fruit trees in high-rain areas, please let me know! Dan Lindsay Hilo, Hawaii ------------------------------------------------ Subject: From Sainarong From: "Sainarong Siripen Rasananda" Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 22:09:47 +0700 Dear Leo, I would love to write more to both pitayagroup, and rare fruits, but I am still bogged down with works. My target in the next few months is to clear my voluminous pending works so that I can devote more time to other things. I am being serious about this, and I think I have a good chance of meeting my objective. Have Fun! Sainarong in sunny but not so happy Thailand ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Disappointments of a Rare Fruit Grower From: Doug Young Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:19:57 -0800 (PST) Concerning "Disappointments of a Rare Fruit Grower" -- I have my own disappointment to report. A few months ago, I reported that I was growing a pawpaw (asimina triloba) in southern California and was eager to see how it would progress. I don't know how it happened, but somehow that "pawpaw" turned out to be a white sapote. While I'm glad to have the sapote seedling, onto which I'll graft a good variety, I'll have to wait for another day to experiment with pawpaws. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grafting Loquat Questions From: "Pagnotta, Cory" Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 15:07:34 -0800 Leo, I have some questions about growing loquats in Arizona. I have some Big Jim seeds that I collected in Carlsbad and planted here in Queen Creek, AZ. They have sprouted and look healthy enough. My concern is that it may take 8 to 10 years to see any fruit from a seedling. I am not practiced in the fine art of grafting and could use some advice. My specific questions are: What part of a mature tree should I take the scion from? Should I try to get a branch with buds already on it? Is there a best time of year to do the grafting? What is the best grafting method for loquat? How do I protect the site of the graft from pests and over-drying? I used to live in Rainbow, CA and have seen avocados grafted onto lemon rootstock. Would lemon rootstock work for a loquat? Lemon is extremely hardy and grows well here in AZ. It is also not as picky about soil conditions as loquat. Here in Queen Creek, we have a lot of what is called Indian Clay. The drainage is poor and loquats do not tolerate standing water well. I'd love to find a rootstock that will give me an easily cared-for tree as well as fruit-a-plenty! Cory Pagnotta ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Grafting Loquat Questions From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:17:50 -0800 To: "Pagnotta, Cory" Cory, Any attempt to graft avocado OR loquat onto any citrus will fail. They aren't closely enough related. Loquats 'carry' fire blight, so should not be planted near pear or apple trees, or so I've been told. I've attached a MSWord document explaining grafting of mango trees, but the same methods should work for loquat. I would graft in late spring. Generally scions from young newly-hardened growth would probably work best. I'll put your letter in the newsletter for more knowledgeable readers to respond. Thanks for writing, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Our Southern California Wonderful Weather From: JOSEPH REUTER Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 20:07:04 -0800 (PST) Leo, I hope that your Thanksgiving was a pleasant one. My Thai banana blossomed and set fruit last week and I am looking foreward to bagging the whole thing and nursing it through winter (if it ever comes). You have to love our weather here in So Cal - my apple and peach are both with blossom again as we enter December at 80 degrees. I hope the coming frost isn't as severe as February 2006. Best wishes for Christmas and the Holidays! Joe Reuter (Burbank, CA) ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Disappointments of a Rare Fruit Grower From: James Freedner Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 20:15:35 -0800 (PST) Hi, Leo, Thanks for the "honorable mention" in your latest newsletter. The "pistacchio" tree has shiny green leaves that turn reddish-orange in the autumn. Its branches and trunk are bright green in color. I can snap a photo if you like, to see if it compares with those trees in your yard. It is right by my bedroom window, and I've taken a liking to the plant - certainly a pretty one - so I guess it will be spared for the time being. The leaves look a little bit like "Chinese Tallowberry" but that one doesn't have green trunks. Guess that is the risk in growing exotic trees - a long wait to see what you've got! Since my pussy willow died last year (alas!) I may have some space in the side yard to plant the guavas a friend brought by a year or so past. If I can keep them wet enough. Oh, gosh, after all this, I hope they really are guavas and not "narrow-leaved tree spinach" or something! James Freedner ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sweetest pink guavas? & Where's Mike McWright? From: Barbara Banks Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:44:47 -0800 Hi Leo...... Do you have a contact # for Mike McWright? He used to live in my neighborhood in Oceanside. I have some questions about some of the fruit trees he planted here. For publication in your newsletter: I'm trying to find out what variety of pink guava is the sweetest. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks, Barbara Banks mailto:ivorytikler@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Mayor Sanders' San Diego Clean Technology Program From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 11:23:24 -0800 (PST) To: Cielo & Kevin If you've thought of solar power for your home and/or your business, but don't know how to finance it, here's the mayor's creative idea. - Cielo On Fri, 12/5/08, Mayor Jerry Sanders wrote: Today, I unveiled a major initiative to make solar power accessible to significantly more San Diego homeowners and businesses through the creation of a financing program that changes the financial equation for converting to solar energy. We have every reason to believe that the San Diego Clean Generation program will become a model for the nation. It will be a boon to San Diego 's economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve our air quality and further cement our region's position as a leader in the clean technology arena. The program stems from Assembly Bill 811, state legislation authorizing municipal governments to create special assessment districts to finance renewable-energy installations and energy-efficiency retrofits. Under the program we're designing, the city will work with a financing partner that will provide property owners within the city funds to install solar or other renewable energy-generating devices on their homes or businesses. The participants agree to a property tax assessment for the cost of the improvements, instead of finding financing on their own or paying cash. Property owners will pay back the loan through an annual assessment on their property tax bill over 20 years until those funds, plus interest, are repaid. The loans made through the program are secured with tax liens on the property, making them very low-risk. The idea is that participants will pay for their renewable energy system to the tune of about $150 per month ‚Äî a cost that will be substantially offset by utility bill savings. The obligation to pay back the financing for the solar PV system will transfer to the new owner should the property be sold. This removes two significant barriers to the purchase and installation of systems: the significant upfront cash outlay; and the concern by some that they may not own the property long enough to recover their investment in the system. San Diego will be the first big city in the nation to pursue an effort of this scale to put renewable power within reach of a significant number of its citizens. Importantly, this program will have no cost to the city. The costs of administering the program will be rolled into the loans and paid for by the people receiving the direct benefit. The program also has positive economic impacts. At a minimum, this program will create jobs in solar product sales, system installation and construction. By virtue of the larger market it creates for renewable energy products, it has enormous potential to spur business growth in innovation, design and production of the systems themselves. Over the next few months, I will be working with members of the clean energy, environmental and business communities to work out the specifics of this program. From our preliminary discussions, we know there is tremendous support and optimism about this program and its great potential for our region. Our early discussions with members of our City Council, which will vote on implementing this program early next year, have been productive and positive. We are hopeful that we can begin enrolling participants in a pilot program next fall. I look forward to sharing the developments and details with you over the next several months as we design this innovative program that will establish San Diego as a pioneer in the clean technology arena. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Letters To You Don't Get Published! - Why? From: Kathy DIEWALD Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 22:36:39 -0800 (PST) Dear Leo, I have lost faith in your newsletter. After sending in questions that have not been published by you and therefore have never been answered by your readers, I rarely try any longer! You did write me a long letter regarding my use of capital letters, which I now follow. I recall three such emails that I have sent. It is so discouraging to get the newsletter and scroll down looking for my email, finding nothing. Some of my questions were ones that would be of general interest to say the least. It is therefore hard to hear your plea for more emails. I wish you would at least write me and tell me why you did not consider my questions worth publishing! Kathy Diewald ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: My Letters To You Don't Get Published! - Why? Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:36:00 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Kathy DIEWALD Kathy You must consider that I may not (and indeed, did not) receive any letters from you that weren't published. Below are two other addresses to reach me. You may consider CC or BCC to one or both of them, when you write to me. If you can easily send them again, please do, and I'll make sure they do get published. Thanks for writing again. Sincerely, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Genetic method found to kill gray mold From: Shirley mailto:shaindy@mindspring.com Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:29:51 -0800 I thought you'd be interested in this story from arcamax.com http://www.arcamax.com/technology/s-458047-607235 Publishing is a leading provider of family-friendly news and fun on the Internet. More about ArcaMax Publishing: www.arcamax.com ____ Genetic method found to kill gray mold PROVIDENCE, R.I. (UPI) -- A team of U.S., French and Spanish scientists say they've identified the gene that enables gray mold to kill plant cells. Brown University Professor David Cane and his international colleagues also found deletion of that single gene from gray mold's DNA shuts down its ability to produce toxins that kill cells in more than 200 species of garden and ornamental plants. The fungus, Botrytis cinerea, can kill more than 200 agricultural and ornamental plant species, including staples such as tomatoes, strawberries, snap and lima beans, cabbage, lettuce and endive, peas, peppers, and potatoes. Gray mold envelops its target in a toxin that poisons the host plants' cells, eventually causing the plant to die. Up to now the only way to eliminate the pathogen was to spray plants with fungicides, which can contaminate the surrounding environment. Now Cane and his colleagues have determined how the fungus's toxin is made and how it might be disarmed naturally. The study, led by French scientist Muriel Viaud and including Spanish scientist Isidro Collado, appears in the journal Chemical Biology. - Copyright 2008 by United Press International ------------------------------------------------ Subject: December 2008 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: Editor Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:54:49 -0800 Greetings! Attached is this month's complementary issue of the California Rare Fruit Growers, San Diego Chapter Newsletter. FRIDAY, December 19th, 6:00 pm Annual Holiday Dinner Meeting Place: Rm. 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park Photos: CRFG Fruit Festival are still available by Joe Sabol at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joesabol/sets/7215760146 9078993/ December Fruit Garden Calendar: December is the month to get ready for next spring, and to prepare to share your cuttings with the Chapter. [] Start pruning your deciduous fruit trees, grapes, blackberries and low chill raspberries, but remember to save some for the Scion Exchange in January. [] Don’t allow any of your citrus to go dry as the weather gets cold. [] Keep an eye on your peach, and nectarine trees, as soon as the leaves fall, you can spray them to prevent peach leaf curl. [] Apply dormant oil. [] If you live in an area where there is possibility of frost (such as Alpine) protect the trunk of your avocado or citrus trees. [] Start mulching all your trees, they will demonstrate their appreciation in the Spring. [] Light pruning can be done before they go dormant. [] Do not water your ground succulents CRFG, San Diego Chapter 2008/9 Calendar Month Meeting/Program/Speaker Event/Field Trip/ Activity December December 19 ­ 6:00PM (Friday): Annual Potluck Dinner. Casa del Prado in Balboa Park, in Room 101. January January 28 ­ 7:00PM (Wednesday): Annual Scion Exchange. <><><><> Announcements And Web Pages To Consider <><><><> San Diego Chapter California Rare Fruit Growers Meeting: Where: Casa del Prado Building Room 101, Balboa Park When: Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month (Except December) See: http://www.crfgsandiego.org http://nc.crfgsandiego.org For North County CRFG Chapter Meeting http://www.crfg.org/chapters.html For information about ALL CRFG chapters. <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: ARS Newslink-USDA Agricultural Research Service From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:35:47 -0500 ARS NEWSLINK: Web links to stories issued December 1-5 Mustard meal to tame weeds: Sinalbin, the same compound that gives white mustard its pungent flavor, could also prove useful in fighting weeds, according to results of ARS studies that suggest that sinalbin and other compounds released into soil by applications of white mustard seed meals can kill or suppress certain weedy grasses and annual broadleaf weeds. (12/2) See http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081202.htm Cacao trees' genetic roots: By examining the DNA of cacao trees, ARS scientists and colleagues from confectionery giant Mars, Inc., have traced the genetic roots of the key ingredient in chocolate. (12/3) See: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081203.htm Newslink is the weekly e-mail pointer for web links to stories issued each workday by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. * Send feedback and questions to the ARS News Service at mailto:NewsService@ars.usda.gov * Other ARS news products are available by e-mail. For details about them or to subscribe, please contact the ARS News Service or visit http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/lists.htm. __________________________________________ ARS News Service, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128 NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Genetic Roots of Cacao Trees Traced / December 3, 2008 From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:17:02 -0800 http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081203.htm?pf=1 Genetic Roots of Cacao Trees Traced By Dennis O'Brien Dec 3, 2008 By examining the DNA of cacao trees, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and colleagues from confectionery giant Mars, Inc., have traced the genetic roots of the key ingredient in chocolate. Cocoa comes from the Theobroma cacao tree, which forms the basis of a multibillion-dollar U.S. chocolate industry. The seeds are processed into cocoa beans that are the source of cocoa, cocoa butter and chocolate. But diseases cost growers an estimated $700 million each year, and scientists have been looking for ways to produce cacao trees that can resist them. David Kuhn, a molecular biologist at the ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami, Fla., and the research team published findings this fall that are a step toward that goal, shedding light on Theobroma's genetic diversity. The researchers extracted DNA from the leaves of 952 cacao trees maintained in germplasm collections in Miami, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Brazil. The trees were collected by plant explorers over the past 70 years and came from 12 South American countries. By looking at patterns among 106 genetic markers, the researchers were able to pinpoint where cacao has the greatest genetic diversity and where it likely originated: the upper Amazon basin of Peru. The researchers also found enough genetic diversity to realign what might be considered Theobroma's family tree, breaking it up into 10 major genetic groups, instead of the commonly accepted three groups. Kuhn hopes the findings will encourage breeders to increase the diversity of their cacao tree stocks by crossbreeding among the 10 groups. That would reduce outbreaks of diseases that penetrate tree fruit, destroy seed-bearing pods and can cause farmers to lose up to 80 percent of their crop. Breeders should think about using the entire palette of genetic diversity to improve cacao breeding programs and avoid certain diseases such as black pod and witches' broom, according to Kuhn. The research was published recently in the online, peer-reviewed journal PLoS One. ARS is a scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Scientists Serve up Mustard Meal to Tame Weeds From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:17:47 -0800 Scientists Serve up Mustard Meal to Tame Weeds By Jan Suszkiw December 2, 2008 http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081202.htm?pf=1 Sinalbin, the same compound that gives white mustard its pungent flavor, could also prove useful in fighting weeds. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) studies suggest sinalbin and other compounds released into soil by applications of white mustard seed meals can kill or suppress certain weedy grasses and annual broadleaf weeds. Agronomist Rick Boydston, with the ARS Vegetable and Forage Crops Research Unit in Prosser, Wash., is conducting the studies with plant physiologist Steven Vaughn, at the ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill. They evaluated the effects of three mustard seed application rates: half a ton, one ton and two tons per acre. Of the three, the one-ton and two-ton rates worked best in peppermint, reducing barnyard grass, green foxtail, common lambsquarters, henbit and redroot pigweed populations by 90 percent several weeks after application. Although young peppermint plants sustained minor damage from the treatment early on, they recovered and resumed their normal growth. Onions weren't so lucky. Regardless of the application rate used, the treatment severely damaged the bulb crop when applied before emergence, or before the onions produced two true leaves. Applications at the two-leaf stage or later were more promising. In trials with potted rose, phlox, coreopsis and pasque flower, the treatment killed or reduced the growth of annual bluegrass, common chickweed, creeping woodsorrel and liverwort. In treated plots, 86 to 98 percent of common chickweed seedlings died; those that survived were shorter and weighed less than treatment-free chickweed seedlings. Besides white mustard, the researchers also evaluated the weed-control effects of field pennycress seed meal and dried distiller grains (DDGs), derived from corn ethanol production. Like white mustard, field pennycress also has potential as a biodiesel crop. It and the DDGs were less effective than white mustard at controlling weeds. The research aim is three-fold: provide organic farmers with an alternative to hand-pulling, burning and other laborious methods of weed control in specialty crops including peppermint and potted ornamentals; develop value-added uses for seed meal, should mustards prove useful in making biodiesel; and diminish environmental risks possibly resulting from conventional herbicide use. ARS is a scientific research agency of U.S. Dept of Agriculture. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN2008012B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Reminder: Rare Fruit News Online is a newsletter that is much different from most newsletters. You subscribe if you want to have a place where you AND other readers write to either ask questions or to answer questions other readers have posed. Also, you and the other readers exchange information about fruit-growing problems or solutions. It is not designed to be a stream of information that the editor collects to distribute, although it sometimes does so. It withers and dies if YOU don't write to share information that other readers can relate to. Interested in reading past issues of RFNO? Those published in previous years can be accessed at the homepage for Rare Fruit News Online http://www.rarefruit.com RFNO in 2009: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2009AllYr.txt RFNO in 2008: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2008AllYr.txt RFNO in 2007: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2007AllYr.txt RFNO in 2006: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2006AllYr.txt RFNO in 2005: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2005AllYr.txt RFNO in 2004: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2004AllYr.txt RFNO in 2003: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2003AllYr.txt RFNO in 2002: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2002AllYr.txt RFNO in 2001: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2001AllYr.txt RFNO in 2000: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN2000AllYr.txt RFNO in 1999: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN1999AllYr.txt RFNO in 1998: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN1998AllYr.txt RFNO in 1997: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN1997AllYr.txt RFNO in 1996: http://www.rarefruit.com/RFN1996AllYr.txt The newsletter for the current year will be updated after each publication. At least, that's my hope. RFNO is a Yahoo group formed as a repository for pictures or files where you may post for others to see. It is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rfno/ However, it has not been used much. When you post either a photo or file, please write a letter to me mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com to explain what you have posted. Your letter will appear in the newsletter. This lets others readers know that it has been posted, if they wish to view it. If you respond to questions in the newsletter, why not send a CC to me to include in the next issue? Often other readers have the same question, and would appreciate your information. -- ================================================================ mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com or mailto:rarefruit.manuel@gmail.com or mailto:leo92129@Yahoo.com http://www.rarefruit.com Pitaya Newsgroup - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/ ================================================================