========================================== Rare Fruit News Online - All Year for 2009 ========================================== Rare Fruit News Online - January 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200901A.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> RFNO Return Address Confusion - Gets Worse? If you're confused about my email address, it's my fault. For years I sent RFNO with a return address of rarefruit@san.rr.com and hope you put that one at the top of your list, as I log onto its email far most frequently. As you know, quite a few people didn't receive RFNO, so I tried to send it from my Gmail account, after setting preferences for that to always send my incoming email to my RR (roadrunner) address. That seemed to work almost perfectly for sending out to you (in the two December RFNOs), BUT Gmail NEVER forwarded any email you sent there to me, so I had to go there, copy all relevant messages, and paste them into emails I sent to myself at the RR account. That would have been to great a problem for only a few email messages. This time I will send RFNO with a Yahoo return address of leo92129@yahoo.com. I have "taught" Yahoo to forward all email to my RR account, so I hope everyone who has subscribed will receive the newsletter, and I'll live "happily ever after." Check your Spam folder if you don't find it in your inbox. I may find out that I'll need to split up the addresses up into three groups. I won't know unless you let me know from which of the three addresses you do successfully receive the newsletter and which you do not. Summing up, I will have sent RFNO from three different addresses: rarefruit@san.rr.com Pre-December 1 rarefruit.manuel@gmail.com December 1 & 15 leo92129@yahoo.com January 1 2009 You can only imagine how badly I want this last one to work for everyone. One other suggestion: If you were in the majority of readers who were NOT having problems for all of those months when I sent from my primary server address rarefruit@san.rr.com, then I hope you can figure out how to write to me at that address, as it is the one I most often refer to. What I've said is perfectly clear to only one person, most likely only to myself. Please ask questions until it makes sense. We can't survive without being able to successfully send email to each other! Suggestions welcomed! Happy New Year!! Leo <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Susan in Florida susanoflandolakes@verizon.net New Subscriber, Huntington Beach, CA Rich Seaberry <><><> Readers Write <><><> Sweetest pink guavas? & Mike McCright? Barbara Banks Mike McCright - Contact Info Leo Manuel To: Barbara Banks Rare fruit tree question Mike Iufer Avocados grafted onto lemon rootstock? Bill Tschan RE: mango grafting information Brian larson re: Loquat Grafting Dan H re: Engkala Bill Tschan re: Engkala Leo Manuel To: Bill Tschan Genetic Roots of Cacao Trees Traced / December 3, 2008 Vital Scherrer Scientists Serve up Mustard Meal to Tame Weeds Vital Scherrer White sapote fruits sold at Vons, San Diego Cielo RE: Grafting Loquat Questions Vital Scherrer To: cory.pagnotta@viasat.com RE: Grafting Loquat Questions Pagnotta, Cory To: Vital Scherrer Fertilizing fruit trees in high-rain areas Vital Scherrer I found my RFNO in the SPAM folder Marv Who can reliably graft persimmons? (Near San Jose, CA) Leo Manuel Gardening radio with Nan Sterman and Tom Piergrossi Nan Sterman Plums (Fruit) Available in Winter? Re: Plums (Fruit) Available in Winter? Leo Manuel To: bchartier3@cox.net re: Rheedia quandary gerardo garcia To: Dan Lindsay <><><> 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, Susan in Florida From: susanoflandolakes@verizon.net Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:23:26 -0600 (CST) I am Susan Greenlaw, in Florida I have only been growing exotic fruit trees for the last 6 months. I have a limited amount of space and have choosen: Pickering Mango, Sambokan Lemon, Ateymoya, Star Fruit, Lychee, Jaboticaba, Papaya, Pineapple and White Sapote. I am interested in dwarf exotic fruit trees. Susan Greenlaw ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Huntington Beach, CA From: "Rich Seaberry" Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:30:37 -0800 I am Rich Seaberry, in Huntington Beach Ca I am growing Red and Green Bananas. Apricots, oranges, plums, peaches, nectarines, apples, and tangerines. Would like to grow Pitahaya. Seems to be different. Where can one purchase cuttings, trees etc. I am down in San Diego a couple of times a month. Rich <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Sweetest pink guavas? & Mike McCright? 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 O'side. 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: Mike McCright - Contact Info Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:20:20 -0800 From: Leo Manuel To: Barbara Banks Barbara The following was the telephone number for Mike a year or so ago, and may still be correct. Mike McCright (That's the correct spelling) 760/749-3538 Happy New Year! Leo Manuel ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Rare fruit tree question From: Mike Iufer Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:34:02 -0800 Leo, Hope you are doing well Leo. This is Mike Iufer. I toured your orchard this past August and you gave me a surinam cherry which I am still very pleased with. I recently bought a property that has a little space to grow fruit trees. I was wondering if you could recommend a reputable grower where I can get the following plants/trees: goji; tropical blackberries; chilean guava; acerola; yellow pitaya; pomegranite; tropical guava; orange triad; yellow strawberry guava Thank you so much, Mike Iufer mailto:mike.iufer@therockacademy.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocados grafted onto lemon rootstock? From: "Bill Tschan" Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:41:29 -0800 Hello Leo, Reading through a mail from Cory Pagnotta in Rare Fruit News 15.12.08, I got a shock when she states: "I used to live in Rainbow, CA and have seen avocados grafted onto lemon rootstock." That must have been some avocado!!!! It is impossible to (successfully) graft avocado onto lemon or any citrus stock for that matter. However, since we are on the subject of grafting, can any of your learned readers tell me if I can graft Avocado onto Engkala (Litsea garciae) stock? Engkala is closely related to Avocado. How long does it take an Engkala seedling to flowers from the time I planted the seed? Any advise would be appreciated. Bill from Aitutaki ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: mango grafting information From: Brian larson Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:43:15 +0100 Thank you Leo. Really like the newsletter but my contributions are limited because my knowledge is limited on exotic fruiting plants. But just got a Barbados Gooseberry, Pereskia aculeata . I'll try to write an article on winter chill and Dead Arm disease, eutypa. Could you also send me your mango grafting supplement? Brian ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Loquat Grafting From: "Dan H" Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:11:15 -0800 Loquat Grafting Permacltur@aol.com I've had takes using whip and tongue grafts and also cleft grafts. Dan H mailto:Permacltur@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Engkala From: "Bill Tschan" Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:12:30 -0800 Leo, Thanks a lot for your advice and help. I really appreciate this and have sent a mail to Bryan Brunner in Puerto Rico with whom I had contact before on Heliconia. Bryan is indeed very knowledgeable and helpful. I am sure you will hear more from me here in the South Seas as I have over 100 different tropical fruit-trees and there is so much to know about them. Plus I do have many different flowering trees and Vines, etc. Have a nice week, Bill ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Engkala From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:51:43 -0800 To: Bill Tschan Bill Please write to let us know what you learn about this little-known tree. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Genetic Roots of Cacao Trees Traced / December 3, 2008 From: Vital Scherrer Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:54:15 +0000 "But diseases cost growers an estimated $700 million each year, ..." I wonder how much the cost would be, if the cacao trees would be grown in a natural way, by cultivating them in conditions similar to their original habitat, and without forcing them with chemical fertilizers to yield peak crops and reducing their self defense system even more through fungicides and other biocides. Vital [Email from Vital is always helpful and I am grateful that to get it. Thanks! -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Scientists Serve up Mustard Meal to Tame Weeds From: Vital Scherrer Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:08:48 +0000 Hello, Also Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum) is known to have herbicidal properties. "The growing plant is said to inhibit the growth of fennel, sage, caraway, anise and most young plants, especially in wet years." (www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Artemisia+absinthum) Similar effects are known from eucalyptus-, pine- and walnut leaves. E.g.: "The leaves contain juglone, this has been shown to have pesticidal and herbicidal properties." (www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Juglans+regia) Vital ------------------------------------------------ Subject: White sapote fruits sold at Vons From: Cielo Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:16:06 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, I thought you'd find this interesting. I've never seen a white sapote sold at the groceries before, but yesterday found the following fruits at Vons: small white sapote (about the size of a Roma tomato -- labeled "product of the U.S." for $6.99 per pound; Kiwano melon for $5.99 per pound; and pepino dulce for $3.99 per pound. The price of sapote blows me away. Several of us who toured Bob Chambers' sapote orchard in OctoberI picked up several pounds of sapote fruits. Between me and my husband Kevin, we bagged about 13 pounds. That's a lot of mullah for white sapote fruits! I copied Bob here so he knows what a gold mine he has:-) Happy Holidays! Cielo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Grafting Loquat Questions From: Vital Scherrer Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:53:28 -0800 to: cory.pagnotta@viasat.com Hi Cory, As a rootstock for loquats you might want to try a quince, especially the clone "BA29", which is reportedly very tolerant of wet and clayey soil conditions - which is BTW also the one that is used here successfully, though not for this reason - also "PQ Lapage C". Other possible options could be - though I'm not sure whether they are compatible: Prunus betulifolia, P. calleryana, the pear clones Oregon 260, -261 and -264. To amend soil with bad drainage, the following solutions are recommended: - Mulch as much as you can - Build and plant on mounds, the higher the better, and preferably with the soil mixed with various organic materials - Grow (preferably nitrogen fixing) plants which are rooting well in clay - their roots will break up and aereate the soil - if you're getting plenty or possibly even too much sunshine, you could grow trees with tap roots and a thin canopy, which naturally cast only very light shade, between your fruit trees - e.g. mesquites, they will even give you a crop of healthy fruits as well. Wishing you a good crop of delicious loquats Vital ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Grafting Loquat Questions From: Pagnotta, Cory To: Vital Scherrer Date: Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 10:22 AM Thank you very much Vital! Do you know where I could obtain a BA29? I've searched all over the internet and have been unable to find any decent quince growers in the US. Where are you located, and can I purchase rootstock from someone in your local area? ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fertilizing fruit trees in high-rain areas From: Vital Scherrer Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:00:32 -0800 Hi Dan, Of course nature couldn't wait for humans to invent chemical fertilizers to grow good crops of fruit. I read somewhere that in the absence of chemical fertilizers, as was the case for how many millions or billions of years (?), the roots obtain the nutrients through synergistic associations with fungi, microorganisms and even other (companion-) plants, which release the required nutrients as the residues of their metabolism. But talking about any other ideas about fertilizing fruit trees in high-rain areas, we might want to learn from the discoveries and practices of the ancient amazonian indigenous peoples, which obviously found a way to deal with exactly this problem in the rainforest, by producing and applying biochar and mulch - which BTW is also reported to work well in drylands and other soil conditions. A good place to start with learning more about this may be e.g.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar http://anz.theoildrum.com/node/4522#more Wishing all a healthy crop! Vital ------------------------------------------------ Subject: I found my RFNO in the SPAM folder From: Marv Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:58:07 -0800 Leo, I found my RFNO in the SPAM folder as this is a new email address for my computer to remember. Great column. Thanks, Marv in Pismo Beach ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Who can reliably graft persimmons? (Near San Jose, CA) From: Richard Karasik Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:32:35 -0800 I am in Saratoga, CA near San Jose and near the high school! and want to know who can reliably graft persimmons? Richard Karasik mailto:rpk@bandk.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Gardening radio with Nan Sterman and Tom Piergrossi From: Nan Sterman Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:00:47 -0800 Brrrrrr... its cold outside! But it isn't too cold to be gardening in most of San Diego. Join Tom Piergrossi and me as we talk gardening with KPBS' Tom Fudge, host of "These Days' on Monday morning in the 10 am time slot. We'll talk about what to do in the garden this time of year, how to protect your plants from the cold, and trends in gardening for 2009. Tune it to 89.5 FM, or log on to kpbs.org/radio and click the "Listen Now" link on the upper left corner to hear the conversation. Don't be afraid to call with your questions at (888) 895-KPBS. We'd love to talk with you! Nan PS On Saturday, the Union Tribune reported that Monday will be Tom Fudge's last day as host of 'These Days' before moving into a new position covering health issues. I guess we'll confirm that on Monday - if it is true, I'll be sad. Tom's a skilled interviewer who always keeps Tom Piergossi and me on our toes. And he's a lot of fun to talk with as well! Nan Sterman mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com Watch A Growing Passion now on YouTube! Search for all five segments, starting at http://youtube.com/watch?v=4bpTdXY3cG8 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Plums (Fruit) Available in Winter? From: Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:47:11 -0500 Hello, I would like to purchase some plums, but due to the season, there are none in any local store ( reside in Providence RI). I have not been able to locate them online either. Would you know how I could purchase some fresh plums? They are important to my wife's digestion. Thank you, Bernard Chartier ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Plums in winter From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:48:09 -0800 To: bchartier3@cox.net Bernard I think that it will be very hard to find them in December. Some fruit is imported from Chile and other S. American countries that is out of season here. You might contact produce managers in groceries? I don't know if frozen plums are available, but dried ones are. I'll put your letter in the newsletter. Good luck! Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Rheedia quandary From: gerardo garcia To: Dan Lindsay Date: Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 5:34 PM Hi Dan, I saw your note in Leo's newsletter, puzzle no more. I have both R. intermedia (collected at the USDA's local Tropical Agriculture Research Station) and R. macrophylla (seeds sent by a knowledgeable Brazilian collector) and am sending photos so you can try to ID your specimens. You have plenty of company, lots of Garcinias and Rheedias look very similar, there are some at TARS that nobody has an idea what they are - took us many years to identify the G. intermedia trees there for what they were. Both my trees bearing, but sparsely, the bacuripari seems to have a pollination problem since it flowers profusely but bears only 3-4 fruits at a time, with rather thin pulp, the R. intermedia bears a bit more, yet not as much as I'd like. Both are rather slow growing, bacuripari has taken about 8-9 years. It's much more densely branched and the branches are more upright. The R. intermedia is about 7 years old, more susceptible to various rusts (mostly cosmetic effect), leaves are smaller and wider, fruit sweet/sour, while bacuripari fruit are larger (about 4-5"), sweeter. Hope this helps. Regards, Gerardo Garcia Ramis Puerto Rico mailto:danl1@aloha.net ___ On Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:44:36 -1000, Dan Lindsay wrote: 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 <><><><> 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 RFN200901A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - January 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200901B.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Gold Nugget Tangerine - Seems to be at least partially alternate bearing. My tree has no fruit this year but in previous (at least for three years) was loaded. Jim Neitzel, a knowledgeable friend, says it probably was because I didn't remove enough of last years crop early enough, for the tree to set up its "strength" reserves to set fruit this year. If you have this variety, has it produced annually for you? It has had delicious fruit. Our San Diego water department is saying that water rationing is almost a certainty coming this summer! I've got to get mulch scattered around to help reduce the moisture loss. We will have to make hard choices as to what fruit we are willing to sacrifice. I've got hammer-toe corrective surgery coming up in a few weeks, which will make yard work very hard to do for a month or so afterwards. Write to tell us about your fruit happenings - past, present, and future. My mango crop is almost gone. I've got only 4 pitaya fruit almost ready to harvest. Then, except for citrus, the fruit crop will all be gone. Keep me aware of interruptions of your RFNO service. Remember that I've sent the newsletter from three different email addresses. I need to know if any of them don't get the newsletter delivered, and also, which of the other two do work. If you don't let me know, I may not get the newsletter delivered. The three return addresses again are: rarefruit@san.rr.com - used for years before 12/08 rarefruit.manuel@gmail.com - used only 12/15/08 leo92129@yahoo.com - Only used for 1/1/09 issue. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> re: Graft Avocado Onto Engkala? Oscar Jaitt To: tarai@aitutaki.net.ck re: Price Gap - Produce In Groceries vs Growers' Price Recommended Reading For Concerned Readers Leo Manuel To: Brad Re: Borrowing Your Letter For RFNO? brad hunter re: Rheedias - Basis Of Confusion? Oscar Jaitt To: Dan re from Marion Brodie Marion BRODIE Persimon Grafting Diane To: Richard Karasik My Gold Nugget Tangerine - NO fruit This Year Leo Manuel To: Snow, Dick Re: Gold Nugget Tangerine - NO fruit R Snow Sr. CRFG-North San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS Jan. 2009 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 New Tools Aid Arid-Land Water Management ARS News Service Irrigating with Recycled Water ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: re: Graft Avocado Onto Engkala? From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 17:45:01 -1000 To: About grafting avocado onto engkala (Litsea garcia), would be nice if it were possible as the engkala is very resistant to phytophora. The Brunei Darussalam tropical fruit book says it is possible, but 2 very experienced grafters here have told me that it was not possible. If someone is succesful please let me know. Oscar, Hawaii mailto:fruitlovers@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Price Gap - Produce In Groceries vs Growers' Price From: Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 23:57:20 -0500 Cielo mentioned how crazy it is that white sapotes are being sold for $6.99 per pound in California, when they are very easy to grow throughout much of the state. I've found the same to be true of the carambola (star fruit) here in Florida. Our local grocery store (Publix) sells them for $2 per fruit, and they are small and of poor quality (picked early and shipped long distances, in all likelihood). I have just one carambola tree here in central Florida that has been incredibly easy to grow--never been fertilized, never had insect or disease problems, and never froze in its 10+ years of life in my yard--and it produces copious amounts of delicious fruit almost year-round. The economist in me tells me to look at supply and demand, but if demand is low (which it shouldn't be but likely is) and supply is high (which it should be but possibly isn't), then price should be. . . low! Where's Adam Smith when you need him. . . . Ollie mailto:ollie_patterson@embarqmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Recommended Reading For Concerned Readers From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:51:04 -0800 To: Brad Brad, Would you object if I edited your email a bit to use in the Rare Fruit News Online newsletter? I think your information is very important and should be shared with all growers. Here's what would I'd propose, with your revising or objecting as you wish. I'll honor your wish. If you agree, would you suggest a subject line for the email? Hi from HI My trials and tribulations with a few rats and a little rot are minor compared with the big picture of the Ag industry. I have been reading" The Omnivores Dilemma" and "The Botany of Desire" both by Michael Pollan. I highly recommend both to anyone interested in what you eat. After reading the chapter on Potatoes it changed my thinking about farming. I try to be good to my land, customers, family and go organic whenever possible. I'm also rather fond of the ocean and would rather be out fishing than strapped onto a backpack sprayer with a respirator! I have found that too much of one crop (monocropping) invites disaster. Nature is diversity and my experiments with interplanting White pineapple between each row of Dragonfruit and letting heirloom tomatoes climb on the trellis with the cactus have worked quite well. I also grow eggplant under the trellis. In my new plantings I have been planting 2 types on each pole. I planted Papaya between the rows instead of pineapple for a little shade and that has worked. I still got ample flowering on the semi-shaded plants. So you can fight mother nature with chemicals or try to create some diversity. The diversity pays off every Saturday at the Farmers Market. Aloha Brad mailto:rottensquid@yahoo.com _____ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 19:25:49 -0800 (PST) Leo! I am glad you thought my babbling was interesting. I like to write and should probably do it more often. A title for that little blurb.?? Diversifying in Hawaii. I don't mind if you omit the Gray!! part or just say Brad from Hawaii wrote something interesting. I do not have spell checker and I would like any missssspellings fixxxed. Thanks Leo. I am down with a case of Shingles from too much farming and fishing and not enough rest so I have been on the computer more than usual. Hopefully somebody else will write back and stir the pot. Aloha Brad mailto:rottensquid@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Rheedias - Basis Of Confusion? From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 23:42:32 -1000 To: Dan Dan, those two rheedias look the same because they are the same, they are both Rheedia edulis, now renamed Garcinia intermedia. There was a confusion by a nurseryman here, Sean at Royal Palm Enterprise, and he was labeling his plants wrong. I pointed out to him they are all really Garcinia intermedia and he has recently started to label them correctly. You may have also bought them at Garden Exchange where Sean distributes his plants. Oscar, Fruit Lover's Nursery mailto:fruitlovers@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re from Marion Brodie From: "John BRODIE" Date: Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:00:45 GMT Greetings Leo, and all the very best to you and yours for the New Year. I am having to use this old address [mine] as my msn is full and I have not had time to sort it out. I get your mail fine on that one, just cannot reply. marionjohnbrodie@msn.com I was just thinking about you today as I was strolling around my garden looking around. we were very disappointed though to find out that we had no pomegranites at all this year. our tree never even flowered. and we always have loads of fruit. [also this year I was planning to juice after we wasted so much fruit last year] in fact I remember mentioning it in one of the newsletters last time. Finally our White Sapote has recovered from that awful arctic freeze we had two winters ago. its now full of buds so am sure will be a bumper crop next one. A lot of our semi tropicals never made it so we replaced with stone fruits which did pretty well. also this is something that sticks in my mind. but I was told about two years ago that there was a seedless pomegranite on the market but when I enquired from the nursery man recently that I spoke to over here in El Cajon [he is a member of rare fruit growers] he told me I was mistaken. I was planning to purchase a new pomegranite. maybe the person I spoke to used the wrong fruit tree when he gave me this information. . I know I was so intriqued at the time. hope your health has improved a lot. oh there was one thing I did intend to mention and that is I have been using the [raw ] blue Agave syrup. I did use honey as a sweetener but my health practitioner [holistic ] told me that this is better and not to use honey [she was mentioning type two diabetes]. so I thought you may be interested in that. I am still pre-disposed to it. [type two diabetes]. well, bye for now. Happy 2009. hope I get to see you guys next year. my health has been improving somewhat these past few months. even managed a trip to Las Vegas for a few days in November for my birthday. best regards, marion and john brodie mailto:nanapapabrodie@webtv.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Persimon Grafting From: haidi@aim.com Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:43:25 -0500 To: Richard Karasik Hello Leo Marv Daniels (rare fruit growers member) sent me your email about persimon grafting. I have helped with the apple tree grafting program out of Cal Poly and I live in Tracy. I am not sure if I can help you. Please write and let me know what is your plan. If I can help, I would be happy to. Diane mailto:haidi@aim.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Gold Nugget Tangerine - NO fruit This Year From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:28:17 -0800 To: "Snow, Dick" Dick Gold Nugget tangerine has borne well since getting it a few years ago. This year there's no fruit. It appears to be healthy. Don't you have this variety? Has this happened to your tree? Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Gold Nugget Tangerine - NO fruit From: "R Snow Sr." Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:22:24 -0800 Leo Alice says no fruit on ours either. I wonder about Jack's tree. It is very big and last year was loaded. Asked Jack about his Gold Nugget tree today. He says they are both loaded. Dick mailto:rhsnowsr@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG-North San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS Jan. 2009 From: Harry Nickerson Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:06:32 -0800 (PST) Jan. Meeting-Scion Exchange-Friday, January 16:Bring scions for grafting, cuttings for rooting, and bare root plants to share. You might also want to bring pruning shears, masking tape & marking pens to label the scions you collect, and large baggies to carry them home in so they can go directly to your refrigerator. The following tips on collecting and preparing scions may be useful. 1. Cut scions as close to the meeting date as possible, while the donor plant is still dormant but before the buds begin to swell. Last year's growth is best. 2. Cut scions about 6 inches long. Aim to have at least 4 buds on each piece. Cut the bottom of each piece square and the top end at a diagonal so others can tell which end is up 3. Label your scions, and store them in plastic bags in the refrigerator (put a damp paper towel in the baggie to prevent drying). Feb. Meeting-Feb. 20-Ron Hurov will present a program on pineapple plants and the propagation and pruning of fruit trees. He would like for a member to bring a pineapple plant, and for some members to bring some cut limbs which he can use to demonstrate his pruning technique. We also plan to have a grafting demo on a Saturday in Feb. Ben has volunteered his yard. Details will be discussed and hopefully resolved at our Jan. Meeting. Dues Now Due 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. You can pay chapter dues to Dottie Logan at a club event or send them to Dottie Logan 702 Berkeley Way Vista, CA 92084 Checks payable to North San Diego County CRFG San Diego County CRFGCRFG 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. Items of Interest Mira Costa College is having a plant sale this coming weekend. Friday Jan. 16 from 9AM to 4:30PM and Saturday from 9AM to 2PM. All plants except palms will be half priced. Palms will be discounted 10%. The sale will be right next to the horticultural building where we meet. Ben has discovered a valuable web site: You can go to this web site and see soil survey data about your plot of land. Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg. Jan 16th 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Annual Scion Exchange Feb. 20 7PM room 7003 Hort. Bldg. Mira Costa College Ron Hurov Pruning & Propagation Officers and Contact information Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 ncsdcrfg@cox.net NCSDC Chapter website <><><> 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: New Tools Aid Arid-Land Water Management From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:46:02 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ New tools developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are improving water management in arid regions. In areas where water is scarce, land managers irrigate with water that travels via intricate canal systems. At the ARS U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Ariz., director Bert Clemmens and his colleagues are developing computer software to automatically control canal gates. The software, called Software for Automated Canal Management, or SacMan, senses water level changes within the canals and responds accordingly, moving the gates to increase or reduce the water flow. This technology could improve efficiency and give land managers greater control and flexibility. The researchers have also developed training software for canal operators. In related work, Clemmens and his colleagues have also updated a software program called WinSRFR, which simulates, designs and evaluates surface irrigation systems. The model is available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/services/software/download.htm?softwareid =171, and has users throughout the United States and in 14 countries around the world. One user is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, which evaluates proposed conservation practices with the program in order to install more efficient surface irrigation systems. WinSRFR has various modules that enable users to simulate the results of various management strategies. One module evaluates irrigation events. Another shows how different design options affect a field's irrigation efficiency. A third shows the effects of various operational choices. Although each module operates separately, information can be transferred between them. Together, they can help land managers make decisions about how to arrange and water their fields. Read more about this research in the January 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan09/water0109.htm. ARS is a scientific research agency of USDA. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Irrigating with Recycled Water From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:28:05 -0500 ___________________________________________ View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Irrigating with recycled water is one potential solution to water scarcity, according to research conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Jean McLain and Clinton Williams. The scientists are examining the effects of irrigating with "reclaimed" water--sewage water that has been treated to remove contaminants. Preliminary results suggest that reclaimed water is both safe and effective for irrigation of public land in arid regions like Maricopa, Ariz., home of the U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, where McLain and Williams are based. Since September 2006, the two researchers have collected soil and water samples from a municipal park that is being irrigated with reclaimed water. They have tested the samples for dangerous Escherichia coli pathogens. To date, the team has not found a single pathogenic strain of E. coli. The scientists did note a small increase in soil salinity, but not enough to harm plant growth. Williams has also tested samples for carbamazepine, an epilepsy drug that has been detected in trace amounts in drinking water. His research has shown that natural organic matter found in soil can prevent carbamazepine from leaching beyond the root zone. McLain and Williams have also addressed the accuracy of the tests used to confirm remediated water's safety, an important step towards gaining the public's approval. In one study, the researchers established that the quality of reclaimed water is harder to assess in winter, when Environmental Protection Agency-approved assessment methods return more false positives for E. coli. Over several months, they drew samples from a wetland fed with reclaimed water, and tested them for E. coli. The scientists placed the samples on culture media that change color when E. coli colonies develop on them. In December and January, they observed a surprising increase in positive tests. However, genetic assays revealed that about 90 percent of these were false positives. So why was the accepted culture method delivering such inaccurate results? Chemical analysis revealed that the water's salt content increased in the winter months, suggesting that the false results may be related to salt chemistry. The ARS researchers are currently collaborating with scientists at the University of Arizona to confirm this hypothesis, which would further support the conclusion that reclaimed water is safe for irrigation. Read more about this research in the January 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan09/water0109.htm ARS is a scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200901B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - February 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200902A.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Signs of spring Apricot, aprium, and peach - each showing bloom buds or even blooms. Temperatures have risen into he upper 70s or even higher. It makes it easy to get grafting of deciduous fruit trees underway. I even started a few air-layers on guava, lychee, and longan, which I usually don't do until March.... What's your favorite low-chill apple? Anna's probably rated most highly by most as an eating apple. Which one for cooking? Had success with Braeburn? Fugi? Gala? Granny Smith? If Fugi or Gala have low chill requirements, I think I'd like to try them.... My webpage rarefruit.com has been down for some strange and so far unexplained reason. I hope it's back soon. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Productive Autumn Olive & Kaffir Lime; Graft Question Richard Karasik Shartoot (Mulberry?) Propagation Question Adrian Colley Re: Shartoot (Mulberry?) Propagation Question Leo Manuel To: Adrian Colley Re: Shartoot (Mulberry?) Propagation Question Adrian Colley Re: Water Rationing E Philipp Grafting persimmon - Matter Of Timing; Technique "Bassem Samaan" Worms in papaya and mangos? Belle Shenoi Re: Price Of Fruit In Grocery Stores Dan Lindsay Mandarin Gold Nugget Minna Riber Early Golden Apricot Request "David A. Yoder" RE: Early Golden Apricot Request Julie & Paul Frink RE: Early Golden Apricot Request "David A. Yoder" To: RE: Early Golden Apricot Request "David A. Yoder" Papaya leaf dieback Doug Jones Five-Gallon Pots Needed North County San Diego Chapter To: 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 Canopy Cover Provides Practical Clue to Plants' Thirst ARS News Service Grass Strips Help Curb Erosion, Herbicide Transport ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Productive Autumn Olive & Kaffir Lime; Graft Question From: Richard Karasik Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:14:17 -0800 My autumn olive has taken over a corner of the yard and produces huge fruit. Over 1/4 inch in diameter. I make jams and jellies from it - this year the bush produced 11 quarts of fruit. My kaffir lime is also super producing .. - does anyone know if you can graft other citrus onto kaffir lime? Richard Karasik mailto:rpk@bandk.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Shartoot (Mulberry?) Propagation Question From: Adrian Colley Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:21:02 +0900 Hi Leo, Been reading your newsletter for a long time now but just never gotten around to contributing. I am a mad "rare fruit" grower down under on a suburban block, 300 metres from the Indian Ocean. I am actually on the South West corner of West Australia in Bunbury. Anyway, a question. I have two shartoots, black and white and love them dearly. I would love to propagate them, but only succeeded once, a bud graft, after many attempts. Mulberrys are very popular in Australia and the shartoots are one of our favourites. Can anyone tell me the secret of propagating them? I have tried many times, cuttings etc have failed, and so need some expert advice. Cheers, Adrian mailto:gino@highway1.com.au Director Red Ochre Consulting 11 Cornell Crescent Bunbury 6230 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Shartoot (Mulberry?) Propagation Question From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:20:49 -0800 To: Adrian Colley Adrian Most mulberry trees are propagated here by cuttings. We take dormant cuttings, diameter greater than pencil size up to 1/2 inch. Insert in potting soil preferably with bottom heat and supplemental light if the days are short. You can wound the base of the cuttings, to expose the cambium layer. Keep the soil mix damp and sometimes I enclose the pot in a plastic bag, so the wood doesn't dry out. Have you tried that? It's simpler than grafting or budding, I think. It may not work for all varieties. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Shartoot (Mulberry?) Propagation Question From: Adrian Colley Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:03:24 +0900 Hi Leo, Mulberry here are very simple - usually - just stick them in the ground and away they go. Shartoot are proving to be a lot harder - but I will give your suggestions a shot. Our winter is 4 months away, and then the results will not be known for 3 months after that so if you have any other suggestions, or your news list members do, it would be appreciated. Cheers, Adrian mailto:gino@highway1.com.au ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Water Rationing From: E Philipp Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:09:23 -0500 Hi Just a brief note. The newsletter arrived fine today. Have you considered some rainwater harvesting? There is a yahoo forum about it called rainwater harvesting. You might be able to store some water for the dry season---especially for plants--drinking it is much more complicated. Also, You might want to consider reclaiming some of your grey water for immediate use. Stored grey water turns into blackwater in a hurry so that's not a good idea. You could use your laundry water for trees pretty easily though. I have read of a gentleman in Tucson who has a couple of pipes labeled at his washing machine that go to different fruit trees. He just alternates with each load of laundry. Laundry water is the easiest water to reclaim for a second use in the garden. We also reclaim rinse water from pots and the coffee maker for small plants but doing anything large scale requires some plumbing. We live in Panama and frequently have unplanned unscheduled water rationing----they just turn it off sometimes for as long as they feel like. So we are always very conscious of water consumption. We also have a 3 month dry season with no rain so we are investigating our options to reduce our household demand and provide for the garden.. One very low tech way of providing a very slow trickle of water to keep plants alive is to use an old soda bottle filled with water with a couple pinholes in the lid and 'planted upside down next to the plant. It definitely isn't enough for plants to thrive but they don't totally dry out. If they have time to acclimate to the drought conditions, they can hang on for a better season next year. These are just some ideas that might help a bit---maybe some other people will have more suggestions. Water is another critical issue with rare/tropical fruits. I love the newsletter---wish I could physically do more work in my garden but papayas and passionfruit are easy. Our soil quality is a real challenge---we have no topsoil. We compost but we could use so much more. Greetings from Panama :-) E Philipp mailto:ephilipp@mac.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grafting persimmon - Matter Of Timing; Technique From: "Bassem Samaan" Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:05:09 -0500 Grafting persimmon success depends on the timing. I have a 100 percent success rate when grafting persimmon at the right time using fully dormant scions. First scions must be taken before any signing of breaking dormancy. In the northeast I can collect the scions any time between december and early march. Then store them in moist paper towl in a ziplock in the fridge. Now the timing, wait until the root stock starts showing signs of growth, usually when the buds first open showing leaves. clip the rootstock then make a vertical cut to expose the bark. At that point the bark should be slipping. make a slanted cut on the scionwood, which is usually a smaller diameter then the rootstock. Inserted into the rootstock and wrap it with a grafting rubber or grafting film. I usually brush the cut and the scion with grafting wax, so it doesn't drive up. The most important part is after care. Check daily for any growth below the graft, and rub off any leaves or buds. otherwise will stop the sap flow to the graft and will fail. Thanks, Bass Samaan http://www.TreesofJoy.com mailto:bassem@gardener.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Worms in papaya and mangos? From: Belle Shenoi Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:40:46 -0500 When the papayas and mangos in my yard begin to ripen, I find that some kind of worms get in at the bottom of the fruits and pretty soon the fruits rot inside as well. I have not found a good explanation or remedy by asking my friends and members of the local Rare Fruits Council. I will appreciate if I get some information./advice from any one who had this problem and has solved it. Bell Shenoi mailto:b.shenoi@wright.edu [My uninformed guess is that the worms are larvae of some kind of fruit fly. Is that a possibility? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Price Of Fruit In Grocery Stores From: Dan Lindsay Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:52:23 -1000 To: Dan Lindsay Pricing of fruit in stores The last issue had comments on the prices of White Sapote and Starfruit in grocery stores, compared to the ease of growing them. Here in Hilo, Hawai., Papayas sell in the grocery store for about $3 a pound. Not 300 feet away is the Farmers Market, where the same variety (Solo) of at least as good quality are sold 4 to 6 for $1! It's the same for Pineapples and Bananas. Why would anyone buy in the grocery store? But they must do so, or the stores would not stock the fruit. Dan Lindsay Hilo, HI mailto:danl1@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mandarin Gold Nugget From: Minna Riber Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:39:45 -0800 Hi Leo, (Please feel free to edit) Sorry to hear you will be out of commission for a while. My suggestion for time out of the garden and what I did last year was to update our plant inventory. We wish you the best. Our Gold Nugget Mandarin, aprox. 6 years old, has no fruit on it for the first time since we have had it. We were of the belief that the fruit would last longer on the tree then if we had harvested it. Hopefully next year will provide a bumper crop. Minna mailto:minna@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Early Golden Apricot Request From: "David A. Yoder" Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:36:46 -0600 Hi Leo, I have been getting the Rare Fruit News Online for quite some time, and had read the communication you had with Julie Frink in June about the Early Golden Apricot. We live in Honduras and have a large collection of tropical & subtropical fruits planted. We live at a fairly high elevation and are in the process of establish an apple and stone fruit orchard at this time. I was able to get one peach variety local and several from the University of FL and would be interested in getting some budwood for this Apricot. Would it be possible to get some shipped, if I give you the US address of someone coming down here that could bring it along? I would greatly appreciate any help you could give me in this. Thanks David Yoder Rancho Beula Siguatepeque, Comayagua Honduras ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Early Golden Apricot Request From: Julie & Paul Frink Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:11:10 +0000 I have wood for this apricot, picked some time ago (over a month) from my son's tree. Mine died and I only have very small trees that I have grafted to that variety. I am not allowed to send wood out of state but if someone can get it from me personally I will gladly share. Julie Frink ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Early Golden Apricot Request From: "David A. Yoder" Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:56:55 -0600 To: Good evening Leo, As far as not shipping out of State, is that a CA law that applies to everyone, and if so do you know of anyone else outside of Ca that would have this variety? Thanks David ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Early Golden Apricot Request From: "David A. Yoder" Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2009 09:34:44 -0600 Leo, I don't know why I didn't think of doing a search on this before, but I did find a source for a tree that I have ordered. You don't need to put it in the newsletter, because I was needing it this month to bring down to Honduras with some other plants. I didn't realize that this is a common variety, because I don't think I ever saw in mentioned in the information I found on low-chill fruits, but I love apricots and look forward to trying this one. Thanks a lot for your effort in putting together the newsletter. I enjoy it a lot. David Yoder mailto:dsy@yoder.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Papaya leaf dieback From: Doug Jones Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:45:59 -0700 I enjoy your e-mails, but rarely send anything in, not sure if I aver have anything of interest. I do have a question/problem now to ask of any expert out there. I have 6-8 papaya trees in my Arizona greenhouse. They are 10-12 feet tall, about 1 year old from store bought fruit seed, various varieties.They were looking real good for awhile, and have nice big fruit on them. Then about 2 months ago the leaves started looking bad, drying out, brittle, brown edges, then started dropping. It seemed like spider mites, so I sprayed them occasionally with water as recommended. The mites seemed to thrive on it, and now all the leaves have dropped. Mostly just stalks with fruit hanging. Any other suggestions for controlling the mites _naturally_? (I won't use pesticides- would rather they die first) Any other type of sprays or controls? Will the fruit still ripen? Ideas? Doug Jones mailto:fruitguy@cox.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Five-Gallon Pots Needed From: North County San Diego Chapter To: Harry Nickerson Date: Thursday, January 29, 2009, 7:15 AM Harry, Can you put out the call to our membership for donation of 5 gallon pots. They should bring them to the next meeting or can drop them off at my place. I think that is the minimum size we need to plant our rootstock up. I think we need that kind of depth to get them in the pot. Ben mailto:ncsdcrfg@cox.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: Canopy Cover Provides Practical Clue to Plants' Thirst From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:18:59 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ When plants in your garden burst forth with lush new growth this spring, they may begin to shade and cover patches that just a few months earlier were simply bare ground. When scientists describe the amount of space that plants shade or actually cover, they use the term "canopy cover." The term applies to all kinds of plants, from a ground-hugging tomato plant to a tall cornstalk. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are exploring the idea of using canopy cover measurements in a calculation to determine how much water plants have recently used, and how much they'll need at the next irrigation. Knowing plants' precise water needs helps reduce risk of applying too much water. Excessive irrigating can lead to leaching of fertilizer and other potential pollutants into underground water supplies. According to agricultural engineer Thomas Trout, leader of the ARS Water Management Research Unit in Fort Collins, Colo., satellite imagery of farmers' fields could be analyzed by computers to estimate crop canopy cover. Growers could visit a website to get those measurements for their fields. The figure, along with a few other pieces of information--such as locally relevant weather--could then be added to a standard equation to calculate the amount of water used and the amount now needed for each field. The calculation could indicate, for example, that bell pepper plants in a field that has a canopy cover of 40 percent may have used one inch of water in one week, the amount the grower may choose to replenish at the next irrigation. Trout and co-investigators Dong Wang, a soil scientist and research leader at the ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center near Parlier, Calif., and Lee Johnson, a satellite imagery expert with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, are exploring this futuristic use of canopy cover measurements to save water and satisfy plants' thirst. Read more about this research in the January 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan09/canopy0109.htm ARS is a research agency of the U.S. Dept of Agriculture. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grass Strips Help Curb Erosion, Herbicide Transport From: ARS News Service Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:47:30 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Grass filter strips placed in riparian zones not only curb soil erosion, but can help block and degrade the widely used herbicide atrazine, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists report. Atrazine has been used extensively to suppress weeds in corn production for decades, but because it's applied directly to soil it's especially prone to losses in surface runoff. The contamination of surface water by atrazine and its less-toxic breakdown components has raised ecological concerns. Riparian zones are transitional areas between upland areas, such as crop fields, and water bodies. The grasses and other vegetation in these zones help reduce pollution in streams and lakes. Bob Lerch, a soil scientist in the ARS Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit in Columbia, Mo., is working with colleagues in the unit and with University of Missouri research assistant professor for forestry Chung-Ho Lin to study the effect of different grass species on herbicide transport and degradation in field and growth chamber studies. In the growth chamber, the grasses studied were orchardgrass, smooth bromegrass, tall fescue, Illinois bundle flower, ryegrass, switchgrass, and eastern gammagrass. Plants were allowed to grow for 3 months, to maturity. The rhizosphere soil--the soil zone that surrounds and is influenced by the roots of plants--was then separated from the plants and roots. Atrazine was then added to the rhizosphere soils and incubated in the dark for 100 days at 77 F. The researchers then measured atrazine degradation and mineralization--the conversion of atrazine to carbon dioxide. Among the plant species, eastern gammagrass showed the highest capacity for promoting atrazine degradation. More than 90 percent of applied atrazine was degraded to less-toxic forms, compared to 24 percent in the control. Rhizosphere soil of orchardgrass, smooth bromegrass, and switchgrass also enhanced atrazine degradation. The studies have shown that grass buffers reduced the transport of herbicides to shallow groundwater and in runoff. These buffers can reduce herbicide transport through trapping of sediment and by increased infiltration of water into the soil. Read more about the research in the January 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200902A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - February 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200902B.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> I almost forgot about the newsletter, with so much to think about (hammer-toe surgery tomorrow.) I had planned to do some last-minute jobs in the yard until it suddenly dawned on me that the newsletter is due today. Three yellow pitaya fruit on the plant, and a few Keitt mango fruit.Keitt doesn't keep well on the tree beyond an uncertain date, which I'm never sure about. I'll probably pick them all later this week. I'm happy to see feedback from you on low-chill apples and larvae in papaya and mango fruit. I am not happy with my email applications for getting the newsletter to you. Hopefully, I can put more time into it later. Please keep writing. Without your letters, the newsletter is worthless to everyone. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> History Of Anna Apple In Israel "Moshe" Re: How To Deal With Fruit Fly Problem (If that's it?) Belle Shenoi Re: How To Deal With Fruit Fly Problem (If that's it?) Leo Manuel Worms in papaya and mangoes CHINO228@aol.com Spider Mites On Papaya Leaves-Spray With Wettable Sulfur Oscar Jaitt Some Mulberry Cultivars Hard To Propagate From Cuttings Oscar Jaitt RE: What's your favorite low-chill apple? Vital Scherrer RE: Worms in papaya and mangos? Vital Scherrer To: Fw: San Diego Mayor's Water Allocations Workshop Schedule Cielo & Kevin A message from your CRFG chapter chair North County San Diego Chapter My Oregon 1030 Raspberry & Email To Leo Not Received Leo Manuel To: Michael Zarky Volk Rootstock For Kumquat - What Are Characteristics? PetMarv@aol.com FW: Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida (TFGSF) Shirley Dellerson CRFG North County Feb. Newsletter secetary 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 None, this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: History Of Anna Apple In Israel From: "moshe" Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:53:51 +0200 Hi Leo. I think it would be in place to mention that the researcher of the Apple variety Anna was Abba Stein ( abba, translated, is father in Hebrew), He named the Apple after his daughter Anna! I think the tree needs only 275 hours of chill. The reason I thought of writing these few words is that this man how was a persistent researcher that lived in Kibbutz - Ein Shemer, Abba was born 7.13.1909 & past away on 12.20.2008! Shalom. Weiss Moshe [Thanks for writing! Anna is a great apple where ever it can thrive - especially in our warm-climate areas. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: How To Deal With Fruit Fly Problem (If that's it?) From: Belle Shenoi Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:17:55 -0500 Hi Leo: Thanks for the tip. You said: My uninformed guess is that the worms are larvae of some kind of fruit fly. Is that a possibility? Would you please advise a solution to avoid this problem? Thanks for your help Belle ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: How To Deal With Fruit Fly Problem (If that's it?) From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:55:19 -0800 Belle, Unfortunately, I don't know. Perhaps a Google search? Readers in areas with fruit fly problem may have solutions. We'll see.... Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Worms in papaya and mangoes From: CHINO228@aol.com Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:02:27 EST Hi Leo: In response to Belle Chenoi problem with worms in papaya, we also have this problem in Florida caused by the Papaya wasp. To minimize this problem , most people bag the fruit using paper bag or with low density plastic bags leaving one or two unbagged fruits for the papaya wasp as a deterrent. The only country I have even seen mangoes with worms was in Burma and was told it was caused by a moth. I was told they will pick mature green mangoes to enjoy as a snack before the entire fruit gets ripe. Maurice ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Spider Mites On Papaya Leaves-Spray With Wettable Sulfur From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:44:19 -1000 Suggest using wettable sulfur sprayed on papaya leaves to get rid of spider mites. Make sure to spray upper and lower leaf. You will probably have to do 2 or 3 applications a week apart to totally get rid of them. Oscar, Hawaii ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Some Mulberry Cultivars Hard To Propagate From Cuttings From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:48:35 -1000 Have heard that some cultivars of mulberry are very difficult to start from cuttings. I would suggest trying to air layer a few branches. Would probably be helpful to use a rooting hormone before applying the moss. Oscar ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: What's your favorite low-chill apple? From: Vital Scherrer Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2009 13:45:19 +0000 Leo, I'm not sure how low chill my plot actually is. But after a colder winter the trees certainly bear a bigger crop. Chills vary here considerably, not to mention that we get winters with chill early on, then many weeks in January and/or February can be sunny and very mild, just to get then the coldest temperatures during March. However I have had success with Braeburn - which in our conditions is raw a rather fair tasting apple; I never tried it cooked - and with Gala - a reliable cropper even after a mild winter - which, though rather small, is raw one of my favorite in taste - and both are among the most consistently productive here. Thus, if you have the space, I would highly recommend to give Gala a chance to please you. Unfortunately my Anna apple tree hasn't produced any fruit yet, nor was I ever able to taste one of this variety from anywhere else - so I can't compare them to this one. Another remarkable cultivar is the disease resistant Pristine, which is not rated as being low chill, but nevertheless is one of my best and most reliable producers, as well as quite crisp, juicy, sweet and refreshing. Similar goes for Resista - probably a relative of the Golden Delicious . Another outstanding quite disease resistant cultivar that doesn't seem to be officially considered as being low chill is Williams' Pride - the first of mine to come into bearing, reliable, proliferous and for such an early ripening apple reasonably good tasting - very good if you can keep it hanging on the tree for a few extra weeks. Does anybody have experience with the apple Chehalis, the 'low' chill Mollies Delicious and the 'low' chill plum Queen Anne - taste and yield, etc.? Cheerios Vital [I once had Mollies Delicious, and was quite happy with it. I don't remember why I no longer have it. Maybe other readers will have experience with Chehalis apple and Queen Anne plum. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Worms in papaya and mangos? From: Vital Scherrer Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:26:01 +0000 To: Bell, Though I'm not familiar with this particular problem, as a natural pest control measure fowls and other omnivore or carnivore poultry and even pigs are recommended for the control of such pests, if they are due to fruit which is rotting around the fruit 'trees'. If they are some kind of fruit fly and you have some Tree Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum) growing near you, their fruits are considered as breeding ground of this sort of insect. Otherwise you probably should inform the Cooperative Extension of the U.S. Department of Agriculture nearest to you. Hope this will help Vital ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Mayor's Water Allocations Workshop Schedule From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 20:25:55 -0800 (PST) If you can attend the mayor's workshop, it's this week. Mayor's Office Mayor HomeAbout Jerry SandersContact MeNews Center A message from Mayor Jerry Sanders As I said during my annual State of the City Address, delivered last month, water wholesalers may cut supplies to the San Diego region by as much as 20% within the next few months. A reduction of that amount could require the City to implement limits on the amount of water that can be used by its own customers. At my direction, the City of San Diego Water Department has scheduled a series of workshops to help prepare the public for potential cuts to water supplies. The Department is staging the workshops to discuss and take input on how water allocations for City water customers are being developed. The workshops are part of my continuing effort to raise awareness about the City's water supply crisis and the need to increase water conservation throughout the city. The workshops I have called will provide San Diegans with the opportunity to learn more and to have their questions about the development of the methodology for water allocations answered by City staff. Water Department staff will be on hand to describe the progress they've made in developing the allocation methodology and to take public input. I hope that everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our water supply crisis and what they can expect in the months ahead. The workshops, which begin tonight, are scheduled at the following dates and locations: Monday, February 9, 2009, 6 - 7:30 pm Otay Mesa-Nestor Branch Library 3003 Coronado Ave. San Diego, CA 92154-1521 Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 6 -- 7:30 pm Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library 13330 Salmon River Road San Diego, CA 92129-2640 Thursday, February 12, 2009, 6 -7:30 pm Balboa Park - War Memorial Building, Rm. 3 2125 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 [I hope someone was able to attend and can report. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: A message from your CRFG chapter chair From: North County San Diego Chapter Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:21:34 -0800 Hello All, I hope this rain is beneficial to your fruit trees. Let's hope we get some more. I am going to try and start sending these emails out on an occasional basis as time permits me. I wanted to let you all know about upcoming events and make sure we are keeping in touch with your fruit growing needs and the needs of our chapter. We have some exciting upcoming events planned. On February 20th Ron Hurov will be speaking to us on things he has learned doing research on fruiting plants over the last 60 years. I had the chance to speak with Ron on the phone the other day and found myself fascinated with all he had to share. I learned a lot in the time that we spoke. I encourage you to attend because you will walk away with a lot of knowledge. On March 14th we are having a grafting class at my house. We will start at 9:00am. We need donations of 5 gallon nursery pots, scionwood, Parafilm, and tape. We have a possible source of a bulk purchase of grafting knives from Joe Sabol. You board will discuss purchasing them for possible sale at the event. If we can't get these in time we will encourage every one to bring utility knives so that we have enough knives to go around. Later in March we have Jason Kubrock from Miracosta College speaking to us on propagation methods. In April Eric Larsen will be speaking on water issues that local growers are facing. I encourage all of you to start using the website on a regular basis. It is located at http://nc.crfgsandiego.org It's a really good source of information and it allows us to get information out to you quicker. I have also added a growers directory. We get many requests looking for sources to purchase fruit. I would like to just point them to the website. If you would like to be on the list send me the type of fruit you grow, when it is in season, and any notes about your operation. If you don't want to be contacted at certain times then we can put that in the notes etc. We have a current request for fruit from San Diego Victory Gardens. A group I encourage all of us to get involved with. Please ask me how you can do that. I am enclosing the email below. Looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming meetings. Ben Pierce Hi Ben, Hope you are surviving this rain. I hope it's been coming in good agricultural amounts and giving everyone's orchards a nice drink! San Diego Roots, Victory Gardens fiscal sponsor, is holding a Food 4 Thought Film series showing of "The Garden" on Saturday, February 28 at the Chula Vista Library. this is a "fund and friend-raiser" for Roots. In planning, the idea of food came up. Imagine that? I said I would email you to see if anyone in the Rare Fruit Growers group has any ripe fruit that we could buy to share at the film showing. It should probably be easy to eat. We'd cut it up if necessary. We anticipate between 50-100 people for the showing. Let me know if anyone would be interested. We'd love to share your farms/orchards names and their owners as well with our guests so they can be amazed at what grows locally. Thanks for your help, Ben. I believe our next VGSD meeting will be February 26. I'm meeting with Mindy tomorrow to confirm. Best regards, Bob ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Oregon 1030 Raspberry & Email To Leo Not Received From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:25:21 -0800 To: Michael Zarky I don't know why it happens that several people (including my grandson) tell me that emails are not received by me. I had't looked at this gMail you sent for a while, but it was received ok. No excuse for my negligence there. I'll get these in the next newsletter, and promise to pay better attention to my 'other' email addresses. Don't give up, please! Leo Dear Leo, I sent you something in the July and repeated it in August (to the san.rr address), never saw it published. I'm just back from India and reading the old letters. here's what I wrote: At 03:40 PM 7/15/2008 -0700, you wrote: > > > 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. Hi Leo, I have that Oregon 1030 and I agree it spreads a lot; but I get a great harvest on and off throughout a lot of the year. I'll stick with it. I have tried also that Fallgold; the harvest was meager. Of course it is only a one season crop in any event. I don't know, are there thornless raspberries? In any event, I will tell of my experience with some "thornless" varieties of blackberry I planted when I first moved here - I have been fighting the terribly thorny suckers that developed from them ever since. So while some blackberries I believe remain truly thornless, it is not always true and people should beware. (sorry the names of those varieties are lost in memory). Here in Ventura County new commercial fields of raspberries go up all the time. My neighbor works breeding strawberries for Driscoll - he says they license the varieties to the farmers, they are special ones that they don't make available for sale. So no information from commercial growers. Let me know if any of these reach you. Michael Zarky Michael Zarky 10963 Citrus Drive Moorpark, CA USA 93021 [I had excellent success with a few genetic thornless blackberries. My favorite was Arapaho: erect growing, good production, delicious fruit. Waldo was delicious, but not erect in growth. Navaho was also erect but plants died before I could evaluate them well. My relatives in Oklahoma liked them. I wish there was a genetic- thornless raspberry.... Any berry not GENETIC thornless may later have spines. Especially, if you injure its roots. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Volk Rootstock For Kumquat - What Are Characteristics? From: PetMarv@aol.com Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:54:52 EST Hi Leo, We shopped at the Tulare Farm Show, Ag Expo. I bought a Fukushu Kumquat on Volk rootstock. I would like to know what I can expect with that rootstock? Size? and cold hardiness? I tasted the fruit and liked it so was able to buy my grafted tree for $5. I am happy with my small tree but before I plant it out I will give it some time to gain size while being protected from the cold weather. Thank you for any information. Pet Daniels CRFG life member living in Pismo Beach, CA. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: FW: Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida (TFGSF) From: Shirley Dellerson Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:27:13 -0500 A YouTube video about: Subject: Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida (TFGSF) - Chris Rollins http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=624975499013858500&ei= JG1hSZHhI4SQqA KJn_HBAQ&q=tropical+fruit [You may need to cut and paste to get this URL to work. -Leo] Not a new video, but informational. Shirley ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG North County Feb. Newsletter Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:16:18 -0800 (PST) From: secetary nickerson I just learned dues to our parent CRFG organization have increased to $36 a year Jan. Meeting-Our annual scion exchange was very well attended and there was an ample supply of many species to choose from. Feb. Meeting-We will meet Feb. 20th at 7PM in room 7003 in the Mira Costa College Horticulture building. ATTENTION!!! MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO BRING Parafilm and grafting tape, they can spare, to the Feb meeting; or at that meeting let Ben know you will bring it to the March 14th workshop. They will be used, in the 14 March grafting workshop, to put grafted rootstock in for members to take home. Our program speaker for Feb. will be Ron Hurov. As noted in the Oct. newsletter, Ron is extremely knowledgeable about plants of the world. He spent 3 years in North Borneo as an Agricultural Officer, and 18 years in Hawaii including 6 as Head of Libbys Pineapple research on their 12000 acre Molokai plantation. He started his world wide seed collection business 40 years ago in Hawaii. His Masters Degree is in Pomology. He also spent 5 years at the Pacific Biomedical Research Center as an Epidemiologist studying Pesticide Toxicology on Hawaii residents. Ron co-authored the 2 volume study on Pesticide Use in Hawaii. Rons presentation will cover the following topics: Propagation-storing & germinating seeds Pineapples Physiological-life of trees mango Pruning Latitude effects on nutritive value of plants Pesticide toxicology March Meetings. There will be two Chapter events in March. The first will be a grafting workshop for deciduous trees. This will be held in Ben Pierces back yard. The workshop will run from 9AM to 11:30 AM. The chapter has purchased some deciduous rootstock that can accept peach, apricot, and plum bud wood. If you have some scion wood, of this type, from the Jan exchange bring it you may get to graft it to a rootstock and take home your tree. Participants should bring a grafting knife. This should be a paring size knife with a sharp edge; if you dont have one a utility knife that uses razor blades will work Club members are also asked to bring extra bud wood for use in grafting practice. Ben's address is 713 Ruskin Place, and his Phone # is 760-744-4716 Our regular monthly chapter meeting will be 27th March at 7PM in room 7003, because the Mira Costa Campus is closed on 20th March. Our speaker will be Jason Kubrock of Mira Costa College his topic will be propagation. 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. You can pay chapter dues to Dottie Logan at a club event or send them to Dottie Logan 702 Berkeley Way Vista, CA 92084 Make checks payable to North San Diego County CRFG 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. Make checks payable to CRFG. Send address changes to Harry Nickerson, 1815 Yettford Rd. Vista CA 92083. <><><><> 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: California Agriculture Abstracts Jan. - Mar. 2009 From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:11:20 -0800 http://californiaagriculture.ucop.edu/0901JFM/abstracts.html#2 New pistachio varieties show promise for California cultivation Craig E. Kallsen, Dan E. Parfitt, Joseph Maranto and Brent A. Holtz California pistachio growers have long relied on a single female (‘Kerman’) and single male (‘Peters’) cultivar. Despite their benefits, these cultivars present important production and marketing concerns. To evaluate new varieties for the pistachio industry, we conducted the first randomized and replicated pistachio variety trials in the San Joaquin Valley, where most U.S. pistachios are grown. After more than a decade of scientific evaluation, several varieties new to California (such as ‘Kalehghouchi’) or the world (such as ‘Golden Hills’) demonstrated commercial potential for the California pistachio industry and would complement the production characteristics of ‘Kerman’. FULL TEXT PDF| New navel orangeworm sanitation standards could reduce almond damage Bradley S. Higbee and Joel P. Siegel The navel orangeworm (NOW), a primary pest of almonds and pistachios in California, is controlled in part by sanitation, with a current threshold of two mummy nuts or fewer per tree. However, almond and pistachio acreage has increased dramatically since the tree mummy threshold was established. This study addresses the impact of this expansion and the possible need for a more stringent standard. Beginning in 2002, the Paramount Farming Company conducted a series of large-scale studies reevaluating the current tree mummy threshold in almond orchards, as well as the impact of ground mummies and proximity to pistachio orchards. The data supports a more stringent threshold of 0.2 mummies per tree. In addition, a new threshold for ground mummies of four per tree for ‘Nonpareil’ almonds is supported in Kern County, although this needs to be validated in other regions. Proximity to pistachios was an important risk factor for navel orangeworm damage of 2% or less in almonds. Likewise, the influence of pistachios extended 3 miles from the center of the 10-acre almond orchard sections in our experiments to the margin of the nearest pistachio orchard. FULL TEXT PDF| ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Milkweed Oil Tapped for Sunscreen and Other Products From: ARS News Service Date: Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:02:36 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Common milkweed is the only food source of monarch butterfly caterpillars. But for some farmers, the plant is also a valuable source of floss that can be harvested for use as a hypoallergenic filler for high-end pillows, comforters and jacket linings. Floss, though, isn't the only useable portion of milkweed. Unsaturated oil in the plant's seed also has potential as a base material for sunscreen, cosmetics and skin- and hair-care products, including moisturizers and conditioners. That's the conclusion Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemist Rogers Harry-O'kuru drew after analyzing the oil's waxes and assorted fatty acids. In studies at the ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill., Harry-O'kuru devised a procedure for using zinc chloride to catalyze the conversion of milkweed oil's triglycerides into ultraviolet (UV)-light-absorbing compounds called cinamic acid derivatives. In tests at the center's New Crops and Processing Technology Research Unit, the derivatives absorbed UV rays in the range of 260 to 360 nanometers--wavelengths that can damage skin. Additionally, the milkweed-oil derivatives accomplished this at very low concentrations of 1 to 5 percent, a range far below that approved for today's topical skin formulations, many of which use chemical fillers or sun blocks. Harry-O'kuru's milkweed-oil-based sunscreen also contains natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, which are often added to cosmetics as skin-nourishing ingredients. The sunscreen's unique combination of fats and waxes may also qualify it as biodegradable and help keep it from washing off during a swim. Its current form is a clear liquid, but gels, creams, sticks and aerosol sprays are also possible, according to Harry-O'kuru. Besides skin- and hair-care products, the UV-absorbent base material he has devised could also be tailored for use in epoxies, paints and other industrial applications. ARS has patented Harry-O'kuru's base material and is seeking an industrial partner to develop the technology further. Read more about the research in the February 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb09/milkweed0209.htm. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ___________________________________________ 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 RFN200902B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - March 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200903A.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> It's great to be home, but frustrating to be confined. I expect to be limited in what I can do for at least four more weeks. Has there been any additional clarification on our water rationing? It's hard to plan when the threat of shortage is hanging over us. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Tropical Raspberries Dan Lindsay RE: Anna Apple Ancestry & Hawaii Adaptability Oscar Jaitt Tall Banana With Fruit Stalk To The Ground! Ranjit UTA Dragon Fruit In Saigon Picture Tien Tran Fw: Greywater Guerrillas events Cielo & Kevin Wishing you well from the Panhandle of Florida Bill Burson Low chill almond wanted for organic cultivation Vital Scherrer Bye Bye Grass Class, March 5,8 at Quail Botanical Gardens Nan Sterman CRFG City Newsletter Feb. 2009 CRFG S D Chap Newsletter Editor What's fruiting in my S.D. garden (guavas, pepino dulce, ....) Cielo & Kevin Surgery over, but house confinement continues Leo Manuel Citrus Showcase program Thursday March 5! Joe Sabol <><><> 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 Olives May Be Rescued By Helpful Wasp ARS News Service Less Nitrogen Could Increase Profit, Sustainability ARS News Service Guayule Eyed as Future Fuel Source ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Tropical Raspberries From: Dan Lindsay Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:51:26 -1000 Hi Leo and others, Tropical Raspberries: Here in Hawai'i I have some Mysore Raspberries which I got from Oscar Jaitt. They are a Black Raspberry, prolific, delicious, and bearing nearly year-round. But they have thorns which would make a Blackberry blush in shame! They are also quite invasive. But the quality of the fruit makes them worth the hassle. If there is a true tropical Red Raspberry, I'd like to know about it. Aloha, Dan Lindsay Hilo mailto:danl1@aloha.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Anna Apple Ancestry & Hawaii Adaptability From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:48:18 -1000 Thanks for the information on the origin of Anna apple. I usually see it listed as 150 hours of chill, but here in Hawaii it will fruit in areas where there is 0 chill hours. It's definitely a great apple for tropical and sub tropical areas. Oscar Jaitt, E. Hawaii ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tall Banana With Fruit Stalk To The Ground! From: Ranjit UTA Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:06:25 +0530 Dear Leo, Hope the surgery is successfully over. Just to cheer you up ( and may be you can share with the others members as well ) I am enclosing a picture to show how successful one farmer has been with his crop. Regards. Ranjit Wimalaratne mailto:ranjit.wimalararatne@utanet.at [Picture is of a tall banana tree with a stalk of bananas extending all the way to the ground! Perhaps Ranjit will send you a copy of the photo on request. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dragon Fruit In Saigon Picture From: Tien Tran Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:09:22 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, This is the link to a picture of dragon fruits for sale in Saigon, Vietnam during the Vietnamese New Year 2009. In recent years, people selling this kind of dragon-fruit plants for decoration during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) because of the fruit color. Red is a lucky color. http://www.flowerpictures.net/vietnam_flowers/flower_market2009/pages/dragonfruits.htm Tien Tran www.flowerpictures.net mailto:tayninh_vn@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Greywater Guerrillas events ... Thurs. Feb. 19 & Sat. Feb. 21 From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:10:12 -0800 (PST) If you haven't been to the SD mayor's water allocation (rationing) workshop, you'll get another chance to go. I was surprised that I didn't see many more fruit gardeners there. No one from CRFG or from any plant society has spoken about this subject -- how will we water our plants/fruit trees when the city tells you how much water you'll have to use per month? If water conservation and the new mandate of water allocation to go in effect July 1st (for City of San Diego residents) got you worried (as you should!), here are options worth considering: rainwater harvesting and greywater. There is an industry dedicated to harvesting energy from the sun, but there isn't one for harvesting rainwater and greywater is still taboo. The city is still ignorant about both; whereas cities (Tucson, Albuquerque, etc.) in similar drought situation have embraced them. This is a reminder of the two Greywater Guerrilla events this week in the San Diego region. Presentation: How to Disengage from the Water Grid; Greywater Systems, Rainwater Collection and Composting Toilets Thursday Feb 19 from 6-8 pm MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus 1 Barnard Dr. Oceanside, CA 92056 Atzlan Room B next to cafeteria (3400 building) Don't forget to get a free parking pass from the police/parking permit kiosk! EVENT IS FREE! Contact Beck for more info or if you need a map of the campus. 619-929-6445 Hands-on Workshop: Build a Greywater System from Washing Machine to Outdoor Landscape Saturday Feb 21 from 11am to 4pm 1145 Stratford Drive, Encinitas CA 92024 Sliding scale $30-$100, pay what you can. Limited work trade available . Workshop limited to 15-20 participants so register early! Contact Dadla for questions and to register. 760-487-1776 We all know how essential this topic is for the region. Hope to see you there! Cielo & Kevin mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wishing you well from the Panhandle of Florida From: Bill Burson Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:14:24 -0600 I hope surgery went well, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for the updates from your newsletter. Things in the panhandle have been below freezing several times this season I have lost 2/6 of my citrus and tip freeze on lots more. Bill In Florida mailto:powaybill@mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Low chill almond wanted for organic cultivation From: Vital Scherrer Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:42:04 +0000 Dear fruit enthusiasts, In case anybody can let me know which low chill (and relatively low heat) almond cultivars are used under organic cultivation e.g. on the Canaries or other maritime sites, I would very much appreciate any hints or contacts. Sincerely Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bye Bye Grass Class, March 5,8 at Quail Botanical Gardens From: Nan Sterman Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:17:57 -0800 Tired of wasting water, time and energy on your lawn? Bye Bye Grass is the class for you! Bye Bye Grass is a two-session class about how to get rid of your lawn and what to do once it is gone. My next series of Bye Bye Grass will be held at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on March 5 from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm, and March 8 from 2 pm to 4 pm. Bring your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your colleagues! Pre-registration is required before March 2. Because this class is sponsored by the Water Conservation Garden, please register through the Water Conservation Garden by calling 619 660-0614 or visit http://thegarden.org/calendar/index.php and choose the tab at the bottom for March. Scroll down to Bye Bye Grass. For more information, see the attached flyer. Click the link below to hear about Bye Bye Grass on the KUSI morning news! http://www.kusi.com/news/goodmorning/39567992.html Nan Sterman mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com Watch A Growing Passion now on YouTube! Search for all five segments, starting at http://youtube.com/watch?v=4bpTdXY3cG8 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG City Newsletter Feb. 2009 From: CRFG S D Chap Newsletter Editor Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:21:01 -0800 CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS SAN DIEGO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER Chair: Dave Yetz mailto:Chair@CRFGSanDiego.org (619) 659-8788 February 25th Program (Now history) Propagation Methods by Tom del Hotal Please join us as popular speaker, Tom Del Hotal, instructs us on the propagation methods of rare fruits. Tom is a long time member of CRFG, has taught classes at Southwestern College and is the owner of Fantasia Gardens Nursery in Lemon Grove. He will share methods and techniques of propagating, such as rooting cuttings, air layering, budding, and he will explain the different types of grafts that can be used. Hopefully, you will be able to get all of your questions answered on this exciting subject. Following the talk we will enjoy fruit tasting. Please remember to bring fruit from your garden to share if you can. As usual, we will end the evening with the Opportunity Table Drawing of plants. Remember, if you donate a plant or plants for the table, you will receive one free ticket (see Jack S. for details). Message from the Chair - David Yetz, Chairman Greetings CRFG members. Early February has brought with it much needed rain to water our fruit trees. This morning I ventured outside, it was a picturesque day just after the rain. The sun was shining and the air was cool and clear. My pomegranate trees were beginning to burst into new leaves red and bronze, looking almost as if they were on fire. Several of my peach trees were covered in full bloom. My Artic Star nectarine trees had just burst forth in glorious pink/maroon flowers. I gathered several citrus fruits to take back to the house-tangerines, blood oranges, kumquats and cocktail grapefruit. Many of the citrus trees were covered simultaneously in both flowers and fruit. We are very fortunate to live in the San Diego area. While most of the country is still covered in snow and experiencing inclement weather, we are able to have fresh squeezed Orange Juice-direct from tree to the breakfast table. This is truly a great place to live. Last months scion exchange was a huge success with many varieties available. We had a large attendance of members and guests. Thanks to all who brought in cuttings and scion wood. Be sure not to miss this month meeting when Tom del Hotal will be giving us tips on propagating the cuttings and grafting the scions. Tom is a dynamic speaker and his lecture Propagation Methods is one you will not want to miss. Several members have asked me where to obtain rootstock for grafting. With the help of Jim Neitzel, I have placed an order for apple (MM 111) and plum (Marianna 2624) rootstock. Delivery is expected in early March; if you are interested in rootstock please see me for availability and cost. Hope to see you all on February 25th 7:00pm! Month Meeting/Program/Speaker Event/Field Trip/ Activity February February 25 - 7:00PM (Wednesday): Tom del Hotal: Propagation Methods Casa del Prado in Balboa Park, in Room 101 2/27, 2/28, 3/1 Home and Garden Show March March 18 7:00PM (Wednesday): Board Meeting March 25 7:00PM (Wednesday): Nino Cupiolo: Cherimoyas Casa del Prado in Balboa Park, in Room 101. California Rare Fruit Growers San Diego Chapter P.O. Box 152943 San Diego, CA 92195 CRFG S D Chap Newsletter Editor mailto:Editor@CRFGSanDiego.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: What's fruiting in my garden (guavas, pepino dulce, ....) From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:19:33 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, How was your surgery? I hope, that won't keep you on the couch (for too long:-) I haven't written in a while, so I thought I'd catch up with you. I'm still harvesting my red Malaysian guavas. They were plentiful this year. This is the only guava tree that I have that gets the brown scales. Last year I was vigilant about getting ahead of them. I have a pink tropical guava tree that I thought the fruits were so-so. The ripe yellowish skin has a bitter taste, and the pulp was just bland. It smells better than it tastes. This is the 2nd year it's producing. I don't know what's wrong with it or is that what it really taste -- terrible! I'm still pondering the fate of that tree. I have a side yard that I re-landscaped in January, removing the messy Alphonse Karr bamboo, overgrown Calif. native Ceanothus wild lilac and a few giant birds of paradise. I've replaced them with several tall (about 7 feet) strawberry guava trees to form as a hedge/screen against a chainlink fence. They take full to part sun on this side yard. Some of the guavas are bigger than usual, and sweeter. I have a Vietnamese white guava tree that has huge fruits on such a small tree (4 feet). They're not soft to the touch, so they're not ready yet. I've picked one that I thought was ripe, but not so. I guess, I'll have to wait a little while longer. My Philippine white guava I planted last spring has a couple of fruits that I'm excited about. I have 2 yellow lemon guava trees. One tree bears larger fruits (silver dollar size) than the other (nickel to a quarter size). The smaller tree fruits taste typical of the lemon guava; however, the larger fruits have a mango taste. I had a guest touring my garden, and said something similar. I had David Archer taste them, and he was intrigued by the unique taste. In my garden, I call it mango guava. Something quite special, especially if you love mangoes like I do:-) I'm also harvesting pepino dulce. It was a couple months ago that I told you Vons sells them for $3.99 a pound. I think, they were imported from Ecuador. The fruit tastes like canteloupe melon. The more purple striping, the sweeter. The plant grows like a tomato plant -- bushy/sprawling and will take over the garden (if you let it). I had to cut it way back, and I'm propagating them from cuttings. I should have some planted in 1-gal containers, if you're interested. This will be the first time my Big Jim loquat is fruiting. I've tasted the fruits from Jim, and decided to get a 5-gal tree. Although, Jim said I shouldn't have wasted my money. He could've just grafted a Big Jim onto my gold nugget loquat. Oh, well, I thought, it was an honor to have one of his fruit trees in my garden, so I didn't mind buying one. I also bought one of his signature cherimoyas (Sabor). That's another story for another time. The Surinam cherries (a.k.a. pitangas) (chamba and vermillion) have a lot of blooms, but only the Lolita has been producing almost year round. The first Surinam cherry I've ever tasted was from your garden (in 2006?). I was hooked then. Thanks for turning me on to them. My Macadamia nut tree has gotten a lot of nuts, and so far I've collected them in nursery pots until I can find a macadamia nut cracker. ( My gold nugget mandarin didn't bear a single fruit last year.) I'm sure, I'm forgetting something else. Oh, yes, blueberries and strawberries! They're great with cereal. The birds haven't discovered them yet. In my veggie bed, I'm growing white onions, broccoli, Anaheim hot chilis and sweet red pepper. Fruitfully, Cielo Coastal San Diego mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Surgery over, but house confinement continues From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 07:22:16 -0800 My hammer-toe surgery was 2/16, but on 2/18 I was back in hospital because some of the sutures had come out. It was re-sutured, but concern about possible infection kept me in the hospital for just over one week. I'll be unable to do anything around the yard for 6-8 (impatient) weeks. I appreciate your get-well email messages! ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Citrus Showcase program Thursday March 5! From: Joe Sabol Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:09:58 -0800 CITRUS SHOWCASE 2009 Thursday, March 5 Visalia Convention Center THE CHANGING FARM ENVIRONMENT: ARE WE COOKED? 7:30 A.M. TRADE SHOW OPENS 8:00 9:00 A.M. WATER: A DRY TOPIC? Who gets the water this year, next year? Courts, government and drought are dictating the haves and the have-nots. Federal authorities must decide soon whether to tap into Millerton Lake/Friant Dam to meet the obligations of the decades-old contract with Exchange Contractors, who have first rights to the San Joaquin River. Never before invoked, the possibility is real with state reservoirs currently below than 1977 drought levels. What would the impact be on the Eastside growers? How will court rulings limiting delta pumping to protect fish factor into the equation? Looking forward, what is the states perspective on a delta fix, as well as an overall plan to address the water demands of Californias growing population? Panelists: Joe Grindstaff, Deputy Secretary for Water Policy, CA Dept of Natural Resources Steve Ottemoeller, Water Resources Manager, Friant Water Authority Moderator: David Brown, Grower, Director of Orange Cove Irrigation District, Past CCM Chairman 9:00 10:00 A.M. TRADE SHOW TOURING 10:00 11:15 A.M. CLIMATE CHANGE: THE HEAT IS ON Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions are the latest buzz words becoming reality. State government passed the most far-reaching legislation ever, to lower greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. What is agricultures role in this debate? Opinions range from governments views, the environmentalists requests, to the growers reality of what is possible. Ag regulations are currently on the drafting table and cover a wide swath: regional marketing, dictating land use/crops, potential input on harvesting dates, water conservation measures at the farm and district level, including implementing an Ag water-pricing system that rewards conservation, support for organic production, more efficient fertilizer use. These are only a few of the ideas being proposed. On another front, what is in the legislatures hip pocket this year for new environmental legislation? A session not to be missed: Hear firsthand what their vision is for the face of Agriculture. Panelists: Tony Brunello, Deputy Secretary, California Resources Agency Jonathan Kaplan, Senior Policy Specialist, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Louie Brown: Agricultural Advocate, Kahn, Soares and Conway Gary Caviglia: Grower and Past CCM Chairman Moderator: Joel Nelsen, President, California Citrus Mutual 11:15 12:00 Noon TRADE SHOW TOURING 12:00 NOON1:30 PM LUNCH THE BATTLE AGAINST ACP/HLB: WHATS NEXT? The threat is real!! Guns are firing on all fronts to insure the industry has all the available resources to protect itself. If left unchecked, California citrus could be facing the same consequences other citrus producing states and countries are currently addressing; fighting for survival. Others were not proactive when the Asian Citrus Psyllid was discovered and now the disease is entrenched. Active partnerships with all levels of government, including Mexico, are critical if California is to be successful. Hear the latest progress by government and industry. Panelists: Rebecca Bech: USDA Deputy Administrator APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs Francisco Javier Trujillo PhD: Director General Plant Protection DGSV- SENASICA, Mexico John Connell: Director of Plant Health & Pest Prevention Services, CA Dept of Food & Agriculture Ted Batkin: President, Citrus Research Board Moderator: Joel Nelsen, CCM President Lunch: $30/person and reservations are necessary. Call CCM or return the enclosed reservation form. 1:30 2:15 P.M. TRADE SHOW TOURING 2:15 3:15 P.M. DISCUSSING TOMORROWS CONFLICTS TODAY What will the California citrus industry look like five, ten or twenty years from now? How will citrus be packaged? Should it change? Will navels and mandarins join forces to grow citrus consumption or will one grow while the other shrinks? What is the best strategy for growing the citrus market? How will the industry utilize its infrastructure during the declining summer season? These questions and more will make for a lively and insightful discussion. Panelists: Kevin Fiori: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sunkist Growers David Krause: Grower, President, Paramount Citrus Jim Marderosian: Grower and President, Bee Sweet Citrus Bruce Wileman: Grower and President, Porterville Citrus Inc. Moderator: Terry Orr, CCM Director and Marketing Committee Chairman 2009 CITRUS SHOWCASE SPONSORS BAYER CROPSCIENCE FRUIT GROWERS SUPPLY FARM CREDIT ASSOCIATIONS SOUTHERN CA EDISON Joe Sabol mailto:jsabol@calpoly.edu <><><><> 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: Olives May Be Rescued By Helpful Wasp From: ARS News Service Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:49:17 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Olives basking in sunny California groves might find that their new best friend is a small brown wasp. Known to scientists as Psyttalia cf. concolor, the little wasp can help foil the olive fruit fly, a powerful natural enemy of olives. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist Victoria Y. Yokoyama and colleagues have imported and studied the beneficial wasp, and have turned it loose--by the thousands--in olive-fruit-fly-infested groves in California, the nation's No. 1 producer of this popular fruit. Now, the scientists are continuing to carefully evaluate the wasp's effectiveness in thwarting the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae. First detected in California in 1998, olive fruit flies can now be found in every part of California where olives are grown, according to Yokoyama. She's based at the agency's San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center near Parlier, Calif. The olive fruit fly's young, which are slender, whitish maggots, ruin both the olive and its premium oil by feeding voraciously on the fruit as it ripens. But these destructive maggots are vulnerable to attack by the P. cf. concolor wasp. The attack begins when the wasp lays its eggs inside the maggots. When those eggs hatch, the wasp young kill the olive fly maggots by feeding on them from the inside out. The wasp is harmless to people, pets and plants. It appears to be more effective in attacking olive fruit fly than some of the fly's other natural enemies, called parasitoids, which were brought to California in the early 2000s. Yokoyama's ongoing studies, funded by ARS, the Fresno-based California Olive Committee, and other agencies, continue to reveal new details not only about the friendly wasp, but also about the olive fly itself. Read more about this research in the February 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb09/olive0209.htm ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ___________________________________________ 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. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Less Nitrogen Could Increase Profit, Sustainability From: ARS News Service Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:45:18 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ More fertilizer doesn't always mean more profit. That's one conclusion from a 10-year study conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the agency’s Soil Plant Nutrient Research Unit in Fort Collins, Colo., and colleagues at Colorado State University. >From 1998 to 2008, the researchers evaluated and compared potential management strategies for reducing nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen levels in soil and groundwater. The research, led by ARS soil scientist Ardell Halvorson, focused on irrigated cropping systems in the Arkansas River Valley, an agricultural region of Colorado that has high levels of nitrate nitrogen in the fields and groundwater--due, in part, to heavy application of nitrogen fertilizer and the prevalence of shallow-rooted crops such as onions. The first study showed that onions used only about 12 to 15 percent of the fertilizer nitrogen applied to the crop. Much of the remainder stayed in the top six feet of soil. The next year, Halvorson and his colleagues planted corn on the same land and found that it recovered about 24 percent of the fertilizer nitrogen that had been applied to the onion crop. Following that study, the scientists grew alfalfa on the land for five years, then followed it with a watermelon crop, followed by a corn crop. In the first year that the corn was grown, an unfertilized control plot yielded about 250 bushels of corn. By comparison, a plot fertilized with 250 pounds of nitrogen per acre yielded about 260 bushels, a small increase that required a significantly higher investment of time and money. Additional corn studies following onion in rotation showed corn was a good residual nitrogen scavenger crop. The results suggest that when managing fields with relatively high nitrogen levels, farmers could benefit economically from reduced nitrogen fertilization rates. Recommendations based on this research could have important economic and environmental benefits for the Arkansas River Valley and similar regions. Read more about this research in the February 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ___________________________________________ 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. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Guayule Eyed as Future Fuel Source From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:32:40 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Superb natural latex from a desert shrub called guayule (why-YOU-lee) makes high-quality gloves, medical devices, and other in-demand natural rubber products. But guayule may also prove to be an economical, environmentally friendly source of another valuable resource--energy. That's according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemist Colleen M. McMahan at the agency's Western Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif. Bioenergy can be made from ground-up guayule stems and branches, left after their white, rubber-rich latex has been removed, McMahan noted. The leftovers--a soft, light brown sawdust-like material called bagasse--provide 8,000 to 9,000 Btu per pound, about the same as charcoal. McMahan's collaborators include ARS chemist Kevin M. Holtman at the Albany center, who has already made small amounts of ethanol from guayule, and chemical engineer Akwasi Boateng at the ARS Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Pa. Boateng is looking into converting guayule bagasse into bio-oil or synthetic gas. Guayule offers many biofuel benefits. It isn't a food or feed crop, so using it for energy production won't compete with those uses. Guayule shrubs can be harvested for the first time as early as two years after planting, and are ready to harvest again in about another year and a half. Guayule's bagasse and latex are available year round. The only other biofuel feedstock available continuously right now is garbage (municipal solid waste). In addition, guayule thrives in hot, dry ecosystems where many other biofuel crops wouldn't grow well. The hardy shrub requires less fertilizer than other crops currently produced in the desert Southwest. Even though a few herbicides are needed while the plants are getting established, once that happens, there's no need for more--or for chemicals that target harmful insects, fungi, or worms called nematodes. Read more about this research in the February 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb09/biofuel0209.htm. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200903A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - March 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200903B.txt ____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> With warming temperatures, you'll begin to think about visiting local nurseries about plants. In the sections Announcements / Web Sites To Consider are two to keep in mind, Bonita Nursery with David Archer and Quang Ong Nursery with Quang Ong are operated by friends.I would recommend that you check there first. The web pages are most useful in giving contact information. It's almost impossible to update plants in stock information daily, so call or write. Let them know what you want, and they'll be happy to help you find it. Please keep writing to me about ideas for the newsletter. Thanks for your sympathetic interest in my recuperating from foot surgery. I'll probably be housebound for another month. You can imagine that it's about the worst time to be unable to get out into the yard. Friends came over to check for possible ripeness of 3 yellow pitaya (bloomed last September,) but they were not quite ready. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber Escondido, CA Norm Kross <><><> Readers Write <><><> Bumper crop of Suebelle White Sapote Marvnpet@aol.com Fw: Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference Cielo & Kevin Sorry to hear of your being housebound "Bob Holzinger" Re: Water containers Cielo & Kevin To: Minna Riber Fw: Grafting class will be delayed to 3/21 secetary nickerson Stroll with me through (beer) gardens! Sun. 3/15, 1 pm N Sterman Camu Camu Fruit-Information Sought Judy New webpages and new book W Chow <><><> 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 Scientists Team Up against Fruit Bugs ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber Escondido, CA From: Norm Kross Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:12:04 -0700 I am Norm Kross, living in Escondido. I have recently become very interested in Pitahaya/Dragon Fruit. At this point, I have only several cuttings that I am attempting to get rooted. I plan to get some other plants that are a little farther along soon. At home, just a couple of blocks from Escondido High School, on our cul-de-sac hillside, we have orange, lemon, lime, plum, nectarine, mandarin, grapes, a couple of rarely-bearing avocado, and a few berries. I can't think of any fruit I would not like to try growing!! I have recently been involved in a start up Instructional Gardening class at Carlsbad High School, where I teach special education. We are starting from scratch, constructing everything as we go. We are using a little mini-hothouse to germinate seeds. We are building a plant light cart. We are cleaning up about 350' of lumber from the old football stadium bleachers to use for borders, raised beds and compost pits. At this point, we are concentrating on growing in "Earthboxes" or containers, since our site is temporary during a major campus demolition and reconstruction project. We will be growing a bunch of different vegetables in the spring and a few other berries and fruits as we can. I am working on obtaining a few small Acai berry palms and other unusual fruit bushes and vines. As things progress, I will searching for donations of some of the equipment, tools, materials, and plants that our small budget could not include. Soon, I will be looking for a source for gently used growers pots from rather small up to 30 gallons. This original small group of students and I are enjoying getting our hands dirty and watching a few things begin to grow. I have been enjoying reading Leo's Pitahaya/Dragon Fruit discussion group emails. All of my Dragon Fruit cuttings and plants will be on loan to the high school gardening program. I think the Carlsbad climate might be kinder to the plants than my home location in Escondido. We get several freezes here each winter and I don't have the time or money to get involved with a greenhouse. Thanks for making the newsletter available. Norm Kross mailto:nkross@cox.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Bumper crop of Suebelle White Sapote From: Marvnpet@aol.com Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 14:39:42 EST Our Suebelle White Sapote is about eight years old. We purchased it from a nursery. About 10 - 12 fruit are getting ripe each day and has been at the rate for the past month. They average 4 - 6 CM in diameter. Marvin Daniels mailto:Marvnpet@aol.com Central Coast Chapter, CRFG, Pismo Beach ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 21:34:27 -0800 (PST) Thought you might find this conference interesting and worth seeing. I've registered only for the Friday Mar. 13th bus tour. Sorry this notice is out late to incur a late registration fee:-( Cielo Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference 2009 You are invited to join this one-of-a-kind event designed to bring the latest trends, technology, and techniques for a sustainable urban landscape. The event is designed for landscape professionals on Thursday and Friday, and to community members on Saturday. However, the conference is open to everyone. This event is hosted by the Cuyamaca College's Ornamental Horticulture Dept., Water Conservation Garden and the University of California Cooperative Extension Service Conference Schedule & Location Thurs. Mar. 12th 8 am to 3:30 pm --- includes lectures by 9 speakers (Lunch: 12 to 1:30 pm) 3:30 to 4 pm -- break 4 pm -- Sustainability in Action includes light appetizers & refreshments at the Water Conservation Garden Fri. Mar. 13th 8 am to 9 am: Lecture 9:30 am: Buses departs for Tour of Sustainable Facilities, including * Rainwater Harvesting and Recycling/ Sustainable Commercial Landscapes * Public Park w/ Bio-Filter and Runoff Prevention * Demonstration of Mulch Blower Application * Sustainable Residential Landscapes (Lunch at sustainable site) 4 pm: Buses return to Cuyamaca Location: Cuyamaca College Communications Arts Theatre 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway El Cajon CA 92019 For detailed conference schedule: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/ohweb/SUL/Sustaniable%20Urban% 20Landscape%20Conference%20Attendee%20Registration%204p.pdf Or call: 619.660.4262 Registration for the Conference: $85 per person per day, or $145 for both days. Registration fee includes printed schedule, refreshments and lunch. $10 late fee (after March 1) for 1 day or $15 for 2 day registration. Registration online is available at: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/ohweb/SUL/ The_Sustainable_Urban_Landscape_Conference_Registration__distributed.pdf Cielo & Kevin mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sorry to hear of your being housebound From: "Bob Holzinger" Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 15:44:34 -0500 Hi Leo, I have been out of touch with all of my fruit friends, so I did not hear that you had another operation, this time for a toe. Sorry to hear that you are going to be laid up for 6-8 weeks. May you have a speedy recovery. I have been working on getting my new backyard in the shape I need to be able to plant something this year. I will pay you and Jim a visit when I have some time and see what the two of you have available. I’m not sure what I want to plant, that may be dependent on what I find out there to plant. Passifloras are on the top of my list, plus some banana pups I salvaged from Ventura. After that I’m open. We can talk about possibilities when I visit. Take care, Bob mailto:bob.holzinger@Ambrx.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Water containers From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Fri, 6 Mar 2009 17:10:03 -0800 (PST) To: Minna Riber Hi Minna, I'm assuming you're referring to rainharvesting & greywater workshop email I sent to Leo Manuel's rarefruit online newsletter last month (?). (If you don't mind, I've copied Leo on my reply.) I've attended a few workshops on these subjects, and what I've found is that instructor(s) don't typically give out a list of recommended vendors/sellers for rainharvesting tanks/cisterns. I have Vol 2 book of Brad Lancaster, who's probably the authority on rainharvesting. Here's a weblink to Brad's website that provides a list suppliers of tanks/cisterns: http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/rainwater-harvesting- inforesources/suppliers/water-tankscisterns/ From his book, I've learned there are other things I can do in my garden to help retain more of the rainwater preventing it from just running off my property, and diverting the rain into my fruit trees and in my garden beds. I've collected rainwater similar to your method, and in no time, I've filled up 3 - 32 gal containers (from Home Depot). In addition, I've also collected water from my shower head into a 5- gal bucket (Homer's bucket) while waiting for the water to get warm. We collect 22 gallons a week just from the cold water shower. Otherwise, that's a lot of wasted water down the drain (like in the past). This water is enough to water all our house plants, container plants and nearby fruit trees. I'm in the process of installing 2 - 1110 gal tanks in my hillside backyard. I'm hoping to get it completed while we're still within the rainy season. I bought my tanks from Bushman (from Brad's list above) http://www.bushmanusa.com/ Bushman is in Temecula (north of San Diego). I know someone who's purchased 3 (58 gal) rain barrels from Aaron's Rain Barrels http://www.ne-design.net/ All 3 were spilling over in a short time during the last rain we had. She's considering getting a tank to water her fruit trees. She has a high water use during the summer months, so she could really use a tank or 2. But, it's a matter of logistics and costs. One seminar I attended, the instructor recommends getting something bigger -- he has 3 (90 gal) rain barrels that he said fill up quickly. If you're getting smaller rain barrels, like these, plan for the overflow. When one fills up, it overflows into another, and so forth. If you have the space (and access through your side yard(s)), and you have more than average water needs, then I'd suggest a larger container, i.e. 1,000 - gal +. During a heavy rain last month, I visited someone who had recently installed a 1300 gal tank in mid January 09, and it's half full already. You gotta love the sound of that rain going into the tank. That tank will be sufficient for her small yard. Estimate how much rainwater you can harvest from your rooftop: multiply the square footage of your roof space you have available x 0.6 gallons per inch of rain, that's only per inch of rain fall. If there's a 3 inch rain, then x 3; so it doesn't take long at all to fill up rain barrels. I hope this information help you. Keep it up, you're on the right track. When conserving isn't enough, you have to catch that rain. Cielo Coastal San Diego --- On Fri, 3/6/09, Minna Riber wrote: From: Minna Riber Subject: Water containers To: cielonkevin@yahoo.com Date: Friday, March 6, 2009, 9:00 AM Hi Cielo, Just got to read about the water events in February. Did anyone speak about availability of water storage containers. We currently collect rain water in trash cans but would like to purchase much larger containers like the ones which they use on tropical islands. Any suggestions would help as I have not started my investigation. Thanks, Minna mailto:minna@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Grafting class will be delayed to 3/21 From: secetary nickerson Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 17:22:38 -0700 (PDT) On Mon, 3/9/09, Pierce, Ben wrote: From: Pierce, Ben Subject: Grafting class will be moved to the 21st Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 12:54 PM I spoke to Lawyer Nursery. I did ask whether shipping to Southern California could proceed with the weather. They told me that it is the weather in Montana that is the problem. They were going to ship one day later which put us into Friday for the ag inspection. They could not guarantee delivery even by then. So we agreed to have them ship this Friday with and expected arrival date of the 18th (Wednesday). So Tony can you call the folks on the list and tell them about the change, Harry can you send out an email to the group, and Jim B. can you contact your ag department contact(Delores?) to arrange an inspection some time on the 19th or 20th? I will keep everything wet down and moist until Saturday morning. I have an automated drip system I can run to do that. I can buy some peat moss to put on top of the roots. I may need some help to put the rootstock up like that. I will let you all know. Call me if you have questions? Thanks. Ben Pierce mailto:bpierce@unitrindirect.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Stroll with me through (beer) gardens! Sun. 3/15, 1 pm From: N Sterman Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 20:08:49 -0700 Most people think of Stone Brewing for their amazing beers, eclectic restaurant, and cool atmosphere. But did you know they have an equally cool and eclectic garden? It's true. The Stone folks took a hole in the ground (literally) and created an amazing, sustainable garden filled with fruit trees, natives, pine grove, an outdoor living room, fantastic water feature and more. Join me for a stroll through the garden this coming Sunday, March 15th (that's the Ides of March for you Julius Caesar fans) from 1 to 3 pm. Come for lunch, grab a beer, and meet me at the outside bar (just ask a local and they'll tell you where to go). We'll stroll the gardens, talk about what is going on there, and enjoy the afternoon. I'll have books with me if you've been meaning to buy one for yourself (or your sweetie). I'll even sign it for you! Who: YOU! And bring your friends too. What: Tour of the Gardens When: 1-3 pm Where: Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Meet at the outdoor bar. WWW.STONEBREW.COM 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029 Why: Why NOT? It will be fun! http://www.stonebrew.com/visit/storedirections.pdf Nan mailto:NSterman@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Camu Camu Fruit & newsletter From: Me Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:33:12 -0700 Hello Leo, My name is Judy, I live in Belmont Shore (Long Beach) California 90803 I am in search of camu camu fruit. I have found it in powder form but would like the real thing and would also like to find bulbs or seeds to grow it, would you or any of you readers know? Thank You, Judy mailto:bjlb65@aol.com [I was surprised that one reference stated that camu camu will grow in semi-tropical climate zones. Anyone seen it in S. Cal. or Florida? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New webpages and new book From: W Chow Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:40:24 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo and Edgar, I added a few new webpages on gardening. I also wrote another little book about gardening. http://www.forestmulch.com/wow.htm http://www.forestmulch.com/g-book.htm http://www.forestmulch.com/dragon-2.htm It is getting warm ! I am starting my spring garden. I am growing the yacon that I got from Leo. I am also growing a lot of wolfberry (goji berry) from the CRFG meeting. Cheers ! William mailto:williamwchow@yahoo.com [Congratulations, William! Good job. I recommend that everyone check out all of the leads in the pages. -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. 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:dav.d-aves@att.net or mailto:sales@bonitacreeknursery.com Quang Ong Nursery http://www.geocities.com/quangong2/ Week-End Nursery For Rare Plants 2528 Crandall Drive San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 277-8167 mailto:quang12@aol.com <> Agricultural Research Service (ARS) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm. Subject: Scientists Team Up against Fruit Bugs From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:49:07 -0500 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Controlling two species of semitropical bugs that damage a variety of fruit and nut crops is the objective of a joint research project between the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Australian researchers. Entomologist Jeffrey Aldrich and chemist Ashot Khrimian, both with the ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., are evaluating a synthetic pheromone they produced for use in traps. The researchers had previously identified what they suspect are distinctly different pheromones emitted by the banana spotting bug Amblypelta lutescens and the fruit spotting bug A. nitida to attract mates. Aldrich and Khrimian are now evaluating a compound that they believe replicates the pheromone released by A. lutescens males to attract females. Scientists also hope to eventually develop a compound to attract A. nitida. The work is part of a cooperative research project between ARS and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. The Australians are funding the research because the insects are major pests in tropical and semitropical areas, attacking mangoes, pecans, papaws, cashews and avocadoes. The insects are unpredictable, impossible to see and produce rotten spots that make the fruit unmarketable. As part of the agreement, Australian scientists are capturing A. lutescens, putting them in glass containers and pulling air over them and into filters to extract the gases given off. They use solvents to extract the compounds from the filters. The ARS researchers are comparing the chemical composition of those compounds with the compound they have synthesized. The effort could also help U.S. farmers. The insects belong to a group called the leaf-footed bugs that are members of the coreid family. Scientists have yet to identify attractant pheromones for any coreids. Coreids also are an emerging threat because of the proliferation of genetically modified crops. Genetically modified corn, cotton, soybeans and other crops target specific pests and have reduced the need to spray insecticides, but periodic spraying kept coreids in check. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ___________________________________________ 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 RFN200903B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - April 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200401A.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Effect of irrigation timing on blooming of lychee and or longan? I believe I've heard that withholding water on at least those fruit trees – maybe including others – can improve the blooming and fruit set. I'm hazy on details, but know that at some point watering will have to be resumed. Can someone refresh my memory? I bring it up because my lychee has begun to bloom.... Mango trees are pretty much either blooming or showing lots of bloom buds. Since there is a shortage of water in California, it would be helpful to know how much we can reduce water before affecting fruit crops. Of course, we'll undoubtedly be required to sacrifice some fruit with the water rationing coming. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> New Subscriber Near Dallas, Texas Allen Speights <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> NAFEX – National Fruit Explorers – Deciduous Trees Leo Manuel To: Allen Speights Bumper crop of Suebelle White Sapote Marvnpet@aol.com Is Congress poised to end organic gardening? Maurice Kong My Merritt Mountain Nursery Paul Fisher Fw: San Diego Mayor Unveils Water Allocation Plan Cielo & Kevin Re: Camu Camu Lúcio Stuani Re: Camu Camu Lúcio Stuani Re: Camu Camu "Marco" Encinitas Garden Festival and Tour - pass it on Nan Sterman Wanted: Ackee fruit for recipe "NancyB." Re: Pitahaya Cuttings Available In San Diego County Ramiro Lobo Gardening Report – My Place James Freedner Thailand Fruit Production 2009 "Sainarong Siripen Rasananda" Miracle Fruit Tree Source Wanted Bruce Bauer <><><> 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 Plastic Tote Makes Ideal Wild Bee Nursery ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber – Near Dallas, Texas From: Allen Speights Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:19:25 -0700 (PDT) I am Allen Speights, in Rockwall/Hunt County Texas...East of Dallas I am growing: 5 Fig varieties; 2 apple varieties and 30 malus domestica grows; Unknown grafts on Lovell peachstock; unknown quantity of Pomegranates 1 dwarf in production; bartlett pear own rootstock and callery; jujube; mayhaw; autumn olive; arbequinia and mission olive; grapefruit (container); 6 Blueberry varieties; Black Currants; one lonely pawpaw (Mango); Pecan. Interested in acquiring Asian Persimmons, Seedless Che (especially whatever Mr Sherwood Akin had which was a great cultivar) and want some asian apricot varieties also. Probably lots of others if I think about it. Trying to germinate pawpaws now, for seedlings to try some grafts. We are working for a sustainable permaculture on prarie blackland and clay loam bottomland in 2 places about 7 miles apart. Native with grafts, companion planting, drought varieties, berms and water retention. Needing the Che for this purpose also. Allen Speights mailto:drbay@sbcglobal.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: NAFEX–National Fruit Explorers–Deciduous Fruit Trees From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:39:29 -0700 To: Allen Speights Also, See NAFEX - For Fruit Growers In Temperate Zones Not all fruit growers live in the sub-tropical fruit growing zones. Many of them turn to NAFEX for help growing such fruits as grapes, apples, pears, medlars, peaches, plums, pears, apricots.... Some of us may subscribe to Rare Fruit News Online for information about growing subtropical fruit. I have subscribed to NAFEX for over thirty years, and recommend it to you. There also is a NAFEX newsgroup, with frequent mailing to subscribers. I'll be delighted to send the Rare Fruit News Online newsletter to you. But, for maximum support, also check out NAFEX at the following web page: http://www.nafex.org/ to get the quarterly publication "POMONA" by snail mail. For the email newsletter, go to the END of the webpage: http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex "Subscribing to nafex" where you leave your email address and password. Be sure to write to ask questions when the newsletters begin to appear. Take care, Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bumper crop of Suebelle White Sapote From: Marvnpet@aol.com Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:54:20 EDT Our Suebelle White Sapote is about eight years old. We purchased it at Norman Beard Nursery, in Goleta. mailto:beardtropics@earthlink.net Production has slowed a bit to about 6- 10 fruit a day for the past two weeks. They average 4 - 6 CM in diameter. The tree is located about 100 yards from the ocean in our yard. It is in a nearly frost free area and is watered both with an overhead mister and drip irrigation. We keep the tree trimmed to about 8 feet high. Marvin Daniels mailto:Marvnpet@aol.com Pismo Beach, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Is Congress poised to end organic gardening? From: Maurice Kong Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:21:11 EDT [This is scary if it can be verified. Let us know if you find evidence to support or contradict the threat. I did a quick Google of "Congress stop organic gardening" and found several equally disturbing comments....-Leo] Subject: ALERT: House and Senate will vote on bill to end organic gardening. .. . HR 875 A "beyond belief" move of Congress. > Subject: House and Senate bills to kill all organic farms (FAST track bills in 2 weeks) Food Safety Modernization Act (HR 875): Criminalization of Organic Farms Bills are: House H.R. 875 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-875 Senate S 425 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-425 IF YOU LIKE ORGANIC FOOD YOU BETTER GET ON THAT PHONE TO CONGRESS N O W ! There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening. Main backer and lobbyist is Monsanto This bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to the public food supply". This will include backyard gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sales. If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds but only Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now showing up with unexpected diseases in humans. http://www.voteronpaul.com/newsDetail.php?Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-HR-875-Criminalization-of-Organic-Farms-222 The disarming name on this is plan is Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009) ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Merritt Mountain Nursery From: Paul Fisher Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:43:01 EDT Leo, You forgot to let the public know about merritt mountain nursery. Where else besides exotica can the folks see over 600 different varieties of fruit growing to full size and try hand-picked fruit before they buy? I am so fully stocked that the entire driveway and all yard spaces are totally brim full of georgeous fruit trees. Remember too that all customers can call me anytime with any questions or problems as long as they own their trees purchased from me. Thanks, Paul Fisher mailto:MageeThor@aol.com [Paul doesn't currently have a webpage, but plans to get one. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: San Diego Mayor Unveils Water Allocation Plan From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:51:38 -0700 (PDT) If you live outside the city of San Diego, please disregard this notice. Respective water agencies for other cities may have their own water allocation plans. The most important message below from the mayor is that the recommended reduction percentage for residential is 45% for outdoor use and 5% for indoor use. Can your garden survive on that? There are penalties (see weblink to Water Allocation Methodology - page 10). --Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com -----Inline Attachment Follows----- Mayor's Office Mayor HomeAbout Jerry SandersContact MeNews Center A message from Mayor Jerry Sanders As I have been saying for nearly two years now, San Diego must prepare for a different water future. We must make big changes in our water use in the event that San Diego is left with no choice but to allocate water at the local level. That time may be drawing near. At my direction, the Water Department today released a water allocation plan that spells out how much City Water Department customers will be required to cut back should the state or the City’s water wholesalers impose allocations. Over the past few months, the Water Department has been meeting with stakeholders at every level to take input regarding the plan’s details. We have heard from all these groups; residents, businesses, property owners, government agencies and customers in every classification. As I’ve said, allocation requirements will apply to every City water customer, including the City itself. Everyone had a lot of good ideas that are now part of this plan. We heard a lot of concerns about how this plan will recognize past conservation efforts and will protect customers moving forward. If you have been improving your water conservation efforts over the past year we will not hold your new savings against you. It is important to know that the plan also includes a High User Adjustment that will require greater water savings from high-usage residential customers. If you’ve been a long-time saver, the plan includes a Supersaver credit. Nearly 21% of our single family residential customers already qualify for that credit. It treats interior and exterior water uses separately for purposes of calculating individual allocations. The discretionary exterior use is where the bulk of reductions are targeted. The plan also contains year-round prohibitions on water waste. Customers who practice water efficiency will not be affected by these prohibitions, or their enforcement. Allocations will be calculated over a four-month period, rather than within the one-month and two-month billing periods. This enlarged allocation window provides all customers with a reasonable period in which to adjust to allocations, and compensate for unexpected high usage. Finally, the plan provides a variance process under which any customer can appeal an allocation. This process allows customers to seek an enhanced allocation and takes into account their demonstrated water efficiency. If you have yet to step-up your conservation efforts, now is the time to start. The plan uses 2005, 2006 and 2007 as its baseline years, and that means anything you can accomplish now will be to your credit and will make complying with allocation requirements easier. Again, it is important to note that the plan will only be triggered should the state or our water wholesalers implement allocation measures for the City as a whole. The plan will now move on for consideration by the City Council’s Committee for Natural Resources and Culture at 2:00 p.m. on March 25th. The Committee will then forward the plan for a hearing before the City Council sometime in April. Click the link below to access a water allocation fact sheet: http://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/pdf/090320factsheetwater.pdf Click the link below to access the water allocation methodology plan: http://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/pdf/090320memowater.pdf Click the link below to access the city’s water emergency information and resource page: http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/drought/index.shtml ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Camu Camu From: Lúcio Stuani Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:24:29 -0300 Leo: Camu Camu is a myrtaceae (same family of jabuticaba) with red skinned fruit. It's native of Amazon rivers. It have a lot of C vitamin in the fruit. The flavor is sour or very sour. In my State (São Paulo) a Msc research made some grafts in anothers myrtaceae. He has sucessfuly in a little number of plants. Because of climate (colder than Amazon), the C vitamin decrease. There is a farmer growing this fruit in São Paulo State but i don't know him. He already have selected plants and probably fruits more sweet. Once (3 years ago) a research of São Paulo University (ESALQ) said to me about this farmer. He said about this farm is betwen São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, near the Ribeira river. I will try to discover to inform you. The fruit collector Carlos Velazco (from Rio de Janeiro) probably have camu camu. He always goes to USA (Florida). I will ask him too. Soon, if I discover any news, I reply to you. Best regards, Lúcio mailto:lm.stuani@uol.com.br ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leo Manuel" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 1:59 PM Subject: Camu Camu > What do you know about this fruiting tree: > > Myrciaria dubia, commonly known as Camu Camu, CamuCamu, Cacari, > and Camocamo, is a small (approx. 3-5 m tall) bushy river > side tree from the Amazon Rainforest vegetation in Peru and > Brazil, which bears a red/purple cherry like fruit. Its small > flowers have waxy white petals and sweet smelling aroma. It > has bushy feathery foliage. The evergreen, opposite leaves > are lanceolate to elliptic. Individual leaves are 3 - 20 cm > in length and 1 - 2 cm wide. > > Have you eaten this fruit? Do you know where I could buy seeds? > > I will appreciate whatever information you can pass along. > > Thanks, > > Leo Manuel ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Camu Camu From: Lúcio Stuani Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:48:57 -0300 Leo: The name of camu camu research is Eduardo Suguino from ESALQ/USP (São Paulo University). Look this link about his grafts: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-204X2003001200015 He knows the owner of the camu camu farm in São Paulo State. Best regards, Lúcio mailto:lm.stuani@uol.com.br ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Camu Camu From: "Marco" Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:48:05 -0300 Hello Leo!!! My camu camu tree is setting fruits right now!!!! It looks like a jaboticaba, but with acid taste. It is good for juices and similars. It is the fruit with highest percentage of C vitamin. Likes more water than jaboticaba, and starts to produce soon (3-4 years). I wish to exchange camu camu seeds for MYRCIARIA VEXATOR. You can perhaps contact a well known supplier in Puerto Rico (Vivero Anones) which is a very good Heliconia grower, but also has M. vexator seeds for sale. As many seeds of Myrciaria vexator you ask Vivero Anones to send me, I will send you of camu camu seeds!!! All the best, Marco mailto:marcolacerda@terra.com.br ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Encinitas Garden Festival and Tour - pass it on From: Nan Sterman Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:17:14 -0700 For the 2009 the Encinitas Garden Festival and Tour Saturday, April 25, 2009 26 beautiful, private gardens in the secluded "Composer District" of Cardiff-by-the-Sea" Free Marketplace at Cardiff Elementary School is bigger and better than ever Talks on gardening, composting, and more Tours of the school garden Reserve your spot at www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org Purchase tickets in person at Anderson La Costa Nursery Barrels and Branches Nursery The tour fills up quickly so don't delay! http://www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org Nan Sterman mailto:TalkingPoints@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted: Ackee fruit for recipe From: "NancyB." Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:17:21 +0000 Hi Leo; I hope that all's well with you. I would like to know whether anyone knows where I can get a hold of some ackee fruit to make some ackee and cod. I travel to Florida so I could pick it up or could pay for postage. Also, does anyone grow it and what kind of cultivation does it need? Regards, Nancy in New Orleans mailto:sergius1@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Pitahaya Cuttings Available In San Diego County From: Ramiro Lobo Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:08:37 -0700 Hi Leo, Good talking to you the other day and hope you have recovered fully from your surgery. Thanks for the note and my apologies for not sending the info...I got busy sorting cuttings forgot all about it. I have not finished yet!! If you do not mind, go ahead and announce the availability of cuttings to the group and have them contact Barbara Henderson at our office in San Marcos by calling 760.752.4724. A few things to keep in mind, though: 1. Barbara will develop an interest list and then we will contact people to let them know of the date and location where to pick up the cuttings...either Carlsbad or Irvine. Hopefully it will be April 17. 2. We will limit the number of cuttings to a maximum of three per variety, depending on availability...first come first served, based on the order in which they sign up with Barbara in our office. 3. We will only give cuttings to people who can pick them up in person from either location above. We do not have the manpower or resources to ship cuttings anywhere. Thanks again and best regards, Ramiro mailto:relobo@ucdavis.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Gardening Report – My Place From: James Freedner Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:29:33 -0700 Leo, best wishes for a speedy recovery from your foot surgery! It's a bummer not being able to get outside. Maybe you could use the time to sprout some seeds inside, if only citrus, and see what happens. Yeah, I know, they don't always grow true but maybe you will be the lucky one to discover a green orange or something. :) I had to water my yard yesterday, first time since the winter rains. Things are starting to dry out in Sun Valley. Maier Lemon had a pretty good bloom. Plenty of weeds on my lots in Hanford. Was up there a few weeks back to try cutting, but they are so wet, the mower gave out. So, I have to go back, maybe this weekend, and hope they are a bit dryer and can be cut. These are...I don't know what...little fuzzy-leaved plants with knee-high stalks of tiny yellow flowers that sound amusing but absolutely take over vacant lots. Only place for them is the mulch-pile! J. Eric Freedner mailto:freedner@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Thailand Fruit Production 2009 From: "Sainarong Siripen Rasananda" Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:05:18 +0700 For various reasons, including last year production quantity and the unusual weather pattern ( actually in the present environment it would be unusual to have usual weather pattern), the fruit production of Thailand is expected to be large and concentrated in just a few months. Normally, different fruits, such as longans, mangosteen, durians, rambutans mature at different time period; this year, they are expected to mature at about the same time. Even the same fruit, such as mangoes, normally mature at different time period, depending on the location. This year they may well mature at the same time, irrespective of the location. If this forecast is true, then Thailand will see a flood of fruits soon. This poses a problem even in a normal situation. However, with the global recession in full swing, the problem will be compounded. I do not think that normal market mechanism can cope with the coming huge harvest. The government will have to intervene one way or another. Everyone in the business is waiting to see what actions the government will take and whether it will be successful. Hard times indeed. Sainarong in Thailand mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle Fruit Tree Source Wanted Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:12:55 -0400 From: Bruce Bauer Do you know of anyone who sells Miracle Fruit trees ((Synsepalum dulcificum)? Thanks. Bruce Bauer mailto:brucetbauer@aol.com I live in Orange County, California. 949/ 293-5311 <><><><> 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: Plastic Tote Makes Ideal Wild Bee Nursery From: ARS News Service Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:31:47 -0500 ___________________________________________ View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Corrugated plastic bins like the kind sold for handling mail and packages can be quickly and easily converted into a durable "nursery" for wild bees, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) research entomologist. James H. Cane, with the agency's Pollinating Insects Biology, Management and Systematics Research Unit in Logan, Utah, says that female wild bees will readily use a properly placed, suitably furnished tote as a shelter for their nests. Turned on their long side, the totes can be held firmly in place on a wooden or metal post by means of a lightweight steel chain and a customized metal support frame. Cane came up with the idea of using corrugated plastic totes--available from suppliers of mail and package handling equipment--as nesting shelters, and has tested them during spring and summer in California, Oregon, Wyoming and Utah. His experiments show that the lightweight, rectangular bins, each 23-1/2 inches long by 15-1/2 inches wide by 15-1/2 inches high, serve as a sturdy, inexpensive and reusable shelter for protecting bee nests against wind and rain. Growers, professional and hobbyist beekeepers, and backyard gardeners who want wild bees to live near and work in their fields, orchards, vineyards or home gardens can use the totes to house nesting materials, such as five-sixteenths-inch diameter paper drinking straws enclosed in cardboard tubes and stuffed inside empty cardboard milk cartons. Wild female bees such as the blue orchard bee, Osmia lignaria, can use the straws as homes for a new generation of pollinators. Wild bees are needed now, perhaps more than ever, to help with jobs usually handled by America's premier pollinator, the European honey bee, Apis mellifera. Many of the nation's honey bee colonies have been decimated by the puzzling colony collapse disorder or weakened by varroa and tracheal mites or the microbes that cause diseases such as chalkbrood and foulbrood. A single corrugated plastic tote can accommodate as many as 3,000 young, enough to pollinate one-half to one-acre of orchard. And, unlike bulky or stationary shelters, the tote houses can easily be moved from one site to the next. Corporate collaborator Quiedan Co., of Salinas, Calif., helped design and now sells the support frame and mounting plate unit. Cane published the shelter research for the first time in a July 2006 article in American Bee Journal. The totes are now being used in California and for Cane's own research in Oregon. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ___________________________________________ 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. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Catnip Compounds Curb Asian Lady Beetles From: ARS News Service Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:42:35 -0500 ___________________________________________ View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Multicolored Asian lady beetles are appreciated by farmers and home gardeners alike--until the pest-eating insects decide to spend the winter indoors. The beetle, Harmonia axyridis, becomes a nuisance insect upon entering homes to escape the cold, sometimes in huge numbers. When threatened, it releases a yellow liquid that, while nontoxic, smells foul and produces stains. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have sought to develop beetle-friendly methods of keeping the helpful predators outside where they belong. Most recently, ARS entomologist Eric Riddick and colleagues in Stoneville, Miss., in collaboration with ARS natural product chemist Kamal Chauhan at Beltsville, Md., tested compounds in catnip oil that naturally repel the beetles, causing them to fly off, stop crawling, move back or turn away. In studies at the ARS Biological Control of Pests Research Unit in Stoneville, 95 percent of adult male and female lady beetles altered their course upon encountering filter paper impregnated with the highest of three doses of the catnip compound nepetalactone. The researchers chose nepetalactone because it had previously been shown to repel some species of cockroaches, flies, termites and mosquitoes. They also tested nootkatone (a grapefruit extract), iridomyrmecin (another catnip oil compound), and other plant-based repellents, but none performed as well as nepetalactone. Turning away--more so than the three other avoidance behaviors--characterized the beetles' response to the compound, report Riddick and colleagues in a recent issue of the Bulletin of Insectology (http://www.bulletinofinsectology.org/pdfarticles/vol61-2008-081- 090riddick.pdf). Ultimately, such observations could lead to a "push-pull strategy," combining repellents that deter lady beetles from entering a home's cracks and crevices with traps that lure the predators to an attractant for collection and release elsewhere. According to Riddick, the push-pull strategy offers a friendlier alternative to insecticide spraying and preserves the insects' usefulness as efficient predators of aphids, scale and other soft-bodied arthropods that damage plants. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ___________________________________________ 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 RFN200904A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - April 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200904B.txt ____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Lots of letters, many asking for help. Thanks for sending them. Double thanks (in advance) for sending suggestions for those asking for assistance! Let me remind you that NAFEX (North American Fruit Explorers) is an organization especially helpful for those of us who grow deciduous fruit trees. From their readers I found an excellent source of Parafilm and other grafting aids. (See below, subject: Midwest Vinyard Supply (Grafting)) I'm hoping that at my appointment with the Doc in a couple of days, I'll be able to get rid of a removable cast on my leg, so I can get around without falling, when going up and down the hill. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Soaker Hoses Help Water Shortage? James Freedner re: Wanted: Ackee fruit for recipe Maurice Kong Miracle fruit trees Bryan Brunner To: brucetbauer@aol.com Need Advice To Grow Lychee & Longan In Sri Lanka Ranjit UTA Re: Need Advice To Grow Lychee & Longan In Sri Lanka Leo Manuel To: Ranjit UTA CC: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Re: Need Advice To Grow Lychee & Longan In Sri Lanka Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Groundcover plant experiment; tales of 2 Asian guavas Cielo RE: Is Congress poised to end organic gardening? Hays, Gary Jack Slevkoff's Enterprises--LOQUAT RECIPES Leo Manuel RE: Where to buy Miracle Fruit tree (plant) Cielo To: Bruce Bauer Miracle Fruit Tree Source Wanted Bruce Bauer CHERIMOYA TASTING!! secetary nickerson Re: [NAFEX] Grafting--parafilm Midwest Vineyard Supply (Grafting) Leo Manuel Black Sapote Zvi Shimoni Black Sapote Leo Manuel Re: Black Sapote "Zvi Shimoni" Mexican Plum Tree Wanted In Florida Jenny Williams Help Wanted: Germinating palm seeds brian larson Lucoma - Seeds Or Trees Wanted JIM WAGNER Re: Lucoma Leo Manuel To: JIM WAGNER CC: Edgar Valdivia April Newsletter Leo Manuel New Edition of California Agriculture April-June 2009 CalAgGuest CRFG North County Newsletter April 2009 secetary nickerson -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Soaker Hoses Help Water Shortage? From: James Freedner Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:56:10 -0700 Hi, Leo, In Nevada, people use "soaker" hoses. These are hoses made of a porous material that allows water to slowly seep out. They can be controlled by timers. Supposedly they use very little water but plants get enough moisture to survive. I would assume similar hoses can be bought in California (in Nevada, Home Depot and Wal-Mart carry them). Not sure if the amount of water dispensed is enough for a mango or other exotic, or if those plants thrive in such conditions. Perhaps some of your other subscribers have more experience with this. J. Eric Freedner mailto:freedner@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Wanted: Ackee fruit for recipe From: "Maurice Kong" Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 19:30:15 EDT Re Nancy's desire to buy ackee to prepare Jamaica's National dish ackee & codfish, she will have difficulty locating freshly picked fruit especially at this time of the year. Some Caribbean stores offer canned ackee which sell for about $15 to-$18 can. Occasionally you can get a bag of fresh-frozen (picked and clean) ackee which is best. If she prefers the frozen ackee which is what I use to prepare this recipe, she can contact me mailto:chino228@aol.com Maurice mailto:CHINO228@aol.com :Subject: Wanted: Ackee fruit for recipe :From: "NancyB." :Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:17:21 +0000 : :Hi Leo; : :I hope that all's well with you. I would like to know whether :anyone knows where I can get a hold of some ackee fruit to make :some ackee and cod. I travel to Florida so I could pick it up or :could pay for postage. Also, does anyone grow it and what kind of :cultivation does it need? Regards, : :Nancy in New Orleans sergius1@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle fruit trees From: Bryan Brunner Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 17:34:13 -0700 (PDT) To: brucetbauer@aol.com Hi Bruce, I saw in Leo's newsletter that you are looking for miracle fruit trees. We have them in 4" pots in soiless mix that can be shipped to California. You can see the description for these as well as other tropical fruit trees here: http://www.montosogardens.com/tropical_fruit_trees.htm Sincerely, Bryan mailto:montoso.gardens@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Need Advice To Grow Lychee & Longan In Sri Lanka From: "Ranjit UTA" Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 13:11:44 +0200 Dear Leo, I am planning to grow Lychees and Longan in my home country Sri Lanka some time in year or two. I am still in the planning stage with land procurement. I would like to get as much possible information on these two crops as how to grow and what varieties to look for. Are there any growers I can contact in your RareFruit group in this regard. Best regards. Ranjit mailto:ranjit.wimalararatne@utanet.at ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Need Advice To Grow Lychee & Longan In Sri Lanka From: Leo Manuel Date: Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:46:51 -0700 To: Ranjit UTA CC: Sainarong Siripen Rasananda Ranjit I suggest that you contact my good friend in Thailand, Sainarong Siripen Rasananda mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th who is more knowledgeable than anyone else I can think of. He should be able to either help himself or put you in contact with those who can. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Need Advice To Grow Lychee & Longan In Sri Lanka From: "Sainarong Siripen Rasananda" Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 22:01:31 +0700 Longan and lychee are subtropical fruits. Sri Lanka is tropical as far as I know. If this man plans to grow both commercially, I think he is going to suffer a huge loss. I have met many amateurs who think they know all there is to know about growing fruit trees. As you and I well know, experience and love are vital for the success. But if he plans to grow them as a hobby, then there is nothing which will give him pleasure than making mistakes as he learns. Sainarong mailto:sainaron@loxinfo.co.th ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Groundcover plant experiment; tales of 2 Asian guavas Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:44:47 -0700 (PDT) From: Cielo Hi Leo, I hope the recovery has been a smooth one. Did Betty help with the gardening chores? I can't imagine being sidelined. The weeds would have taken over. I do most of the weeding in the yard, especially the fruit trees and kitchen garden. So far, I've been able to get ahead of the weeds, and cleared all ground cover at least 2 feet away from the tree trunks. In some cases, I've completely removed them since most of them are fast growers. Mulching is much better. I'd share with you my groundcover experiment: with or without. Clear groundcover plants around your fruit trees: I did an experiment with two varieties of perimmon trees planted next to each other. One had groundcover plant around the tree trunk; while the other didn't. The one that didn't (have groundcover) was already leafing out in February, the other was still dormant. Both trees are about the same size/height. About 6 weeks later while the other tree was still dormant, I removed the entire groundcover near and around the tree, and discovered that the soil was dry even though both trees get the same amount of water. Since then, that tree has started to leaf out, and doing catch up with the other tree. Although not the ground cover in this experiment, the licorice plant (can't remember the botanical name) is the most pervasive plant that will cover up anything in its path. It started to climb up a crape myrtle, which was dormant at the time. However, another crape myrtle that didn't have a groundcover already has lots of leaves on its branches. After completely removing the licorice plant from the garden bed, I thought I learned something. But I wasn't convinced yet, so I set out to do my persimmon trees experiment above. The lesson here is that groundcover plant competes for water and soil nutrients, and should not be near tree trunks. Tales of 2 Guavas. I think, I told you about the only 2 fruits on my Philippine white guava that I was waiting for to ripen. When I picked them from the tree, they were just a tad soft to touch. The fruits about 4 to 5 inches in diameter had a faint sweet smell of guava which made me salivate. The inside was creamy white with soft seeds. It's one of the best tasting guavas I have growing in the garden. The smooth skin was thin and sweet enough to be eaten as well. Too bad, I only had 2 fruits since planting the tree in May 2008. Hopefully, more this year. Bought this tree from Exotica in Vista. The other guava I harvested last month was Vietnamese white. The fruits I picked were already huge -- about 5 to 6 inches in diameter, had reddish blush on its green semi-smooth skin. I couldn't tell if they were ready or not, but the fruits were so big & heavy that I was afraid they'd take the tree down. There are still plenty of fruits - small and large on the tree. The fruit didn't have a scent. The inside was crunchy white and had a very faint taste of guava; I thought, it was bland. Kevin thought the taste was better around the seed area. I wonder if I picked the fruits too soon. I'll have a few more chances since there are still plenty fruits on the tree. This is the 2nd year this tree has produced a lot since I planted it in Sept. 2007. The first year, the fruits dropped. Compared to the Philippine white guava, the Vietnamese white takes a very long time to ripen. My special yellow lemon guava that tastes like mango-guava has lots of blooms. I have that planted next to my Green Tea Pummelo, which is covered in new growth and very fragrant flowers. I'm looking forward to this year's new harvest. Fruitfully, Cielo (Coastal San Diego) mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Is Congress poised to end organic gardening? Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 07:57:54 -0400 From: "Hays, Gary" http://crooksandliars.com/node/26883/print Crooks and Liars Thursday March 26, 2009 05:00 pm Monsanto and HR 875, Take Two By nonny mouse The other day, I wrote a post on the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009: HR 875 being introduced to Congress by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D –CT), in which I made the erroneous statement that her husband, Stanley Greenberg, worked for Monsanto. I also included in this post extracts from emails sent to me by Jill Richardson, an intelligent and passionate campaigner for organic farming. To her credit, when she read my post, she immediately sent me an urgent email, warning me that there was a great deal of misinformation buzzing around the Internet, which I had unwittingly included in my post. She herself pointed out that (1) the bill has nothing to do with Monsanto, (2) Rep. DeLauro’s husband is a pollster for a company that once had Monsanto as a customer a decade ago, but he in no way ‘works’ for Monsanto, (3) HR 875 as it currently stands is very unlikely to even pass, and (4) the group behind disseminating this trumped-up propaganda is NICFA, whose mission statement maintains their goal is to ‘promote and preserve unregulated direct farmer-to-consumer trade’ and ‘oppose any government funded or managed National Animal Identification System. This organization has been aided by the support of a woman named Linn Cohen-Cole, whose unsubstantiated and exaggerated claims in an obsessive crusade against Monsanto, Hillary Clinton, Obama and anyone else in an imagined government ‘plot’ to nationalize farming does seem to indicate a serious lack of credibility. To set the record straight: There is no language in HR 875 that would regulate, penalize, or shut down backyard gardens or ‘criminalize’ gardeners; the bill focuses on ensuring the safety of food in interstate commerce. Gary mailto:ghays@harris.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Jack Slevkoff's Enterprises--LOQUAT RECIPES From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:39:49 -0700 http://www.loquatworld.com/LoquatRecipes.html [Lots of good recipies at this location, which I suggest you visit, if interested. -Leo] LOQUAT RECIPES Loquat Jelly With Pectin Loquat Jelly No Added Pectin Loquat Cobbler Loquat Jam Spiced Loquats Loquat Sauce for Ice Cream Loquat Wine Loquat Compote (Defined as: Fruit stewed or cooked in syrup.) Warning! Do not eat, chew, or swallow the seeds. The loquat seed may be highly toxic. Remove the fleshly fruit from the seed before eating or cooking. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Where to buy Miracle Fruit tree (plant) From: Cielo Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 13:47:38 -0700 (PDT) To: Bruce Bauer Hi Bruce, In San Diego, Quang Ong Nursery http://www.geocities.com/quangong2/ He is currently selling Miracle Fruit trees. I was just there this past weekend, and Quang Ong's spring shipment of tropical fruit trees have arrived last month, and are now available for pick up. Because Miracle Fruit Tree is hard to find, it usually sells pretty fast. A few years ago, they were 3-4 feet tall; however, this year, they're less than 6 inches tall with a big ticket price. It's the sign of the times: -( Call Quang at 858/277-8167 You can also find miracle fruit tree available online at Pine Island Nursery in Florida www.pineislandnursery.com and Top Tropicals in Florida www.toptropicals.com It's listed under its botanical name "Synsepalum Dulcificum." Fruitfully, Cielo Coastal San Diego mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Miracle Fruit Tree Source Wanted Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:12:55 -0400 From: Bruce Bauer Do you know of anyone who sells Miracle Fruit trees ((Synsepalum dulcificum)? Thanks. Bruce Bauer mailto:brucetbauer@aol.com I live in Orange County, California. 949/ 293-5311 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CHERIMOYA TASTING!! From: secetary nickerson Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:16:19 -0700 (PDT) In addition to the "Update on California's Water Situation" by Eric Larsen our Meeting on April 17 will also be our annual "Cherimoya Tasting". This email is a reminder to all members that have access to Cherimoyas to start collecting and saving their Cherimoyas. It is possible to store Cherimoyas in your refrigerator for 5 to 7 days at Temperatures between 40 Deg. and 50 Deg. (F) without significant flavor detoriatio, if you have a separate small refrierator 50 Deg. is better than 40 Deg. When you take them out they will still need about 4 days at room temperature to soften before eating. Harry Nickerson mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Grafting--parafilm From: Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 16:13:12 -0500 For those who may be interested, you can purchase Parafilm in various size rolls and widths at http://www.midwestvineyardsupply.com/ProductList.asp?categoryid= 25&subcatid=84&cat=Grafting+Tape&Type=True for as little as $2.90 for a 1/2" x 90' roll. They also have biodegradable budding rubbers. Dennis Norton mailto:crfg@sbcglobal.net http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Midwest Vineyard Supply (Grafting) From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:32:37 -0700 https://www.midwestvineyardsupply.com/products.asp [In particular, grafting tape and parafilm, clippers, etc. -Leo] © 2008 Midwest Vineyard Supply, Inc. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Black Sapote From: "Zvi Shimoni" Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:25:25 +0200 Hi Could anyone tell me if I can successfully graft Black Sapote onto other Persimmons trees (D. Kaki or D. Virginiana)? B. regards, Zvi Shimoni, Israel mailto:irod@irod.co.il ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Black Sapote From: "Leo Manuel" Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:25:25 +0200 Hi I have two so-called giant fuyu persimmons (fruit is very different from each other in shape) and have successfully grafted Black Sapote on one of them. One of the two is much more flat and not as deep vertically as the other. The one onto which I succeeded in the graft was the much deeper or thicker than the other. I believe that the name of the one I grafted successfully was Diospyros kaki 'Giant Fuyu' (Jiro type) You can tell that I'm not familiar enough with persimmon to be more precise, and I apologize. The graft has thrived on the tree for at least ten years, and blooms every year, but doesn't set fruit. In the winter, the persimmon loses its leaves but the black sapote doesn't and it's interesting to see. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Black Sapote From: "Zvi Shimoni" Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:37:10 +0200 Dear Leo, Thank you for your quick answer. The info you mention is very important. I feel that this fruit ( Black Sapote ) is neglected here and still have a lot of potential. By grafting it on the endless persimmons we have here it could enhance the business . I am an agronomist specializing in Persimmons . Best regards, Zvi Shimoni Israel mailto:irod@irod.co.il ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mexican Plum Tree Wanted In Florida From: Jenny Williams Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:30:46 -0500 Hi, Do you have any Mexican Plum tree for sale or do you know of any place that would have one to sell? I'm interested to buy 2 of them. If you have them, please let me know the cost and shipping to Panama City Beach, FL 32408. Thanks. Jen mailto:jen@gulfcoastrentals.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Help Wanted: Germinating palm seeds From: brian larson Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:16:08 +0100 Hi Leo: Do your readers have any suggestions on how to germinate Jelly Palm and Chilean Wine Palm seeds? I have had them in soil with a heat mat for at least six months but ... sadly ... nada. I am now trying to soak them in jar of water. Brian, in SLO, Ca. mailto:arealarson@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Lucoma - Seeds Or Trees Wanted From: "JIM WAGNER" Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:38:58 -0700 Hello Leo, Hope you are doing well! I am searching for Lucuma (Pouteria Obovata) either seeds or trees for sale,... I have a friend that visited the Amazon and who told me about the fruit and after reading about it, looks like it would grow in Southern California! Let me know if you have information. My Surinam Cherries and Avocados are tasty right now!!! I have a HAAS Avacodo, and a Reed,... but the Reed is new and small Thank you very much, and I always enjoy the news letter! Cheers, Jim Wagner - Capistrano Beach, CA mailto:jim@qualspec.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Lucoma From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:45:14 -0700 To: JIM WAGNER CC: Edgar Valdivia Hi Jim I'm forwarding your question to Edgar Valdivia mailto:edpitaya@gmail.com who probably knows more than any person I know. He's in CRFG and very helpful. I'll also put your letter in RFNO next issue. My Surinam cherries have been more plentiful than I remember, and the tree has been here for quite a few years. One visiting lady from Greece liked the fruit so well that she picked lots of them – some under-ripe. I gave her a seedling to take home with her. Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: April Newsletter From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:45:47 -0700 Gardens-A work party will be held on May 16th the third Saturday; because Quail is having their Chocolate Festival on the second Saturday. The work party will be from 9AM to 1PM any part of that time you can be there will be appreciated. Please check in with June upon arrival. There will also be a volunteers orientation meeting from 9AM till noon on the 17th of April. For more info call June Andersen at 760-729-3501 County Fair-Carol Graham wants us to start planning for the manning of our booth at the county fair. The fair will run from June 12 thru July 5th. It will be closed on June 15th and 22nd which are Mondays. This year during weekdays the fair will open at 11AM instead if 10 AM. It will still open at 10AM on weekends. We keep the booth manned all hours the fair is opened, with 1 volunteer from North County chapter and 1 from San Diego chapter. Volunteers are on booth duty for 3 hours and can use the rest of the day to see the fair free. Parking is free and volunteers for booth duty can pick up free passes to the fair, at the will call booth, if their name is on the list. Carol gets these passes by submitting a list of volunteers to the fair management, so it is important to sign up some time before the fair opens. Call Carol at 760-753-6757 for more info and to volunteer. Grafting Workshop-The March 21st grafting workshop hosted by Ben and Terry Pierce at their home was a real success. Terry provided refreshments. Jim and Lee Bathgate, Ben Pierce and Steve Ashley, all with years of experience served as instructors/coaches. The 16 attendees got to take 2 rootstock grafted to the bud wood of their choice home. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Edition of California Agriculture April-June 2009 From: CalAgGuest Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:22:39 -0700 California Agriculture APRIL-JUNE 2009 Welcome to the newest edition of California Agriculture! The entire contents (Vol. 63 No. 2) can now be viewed online at: http://californiaagriculture.ucop.edu/ Highlight: How climate change will transform California Earth's temperature has risen 1°F in the last 100 years - a small number with a profound impact for California. According to scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), our planet will heat up another 1°F to 2.3°F by 2034 - an accelerating change that will take place over the course of just 25 years, rather than 100. In its 2007 reports, the IPCC concluded that climate change is "unequivocal." The entire April-June 2009 issue of University of California's California Agriculture journal is devoted to news and research on climate change and how it will fundamentally alter California's environment and landscape, agriculture and food quality. The Editor California Agriculture 6701 San Pablo Ave., 2nd floor Oakland, CA 94608-1239 Phone: 642-2431 x33 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG North County Newsletter April 2009 Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:40:16 -0700 (PDT) From: secetary nickerson San Diego County Fair-will run from June 12 through July 5th. It will be closed on June 15th and 22nd which are Mondays. This year during weekdays the fair will open at 11AM instead if 10 AM. It will still open at 10AM on weekends. We keep the booth manned all hours the fair is opened, with 1 volunteer from North County chapter and 1 from San Diego chapter. Volunteers are on booth duty for 3 hours and can use the rest of the day to see the fair free. Parking is free and volunteers for booth duty can pick up free passes to the fair, at the will call booth, if their name is on the list. Carol gets these passes by submitting a list of volunteers to the fair management, so it is important to sign up some time before the fair opens. Call Carol at 760-753-6757 for more info and to volunteer. Grafting Workshop-The March 21st grafting workshop hosted by Ben and Terry Pierce at their home was a real success. Terry provided refreshments. Jim and Lee Bathgate, Ben Pierce and Steve Ashley, all with years of experience served as instructors/coaches. The 16 attendees got to take 2 rootstock grafted to the bud wood of their choice home. Harry 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: Helping Fruit Fight Back From: ARS News Service Date: Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:06:30 -0500 --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr Studies by Agricultural Research Service scientists (ARS) indicate that cherries, red raspberries and apples share key genetic traits for disease resistance. These findings could help plant breeders develop more robust produce varieties that can better withstand the pathogens that plague them. ARS computational biologist Angela Baldo conducted genetic surveys of the three fruits to find markers for locating resistance genes that battle diseases and other stresses. Baldo works at the ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit in Geneva, N.Y. Cherries, apples and red raspberries are all members of the Rosaceae plant family and contain resistance genes found in many other plants. Working with several colleagues, Baldo found 75 markers for resistance genes in red raspberry. The majority of the markers were unique, but they were anywhere from 50 to 87 percent similar to the markers from other Rosaceae species. One of the markers was linked genetically to Phytophthora root rot resistance. This discovery might someday help plant breeders develop hardier and more marketable varieties of red raspberry. Baldo also contributed to the identification of 90 resistance gene markers from sweet and sour cherry cultivars with different levels of resistance to cherry leaf spot and powdery mildew. The markers were compared with other Rosaceous markers that researchers have already linked with resistance to a range of pathogens. The preliminary studies suggest there may be similarities between peach resistance gene markers linked to sharka, also known as plum pox, and cherry resistance gene markers linked to powdery mildew. If additional research confirms these findings, they could support more efficient methods for mapping resistance genes. Baldo and colleagues also helped find three new groups of resistance gene markers in some 300 wild apple accessions. Plans are under way to map these gene markers and assess their links to regions of the apple genome that convey resistance to fire blight, apple scab and powdery mildew. Read more about this research in the April 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200904B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - May 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200905A.txt _________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Miami, Florida Niel Signorelli New Subscriber, Vancouver, Canada Grow Mango Indoors? Charn Rai <><><> Readers Write <><><> Lucma Bob Holzinger April 2009 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter Editor Psidium littorale Vital Scherrer To: Cielo [NAFEX] Nursery Catalogs Jim Fruth Bill HR 875 Not a Threat to Organic Farming Oscar Jaitt Maya Nut (aka Breadnut?) - Brosimum alicastrum Leo Manuel Re: Psidium littorale Cielo To: Vital Scherrer Cultivating Food Justice Conference, May 1,2 cielonkevin@yahoo.com Information on Beaumont Red Guava? or Macbeth Loquat? Barbara Banks Dying Mulberry Tree! James Freedner <><><> 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 Pitless Plums Studied ARS News Service Arboretum Irrigates with Solar Power ARS News Service A Biocontrol for a Wide-Ranging Thrips ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Miami, Florid From: Niel Signorelli Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:55:06 -0700 I am Neil Signorelli, in Miami, Florida I'm growing primarily Mango, Avocado & Banana with a few other tropical fruit trees and plants. and am interested in growing Pitahaya I am recently retired and have just begun an organic growing approach for my trees and plants and aim to expand the number and types of tropical fruit as I learn more about optimally growing them. Niel Signorelli mailto:nsignorelli@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Vancouver, Canada Grow Mango Indoors? From: Charn Rai Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:24:37 -0700 Hello Leo, nice to have found your web site. I would like your get on your mailing list. My name is Charn Rai, I live in Vancouver Canada. Not growing any trees now, but would like to grow Blue Honey Suckle, and a Mango tree. We eat a lot of Mango’s when in season from Mexico, love the Hayden and Atkins. So I have a lot of seeds. Never tried to sprout. Directions would be great. I would grow this tree in my living room which has a 24 foot clearance. Love green mango with salsa! Thank you in advance have a grand day! Charn Rai mailto:rcharn@telus.net <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Lucma From: Bob Holzinger Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:07:32 -0400 Hi Leo, A further comment to the question on Lucma that was in the current issue of RFNO. Edgar is a very good source of information, but the person, who Edgar knows, who has the producing trees is Sam Grossberger in Camarillo. I’ve been to Sam’s place and tasted his fruit—it tastes like butterscotch. It turns out there are two varieties of lucma, one with “drier” fruit and one with “creamier” fruit. The creamier fruited variety is the favored one for making ice cream. Take care, Bob mailto:bob.holzinger@Ambrx.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: April 2009 CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter From: CRFG Newsletter Editor Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:49:55 -0700 (PDT) Greetings! Attached is this month's issue of the CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter. Our next meeting is being held on Wednesday the 22nd starting at 7:00 PM. Randy Permpoon will present "Growing Guavas." See you Wednesday! CRFG San Diego Newsletter Editor mailto:editor@crfgsandiego.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Psidium littorale From: Vital Scherrer Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:53:34 +0100 CC: Cielo On Tue, 14 Apr 2009, Cielo wrote: > My special yellow lemon guava that tastes like mango-guava has lots of blooms. Thanks Cielo for this information! But may I ask you, what exactly do you mean with "special yellow lemon guava"? Is this a particular variety? I find them special too as I find these to be one of the best tasting fruits - if only (presumably) the pigeons, rats or mice wouldn't pick them even before they're fully ripe. Actually, talking of the Psidium littorale: As I lately went to one of the nurseries operated by the government here on the Portuguese island of Madeira, I was told that (presumably) a seedling of this species producing pink skinned fruit has recently been discovered on an old farm. I have never seen the fruit, but the plants definitely do look just like the lemon- or strawberry guavas - possibly a cross between the too. I'm certainly looking forward to see and taste some of these. Sincerely Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] Nursery Catalogs From: Jim Fruth Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:14:22 -0500 One to add to your list is: http://www.inberry.com. I get catalog from Nourse and Indiana Berry and compare the two before ordering. I usually end up ordering from Indiana Berry. Jim Fruth I put this together for friends and relatives. It is the catalogs that we have gotten. Just going to the site allows you to order online. We are just learning and this mailing list has been very informative. Thanks to each of you. Hope this list is helpful. http://www.fedcoseeds.com http://www.raintreenursery.com http://www.jungseed.com http://www.seedsavers.org http://www.heirloomseeds.com http://www.RareSeeds.com http://www.heirloomacresseeds.com http://www.territorialseed.com http://www.rareseeds.com http://www.totallytomato.com http://www.cooksgarden.com http://www.noursefarms.com http://www.GrowOrganic.com http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com http://www.dripworks.com http://www.BerryHillIrrigation.com http://www.fieldforest.net Mushrooms http://www.GrowOrganic.com http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com http://www.dripworks.com http://www.BerryHillIrrigation.com http://www.fieldforest.net Mushrooms NAFEX web site: http://www.nafex.org/ Jim Fruth mailto:jimfruth@charter.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bill HR 875 Not a Threat to Organic Farming From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:54:43 -1000 This is from the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)website. CCOF was one of the first and largest organic certifying agencies in the USA. CCOF is not a political organization, there is no hidden partisan agenda. Just a group of farmers trying to make a living. Oscar Jaitt HR 875: The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (Update 4/03/09) CCOF has been overwhelmed by the large number of people who have called or emailed us to express concern about HR 875, introduced by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) in February 2009, as well as the volume of consumer response to the bill. It is always heartening to know that there are so many people out there who care deeply about protecting the future of organic agriculture. This correspondence, however, generated as a result of the promulgation of misinformation via the blogosphere that claimed the future of organic farming was at risk. CCOF looked closely at this legislation and worked with other organization to decipher its true content. Thankfully, the 'death of organic agriculture' is NOT eminent and organic farming is NOT about to be outlawed by new food safety regulations despite what might be buzzing about HR 875 via the Internet. The National Organic Standard took 12 years to enact and any attempts to undermine this program will not be passed into law quickly. Congresswoman DeLauro also received thousands of enquiries about her bill. The good news is that she has asked the organic and sustainable agriculture industries to continue to provide her with our input. Food and Water Watch has created a very useful review of the myths and facts about HR 875 that you might find useful. CCOF encourages you to read this as it may put your mind at ease. The National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture (NSAC) is working on the issue, establishing both a task force for members, and a listserve for interested parties. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) also developed a food safety forum for its members. CCOF participates in all of these venues. There are two key proposals in this bill: The first would divide the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into two agencies; one to oversee food safety and the other to oversee the medical field. Taking food safety oversight away from the overall FDA could be argued to be beneficial to the food industry, although, it is unlikely the Obama administration would want to do this at the current time. The second key proposal focuses on increased regulations that would subject farmers to more inspections, agricultural practice standards and new record-keeping requirements under the FDA. Organic farmers already answer to federal and local oversight and do large amounts of record-keeping associated with their Organic System Plan (OSP) and organic certification process, which includes inspection. So, while this aspect of the bill may be better suited to conventional growers, it could be argued to represent an excessive and even superfluous administrative burden for organic farmers. Congress members DeLauro and Waxman's staff indicate that they will use the HR 759 as the general framework for additional work, and import into the bill, Sections 204 and 205 from HR 875. Section 204 gives FDA some product recall powers it doesn't currently have, and Section 205 adds some process, inspection and enforcement rigor to the law. Oscar Jaitt mailto:fruitlovers@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Maya Nut (aka Breadnut?) - Brosimum alicastrum From: Leo Manuel Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:30:27 -0700 http://www.theequilibriumfund.org/page.cfm?pageid=2996 What is Maya Nut? Fresh Maya Nut seed is harvested off the ground. It is bright green and the size of a macadamia nut. Maya Nut is the seed of Brosimum alicastrum, a large tropical rainforest tree native to Latin America and the Caribbean. Maya Nut is also called Ramon Nut, Breadnut, Ojoche, Ojite, Ojushte, Ujushte, Capomo, Pisba waihka and Masica It was once abundant throughout Central America but is now highly threatened and even extinct in parts of its range due to cutting for firewood and to plant corn. Maya Nut is a 100% organic, non-GMO wild-harvested forest product which grows naturally in fertile rainforest soils. It is much higher in many vital nutritents including antioxidants than foods grown on farmed soils. Maya Nut is extremely high in Fiber, Calcium, Potassium, Folate, Iron, Zinc, Protein and Vitamins A, E, C and B As a food, it is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Maya Nut can be used fresh or dried, roasted or raw in over 80 recipes which have been developed over the past 6 years by The Equilibrium Fund staff and workshop participants. Besides providing food for people, the Maya Nut tree provides a myriad of ecosystem services, including: Food for Wildlife Habitat for Biodiversity Protection of Watersheds Soil Protection Carbon Sequestration These qualities make it an ideal species for reforestation because we can help communities produce food and earn income while at the same time protecting soil, water and biodiversity Maya Nut Cookbook now available in English and Spanish Maya Nut can be prepared in more than 80 dishes in either fresh or dried, roasted form. The fresh seed can be stewed and tastes exactly like mashed potatoes. Fresh seed can be used to make tamales, tortillas, pies, croquettes, burgers, stir fry, mock potato salad, soup, sauces and dumplings. The dried, roasted seed tastes like chocolate or coffee and can be used to make cake, cookies, cereal, hot and cold drinks, pancakes, pudding and other yummy dishes. For a free copy of the cookbook please contact Erika Vohman at vohman@yahoo.com Please specify English or Spanish and where you live (Country, State, Community) Miskito language cookbooks available soon! Also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadnut and www.underutilized-species.org/species/brochures/Maya%20Nut.pdf and Google "maya nut" or http://www.wri.org/stories/2008/05/maya-nut-trees-make-a-comeback ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Psidium littorale From: Cielo Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:10:34 -0700 (PDT) To: Vital Scherrer Hi Vital, I have 2 yellow lemon guava fruit trees both purchased from local nurseries at separate times. They were planted about 1 year apart about 3 years ago. The 1st tree has the typical yellow lemon guava taste. But the 2nd tree is what I call "special' because the guava has a mango-ey taste. Its fruits are also larger than the 1st tree's fruits. I like to pick them when just slightly soft before it gets too ripe (too sweet and mushy). Although both are psidium littorale, there is a definite difference in their taste. I'll experiment with reducing its production by 1/2 on the 1st tree this year to see if that'll change its taste. I'd say the special lemon guava is one of my best guavas, followed by Philippine white, Malaysian red, Mexican Beaumont and Taiwanese white. I'm still waiting for the Philippine yellow to bear fruit. I also have a few red strawberry guava trees that I use as a screen against a fence. They're about 6' to 7' (1.83 m to 2.13 m) tall and make a handsome screen and tasty too. I notice that fruits from these tall trees are much bigger than the fruits from my smaller tree - about 4' (1.37 m) tall. I thought, that was interesting. I've been pruning this smaller tree upright this year so it'd get a bit taller. I lost a ripening mango once from a tree not knowing what happened to it. So I put a paper bag on the remaining mango to shield it from birds. It was the first year that particular variety fruited so I wanted to have a taste. The bag worked! Sometimes, I'd put an old sock over a fruit, like a cherimoya to protect it from getting sunburn. Unmatched socks or booties get recycled in the garden as a fruit booty. I don't know if this answers your question. Do you have other guava varieties? Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cultivating Food Justice Conference, 5/1,2 From: cielonkevin@yahoo.com Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:01:25 -0700 (PDT) CC: Ian This Conference was posted in the CRFG SD chapter April Newsletter. Rainharvesting and greywater system workshop offered on Saturday 11:20 to 12:35 Workshop Session 2. To register click here: http://www.sdfoodnotlawns.com/conference2009/index.php CULTIVATING FOOD JUSTICE SCHEDULE A free conference for everyone! FRIDAY, May 1st 5-6pm Chili and cornbread dinner–music in the City College Quad 6pm Introduction from the Organizers 6:15-7pm The long road to justice—insights from the South Central Farmers Learn more about the South Central Farmers at www.southcenterfarmers.org and preview the award-winning documentary about their struggle visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbZNQi1hAQY 7pm What’s is Food Justice? Our keynote presentation by LaDonna Redmond To learn more about her work visit http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/1104/urban_farm/ or to preview LaDonna in action visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu_c5jJ0P6M 8-830 Closing reception with tasty deserts and music 830-1030 After party at the Hive (across the street from City College, pre-registration required due to limited space) SATURDAY, May 2nd 8-845am Registration, breakfast and coffee 845-930 Opening Keynote by Malaki Obado Ogendi “Today’s lessons from traditional farming” 930-945 Transition 945-11am Workshop Session One Introduction to urban food production: a hands on workshop at the Seeds of City Urban Farm Nutritional Racism: causes and solutions to disparities in access to healthy food What’s up with Water? the effects of water rationing on local food production What is the Farm Bill and how can it be used for change? Building Your Own Solar Oven (Part 1) (materials fee of $20) Cooking for Social Change: the role of chef’s in re-localizing our food system Fruit Jam: get up to your elbows in tasty goo and produce some seasonal delights (please bring jars) 11-11:20 Snack break and Transition 11:20-12:35 Workshop Session Two Waste reduction, recycling and composting (presentation in Spanish w/ English translation) Rainwater harvesting and grey water systems: a virtual tour and “how to” info session Globalization and the Corporate Food System: the role of media and multinational food business Bottom of the barrell: why does San Diego have the worst food stamp participation in the entire country and what can we do to change it? How to start a community garden in your neighborhood: from permitting to site selection, this workshop will help you take your first steps Growing a medicinal herb garden: a hands on workshop at the Seeds of City Urban Farm Building Your Own Solar Oven (Part 2, must have attended session 1) 12:35-1:35 Food Not Bombs Lunch, Stone Soup Storytelling, Puppet Insurgency Performance, and Resource tables 1:45-3pm Workshop Session Three Cooking with solar ovens: tasty recipes for an afternoon treat (sun willing) Tank tilapia and hydroponic food systems: how to turn your home into a water-based food paradise Deconstructing race and class in the food justice movement: an exploration of the movement for folks who want see meaningful change Utilizing art to reveal food system waste: a hands on art installation to let loose the creative side School gardens and food justice: insights from teens Backyard Bees and homegrown honey: what you need to know to do it right Bringing farmer's markets to low income communities: addressing unique challenges and exploring creative programming 3-315pm Snack Break and Transition 3:15-430 Workshop Session Four Chickens in the City: how to get started and how to keep the ladies of your coup happy Public Policy and San Diego's Food System: mobilizing a grassroots platform for change Seed saving and swap: learn how to seed save at the Seeds of City Urban Farm and bring your own varieties to trade with others Ferment Culture: hands on tempeh and beverage making Spreading the word through food writing: our fabulous foodies will show you the ropes and show you how to get involved DIY medicine making: salves, lotions and tinctures for your health (bring small jars to take medicines home with you) Container gardening: the small scale path to homegrown delights 4:30-5:30 Speak Out: a facilitated conference closing that explores lessons learned and next steps ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Information on Beaumont Red Guava? or Macbeth Loquat? From: Barbara Banks Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:35:31 -0700 Hi Leo, Does anyone in the San Diego area have a Beaumont Red guava or Macbeth loquat?. This guava is supposedly the main commercial guava in Hawaii, but I don't know how it does here. I got it at Home Depot. As for the Macbeth, it's supposed to be the largest loquat fruit with the fewest seeds. I'm wondering how the flavor is. Also, I have a lot of Desert Gold peaches on my tree (after only one year} . It's had small fruits on it for about 8 weeks. Is it too late to prune the fruit? I'd love to hear from someone about these issues. Thanks, Barbara Banks mailto:ivorytikler@hotmail.com [Isn't there a a white-fleshed Beaumont guava? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Dying Mulberry Tree! Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 12:55:26 -0700 (PDT) From: James Freedner Hi, Leo! Maybe you or someone can help on this one. One of my huge mulberry trees, in fact the one with the pitaya cactus climbing through it, appears to be dying. Leaves turned yellow and fell early last autumn. All branches above just a few small ones did not regrow buds or flowers this year. The bark on those is splitting and falling off. As to the few branches that remained alive, they are blossoming only now (very late in the season for mulberry) and the leaves are tiny, maybe one-quarter the size of healthy leaves. The other mulberry beside it (about 20 feet away) seems to be doing fine, at least for now. I suspect a fungus, perhaps in the roots of the sick tree; we have had enough rain this winter to revive the tree if drought alone was the problem. I know mulberries are not "exotics" but wondered if there is anything I can do at this late point to save the tree, which is valuable to me for the shade and privacy it provided to the west side of my house. Alternatively, are there any steps that I can take to prevent the same from happening to the other mulberry tree and/or any other plants nearby? Haven't seen any outward signs of fungus, that is, bracket fungi popping out of the trunk or limbs, or sooty mold on the branches. The bark that peeled off is speckled with tiny white spots. J. Eric Freedner Sun Valley, CA mailto:jhfreedner@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. Subject: Pitless Plums Studied From: ARS News Service Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:47:23 -0500 ___________________________________________ ARS News Service --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are making progress in determining the genes that control pit formation in plums--the first step in a project to develop pitless varieties of this fruit. ARS molecular biologists Chris Dardick and Ann Callahan and Prunus breeder Ralph Scorza at the ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, W.Va., discovered that a set of genes necessary for production of lignin is rapidly turned on specifically in pit tissue--not the flesh or skin--just before hardening. Then these genes quiet down just as quickly after the stone hardens. Lignin is a material involved in the formation of pits in stone fruit. Fruit pits consist of the seed and the hard woody material, or stone, surrounding the seed. The researchers' goal is to establish techniques to stop the genes' activity and prevent hardening of the pit, thus producing a pitless plum that would be more appealing to consumers. Pitless fruit would be a premium product that could provide higher income for growers and could increase consumption of these nutritious foods. The idea of pitless fruits is not new. In the early 1900s, Luther Burbank, a prolific horticulturalist, crossed a partially stoneless wild plum with California French prune varieties. These crosses led to commercial-quality fruit that almost completely lacked the stone, but still contained the seed. The group used samples of Burbank's crosses for their work. The research team engineered Burbank's stoneless variety with an early-flowering trait that will greatly speed up the breeding program. The resulting fruit has remarkably little stone tissue, but further improvements are needed to make it edible, according to Dardick. Early flowering will substantially shorten the time it takes to test the strategies that may lead to pitless plums. According to Dardick, if successful, the research may be applicable to other stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots. Read more about this research in the April 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr09/pits0409.htm ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Arboretum Irrigates with Solar Power From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:34:15 -0400 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ The U.S. National Arboretum is "going green" with the installation of its first solar-powered drip irrigation system that will save electricity and water at the 446-acre facility operated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Washington, DC. The new system is part of a long-range plan to update and improve the arboretum grounds. Future plans include installing a larger solar collector near the National Capitol Columns and solar shingles on the Arbor House, which houses the gift shop and visitor restrooms. Installation of the new system marked the end of a week-long workshop conducted by students and faculty from Alfred State College of the State University of New York. The workshop--attended by arboretum staff, contractors and homeowners--provided hands-on instruction on how to construct and use the system and its many benefits. Located in Nursery 5, which is used to conduct research aimed at the development of improved trees for landscape use, the new system consists of six solar panels that collect sunlight, a battery that stores the energy, and a converter box that converts the stored energy into electricity used to run the nursery's drip-irrigation system. Because of the nursery's remote location, installing solar panels was less expensive than running an electrical line from the main power source, approximately a half mile away. As a result, the arboretum will see immediate savings on costs. The latest project is a staff-driven effort to cut energy costs and conserve resources. The new system took less than one year to complete. Arboretum Director Tom Elias first met Alfred State representatives during the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Bio Energy Awareness Days (BEAD II) exhibition held at the arboretum last June. The meeting led to a five-year cooperative agreement to develop and install green technologies that will help the arboretum reduce its carbon footprint. The arboretum's new system serves as a model for more energy-efficient landscape gardening. Solar power can be used in urban and suburban areas and is applicable to all types of power systems. Gardeners can use it to power water features, such as fountains and waterfalls, and irrigation systems. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the USDA. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: A Biocontrol for a Wide-Ranging Thrips From: ARS News Service Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:33:48 -0400 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ A pest with a voracious appetite may have met its match in a predatory mite being evaluated as a biocontrol agent by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Fort Pierce, Fla. in collaboration with University of Florida researchers. The chilli thrips is an invasive pest that feeds on leaves, turns them brown, kills new growth and attacks up to 150 crops, including peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, peanuts, cotton and a variety of ornamentals. Detected in Palm Beach County, Fla. in 2005, it has spread to 24 Florida counties and parts of Texas, damaging roses and other ornamentals in both states. Left unchecked, it could reach west to California and north along the Pacific Coast to Canada, causing losses of up to $3.8 billion annually. Pesticides are effective, but the chilli thrips may develop resistance with repeated treatments, and pesticides are not an option for organic nurseries and gardeners, according to entomologist Cindy L. McKenzie, at the ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce. Researchers at Fort Pierce and the University of Florida have turned to two mites, Neoseiulus cucumeris and Amblyseius swirskii, which have been used commercially to combat other pests since at least 2005. The researchers put 30 adult chilli thrips on ornamental pepper plants in greenhouse and outdoor settings, waited a week for thrips larvae to hatch and, in separate treatments, released 30 mites of each species on the plants. They checked the plants weekly for four weeks. Their results, published in Biological Control, showed that the mites--particularly A. swirskii--significantly reduced the number of thrips. A. swirskii left no more than one thrips insect per leaf. That compared with up to 60 thrips larva found on leaves of untreated pepper plants. The work was funded in part by the American Floral Endowment and the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative. The researchers have set up a chilli thrips website for gardeners and commercial growers at http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/thripslinks.htm. <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200905A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - May 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200905B.txt _____________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Note from CRFG North County: Barbara Banks described new low-chill sweet cherries that she and others have found does well in climates like Oceanside and Encinitas. The cultivars are “Minnie Royal” and the “Royal Lee” You need both as they pollinate each other. These are new cultivars, patented by Dave Wilson Nurseries. which resulted from 30 years of selective propagation. One tree only 5 years old and 7 feet tall had 1200 cherries in 2008. I thought you might like to research the claim that mychorizzal amendments are NOT effective. Could be that the amendment is only sometimes effective? Some plant types but not others? Have you used them? With what results? In the past I have begun to graft mango trees in May. It's hard believe it's that time again. I'm still wearing my cast as bones in my foot have been slow to mend. I've been given a bone stimulator to wear. It's battery powered and has pads that attach the way EKG pads do. Apricots are beginning to ripen with a pretty good fruit set. Some mango fruit have begun to set. How is your garden fruit progressing? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, To Ecuador Paul Goeglein <><><> Readers Write <><><> Beaumont Guava "Oscar Jaitt" To: Barbara Graft Pitaya Sherry Smith Tired of watering your lawn? Come to Bye Bye Grass class! N Sterman Dave Wilson Nursery FORUMS "Lon J. Rombough" [NAFEX] Neem Oil / Anthony Curcio Anthony Curcio Re: [NAFEX] Neem Oil / Anthony Curcio Kevin Moore Fw: Level 2 - Drought Alert Mandatory Water Use Restrictions Cielo Two talks this week on water-wise plants and gardens N Sterman [NAFEX] mychorizzal amendments-Not Effective From: Alan Haigh Strawberry Festival, Tierra Miguel Found'n/Farm-5/30 Cielo & Kevin CRFG North San Diego County Chapter May 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 None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Moving To Ecuador From: Paul Goeglein Date: Sat, 9 May 2009 14:17:50 -0700 (PDT) Hi, I'm Paul Goeglein aka pilgrim. I've been living on an organic farm in southern Ecuador. I am in the states right now tying up loose ends and preparing to ship my stuff. I will be buying a farm in the same area as the farm I was staying at. It's a beautiful piece of land in a scenic river valley in the Andes. The teperature rarely gets below 55f or above 85f so it's perfect for me. The farm is somewhat over grown right now but it has mature coffee, lots of citrus, guava, mango, pineapples, cherimoya, cipote, and I'm sure lots more. I plan to join WWOOF (willing workers on organic farms) as a host farm so will be accepting volunteers sometime within the next year. The name of the farm will be Rey Pescador Finca (I know martin pescador is the real spanish name for kingfisher but I like rey pescador much better). I'm happy to chat with anyone interested! I like to make wine and plan to plant a muscadine vineyard but if anyone has suggestions on varieties of fruits I can use for wine given my temperature range I appreciate the advise! Pilgrim Paul Goeglein mailto:reypescadorfinca@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, Pennsylvania From: tomkovacs@comcast.net Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 14:26:23 +0000 (UTC) Hi, My name is Tom Kovacevich My interest is in finding rare fruits that I can plant at my home in PA. I just bought a new house with a couple of acres where I can plant fruit trees. Thanks Tom K mailto:tomkovacs@comcast.net [I sent Tom information about NAFEX, an organization of deciduous fruit growers and an information sheet on "Pot Culture–Growing Rare Fruit Indoors." If any other readers also wants this information, please write. -Leo] <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Beaumont Guava From: "Oscar Jaitt" Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 23:05:53 -1000 To: Barbara, Beaumont is the main variety of guava grown in Hawaii, but it is not a red variety. The exterior of Beaumont is yellow and interior is pink. It's most used in juices as it is very seedy. The red (exterior) guavas I know of are usually called Malaysian red or Indonesian red. Oscar, Hawaii mailto:fruitlovers@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: graft pitaya From: Sherry Smith Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 15:41:07 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, This one is quite interesting. (In Chinese.) http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/pitaya-house/article?mid=679&prev=683& next=676 [Suggestion: Go to Google-Language Tools-Translate-Copy URL to be translated. -Leo] It's one of the pages from the recent posting to [PitayaFruit] by "mizlulu" jilpapaya@yahoo.com.tw The translation for the pictures of "Graft of Pitaya" (I am not very good with technical terms) 1. pick scion ~10-15cm base of woodstock needs to be bigger than scion 2. & 3. turn (twist?) 4. pull hold around 1/3 from base, turn & pull to separate 5. cut 6. put the scion on the woodstock I have to admit that I've never use this technique before. I just saw it today. It looks very interesting. I am want to try it sometime. After I got the grafting tape from you, I grafted some peach and plum cuttings. It looks like some of the plum grafts begin to grow new leaves now. I do not know if all the peach ones have failed. Well, it was my first time. I am glad that some of them seem to survive. The pitaya I grafted over the winter is still too early to tell if they are going to be very good. The only graft I did by cutting to cutting seems to be OK and has new growth. The procedure I followed is in the attached document. Unfortunately, it was also a Chinese one. I downloaded as a web page. Though I attempted to covert it to a word document, I do not know if it was successful. The graft from baby seedling in comparison was not as successful. I plan to move on to the new method from now on. It was still a fun experiment. Sherry mailto:swsmith6@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tired of watering your lawn? Come to Bye Bye Grass class! From: N Sterman Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 23:47:51 -0700 With water restrictions just around the corner, isn't it time to get rid of your lawn? Please join me for Bye Bye Grass, the two session class about how to remove lawn and what to put in its place. In Session I, I present several methods for removing lawns In Session II, we talk about how to repurpose the space where the lawn. And we take a tour to look at beautiful low water plants and how to use them in your garden. The next series is at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas: Session I, Wednesday, May 13th from 6:30 to 8:30 Session II, Sunday, May 17 from 3 pm to 5 pm Pre-registration is required. Classes fill up, so sign up today at www.TheGarden.org. Look for the link to "Classes & Events" on the red banner, then click the tab for May. Please see attached flyer for more information, or email me at info@plantsoup.com Hope to see you there! Nan Sterman mailto:info@PlantSoup.Com 760 634-2902 PO Box 231034 Encinitas, CA 92023 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] Dave Wilson Nursery FORUMS From: "Lon J. Rombough" Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 17:29:46 -0700 Hello - Thought you might be interested in knowing Dave Wilson Nursery has started a forum: DaveWilsonFORUMS.com.? We hope to develop it into a useful, focused information resource for the home fruit grower. If you have time to give it a look, we'd appreciate it.? Comments and suggestions welcome. Regards, Craig Minor (Dave Wilson Nursery 1975-2002, 2009- ) Lon J. Rombough mailto:lonrom@hevanet.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] Neem Oil / Anthony Curcio Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 09:37:40 -0500 From: Anthony Curcio I have been reading about the use of Neem Oil for organic protection of fruit trees. I have not been able to find anything on schedule of application. Rate of app. varies between 1 - 4 tsp./gal. Does anyone have experience with its use ? Anthony P. Curcio mailto:apc@vassolinc.com Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 08:29:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Kevin Moore Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Neem Oil / Anthony Curcio I have used Neem oil in the past. It is very effective against a wide range of pests, from insects to fungi. It is however very expensive and I have found it much cheaper to use other organic deterrents. As far as a spray schedule is concerned, I found that it was best to keep an eye on the weather. More rain, more frequent spraying. In hot dry weather you can probably get away with spraying every 2 -2 1/2 weeks for full protection. Also it depends on your pest load. If your pests find other sources of food elsewhere, you can back off the spraying a bit. I know this is probably not too helpful. As I said, I gave up Neem oil because of the price. I now allow my fruit trees to fend for themselves. Some of my citrus have some minor diseases, but nothing that really affects the fruit or vigor of the trees. There is a really nasty citrus disease headed this way though, and I may try something to prevent it, though I suspect it will be a losing battle. Kevin Moore mailto:aleguy33@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Level 2 - Drought Alert Mandatory Water Use Restriction From: Cielo Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 14:20:17 -0700 (PDT) Mayor's Office Mayor Home About Jerry Sanders Contact Me News Center A message from Mayor Jerry Sanders Starting tonight, the City's Water Department staff will hold the first in a series of public briefings regarding mandatory water use restrictions set to begin June 1, 2009. The water use restrictions are being put in place as part of the City Council’s decision to move to a Level 2 – Drought Alert Condition. Staff will be conducting briefings in each Council District and will present information about restrictions on landscape irrigation, vehicle washing and other water use. I hope you have the opportunity to attend one or more of the following meetings. All meetings will start at 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2009 Lewis Middle School 5170 Greenbrier Ave. San Diego, CA 92120 Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Otay Mesa-Nestor Branch Library 3003 Coronado Ave. San Diego, CA 92154 Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library 4275 Cass St. San Diego, CA 92109 Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Carmel Mountain Ranch Branch Library 12095 World Trade Drive San Diego, CA 92128 Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Two talks this week on water-wise plants and gardens From: N Sterman Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 22:04:01 -0700 30 (Or More) Best Waterwise and Easy Care Plants For Your Garden Concerned about using too much water in your garden? For good reason. Water is such a precious commodity that we all need to think about how to make do with less. But making do doesn't mean giving up, nor does it mean brown and dry. This week, I am giving two talks about plants that are waterwise, easy to take care of and absolutely beautiful in the garden! So take your pick - Tuesday evening May 12 at the San Diego Natural History Museum or Thursday evening May 14 at the Del Mar Library. Both evenings include a book signing. So, join me for an evening of beauty and excitement about a whole new way to think about your garden! Tuesday, May 12, San Diego Natural History Museum, 6:30-8:30 pm Thursday, May 14 Del Mar Library, 309 Camino Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014 (858) 755- May 14, 2009, 6:30-8:00 pm Nan mailto:info@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] mychorizzal amendments-Not Effective From: Alan Haigh Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 09:24:16 -0400 If anyone wants to see evidence of the inefficacy of mychorizzal amendments- here's the latest where 8 different products were shown to have no affect on accelerating establishment of mych. relationships. Sorry I was unable to download study, but you can probably find it. It was mentioned in this months Hortideas. Wiseman, P.E., K.H. Colvin, and C.E. Wells. 2009. Performance of mycorrhizal products marketed for woody landscape plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 27(1):41-50. Alan Haigh mailto:alandhaigh@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Strawberry Festival, Tierra Miguel Found'n/Farm-5/30 From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 21:22:53 -0700 (PDT) What a nice day to enjoy spring, discover something new up the road, and enjoy strawberries. On our way back, we plan to stop by Exotica Nursery in Vista (2508 E Vista Way # B, Vista, CA 92084 (760) 724-9093) and see what's available for tasting. Cielo STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Saturday, May 30th from 10:00 till 3:00. No cost to enter the event. Join us at Tierra Miguel Foundation and Farm 14910 Pauma Valley Drive, Pauma Valley 92061 A fun day with craftspeople and musicians, and workshops for adults and children. Dance, eat strawberries and enjoy the beautiful ambience on a lovely day at the farm. Strawberry U-pick, bake sale, plant sale, craft vendors, and refreshments. CONTACT SHOSHANA AT 760-742-4213 OR mailto:CSA@TIERRAMIGUELFARM.ORG with any questions. Directions: 76 East 13 miles to Cole Grade Rd. Turn right. Go 1 mile to Pauma Valley Dr. Turn left. Look for signs to park. Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG North San Diego County Chapter May Newsletter Date: Sun, 10 May 2009 19:20:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Harry Nickerson March Meeting. Dan Kinnard was our speaker. He gave a fine Power Point presentation on the 3 week trip he and Elanor Lau took to China. They were impressed with the amount of locally grown sub-tropical fruits available in the open air markets. Dan and Elanor reported seeing an awful lot of persimmon trees during their journey. Subject: May Newsletter April Meeting- During the general discussion part of the meeting Barbara Banks described new low-chill sweet cherries that she and others have found does well in climates like Oceanside and Encinitas. The cultivars are “Minnie Royal” and the “Royal Lee” You need both as they pollinate each other. These are new cultivars, patented by Dave Wilson Nurseries. which resulted from 30 years of selective propagation. One tree only 5 years old and 7 feet tall had 1200 cherries in 2008. The program speaker was Eric Larson. He is a recognized expert on the CA Water System and Executive Director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Eric gave a informative overview of California’s water supply and distribution. He specifically focused on the need for the peripheral canal and urged us to support it. This weeks newsletter needs to cover preparations for our booth at the county fair. Therefore, we will summarize Eric’s talk in our June newsletter. May-Meeting- We will meet at 7PM in room 7003 of the Horticulture Building at Mira Costa College. Our program speaker will be Jason Kubrock who will discuss propagation. County Fair- CRFG EXHIBIT San Diego County Fair 2009 12 June (Friday) - 5 July (Sunday) closed 15 & 22 June (Mondays) by Carol Frye Graham 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’Brien Building (in the southeast inside section, close to where we were last year). ENJOY THE FAIR Either before or after your shift, please take the opportunity to enjoy looking at the educational and garden exhibits. If you leave the Fair and want to return later that day for your personal entertainment, remember to have your hand stamped when exiting (your pass is good for only a single entrance). If you have a problem while staffing, please call Carol Graham (760) 753-6757. News of Interest- Dr. Gary Bender will be the speaker at the San Diego County Chapter May meeting 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. None this time <><><><><><><><><> End of RFN200905B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - June 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200906A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Drizzle in San Diego, but no rain! Residents of San Diego will be interested in the information in "Drought Response - Level 2. It tells us which days to water our trees, depending on whether your address is even or odd.) Read for more important details, but here's some of it: o Homes with odd-numbered addresses can water: Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday o Homes with even-numbered addresses can water: Saturday, Monday & Wednesday Apricots - Famine or feast? Are there varieties that have a longer bearing season? Mine (Early Golden) produces large and delicious fruit, and bears heavily. However, the fruit comes from the last weeks of May through the first few days of June, only. I freeze quite a few (and give some to my appreciative children).... I'm not complaining, only wishing I could have fresh fruit for longer. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Help! My Cherry Trees Attacked By Tiny Insect James.Chambers@sce.com [NAFEX] mycorrhiza Lee Reich RE: Mycorrhizal amendments Vital Scherrer Re: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza Kevin Moore Re: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza "Stephen Sadler" Re: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza Kevin Moore 1) Rare Fruit For PA 2) Parrots Like Mulberries? Nancy B Grow waxberries-(Myrica rubra-yangmei) in San Diego? David Weitz Needed: Aspirator-type Japanese apple-pollinator Benton Bain Wanted - Capulin Cherry Propagation Materials Dan San Diego Chapter Newsletter - May 2009 Ian Miller Time To Order Citrus Budwood For June 2009 "Joe Sabol" Grafton-Cardwell, Beth [mailto:BETHGC@uckac.edu] From today's Voice of San Diego N Sterman Wanted-Cherimoya tree-Orange County Roberto Segarra Fwd: Water Harvesting Open House - Sunday June 14 Cielo & Kevin Pomegranate Growers Group Leo Manuel To: ARBSFRUIT@aol.com Drought Response Level 2 - Drought Alert Condition 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 Lychee Studies Keys to Plentiful, Predictable Harvests ARS News Service -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Help! Cherry Trees Attacked By Tiny Insect From: James.Chambers@sce.com Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 08:18:43 -0700 Hello Leo, Our cherry trees keep on dying from a teeny little bug that bores into the trunk or branches and destroys the cambium. The branch or trunk withers and the tree dies. The bug is less than an eighth of an inch by a 16th of an inch and dark brown to black in color. We had awesome production last year, but we have lost three trees so far, of differing varieties, and we had to literally cut off half of one this year. We are keeping the trees well watered and fertilized also. Any information would be highly appreciated. Thanks! James Chambers mailto:James.Chambers@sce.com Rocksmith Nursery / Valley Center Palms ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza From: Lee Reich Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 11:40:25 -0400 Alan Haight recently cited a reference by Wiseman and others that showed some benefit of mycorrhizal inoculation. Two important point emerge if you read the actual publication: 1. The experiments were conducted in sterilized soil so the results would not necessarily apply to field soils. Mycorrhizal inoculae generally exist in sufficient amounts in such soils. 2. The benefits seen from inoculation was not related to the actual amount of infection seen in roots. Something else may be going on. Mycorrhizal associations are, no doubt, beneficial to plants. Deliberate inoculation, especially with commercially available inoculae, are not necessarily so. Lee Reich, PhD http://www.leereich.com/ Books by Lee Reich: A Northeast Gardener's Year The Pruning Book Weedless Gardening; Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden Landscaping with Fruit mailto:lreich@hvc.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Mycorrhizal amendments From: Vital Scherrer Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 18:25:34 +0100 Ol Leo, It appears that different plants, or rather, -plant families are associated with different mycorrhizae - there exist at least five main groups - as well as that mycorrhizae are much reduced by soil disturbance, UV light, low soil aeriation, bare-, dry- or waterlogged soils, chemical fertilizers and, of course, by fungicides. In suitable conditions and given time they form by themselves from the spores circulating in the atmosphere. The best method to speed up inoculation of new plantings is by removing topsoil from beneath nearby similar species and putting it around the roots of each new plant. Wishing you a sped up recovery Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza From: Kevin Moore Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 11:08:09 -0700 (PDT) My point is not simply to achieve mycorhizal associations, but specific associations with fungi that also produce edible (and preferably delicious) fruiting bodies. Why not make them do double duty? Not only do they benefit the plant, but you also gain a valuable crop, though they can take a decade or more before they start to produce, as in the case of Chanterelles. (My favorite.) Kevin Moore mailto:aleguy33@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza From: "Stephen Sadler" Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 14:04:07 -0700 In what kind of environment? Garden, orchard? You would have to match the fungi to the environment. And not every fungus is beneficial to every plant. They do have a bread tendency to exclude other fungal populations; for instance, the genus you favor shows some antimicrobial action against filamentous fungi such as fusarium. That would be a good thing. But Cantharellus is unlikely to grow in a garden or orchard. They like mature trees, Doug fir in our local foothills, Oak farther north. They might like oak here, but maybe Armillaria-in-waiting (for the Oak to be in distressed or in late maturity) occupies the space Cantharellus would like. Cantharellus will fruit around healthy trees; it associates with the roots (as do truffles) rather than feeding on decaying roots. I don't think there are any good-tasting mushrooms you'd be able to grow in association with orchard tree roots, except perhaps truffles in association with filberts ? and that's a long-term unguaranteed proposition, considered only possible at all in certain climates (think Oregon). There are a number of good-tasting species that will grow in a garden, and it's likely that they would provide some protection against soil-borne pathogens. This isn't to say they would form a happy or symbiotic association with your garden-or-farm plants roots. However, they'll fruit within a year. I don't believe the mycorrhizae that might associate with living food crops produce edible fruiting bodies. Stephen CA Central Valley mailto:Docshiva@Docshiva.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] mycorrhiza From: Kevin Moore Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 19:21:04 -0700 (PDT) The primary benefit, as I understand it, of mycorhizal fungi, is one of nutrient transfer. Though I understand that trees survive and grow in deep shade if there is a significant network of mycorhyzal mycelium in the area which transfer not only basic nutrients, but sugars as well. For the best protection against parasitic fungi, I would think an endomorphic fungus is in order. these not only convey resistance to fungal pests, but also can confer drought and heat resistance well beyond anything the plant could hope to survive on its own. Essentially it turns the plant into a giant lichen and protects it from extremes. In the matter of full disclosure, I am a permaculturist, not a mycologist, but I try to create a balnced if artificial ecosystem so the system can care for itself, and all I have to do is plant and harvest. I'm not very good at it though, because I still end up doing a lot of weeding. (Pernnial weeds) Though I do have a lot of restrictive covenants and municipal ordinances that prevent me from doing things the way I would choose to if I could. Kevin Moore mailto:aleguy33@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: 1) Rare Fruit For PA 2) Parrots Like Mulberries? From: Nancy B. Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 10:11:13 -0700 (PDT) Hi Tom; I grew up in suburban Philadelphia and played at my grandparent's house in Vineland, NJ. (places in zone 7a). It is the northernmost end of 7a so you can grow things like camellias and brown turkey figs provided you plant them in a sheltered area. My neighbors had trifoliate oranges grown as a hedge that smelled wonderful but it had wicked thorns :-) . My grandpa in New Jersey grew medlars, which are a fruit eaten in medieval times. You pick them, let them ripen in a cool pantry in a paper bag until they soften up, and eat them with a spoon. They taste like apple sauce and cinnamon. My mom and Grandpa grew all kinds of gooseberries, currants, and different colored raspberries. We tried alpine strawberries, which were wonderful, but a buffet for the birds. My neighbor had a large fruited mulberry cultivar that had tasty fruit that the birds loved too. BTW, I now live in New Orleans and there are wild green quaker parrots in my neighborhood. If anyone lives in a neighborhood with wild parrots, will they eat mulberries? I would like to plant something for them. Cheers, Nancy B. from NOLA (zone 9) mailto:sergius1@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grow waxberries-(Myrica rubra-yangmei) in San Diego? From: David Weitz Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 01:01:52 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, I found your name in an email string on the web. I discovered waxberries - (Myrica rubra or yangmei) on a recent trip to Hunan. I live in San Diego and am wondering whether the tree would grow in San Diego. I have a few seeds from the fruit. Thanks, Dave mailto:daveweitz@yahoo.com [I recommend that you talk to Zhenxing Fu mailto:zfu@ucsd.edu as she had seeds from China a few years ago and wanted to grow the trees in 2001. She lives in San Diego. (aka Chinese Bayberry or Chinese Arbutus?) -Leo] --(2001 RFNO)--- Subject: "Yang Mai" is Myrica rubra (!) Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 10:51:08 -0700 From: Zhenxing Fu Hi Leo, I finally have the botanical name of Yang Mei: Myrica rubra (or Chinese Arbutus). The web page attached has a picture which looks exactly to me like the Yang Mei tree. We preserve the fruit in rice wine (sake) too in China, which can be used as the herb medicine. I liked the taste of the wine as well as the preserved yang mei. I used to see my grandfather drink it every day in a tiny cup with one or two yang mei in it. Have a nice day, Zhenxing mailto:zfu@ucsd.edu http://www.huis.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/~nomura/Y/yamamom.html ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Needed: Aspirator-type Japanese apple-pollinator From: Benton Bain Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 19:35:37 -0500 Leo Manuel, I was given your name as a possible source to tell me who makes or where I can buy a "aspirator-type Japanese apple-pollinator". We presently hand pollinate our plantation of guanabana (Annona muricata). Benton Bain mailto:bentonbain@cwpanama.net [Search Google? One result below http://www.archive.org/stream/fruitnotes5963univ/fruitnotes5963univ_djvu.txt One SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ASPIRATOR BULB ON THE CA STORAGE GAS ANALYZER Hamilton Lincoln aC the Brookfleld Orchards has cone up with what appears to be an excellent substitute for the aspirator bulb on the gas analyzer. In place of the bulb he has Installed an automobile fuel pump with a simple on-and-off switch connected to a 6 or 12 volt battery. The rubber connection from the CA rooQ Is merely attached to the Intake side of the fuel pump and the outgo side Is attached to the analyzer. With this apparatus there Is a continuous gas flow from the CA room to the analyzer and no more problems with leaky aspirator bulbs. This set-up, also, eliminates the necessity of placing one's finger over the open-end of the main stop-cock which Is essential each time an aspirator bulb Is released.] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted - Capulin Cherry Propagation Materials From: Dan Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 07:37:53 -0400 Hi Leo: My wife, who is the great web searcher of the family, has struck out in a search for capulin cherry propagation materials. We will buy seed or trees. If trees, we prefer named varieties, of course. I got seed from the CRFG seed bank with absolutely no germination suggestions, looked them up in Seeds of Woody Plants... and tried the nearest species (my guess) recommendations. No results. I have very poor success with seeds from that source, so I don't know if it was the seed or the amount of cold stratification I provided. So I guess we need a good quantity of seed so I can try alternatives. A lot of seeds from species adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, even warm temperate climates, like to be planted immediately. So I'm also looking to buy good batch of fruit. (This would also be a chance to determine if this is worth all the effort we are investing just finding the %&$^#(!- stuff.) So to recap, we are are looking for: * reasonably fresh seed * fruit * trees grafted to good named varieties * information on required or recommended pretreatments for germination. We will pay fair prices, of course, for materials, and I'll send a copy of our permaculture journal to anyone providing authoritative germination information. Many thinks for the valuable service you provide to fruit lovers. For Mother Earth Dan Hemenway mailto:permacltur@aol.com [Fresh seed will germinate with no treatment. It should be available this fall. Readers may help find seed. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: San Diego Chapter Newsletter - May 2009 From: Ian Miller Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 19:37:59 -0700 California Rare Fruit Growers San Diego Chapter Newsletter - May 2009 P.O. Box 152943 San Diego, CA 92195 Chair: Dave Yetz Chair@CRFGSanDiego.org (619) 659-8788 Vice-Chair: June Andersen ViceChair@CRFGSanDiego.org (760) 729-3501 Treasurer: Joy Bladykas Treasurer@CRFGSanDiego.org (619) 224-8109 Secretary: Ian Miller Secretary@CRFGSanDiego.org (619) 717-6380 Former Chair: Jos M. Gallego FormerChair@CRFGSanDiego.org (619) 697-4417 This Month's Presentation: Citrus Join us this month for a presentation by Gary Bender on Citrus, Mulching and the Citrus Psyllid on May 27, at 7pm in Balboa Park at Casa del Prado, Room 101. April Meeting Notes Last month we had the very enthusiastic Guava King, Randy Permpoon speak to our chapter about all the great benefits of growing Guavas. Randy Permpoon The Guava King speaks at the April Meeting Randy enlightened us on the growing methods, health benefits and versatility of guavas. He took time to tell us about all the different varieties of guavas and their different nutritional values. He mentioned that guavas that are red or purple in color contained the most antioxidants. Yellow and other paler colors typically exhibited lower amounts of antioxidants (though they were still rich in antioxidants compared to other fruits). Randy told us about the temperature tolerances of different varieties. Nearly all would show some damage if exposed to frost. Thanks Randy! We all look forward to growing more of these rare tropical treats in our collections! Board Meeting Minutes The Executive Board met on April 15th in Room 104 at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park at 7pm. The subject of volunteers again took center stage at the board meeting. At our last general meeting, we made an appeal for more volunteers to help out with the various tasks of the organization. Board members will be approaching specific people to ask for their help. The board also spent time discussing the gift from Paul Thomson that was made to the chapter and how best to protect the funds and make sure they are used for their original intent. Message from the Chair David Yetz, Chairman Greetings CRFG members! It has been a busy month with much to be done in the fruit garden this Spring. We had another great meeting last month as Randy The Guava King Permpoon spoke to us about Guavas in his knowledgeable, yet, humorous style. Our CRFG booth was very popular at the Spring Garden Festival at Cuyamaca College on April 25th.The Festival drew over 7,000 visitors this year, many of which stopped by the booth with questions about rare fruits or to get information about CRFG. Thanks to all who volunteered their time and effort at this event. Pakistani MulberryPhoto by: Fang Yi Liu This months program will focus on Citrus. We are honored to have Gary Bender, PhD, share his expertise on growing this important fruit in San Diego. Dr. Bender is the Farm Advisor for Subtropical Horticulture for the University of California, Cooperative Extension. He will also give us an update on the Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing disease which is threatening all Citrus trees in San Diego. Please join us on May 27th for this informative talk. Hope to see you all there! Save the date! CRFG Blueberry Field Trip CRFG Blueberry Field Trip with North County Chapter June 16th, 2009. Tentative schedule: Seminar at Mira Costa College in Oceanside on Blueberries and cane Berries 8 am -12 noon, Lunch Noon -1 pm, Visit to Carlsbad Farm to sample berries 1 -4 pm. More information and cost will be available at the May 27th CRFG meeting. CRFG Display Booth at Spring Garden Festival Photo by: Fang Yi Liu CRFG Exhibit at County Fair It's that time again! We need volunteers to help staff the CRFG Exhibit at the San Diego County Fair. This year we will again have space in the Pat O'Brien Building (in the southeast inside section, close to where we were last year) and Fair entrance passes for CRFG members staffing our exhibit will again be distributed via will call. This year, the Fair gates are scheduled to open at 11AM on weekdays and 10AM on weekends. We are hoping to have members staff our exhibit from 11AM 2PM and 2 5PM on weekdays and 10AM 1PM and 1 4PM on weekends. There will be additional details about participation at the next CRFG general meeting for people to pick up. The fair runs from June 12th to July 5th . To volunteer, please call Carol Graham at (760) 7536757 (preferably in the evening). Thanks to Volunteers! Thanks goes out to all who volunteered at the chapter promotion at Cuyamaca College! CRFG, San Diego Chapter 2009 Calendar Month Meeting / Program / Speaker Event / Field Trip / Activity May May 20 7pm (Wed): Board Meeting May 27 7pm (Wed): Dr. Gary Bender Citrus, Mulching and Psyllid Update May 16 9am (Sat): Quail Botanical Work Party June June 17 7pm (Wed): Board Meeting June 24 7pm (Wed): Ben Poirer Surinam Cherry and the Fruiting Myrtaceae Family June 13 9am (Sat): Quail Botanical Work Party July July 15 7pm (Wed): Board Meeting July 22 7pm (Wed): Kevin Hauser Growing Apples in Southern California July 11 9am (Sat): Quail Botanical Work Party Ian Miller mailto:Secretary@CRFGSanDiego.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Time To Order Citrus Budwood For June 2009 From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 18:39:16 -0700 From: Grafton-Cardwell, Beth [mailto:BETHGC@uckac.edu] Citrus Budwood for June 2009 Time to Place Your Order Now Please submit Budwood Orders by Thursday, June 11, 2009 TO: California Nurserymen and Growers May 22, 2009 From: The Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP) Due to findings of citrus tristeza closterovirus (CTV) in the CCPP Foundation Blocks and in the surrounding trees located on the Lindcove Research and Extension Center over the past few years all citrus budwood distributed by the CCPP during this June 2009 cutting period will be cut exclusively from Screenhouse Protected Foundation trees. No budwood will be cut or distributed from any field grown or unprotected trees at this time. The CCPP maintains in-ground and potted trees protected under screen which produce limited amounts of registered budwood that is available for distribution in accordance with California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) regulations. Purchasers please be aware that quantities of budwood may be very limited at this cutting period. This spring of 2009 we replaced almost 300 potted trees in our screenhouse that were aging and declining in budwood production with new propagations. We have also increased the in-ground screenhouse plantings to over 100 varieties in 2009. Because many of these propagations are still very young budwood of some varieties may be very limited at this time. All budwood distributed at this cutting period will come from non-fruiting screenhouse protected trees and the CCPP has not performed any fruit evaluation for trueness-to-type on any of these trees. Online Budwood Ordering Instructions Budwood can be ordered via the online ordering system Here is how to order: A.) Log onto: http://ccpp.ucr.edu/budwood/budwood.php B.) Please read all of the Terms and Conditions of Supply of Budwood by CCPP. C.) If you agree to the Terms and Conditions proceed to the online ordering system by clicking I accept - Take me to the Budwood Order Forms. From the Order Forms Page there are two options available for ordering budwood. **CCPP asks that you use option 1 whenever possible. Online orders eliminate paperwork and help us to process orders more efficiently** 1.) You may place Screenhouse and Early Release orders directly online using your user name and password. - If you do not yet have a username and password and would like one - If you have forgotten your username or password - If you have trouble using the online system please contact: John Bash by e-mail at: John.Bash@ucr.edu Or by phone at 951-684-8580 -Or- 2.) You may print the downloadable Screenhouse and Early Release forms, including the Waiver and Release, from the online Order Forms Page and mail or FAX them to CCPP. All orders must be received by the CCPP by the June 11, 2009 Deadline or they cannot be processed. By mail To: Citrus Clonal Protection Program Attn: John Bash Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 By FAX to: CCPP Budwood Order 951-686-5612 For Screenhouse Budwood, a minimum order of 12 buds per variety is required, with a minimum total order of 36 buds per order. For Early Release Budwood a maximum of 12 buds per variety may be ordered with a minimum total order of 36 buds per order, subject to availability. Budwood may be ordered directly online or by using the forms available at the CCPP website (http://www.ccpp.ucr.edu) and returned by fax or mail. There is a minimum order of 12 buds per selection, and a minimum combined total of 36 buds ($27.00) for any one total order. Please submit Budwood Orders by June 11, 2009 We will not be able to fill orders received after June 11, 2009. Budwood will be cut the week of June 15, 2009 and will be shipped the following Monday. Please do not send payment for budwood with your order, you will be billed after you have received your budwood and are satisfied with the condition of the shipment. CCPP Billing is now done through UCR Student Business Services Here is some information from SBS: **A note from Student Business Services regarding CCPP Budwood Charges** - A late fee of $12.50 per month will be added when an account becomes 60 days past due of the invoice date. - Payments received will be credited first to accrued late charges and then the balance will be applied to other charges. - Delinquent accounts may be subject to collection costs and attorney fees, or if applicable, a 10% per annum interest rate in accordance with CA State Civil Code No. 3289 when collection activity becomes necessary to collect this debt. - There will be a $20.00 returned check fee assessed on all checks returned to the University. Student Business Services University of California, Riverside 900 University Ave Hinderaker Hall, Room 2148 Riverside, CA 92521 (951) 827-3991 (951) 827-3576 (fax) Reach the CCPP Website at: http://www.ccpp.ucr.edu John Bash Citrus Clonal Protection Program Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA 92521 mailto:john.bash@ucr.edu PH: 951-684-8580 FAX: 951-686-5612 www.ccpp.ucr.edu mailto:jsabol@calpoly.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: From today's Voice of San Diego From: N Sterman Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 19:12:10 -0700 Q and A with 'A Bona Fide Plant Fanatic' (yours truly) in today's Voice of San Diego: http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/05/22/people/918nansterman052209.txt Nan Sterman Plant Soup, Inc. TM mailto:Info@PlantSoup.Com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted-Cherimoya tree-Orange County From: Roberto Segarra Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 15:19:19 -0700 (PDT) We wanted to know if you know where I can get a cherimoya tree? Marve Daniels my grandmothers friend at crfg told us that you might know where to get a cherimoya tree. I live in orange county and I am interested in fruits Roberto Segarra mailto:wafflyjoe@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fwd: Water Harvesting Open House - Sunday June 14 From: Cielo & Kevin Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 16:35:08 -0700 (PDT) You will learn a lot more from this open house than any seminar offered at the Water Conservation Garden, 10am to 2 pm. I've attended two rainharvesting seminars in the past at the Water Conservation Garden; both were quite disappointing for wasting my time & money. Please respond to Brook at brook@h2o-me.com and she will send you the address. Cielo mailto:cielonkevin@yahoo.com Please share the following: Water Harvesting Open House Sunday, June 14th 10am-2pm Talmadge Suggested Donation: $5 to benefit water activism in San Diego Come see water harvesting in action! See how a 1320 gallon rainwater tank combined with laundry greywater and bath greywater work together to grow plenty of edibles using only 20 gallons of city water per person per day in San Diego. (Average for San Diego is 80 gallons per person per day) There is also natural building demonstrated on site in the form of an earth pizza oven, a cob chicken coop, and a cob bench. Talk to Brook Sarson, Water Harvesting Professional and Permaculturist to find out what solutions can work for you in your space and how you can make a difference during San Diego's water crisis and beyond. Please respond to Brook at brook@h2o-me.com and I will send you the address. Regards, Brook Sarson H2OME Smart Water Savings 619.964.4838 Subject: Black/Blueberry Seminar & Field Day: Tues. June 16, 2009 From: cielonkevin@yahoo.com Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 15:27:04 -0700 (PDT) Blueberry & Blackberry Seminar Flyer is attached, and for the convience of those who hate attachments (like myself), in text below. You must register by June 10th. Registration is available online or by snail mail. For details, please read in its entirety. Carpooling: Please consider carpooling, if possible. I'd be happy to facilitate it. Those who need a ride or those who can take passengers (indicate # of seats available), let me know your nearest Freeway & Exit. Cielo University of California COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Presents "Blueberry & Blackberry Seminar and Field Day" Tuesday June 16, 2009 Seminar: Mira Costa College One Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA Field Day: Valdivia Farms 4975 El Camino Real (across street), Carlsbad, CA REGISTRATION Registration Fee: $25 in advance or at the door. The registration fee includes handout materials, refreshments, parking, and lunch for registrations postmarked or completed online by Wednesday - June 10th, 2009. Lunch will not be guaranteed for registrations at the door! Space is limited! Please register early to secure a space, to help us plan for lunch, refreshments, materials, and to allow us time to send you a parking pass. You may register online or by completing and mailing the registration form and payment to the address provided. For more information about the seminar or to request special accommodations, please contact Barbara Henderson at 760.752.4724. For directions to Mira Costa College please visit Mira Costa College Website. ACCESSIBILITY Mira Costa College is a handicapped accessible facility. Free parking is available for Seminar/Field Day participants. The field day portion of the activity will be outdoors and involves walking short distances over uneven terrain. SPONSORS UC Cooperative Extension San Diego County, Farm & Home Advisor, UC Small Farm Program, Mira Costa College TENTATIVE PROGRAM 7:30 8:00 Registration - Coffee - Pastries 8:00 8:10 Welcome and Introductions Gary Bender, UCCE Farm Advisor & Claire Ehrlinger, Mira Costa College Horticulture Department 8:10 8:30 Research Update: Blueberry & Blackberry Production in San Diego Co. Ramiro Lobo and Gary Bender, Farm Advisors, UC Cooperative Extension San Diego County 9:30 10:00 ABCs of Blueberry Production Manuel Jimenez, Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension - Tulare County 10:00 10:30 Break 10:30 12:00 ABCs of Blackberry (Caneberry) Production Mark Bolda, Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County 12:00 1:30 LUNCH (included with registration) and self-transportation to Valdivia Farms 1:30 3:00 Overview of Varieties and Research Trials (Two Breakout sessions) Manuel Jimenez (Blueberries), Mark Bolda (Blackberries /Caneberries), Ramiro Lobo (Overview) & Gary Bender (Irrigation) 3:30 Adjourn REGISTRATION FORM (Complete one form per person attending. ) Name Organization/Business Address City/State/ZIP Phone FAX E-Mail Commercial grower? ____YES ____NO Acreage planted? Blueberries _______ Blackberries _______ Varieties grown? ___________________________ Issues or Concerns?________________________ Please complete and return form to: UC Cooperative Extension Attn: Blueberry Field Day 334 Via Vera Cruz, Suite 152 San Marcos, CA 92078 You may also pay with a credit card and register online at http://ucanr.org/2009bbfielday. Please call Barbara Henderson at 760.752.4724 for questions or if you need additional information. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Pomegranate Growers Group From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 15:12:04 -0700 To: ARBSFRUIT@aol.com Hi Are you asking that the pomegranate tree link be posted to the pitaya group? I don't think that there'd be much interest. However, I will post the letter in the RFNO newsletter. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/PomWorldwide/ Thanks Leo ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Drought Response Level 2 - Drought Alert Condition From: Leo Manuel Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 12:47:03 -0700 San Diego Water District Restrictions: http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/drought/droughtlevels2.shtml Effective June 1, 2009, San Diego will be in a Level 2 Drought Alert. Level 2 includes many mandatory water restrictions. In addition, all voluntary Level 1 conservation practices become mandatory. The Level 2 restrictions include: * Landscape irrigation is limited to no more than three assigned days per week from June 1- Oct. 31. Those days are: o Homes with odd-numbered addresses can water: Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday o Homes with even-numbered addresses can water: Saturday, Monday & Wednesday o Apartments, Condos and Businesses can water: Monday, Wednesday & Friday * On your watering day, you may only water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. * Landscape irrigation using sprinklers is limited to no more than ten minutes maximum per watering station per assigned day (does not apply to drip, micro-irrigation or stream rotor systems). * Trees and shrubs not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system may be watered no more than three assigned days per week by using a hand-held container, hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume soaker hose. * Irrigation of nursery and commercial growers' products is permitted in the hours between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. or at any time when using a hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle, hand-held container, or drip, micro-irrigation. * Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. * Vehicle washing is permitted only in the hours between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. with a hand-held container or a hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle for quick rinses, or at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash. Vehicle washing required for public health and safety is exempt. * Water use by commercial car washes which do not use partially re-circulated water will be reduced in volume by an amount determined by the City Council. * All leaks must be stopped or repaired upon discovery or within 72 hours of notification by the City of San Diego. * Bird baths, koi ponds and any ornamental water feature using a re-circulating pump and which does not shoot water into the air are allowed under Level 2. Water fountains which discharge into the air a jet or stream of water are banned under Level 2 restrictions. However, these fountains may be operated for maintenance purposes. Any water feature that does not re-circulate water is banned. * Use of recycled or non-potable water is required for construction purposes when available. * Water use from fire hydrants is limited to fire fighting, City meter installation as part of the Fire Hydrant Meter Program, and for public health and safety reasons. * Construction operations will not use water obtained by a fire hydrant meter for uses other than normal construction activity. In addition to these Level 2 requirements, all Level 1 voluntary restrictions are now mandatory. These include: * City of San Diego water customers must prohibit excessive irrigation and must immediately correct leaks in their private water systems. The City's regulations now state that customers "shall not allow water to leave their property due to drainage onto adjacent properties or public or private roadways or streets or gutters due to excessive irrigation and/or uncorrected leaks." * Customers cannot use a running hose to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate safety or sanitation hazards, unless that hose is connected to a water efficient device such as a commercial water broom. * Overfilling of swimming pools and spas is strictly prohibited. * Vehicles may only be washed at a commercial car wash or by using a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle or with a hand-held water container. * The City will not provide new water service connections for customers using single pass-through cooling systems. * All new conveyer car wash and commercial laundry systems connections will be required to employ a recirculation water system. * Restaurants and other food establishments shall only serve and refill water for patrons upon request. * Guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments will be provided the option of not laundering towels and linens daily. These restrictions are permanent and are now in place year-round. San Diego residents are encouraged to report water waste by calling the Water Hotline at (619) 515-3500. <><><><> 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: Lychee Studies Keys to Plentiful, Predictable Harvests From: ARS News Service Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 07:49:39 -0400 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Lychee, an exotic tropical fruit, is perhaps best known for the flavorful ice cream you can often find at Asian restaurants. But this luscious fruit can also be eaten fresh, or made into elegant sauces, distinctive jams or jellies, and more. Though lychee can be grown in Hawaii, the mild, sunny climate of the Island State doesn't precisely match that of lychee's southern China origins. To boost farmers' chances of plentiful, predictable harvests of large, delicious lychee in Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) research horticulturists Tracie Matsumoto and Francis T.P. Zee have developed and tested a regimen of pruning and fertilizing lychee trees. They're working with a variety known as Kaimana. Now, the scientists and their University of Hawaii colleagues are fine-tuning their management system for Kaimana trees. Zee and Matsumoto are with the ARS Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research Unit, part of the U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii. Some growers who've tried the scientists' lychee management protocol in Hawaii have reported impressive results. For example, they've noted yields averaging more than 100 pounds of delectable, nicely sized fruit per tree. Many Kaimana trees that are now top performers previously produced less than half that much fruit or, in some years, no fruit at all, according to the researchers. None of the procedures--precisely timed fertilizing and pruning--are, in themselves, new to orchardists. Instead, it's the combination, timing and specific details of each technique that make the management system different from what many Kaimana growers have tried in the past. The management system is based on six years of observation and experimentation with Kaimana trees growing on the rainy side of Hawaii Island. Now Matsumoto is determining how to make the tactics as successful in the island's other microclimates. Read more about this research in the May/June 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may09/lychee0509.htm ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 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 RFN200906A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - June 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200906B.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Surinam Cherry (Pitanga) Vermillion: This has been a great year for fruit on my Vermillion Surinam cherry. The tree must be at least ten years old and to my taste, has by far the best-tasting fruit. Fruit is bright red when ripe, doesn't drop until ripe, (actually, doesn't release from the tree without a greater tug than most other varieties), and is quarter-sized. It bears multiple crops throughout the year. Has your pitanga borne more fruit than usual? Comes true to seed, but seedlings take several years to begin to bear.... Tomorrow I hope to get my freedom from the nuisance cast I've been wearing since February 16. My first Pitaya bloom of the year opened a few days ago. It was Paul Thomson's G-2, self-fertile and red-fleshed. One from David Archer, Neon, will open tomorrow. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> New SubscriberOrange County CA-Interested In Pitaya Anna and Brian Dow New Subscriber, CA Hopes To Buy Home Soon Lee Poulsen <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Available Locally Fresh Mangosteens & Lychees Johnfcryptic@aol.com Source for capulin cherry-Ben PoirierFallbrook, CA Oscar Jaitt To: Dan Re: Mycorrhyzae and plant growth-comment on Dr. Reich's thread NancyB. Cherimoya Tree? PetMarv@aol.com To: wafflyjoe@yahoo.com Wanted-Cherimoya tree-Orange County Roberto Segarra Mango Manuel Villarreal Field trip Harry nickerson Growing Produce - New Cherry Pest Found In California Leo Manuel A Growing Passion on Channel 4 San Diego N Sterman Re: [NAFEX] Mangos - no strings! Kevin Moore To: N. American Fruit Explorers Re: [NAFEX] Mangos - no strings! Leo Manuel To: Kevin Moore Re: [NAFEX] Pomegranate Seedlings Kieran &/or Donna Re: [NAFEX] Pomegranate Seedlings Bob Kelly [NAFEX] aphid eggs Ernest Plutko CRFG-N. San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS June 2009 secetary nickerson <><><><> 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 -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New SubscriberOrange County CA-Interested In Pitaya From: "Anna and Brian Dow" Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:29:59 -0700 Mr. Manuel My name is Brian Dow. I bought a house in Fountain Valley (Orange County) California about 2 years ago. The backyard had a small pitaya plant. It produced a single fruit. I have not seen it produce fruit since. I have done some research trying to save it, but I doubt it will make it. While researching the pitaya, I have become very interested in it. The plant we have (had) was planted in soil with moderate drainage at best, and received frequent watering from an automatic sprinkler. I have purchased a pot and cactus mix. I will grow them away from the automatic sprinklers, and in full sun. I would like to grow a white and a red plant. What is the best way to get some cuttings? The backyard currently has a pink guava tree, 3 yellow guava trees, a Kaffir lime tree, a persimmon tree, a tangerine tree, a mango tree (small tree but good fruit), and 2 trees that I have been told are some kind of Chinese apple. I would like to add a Meyer lemon tree and a pomegranate tree (preferably Fleshman). My parents have a loquat tree that sprouted from their neighbor's fruit landing in their backyard. I would like to attempt to transplant it. Please add me to your newsletter and let me know how to get Paul Thompson's book. Thanks, Brian Dow Future Pitaya Enthusiast [I'm selling Paul Thomson's Pitaya book (home or mail).-Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber, CA Hopes To Buy Home Soon From: Lee Poulsen Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:56:40 -0700 I am Lee Poulsen, in Pasadena, CA I am now growing various citrus species and varieties, common and rare, Manila Mango, Littlecado Avocado, seedling Cherimoya, 3 colors of Pitaya, Ice Cream & Raja Puri Bananas, Southern Highbush Blueberries, Strawberries Some I want to grow are Kiwifruit, More Mangos, Passionfruits, Macadamia I'm now renting so I haven't tried planting anything in the ground (except bananas) yet. But with the crash in house prices in Calif., we might finally be able to purchase a house this year and then I can finally start planting a mini-orchard! I grew up in Austin, TX (Zone 8B) and that's where I got most interested in trying to grow cold-hardy varieties of fruits that typically only survive in Calif. or Florida. At my parents' house I planted (and still are growing and fruiting): about 10 cold-hardy citrus varieties and species including some sweet ones, Holland Avocado (more than 20 years old and about 30 feet tall), Feijoa, Fig, Jujube, Raisin Tree, Loquat, Mulberry, Olive, Pawpaw, Persimmon, Pomegranate, Che, Jelly Palm, Acerola, Apple, Plum, Asian Pear, Pear, Peach, Nectarine, Cherry, Pecan <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Available Locally Fresh Mangosteens & Lychees From: Johnfcryptic@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 18:30:50 EDT Hello Leo, Lee Lee Oriental Market in Peoria and Mesa AZ has been getting in Fresh Mangosteen at approx. $2.00 per Fruit They are Fresh, Sweet and delicious. If you want to buy for the Seed and grow in your Greenhouse or if you are in the mood for the fruit. Please note, the Fruit has been treated by irradiation. I am not sure if the Seed is viable. Also, Check your local largest Oriental market as they too should have them this week and early Summer. The Fresh Green Taiwan Lychees arrived and also reasonably priced. However, Florida's Superior Fresh Lychees are abundant and can be ordered online at a few sites. This is year one after planting 20 Fruit Trees in Lakeside, AZ Zone 6 Zip Code is 85929 Elevation is 6,800. I am a bit concerned that I did not Plant enough Late Blooming Fruit Trees. Although, the trees are young, I did not see any fruit set this year. I don't know how or if they flowered as it my Weekend home and I was not visiting in early Spring. I will be patient and give the Trees are few more years. They were all Bare Root Trees The Japanese Plum Trees did Leaf out nice, however, The Leaves seem to be curled. Do I need to treat them? If so, With what? John F. in Phoenix & Lakeside, AZ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Source for capulin cherry-Ben PoirierFallbrook, CA From: "Oscar Jaitt" Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 20:37:55 -1000 To: Dan For fresh capulin cherry seeds try Ben Poirier in Fallbrook, California. He may also have plants. Here is contact info: Ben Poirier P.O. Box 222, Fallbrook, CA 92028 VOICE: 760-751-1605 mailto:benplant@tfb.com Hope this helps, Oscar Jaitt ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Mycorrhyzae and plant growth-comment on Dr. Reich's thread From: "NancyB." Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:05:45 -0700 (PDT) I read with interest about all the comments pertaining to using mycorrhrizae as an innoculant. Although I don't know much about fruit tree mycorrhyzae species, I am an orchid nut (50 plants) who is quite interested in the relationship between mycorrhyzae and orchids. Orchids thrive when they grow with mycorrhyzae, especially when innoculating them as seedlings. I had the opportunity to attend Dr. Promila Pathak's lecture at the World Orchid Conference in Miami . She talked about Indian orchid conservation and her research on how mycorrhizae innoculation improved the heath and growth of wild reintroduced Indian orchids. She found the original mycorrhizae growng in situ and said that, athough orchid researchers have been interested in the topic of mycorrhizae for years, there is little research into exactly what mycorrhizae species are beneficial. We just know it works :-), and it would be a meaty thesis or disertation topic for an aspiring orchidologist. My guess is to go back to the original pistachio trees (P.vera) and the ancestors of the modern banana cultivars or even Leo's groovy Dragon fruit plant ancestors where they grow in situ, collect some of the mycorrhizae, grow them and identify them like the orchid researchers are doing. I would love to have Dr. Reich comment on my thread. Cheers, NancyB. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cherimoya Tree? From: PetMarv@aol.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 12:34:06 EDT To: wafflyjoe@yahoo.com Dear Robert! I was so happy to read your nice note to this newsletter. Good job! May I suggest in the future that you state what grade in school you are, or your age? I believe that if you state who you are and why you are asking you will get an even better response! I have started Cherimoya trees by planting the seed. Most of the trees had very good fruit! I also have trees that are grafted. Cherimoya trees will grow quickly from the seed. Just plant the seeds in a moist area with a small amount of soil over the seed and wait. I forget the seeds and then rediscover the tiny trees! Once the trees are about 12 " tall, I dig them up and plant them where I want them to grow. (I may have started the seeds in a veggie bed or planter box and want my new tree to have plenty of room to grow.) Good luck and you are welcome to visit us anytime you are in our area. Pet Daniels, Pismo Beach ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wanted-Cherimoya tree-Orange County From: Roberto Segarra Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 15:19:19 -0700 (PDT) We wanted to know if you know where I can get a cherimoya tree? Marve Daniels my grandmothers friend at crfg told us that you might know where to get a cherimoya tree. I live in orange county and I am interested in fruits Roberto Segarra mailto:wafflyjoe@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango From: Manuel Villarreal Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 22:58:26 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo I thought about you because my mango Oro is full of blooms. It appears that it may have a heavy crop this year. Also a graft of this tree is doing well. I have several mango seedlings from the city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. They are growing very well. I hope that everything is OK with you and your family. Sincerely yours Rev. Manuel "Manny" Villarreal ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Field trip From: secetary nickerson Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 16:00:14 -0700 (PDT) To: harnick@sbcglobal.net There has been a change to our planned field trip of June 28th. Brengle Terrace Park will be hosting the Scottish Highland games and will be too crowded for us. Ben Pierce has arranged with Roger Meyer to visit his location which is near Ben Poirer's. Roger grows many exotic tropicals. Roger has requested a rough headcount. The plan is to meet at Ben Pierce's place at 10AM and car pool to Roger Meyer's arriving about 10:45AM. We would spend an hour or so there, have some lunch and arrive at Ben Poirer's about 1:30 departing between 2:30 and 3:30. If you think you might attend please email Ben Pierce at ncsdcrfg@cox.net by this Friday evening , June 5 and let him know. and let him know. Harry Nickerson ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Growing Produce - New Cherry Pest Found In California From: Leo Manuel Date: Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:24:45 -0700 DiggFacebookDel.icio.usReddit June 2, 2009 A new, potentially serious pest of sweet cherries showed up recently in ripening cherries in Northern California orchards. It has been tentatively identified as a drosophilid fruit fly of unknown genus and species, says Bill Coates, a University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor for San Benito, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties. These are flies usually associated with damaged or decaying fruit and are called vinegar flies, says Coates. In this particular case the fruit appears undamaged except for what appears to be stings on the surface of the fruit and maggots feeding within the fruit. Early varieties such as Early Burlat and Black Tartarian have been extensively damaged in Santa Clara County. Growers are beginning to apply protective sprays to guard against infestation of the main Bing crop. The pest has also appeared in the northern San Joaquin Valley, says Coates, who adds that he doesn't yet know whether other fruits are susceptible. This is an excellent example of the collaboration between growers, pest control advisers, UC Cooperative Extension, agricultural commissioners and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, he says. I was first informed of this pest on Thursday, May 14 by a pest control adviser and a cherry grower,he says. I was able to determine from the symptoms that it was not light brown apple moth but a fruit fly of some type. I provided fruit fly traps to growers by late Thursday. On Friday samples from both infested fruit and fruit fly traps were taken by the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioners office to Sacramento for identification by the CDFA. The species of drosophila has still not been confirmed by the CDFA, says Coates. It does not seem to match existing North American species. These are drosophilid, not tephritid fruit flies - the latter group contains most of our common fruit-infesting fruit flies. It has been found infesting cherries in Santa Clara, Yolo and Stanislaus counties with unconfirmed reports from other counties. A similar, if not the same drosophila, is also infesting strawberries and caneberries in Santa Cruz County. Most cherry growers in the Central Coast are applying multiple GF-120 bait sprays and doing extensive sorting of fruit. I am trying a variety of trap types but the presence of the common drosophila species - drosophila melanogaster, complicates monitoring, says Coates. Currently, the best indication of infestation is to check early-ripening pollenizers such as Black Tartarian and Early Burlat and then apply controls to protect the main Bing crop. There is no replicated research on control measures for these type of flies in California in cherry orchards. http://www.growingproduce.com/news/afg/?storyid=1962 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: A Growing Passion on Channel 4 San Diego From: N Sterman Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 23:11:32 -0700 Announcing..... The inaugural episode of A Growing Passion, the show that takes you into your friends' and neighbors' backyards to see beautiful and welcoming outdoor living spaces created with plants and products that are achievable, affordable, attractive, and in tune with the natural environment. A Growing Passion airs on Channel 4 San Diego, Fridays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 2 pm This week, we celebrate home-grown vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. Learn how to grow fresh, delicious edibles in your own backyard, raised vegetable beds, starting edibles from seed, and much more! You'll be amazed at how my husband and stepson give my vegetable garden get a much-needed facelift at warp speed! For more information, visit http://www.AGrowingPassion.com Hope you'll tune in! Nan Sterman mailto:info@AGrowingPassion.Com ------------------------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:17:51 -0700 (PDT) From: Kevin Moore Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Mangos - no strings! To: N. American Fruit Explorers I've read that mango seeds have three embryos. The first is a genetic clone of the parent tree, the other two are sexual reproductions. Just wondering if it would be safe to try growing some around here. Seems like some of the Mexican mangoes should be hardy enough, especially if I select a few non-clone embryos. Bad idea? Kevin ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Mangos - no strings! From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:24:53 -0700 To: Kevin Moore Kevin, Young mango trees are quite frost-tender, but if protected when young, can tolerate a few degrees of frost temperatures. Whether the mango can reproduce a genetic copy of itself depends on the variety. Some can (called polyembryonic), and others can not (monoembryonic.) So it depends on where you live (I'm in San Diego, and have several excellent mango trees I've grown from seeds.) Horticordially, Leo Manuel ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Pomegranate Seedlings From: "Kieran &/or Donna" Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:42:15 -0500 According to Chris Inhulsen, the consensus among SE pomegranate growers is, "Wonderful isn't." Though it is very good in CA. He has some from eastern Europe, you could probably get them to save you some seeds. Donna ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Pomegranate Seedlings From: "Bob Kelly" Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:49:38 -0500 Donna, That's true. Some years the fruit is pretty good. Last year the quality was poor. I have a young tree that is from Russia, I believe. Hope to get the first fruit this year. Bob ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] aphid eggs From: "Ernest Plutko" Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:06:26 -0500 Jim is right that aphids give birth to live young in summer but they also lay eggs in Spring and Fall. I was studying aphids for several years as a hobby and often saw keeper ants carrying their dark eggs. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG-N. San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS June 2009 Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:29:15 -0700 (PDT) From: secetary nickerson Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College(MCC) One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg. June Meeting-There will be no meeting on June 19th our usual meeting date. The June meeting will be replaced by a field trip on the 28th of June. April Meeting Eric Larsen discussed the background and status of San Diego County's water supply. His talk is summarized in this newsletter. May Meeting-Our program speaker was Jason Kubrock from the horticultural department at Mira Costa College. A summary of Jason's presentation will be in the July newsletter. June 28th Field Trip-Our June field trip will visit Roger Meyer in the morning and Ben Poirier in the afternoon. We will carpool as parking is limited particularly at Ben Poirier. Schedule is as follows. 1.) 10:30 AM meet in the Park and Drive Lot on the East side of I-15 at the Deer Springs/Mountain Meadows exit, This exit is between Del Norte and Gopher Canyon exits. 2) Leave at 1045: for Roger Meyer arriving at 11:00. 3) depart Roger at about 12:30 to proceed to Ben Poirier arriving about 1PM 4) Leave Ben's at 2:30 to drive back to Mountain Meadows and I-15. The best way to get from Roger to Ben is to go directly up Circle R and not to go back to I15. Therefore we ask that members bring a sack lunch. Roger will have drinks available and Ben may have some fruit for tasting. It is less than a 10 min drive from Roger to Ben's so there is some flexibility in departure time but arrival times are firm. In the event you miss the rendezvous and have to drive to Roger's directions follow. From the I-15 freeway about 8 miles north of Escondido, exit at Gopher Canyon. Turn right then immediately left at the signal onto the old 395 highway. Go one block and turn right onto Circle R Dr.. Go up Circle R Dr. exactly 3.0 miles. Watch your odometer. At that point Circle R suddenly goes to the left to meet West Lilac but you go straight ahead onto Spearhead Trail. Go down Spearhead exactly 0.3 miles and turn right. Continue another 0,3 miles and the road ends at Roger's place. Veer on the first right and go to the two story brown barn. If you have to drive to Ben's follow directions to Rogers place except when Circle R makes a sharp left and Spearhead trail goes straight, you make the left on Circle R which then changes its name to W. Lilac Rd. continue northerly on this road for about 1 mile until you come to Lilac Ridge Road which goes to the right. Ben's place is a few hundred feet on the left just before you get to Loma La Luna. Ben will have a sign out CRFG Tour. The tricky part is after making your right turn where Circle R turns to W. Lilac Rd. You will have opportunities to turn on cross streets that are named W. Lilac Rd don't turn. The first is a sharp right a hundred feet or so after your turn, Don't turn! Stay on the W. Lilac you are on until you reach Lilac Ridge Road then turn right. If you get lost Ben's phone number is 760-751-1605 Blue/Cane berry Seminar-. June 16th-There are some lectures and breakout sessions at Mira Costa College and a field trip to the Valdiva Ranch in Carlsbad. The registration fee is $25. I emailed a flyer to all members about this on May 21. This is not a chapter event. If you want to attend I suggest you call Barbara Henderson (760) 752-4724 during normal business hours. July Meeting-Our Annual July potluck picnic will be at the Quail Gardens on July 18th. At 11;00AM, in the patio of the Ecke building.. This is our big plant sale so start now to get those plants ready. More details in the July newsletter. County Fair Starts Friday June 12th. If you can volunteer and have not yet signed up, please call Carol Graham at 760-753-6757. If you can bring fruit to show it will be appreciated. If you want visitors to taste it a knife will be in booth, don't try to bring one in! Ben Poirer will speak to the San Diego Chapter on June 24 at 7PM in room 101 of the Casa Del Prado Bldg. In Balboa Park. Parking is always available at the bldg. or at the Natural History Museum across the street. Questions call June at 760-729-3501. San Diego County's water supply got its first boost when President Roosevelt ordered the Navy to connect San Diego to the California Aqueduct System to ensure an adequate water supply for the naval facilities. The completion of this project in 1947 allowed the Navy and other Defense facilities including contractors to stay in SD county and gave us an important industrial base. In the 1960s all of California was running out of water and a decision was made to bring water from the Delta to southern California; this led to the California State Water Project being completed in the 1970s. Today 60% of Southern California's imported water comes from the Delta and 40% comes from the Colorado River, 90% of the water SD county uses is imported. Our current water shortage began with 2 successive drought years in California and 8 years of drought in the Colorado River basin. It has become more serious due to climate change causing less snow pack which melts earlier and by a court ruling to protect the Delta smelt which reduces our pumping of water into the aqueduct by 33%. It is also important to note that when the water system was completed California had 17 million people now it has 37 million and it is now is on its way to 50 million by 2050. Volunteer water conservation has not worked, regulations are coming in June of this year. Eric then listed some of the things California must do to provide a long term solution. 1.) We must develop a water conservation ethic in the consumers. 2.) We need to build a water storage capability north of the delta to store some of the snow pack run off which now goes out to sea because there is no place to store it. 3.) we need storage capability South of the Delta. 4.) we need to improve utilization of our reclaimed water. The main problem is the cost of pumping it uphill from the coast where it is available to communities like Fallbrook and Valley Center where it is needed.5.) We need to develop local water sources. Desalination is one promising technology. 6.) We must fix the Delta, many of the dikes that protect the farmland islands in the Delta are inadequate due to age and subsidence of the land they protect. An earthquake in that region could cause dike failure which would make the Delta water so saline and toxic that SD County would lose over 50% of its water supply. One of the key components of fixing the delta is to construct a peripheral canal around the delta from a storage reservoir above the delta to a storage area south of the delta near the aqueduct pumps so that running the pumps will not hurt the delta. A bond issue to do this failed in 1982. A bond issue to fix the delta will probably come before the California voters in 2010. Eric is on a mission to educate the voters of the consequences of their decision on this matter. Farmers have been under a mandatory 30% reduction in water usage since last January of 2008. Residential consumer will now face a series of measures designed to lower water consumption another 13%. Some of the things we can do: 1.) Preach and practice water conservation; 2.) promote local water reclamation and water production 3.) Contact our state assemblyman and state senator and urge them to develop a water system to save the delta. June 28-10:30 AM-Field Trip-Roger Meyer's and Ben Poirier's July 18th-11;00 AM-Annual Potluck Picnic-Quail Botanical Gardens-Ecke Bldg. 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 http://www.nc.crfgsandiego.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 RFN200906B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - July 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200907A.txt __________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Water restrictions will reduce our harvests from fruit and vegetables, forcing us to make choices as to which plants to remove. How are you dealing with the problem? Mulching is an obvious need and I must increase mine. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber Austin, Texas "Brian Rohn" <><><> Readers Write <><><> Leo's Email Server Causes Erratic Problems Leo Manuel [NAFEX] Grafting--parafilm Ginda Fisher CRFG Picnic - Encinitas, CA - 090718 Leo Manuel Irradiated mangosteen seeds - Viable? fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com To: Johnfcryptic@aol.com Male & Female Pumpkin Plants? "Ranjit UTA" [NAFEX] SummerFest and FlavrBurst-ARS Peach Variety Offerings "Lon J. Rombough" My Taro Plant James Freedner Beetles and mangoes Mango leaf Extract Health Potential Reader, Address Suppressed Mango Nutrition - Mango and Mango Leaves Reader, Address Suppressed Healthy Tips on Mango Leaves 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: New Subscriber Austin, Texas From: "Brian Rohn" Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:33:31 -0700 My Name is Brian Rohn, and I live in Austin, Texas. I currently am growing jujubi, persimmon, mandarin, and am trying to establish potted dragonfruit in a green house; I am using a wooden post surrounded by 8x8 cinder blocks for support, but I am not sure how to effectively support the umbrella top. The dragonfruit are currently 3 to 4 feet tall with 3 to 4 segments; I want to grow them to about 6 to 7 feet and need to add the top support soon, please advise. How big and at what time is transplanting advisable? I have a full house, 3 sons, 2 daughters, and a beautiful vietnamese wife; the whole family really enjoys eating fruit to supplement our vegetarian diet. In addition to our fruit trees we also have an interesting vegetable garden with numerous plants native to Vietnam. Regards, Brian S. Rohn mailto:bsrohn@yahoo.com [I'd recommend that you join the Yahoo PitayaFruit newsgroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/ where you can view numerous photos of pitaya trellis and write and read letters from experts. Some of us never put the plants in the ground, but keep them in pots. -Leo] <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Leo's Email Server Causes Erratic Problems From: Leo Manuel Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:06:27 -0700 If you have had mail bounce when writing to this rarefruit@san.rr.com address, please use the leo92129@yahoo.com one. I had two days of no mail received, compared to usually 100 every day, so I believe what has been sent has been rejected by the server. Please keep me posted about problems you have getting mail to me. Leo mailto:rarefruit@san.rr.com or mailto:leo92129@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] Grafting--parafilm From: Ginda Fisher Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 07:31:20 -0400 I've tried a lot of things to keep my grafts from drying out. I bought some grafting compound (part of a grafting kit when I first started) and it worked well but was incredibly nasty to use. I've used beeswax, which works okay if it's warm enough for it to be soft, but it is generally colder than that when I want to graft. I've used strips of plastic bags and masking tape, with so-so results. I tried using parafin, which works really well for bench grafting, if you leave a little pot of it on a hot plate, but is impractical for the field. Now I use parafilm. It looks like it might be strong enough to bind the graft, as well as protect it from evaporation, but it's not. Every graft save one bud graft that I tried that way has failed. But if I bind the graft with a rubber band and then wrap parafilm over it I've had good luck. Parafilm is expensive to buy, but it's incredibly easy to work with, and lasts for years on a shelf. And if you are a home grafter, one purchase will probably last your lifetime. I've never heard of anyone refrigerating it, although it you live in a very hot climate and don't have A/C it might be helpful. Before I used parafilm for grafting I used it as a lab technician, and we left it on the shelf there, too. Ginda mailto:list@ginda.us ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG Picnic - Encinitas, CA - 090718 From: Leo Manuel Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:58:28 -0700 July 18th-11;00 AM-Annual Potluck Picnic-Quail Botanical Gardens-Ecke Bldg. Sponsored jointly by the North County and San Diego City chapters of CRFG. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Irradiated mangosteen seeds From: fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:58:22 -0700 (PDT) To: Johnfcryptic@aol.com I haven't tried it myself but have heard from others who have bought irradiated mangosteens from Thailand that none of the seeds sprouted. You might like to know that Melissa's produce distributor has non-irradiated mangosteens from Puerto Rico and sells them online. Or you can buy seeds from me at http://www.fruitlovers.com/seedlistUSA.html. The mangosteen seeds are available right now. The seeds we sell are all selected very large seeds, which are more likely to make healthy plants. Oscar Jaitt, Fruit Lover's Nursery mailto:mailto:fruitlovers@fruitlovers.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Male & Female Pumpkin Plants? From: "Ranjit UTA" Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:18:13 +0200 Dear Leo, Have you any idea if Pumpkins have male and female plants?? I planted two Hokkaido Pumpkin plants and they bear flowers but no fruit!!! Regards. Ranjit mailto:ranjit.wimalararatne@utanet.at [They don't have male and female plants, but it seems to me that the early-season flowers are more often male. It also seems that if the plants don't get sufficient water, the male flowers seem to dominate. Maybe try increasing water and see if it helps. Especially, as the summer progresses. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: [NAFEX] SummerFest and FlavrBurst-ARS Peach Variety Offerings From: "Lon J. Rombough" Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:14:53 -0700 ___________________________________________ --View this report online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr ___________________________________________ Peach growers and consumers now have two new sweet, juicy, yellow-flesh peaches to add to their list of favorite varieties. SummerFest and FlavrBurst were created by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) horticulturalist Ralph Scorza at the ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, W.Va. They are the latest peach varieties released through cooperative research with Adams County Nursery, Inc., in Aspers, Pa. Other notable varieties released through the partnership include Crimson Rocket and Sweet-N-UP. Both varieties are patented and available for licensing. Plant patents are pending for SummerFest and FlavrBurst. SummerFest is a high-quality freestone peach with an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Harvested in the middle of peach season (mid-August in the Mid-Atlantic states), SummerFest has good firmness, which is important for shipping. It is also the second upright-growing peach tree released by ARS and Adams County Nursery, Inc. Upright tree forms are well-suited for high-density peach production systems. Planted eight feet apart in the row, upright peach trees are a more efficient use of land and resources and may lessen production costs. In turn, the savings may be passed down to the consumer. Gardeners may also prefer to grow upright peach trees in their yards. FlavrBurst is another high-quality freestone peach that has a good amount of sweetness, but is lower in acidity than typical peach varieties. It may be more suitable for those who cannot tolerate acidic fruits, but still desire a ?peachy? flavor. FlavrBurst is a standard-type tree, harvested mid-season and also has good firmness at harvest maturity. Classified as dessert peaches, SummerFest and FlavrBurst are best eaten fresh, but can also be used in baking pies. The peaches grown on these trees can reach three inches in diameter, a nice size for the fruit. They can be grown in most areas where peaches are currently produced. These new cultivars were made available this spring to commercial growers and university test sites for further evaluation. Consumers can expect to see these peaches in their local market in 2011. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Taro Plant From: James Freedner Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:50:33 -0700 (PDT) Hi, Leo, Does a Taro Root count as a "rarefruit" effort? Bought a few at the local market a week ago, one had a little green "button" on top so I decided to put it into a small container of water. Presto! Giant white roots sprung out, now I have little "elephant-ear" leaves coming out of the top. I plan on sticking it in a big pot or tub in the near future and seeing what else happens with it! Do taro plants produce more edible tubers as they grow? It looks like that's how the little round roots develop. Internet says the leaves are edible if cooked. True? [I don't know. Do any readers have experience with eating them? -Leo] I always like "trying out" odd vegetables from the market to see if I can get them to grow. J. Eric Freedner mailto:jhfreedner@yahoo.com Sun Valley, CA ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Beetles and mangoes From: Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:47:56 -0400 Hi, In case these two questions haven't been answered yet: 1) Regarding mangoes, there are two races: the Indian race and the Indo-Chinese race. The Indo-Chinese types are polyembryonic and generally come true from seed, whereas the Indian types are monoembryonic and do not. 'Nam Doc Mai' is an example of the Indo-Chinese type, and 'Haden' is an example of the Indian type. 2) The tiny beetles that are killing Mr. Chambers' cherry trees might be ambrosia beetles. They continually attack my avocado trees, with the same results (death and the need to prune severely). They are attracted to weakened trees. Ollie Patterson mailto:ollie_patterson@embarqmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango leaf Extract Health Potential From: Reader, Address Suppressed Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:24:57 -0700 http://www.mdidea.com/products/herbextract/mangiferin/paper.html Caution! Use at your own risk! Health benefits to leaf include dysentery/?diarrhea?, diabetes, maybe cough. But also can be fatal if eating too many leaves ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango Nutrition - Mango and Mango Leaves From: Reader, Address Suppressed Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:24:57 -0700 http://www.magazine.ayurvediccure.com/how-nutritious-are-mangoes/ ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Healthy Tips on Mango Leaves From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:53:12 -0700 www.healthandwealthtopic.com/2007/09/healthy-tips-on-mango-leaves.html Caution! Use at your own risk! Healthy Tips on Mango Leaves Leaves of mango consist of group of tannins called anthocyanidins. Some European Physicians used mango tea (watery extract from mango leaves) to treat not only diabetes but also blood vessel problems and eye complaints related to this disease. They help slow down the progress of diabetes angiopathy (disease of the blood vessels due to diabetes). In fact, the definite improvement observed in diabetes is due primarily to the healing influence of these leafy compounds on the blood vessel in and around the pancreas. Tea made from mango leaves is also good in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy as well as hypertension. 1 cup each day with 2 tbsp guava, mango or papaya juice would be ideal for strengthening fragile blood vessels and varicose veins. <><><><> 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 RFN200907A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - July 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200907B.txt ___________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Saturday, July 18! Annual potluck picnic and plant sale. We meet in the Ecke building in the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. Plan to arrive about 11 am which will give you time to view and purchase plants prior to lunch being served at noon. If you are bringing plants for sale Dottie would appreciate having them arrive about 10:30. Art and Dottie will also have some back issues of Fruit Grower Magazines for sale. If at all possible please bring a plant to sell as all proceeds go to our chapter treasury. For the picnic bring a potluck dish to share, a typical turnout for this event is in the low-to-mid twenties. The chapter will have paper plates and plastic utensils available. Anna apples have been plentiful on my two trees. Everyone in our mild climate zone should have one. The tree is great either fresh or cooked. My one regret if that I didn't thin enough to make the size larger. Each cluster will have four or five apples, and I have removed all but two or three in each cluster, but should have left at most two, probably only one. How heavily do you thin the apples on your trees? This newsletter is only effective when you write to ask or answer questions, or inform the rest of us of plant-related information. To keep us "on the air" and useful, please write to show your support. Maybe just report on your fruit trees or pest management problems or fruit set. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber North Charleston, South Carolina Darren <><><> Readers Write <><><> Re: Parafilm permacltur@aol.com Parafilm Steve Ashley To: Ginda Re: parafilm Ginda Fisher To: Steve Ashley Mango grafting supplement-available? N Signorelli Recommendations for someone with cherimoya tree expertise Anne Fauni CRFG North County July news letter secetary nickerson Bye Bye Grass class July 15 and 18 Quail Gardens N Sterman 63 years of California Agriculture now on line CalAgGuest <><><> 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 North Charleston, South Carolina From: "Darren" Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:30:42 GMT Hello, My name is Darren Sheriff I live in North Charleston, South Carolina Some of the fruit trees I am currently growing include: 109 different varieties of Citrus; Avocado; Mexican papaya; Strawberry Guava; Surinam Cherry; Miracle Fruit; Sapadilla; Pacay; Lychee; Cherimoya; Mamey Sapote. This is just a partial list, I don't really have a list of what I am still wanting to grow. I know there are things out there I don't know I WANT to grow yet! The most interesting thing is, I grow everything listed above in containers. I can send pictures of the stuff that is fruiting. Probably 20 or so of the citrus has fruit. The Strawberry Guava and Mexican Papaya also have fruit on it. Many of the others are still rather young, but I have high hopes for them. I look forward to reading some of the past issues and the future issues. Thank you! Sincerely, Darren Sheriff mailto:cactusmusic@netzero.net [What an impressive list! Do you move plants to sheltered areas in the winter? What climate zone are you in? -Leo] <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Re: Parafilm From: Dan Hemenway Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:27:07 -0400 I always used rubber ties to hold the graft, with parafilm over the graft and tie. This works for me. Maybe it is redundancy, but a missed graft wastes a year and I'm 70. :-) The rubber ties fall away in a year so so. I learned this approach in a propagation workshop at the Arnold Arboretum (Harvard's arboretum). They have a wall that is draws full of 3x5 cards, or did back then. (Maybe it's all digital now.) Each card reports on one propagation effort and the results. It never occurred to me to buck that kind of experience. Dan Hemenway mailto:permacltur@aol.com I've tried a lot of things to keep my grafts from drying out. I bought some grafting compound (part of a grafting kit when I first started) and it worked well but was incredibly nasty to use. I've used beeswax, which works okay if it's warm enough for it to be soft, but it is generally colder than that when I want to graft. I've used strips of plastic bags and masking tape, with so-so results. I tried using parafin, which works really well for bench grafting, if you leave a little pot of it on a hot plate, but is impractical for the field. Now I use parafilm. It looks like it might be strong enough to bind the graft, as well as protect it from evaporation, but it's not. Every graft save one bud graft that I tried that way has failed. But if I bind the graft with a rubber band and then wrap parafilm over it I've had good luck. Parafilm is expensive to buy, but it's incredibly easy to work with, and lasts for years on a shelf. And if you are a home grafter, one purchase will probably last your lifetime. I've never heard of anyone refrigerating it, although it you live in a very hot climate and don't have A/C it might be helpful. Before I used parafilm for grafting I used it as a lab technician, and we left it on the shelf there, too. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Parafilm From: Steve Ashley Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2009 13:13:29 -0700 (PDT) To: list@ginda.us Yes, parafilm is the best wrap for grafting. For smaller grafts it may be split and/or stretched for more flexible wraps. Rubber bands can be used either over or under parafilm for a tight union. If the cambium is matched and parafilm prevents dessication you have a good chance for a successful graft. Question: What are other uses for Parafilm? Steve Ashley mailto:tebantani@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: parafilm From: "Ginda Fisher" Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:39:30 -0400 To: "Steve Ashley" I used it to seal beakers full of stuff when I worked in a lab. I guess it's less reactive than plastic wrap, and a bit more waterproof. -- Ginda mailto:list@ginda.us ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango grafting From: "N Signorelli" Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 14:19:59 -0400 Leo is there an isue of RFNO that deals with proven mango grafting techniques? I understand there is a trick to it and am hoping to learn it so that I will be successful this season. Regards, Neil Signorelli mailto:nsignorelli@bellsouth.net [I have a grafting supplement I gave out at a seminar once, which I will send. It has pictures and may help. I recommend learning to graft with apples or pears, as they are much easier, and builds self-confidence. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Recommendation- Someone with cherimoya tree expertise? From: Anne Fauni Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 18:46:24 -0700 Hello my name is Anne Fauni and we live in Leucadia in Encinitas. I am looking for someone with expertise on cherimoya trees that can evaluate our two cherimoya trees. We also have 3 guava trees, 1 loquat tree, 1 kumquat tree, 1 sapote tree, and various lemon trees that I would like evaluated as well. We just moved in 1 month ago and my favorite fruit is the cherimoya. I am concerned that one cherimoya tree does not appear to be growing leaves on 1 side. So I would like to commission someone as a consultant to review the trees status and condition and provide recommendations for someone that can prune them correctly and provide recommendations for care, etc. I can be reached at 415-686-0048. I am excited to have found your organization. Thank you. Anne Fauni mailto:faunianne@comcast.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: July news letter Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:57:05 -0700 (PDT) From: secetary nickerson JUNE 28TH FIELD TRIP-Our June field trip, a joint excursion with the San Diego chapter, was well attended with 24 members of the 2 chapters participating. We first visited Roger Meyer's 15 acre farm which is about 4 miles east of I-15 near the Gopher Canyon exit. While they have overnight accommodations there, their primary residence is in Fountain Valley where they have a nursery. It was quite warm and the welcoming cold drinks that they provided were quite welcome. Roger then led the group on a 45 minute tour. Several interesting facts emerged: 1.) they have been there for 30 years; 2.) there is no water available for irrigation, his approach has been to try many things to see what can be commercially grown; 3.) Their first major crop was kiwis at one time their packing facility was shipping $4000 a month of their product and some other local area growers; 4.) In the last few years they have switched a lot of their acreage to Sherwood Jujubes which sell well to the Asian market. We arrived at Ben Poirer's at 1 PM where members enjoyed their sack lunches in a nice shaded area that Ben and his wife had prepared. The highlight of this was the sumptuous snacks prepared by Ben's wife. I remember in particular a delicious sorbet and a delicious mousse. She was willing to share those recipes and I intend to include them in a future newsletter. They had prepared a walking map and handout describing the various plants at stops along the way.. This worked well because Ben's place is fully planted and consequently the walking paths were a bit small to accommodate a large walking tour. This also provided some opportunity for socializing on an individual basis with other members. JULY MEETING--This will be our annual potluck picnic and plant sale. We meet in the Ecke building in the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. Plan to arrive about 11 am which will give you time to view and purchase plants prior to lunch being served at noon. If you are bringing plants for sale Dottie would appreciate having them arrive about 10:30. Art and Dottie will also have some back issues of Fruit Grower Magazines for sale. If at all possible please bring a plant to sell as all proceeds go to our chapter treasury. For the picnic bring a potluck dish to share, a typical turnout for this event is in the low-to-mid twenties. The chapter will have paper plates and plastic utensils available. VISTA LIBRARY PRESENTATION As a part of our outreach and recruiting program Ben Pierce will give a 1 hour talk on subtropical fruit growing for people interested in this subject, who may not be familiar with our organization. He also will have some fruits available for tasting. A similar event at the Poway library a few months ago was well attended and well received. The presentation will be on July 25th from 2 PM to 3 PM. The Vista Library is located at 700 Eucalyptus in Vista. Their phone number is 760-643-5130. Members are welcome to attend. Ben is particularly in need of fruit for tasting. If you have some please contact Ben and arrange to bring it to the meeting or give to him prior. Bens phone numbers are work: 760-7444716; Home:760-597-4547. AUG. MEETING-There will be NO chapter meeting because of the Festival of Fruit SEPT. MEETING-We will meet Sept. 18 at our Mira Costa College location. Gray Martin will talk on Pitaya, or Dragon Fruit, members who can are urged to bring some for tasting. 2009 Calendar Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College (MCC) One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg. July 18th 11;00 AM Annual Potluck Picnic - Quail Botanical Gardens Ecke Bldg. Sept. 18th 7 PM MCC Campus-Gray Martin-Dragon Fruit-Pitaya Ben Pierce, Chair 760-744-4716 mailto:ncsdcrfg@cox.net N County SD CRFG Chapter website nc.crfgsandiego.org ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Bye Bye Grass class July 15 and 18 Quail Gardens From: N Sterman Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:15:21 -0700 With summer's heat in full swing and outdoor watering restrictions, isn't it time to get rid of your lawn? Please join me for Bye Bye Grass, the two session class about how to remove lawn and what to put in its place. In Session I, I present several methods for removing lawns In Session II, we talk about how to repurpose the space where the lawn was. And we take a tour to look at beautiful low water plants and how to use them in your garden. The next series is at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas: Session I, Wednesday, July 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 Session II, Saturday, Jluy 18 from 10 am to noon Pre-registration is required. Class fee is $45 per session for members of Quail Botanical Gardens or The Water Conservation Garden, $50 non-members. SIGN UP TODAY at www.TheGarden.org. Look for the link to "Classes & Events" on the red banner, then click the tab for July. Please see attached flyer for more information, or email me mailto:info@PlantSoup.Com Hope to see you there! ------------------------------------------------ Subject: 63 years of California Agriculture now on line From: CalAgGuest Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:12:26 -0700 California Agriculture journal JULY-SEPTEMBER '09 Vol. 63 No. 3 The entire contents can now be viewed at our new Web site: http://CaliforniaAgriculture.uc anr.org/ 63 years of California Agriculture now on line On July 1, California Agriculture capped off a 2-year effort with a keystroke, posting the full text of 63 years - close to 6,000 articles - to the World Wide Web. This archive of agricultural and environmental research dates back to 1946, and is now freely accessible and searchable at the journal's new Web site: http://californiaagricutlure.ucanr.org The previous California Agriculture Web site included articles back to 2000. Until now, however, most of the journal's long history of research has been in the shadows, available only as bound volumes in the stacks of a few UC libraries, and others scattered around the world. "This archive of is now available on line for the benefit of readers and scientists worldwide," says Janet White, executive editor of California Agriculture journal. "Our old, well-worn hard copies have been transformed into high-quality, searchable and reusable XML content and PDFs, with high integrity and readability." Published by the University of California, California Agriculture journal began as a four-page broadsheet in December 1946. Today both print and Web versions are known for presenting new, peer-reviewed research in a meaningful context with technical terms defined for a diverse audience of end-users - taking the final step in the research and delivery process. California Agriculture is one of the oldest, continuously published, land-grant university research publications in the country, with one of the largest circulations among journals of its kind. Print subscribers include 17,000 growers, faculty members, environmental and health professionals, government researchers, public officials and others We welcome your comments and feedback. Please take respond to the brief survey on the home page, or write to us at calagwebmaster@ucanr.org. California Agriculture is the University of California's peer-reviewed journal of research in agricultural, human and natural resources. For a free subscription, go to: http://californiaagriculture.ucanr.org write to calag@ucop.edu or call (510) 642-2431 x33. To our readers: California Agriculture address and phone numbers are: 6701 San Pablo Ave., 2nd floor Oakland, CA 94608-1239 Phone: 642-2431 x25 California Agriculture is the University of California's peer-reviewed journal of research in agricultural, human and natural resources. For a free subscription, go to http://californiaagriculture/uc anr.org/, write to calag@ucop.edu or call (510) 642-2431, x33. Feel free to share this e-mail with others. If you wish to be dropped from this list, send a reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. Let us know if you are having difficulty with an aspect of our Web site. Where possible, we will make changes in response to reader requests. The Editor <><><><> 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 RFN200901A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - October 1, 2009 - AKA RFN2009101A.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Brewster Lychee - I harvested the last of a very large crop of Brewster Lychee a few days ago. They should have been cut earlier, but were so ripe and juicy that many had small splits in the skin from dropping to the ground. I didn't know they would degrade so rapidly, but those that were not refrigerated immediately began to taste noticeably less sweet and lucious. Is the harvest period longer for some varieties? My pitayas dragon fruit - are still blooming, but it's so late that few will likely come to harvest. Shortening days seem to cause more aborting of fruit. Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) - I have a small tree grown from seed. Is it likely to be productive here in S. California? Any one with experience in growing it? With a single dioecious tree will I have a hope of bearing a crop? I suppose a bloom will tell whether it's male or female? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber-Wants Atis, Dragon Fruit-La Jolla Marilyn Noonan <><><> Readers Write <><><> Thanks Again For Fruit! Bob Holzinger My Coolidge Feijoa In Coastal California Marvnpet@aol.com Starfruits in South Louisiana Nancy Eating mango skin CHINO228@aol.com Southeastern Citrus Expo 2009 Stanley McKenzie Do you know this fruit? Ben RE: Do you know this fruit?] Oscar Jaitt To: Ben Re: Do you know this fruit? Ben Lim Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Tasting Joe Sabol Wolfskill pomegranate tasting November 7th-10:00am Joe Sabol Grow Cacao Tree In Coastal Los Angeles? Nelo <><><> 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 - From: "Marilyn Noonan" Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:50:23 -0700 To: Hello, my name is Marilyn Noonan and I am interested in growing rare fruits at our La Jolla home. While citrus, figs, Anna apples, and apricots have grown well, I am interested in Atis or Sugar apple and Dragon Fruit. Any advice will be appreciated. We have a sloping, west-facing yard. Many thanks, Marilyn Noonan <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Thanks Again For Fruit! Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:37:17 -0400 From: "Bob Holzinger" Hi Leo, I wanted to say thank you again for the white sapote and lychee fruit you allowed me to collect last Saturday. I dont know which made a bigger hit with Linda, she liked them both very much. I definitely want to attempt a grafting of the North Park onto the seedling I have, sometime next spring. Id also like to try some of the mango varieties you have when they ripen this fall. Probably Kensington Pride and T1 for sure. Thanks again, Bob ------------------------------------------------ Subject: My Coolidge Feijoa In Coastal California From: Marvnpet@aol.com Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:34:47 EDT The Coolidge Feijoa bush purchased in 1992. The average size of the fruit measure 11 cm long X 5 cm diameter. They are grown in Pismo Beach, California about 100 yards from the ocean. Marv & Pet Daniels, CC CRFG ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Starfruits in South Louisiana From: Nancy Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:27:09 -0700 (PDT) After being planted out for about 5 years, and blooming the past 3 years, my starfruit tree is fairly flush with growing fruits. I had read that these were reasonably cool-tolerant (true, apparently), but also that they were sensitive to heat and hot winds. But, so far, so good. Looking forward to the fruit, which is lovely. Regards - Nancy ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Eating mango skin From: CHINO228@aol.com Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:31:00 EDT Hi Leo; Your Mexican friend might have his own personal reason to eat a mango by first biting through the skin. Thought you would also like to know in Jamaica and the Caribbean islands, this is also commonly done to peel a mango skin cleanly and effortlessly without a knife. By peeling fibrous mangoes this way as well, a little known secret is it also helps remove a considerable amount of fibre on the flesh surface under the skin. In Jamaica, the Black mango (aka paper skin mango) is to best enjoyed eating both skin and flesh, myself included. For first timers, there is a certain amount of skepticism until they realize its flavor is far more delicious compared to eating this mango variety after peeling. Incidentally, Our mutual friend Crafton Clift was also die-hard a non-believer until he tried it himself. The black mango is very prolific and is grown mostly by Jamaicans in Florida. Maurice Kong You said: [Two of my three children have allergic reactions in their mouths when eating any mango fruit-makes their mouth itch. My Thai daughter-in-law prefers green mango fruit and can eat a lot with no problem. I have a Mexican friend who begins eating a mango from a tree by biting through the skin. It clearly is risky to take chances with anything that causes severe reactions to some people. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Southeastern Citrus Expo 2009 From: Stanley McKenzie Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:46:04 -0400 Southeastern Citrus Expo 2009 Saturday November, 21st. 2009 Moore Farms Estate, Lake City, South Carolina This years Southeastern Citrus Expo promises to be a great event with lots of activities and some great speakers lined up to speak on various topics. This years Expo will be by pre-registration only and there will be a $5 registration fee to help offset some of the expenses of the meeting.. Tours of Moore Farms Gardens will take place at various times during the day. Here is a link to their website: www.mooreplants.com If you are planning on coming, please email Stan McKenzie at citrusman99@hotmail.com or call him at 843-389- 4831. Directions to Expo site will be given at registration. Deadline to register is Thursday, Nov.19th. Here is a listing of some of the activities : . Friday Night: 7:30 PM Citruholics Banquet at the Railway Restaurant in Lake City, SC Saturday 9.00- 9:45 AM Registration & Entering of citrus for the fruit competition. 10:00-10:30 Lecture by Stan McKenzie on growing citrus in colder areas. 10:30-11:00 Optional: Coffee break & or Question and Answer with Experts 11:00-12:00 Talk on regulatory aspects of citrus greening & citrus psyllid by Sherry Aultman of Clemson University. 12:00-1:00 Lunch “onsite” 11.00 per person turkey or ham club, chips and beverage included. Music while you dine furnished by Lowcountry Brass! 1:00-2:00 Lecture by Ryan Atwood of the University of Florida on citrus fruit production and other exotic fruits 2:00-2:30 Winners of the fruit contest announced, Raffle tickets drawn and prizes awarded to lucky ticket holders.. Prize awarded for person who traveled the longest distance to attend. 2:30- 3:00 Citrus Seed spitting contest ( open to all) prize awarded to the winner. 3:00 Expo at Moore farms Ends 3:00- 6:00 Tours of Stan McKenzies citrus grove, tours of Old Plantation Syrup mill, visit the original Juanita Tangerine tree. ( these tours on your own at your own leisure . Maps will be provided at the Expo. Plant Sale takes place all day with many rare and unsusual plant types available Lodging: Marilyns Manor Bed&Breakfast, Lakc City, SC Ph. 843 699 9068 or email:mfoster12@sc.rr.com Lake City Inn 843 394 8400 Security Inn 843 374 7666 email: securityinn@ftc-i.net Sponsors: Southeastern Palm Society, Rahns Plant Connection, McKenzie Farms and Moore Farms ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Do you know this fruit? Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:20:24 -0700 From: Ben Hi, My name is Ben Lim and currently resides in Waukegan IL. Waukegan is north of Chicago near the Illinois-Wisconsin border. I do not have any rare fruit as in exotic fruits. All I have are several grafted pawpaws (Asimina triloba) saplings. I just finished reading "The Fruit Hunters" by Adam Leith Gollner. While I was reading, my childhood memories resurfaced.....of a fruit I picked from a semi developed area on my way to school. I grew up in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I hope some of you can help me identify the fruit. I don't have any pictures, just memories (30 years + memories) which I will try to describe in detail. The trees is about twenty feet and have simple leaves. Here is the fun part describing the fruit.... The fruit is about the size of an average grapefruit, but rounder (like an Asian pear). The skin is highly hairy/pubescent, like a very large and hairy peach. As a kid, I used to knock the fruit off the tree with a stick. If it falls, I don't normally pick it with my bare hand because the fine hair will rub off. Then I stick the fruit in a container that contains rice to help ripen the fruit. When fully ripe, it taste like a very smooth textured chiku/sapote. The flavour, smell and sweetness is more like a persimmon, hence the chinese name (teochew dialect) is "ang mo sai", literally "white man's persimmon", due to its hairiness (Note: The hairiness is not like a rambutan). No hints of sourness at all, and also of average juiciness. When ripe, it is as red as a peach on the outside. The inside is more like a orangish cling peach. The seeds, if I recalled correctly, were like those of a sapote. I appreciate if you can give me its Latin name and point me to an image on the net. Just curious! Thanks. Ben. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Do you know this fruit?] From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:02:42 -1000 To: Ben Ben and Leo, it is probably mabolo, also called velvet persimmon, Dyosporos blancoi. Here is an image: http://www.proscitech.com.au/trop/display/img/mabolo.jpg Plenty of info if you google it. Here in Hawaii it is planted by mostly Filipinos living here. Not usually seen in the marketplace. Oscar, Hawaii ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Do you know this fruit? From: Ben Lim Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:22:42 -0700 (PDT) Hi All: Thanks to all for the responses. Thanks especially to Oscar. The fruit I was looking for is velvet persimmon, Diospyros blancoi. Ben ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Tasting From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:28:17 -0700 2009 University of California Lindcove Research and Extension Center Satsuma/Clementine Season Fruit Display and Tasting Location: 22963 Carson Ave., Exeter, CA, 559-592-2408 ext 151 2 Hour Tastings Sept 25, Oct 9, Oct 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lindcove Research and Extension Center is offering an opportunity for growers to observe the development of Satsuma varieties during the fall season. Lindcove will host three tastings of Satsumas beginning Friday September 25, 2009. Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Tasting Satsuma mandarins in various stages of maturity will be displayed whole and sliced for tasting. The same varieties will be displayed each week to allow visitors to compare characteristics such as color, flavor and quality as the season progresses and the fruit matures. At each tasting we will provide a report of the current sugar acid ratio, rind thickness, and other fruit characteristics measured in the fruit quality laboratory for the displayed varieties. Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m., Focusing on Satsumas, and Clementines. Culminating this series of tasting events is a fruit display and walking tour of the LREC Demonstration Block on November 12 at 8:30 a.m., led by Tracy Kahn, Curator of the UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection. At this event, growers will be able to evaluate on-tree fruit characteristics and the growth of the trees and discuss the varieties. She will provide information about Satsumas and Clementines. Anita Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wolfskill pomegranate tasting November 7th-10:00am From: "Joe Sabol" Reply-To: Harvey Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:12:05 -0700 I was told by Jeff Moersfelder at the USDA that this year's tasting will be a the above date/time. He also said that it will consist mostly of hard-seeded varieties. I do not know if persimmons will be included in the tasting like last year or not. I will follow-up with him and ask for more details, etc. Hope to see you there, Harvey ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Grow Cacao Tree In Coastal Los Angeles? From: Nelo Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:30:51 -0700 To: I am interested in growing a cacao tree in my yard, I live in coastal Los Angeles. Is it possible to get fruit from this tree, how long will it take, or will it even fruit in this climate? <><><><> 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 RFN200910A.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. There are three email addresses for me. The one I will get most readily is rarefruit@san.rr.com, but either of these other two will also work: Better: leo92129@yahoo.com, and OK: rarefruit.manuel@gmail.com. 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/ -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber - From: "Marilyn Noonan" Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:50:23 -0700 To: Hello, my name is Marilyn Noonan and I am interested in growing rare fruits at our La Jolla home. While citrus, figs, Anna apples, and apricots have grown well, I am interested in Atis or Sugar apple and Dragon Fruit. Any advice will be appreciated. We have a sloping, west-facing yard. Many thanks, Marilyn Noonan <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: My Coolidge Feijoa In Coastal California From: Marvnpet@aol.com Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:34:47 EDT The Coolidge Feijoa bush purchased in 1992. The average size of the fruit measure 11 cm long X 5 cm diameter. They are grown in Pismo Beach, California about 100 yards from the ocean. Marv & Pet Daniels, CC CRFG ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Starfruits in South Louisiana From: Nancy Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:27:09 -0700 (PDT) After being planted out for about 5 years, and blooming the past 3 years, my starfruit tree is fairly flush with growing fruits. I had read that these were reasonably cool-tolerant (true, apparently), but also that they were sensitive to heat and hot winds. But, so far, so good. Looking forward to the fruit, which is lovely. Regards - Nancy ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Eating mango skin From: CHINO228@aol.com Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:31:00 EDT Hi Leo; Your Mexican friend might have his own personal reason to eat a mango by first biting through the skin. Thought you would also like to know in Jamaica and the Caribbean islands, this is also commonly done to peel a mango skin cleanly and effortlessly without a knife. By peeling fibrous mangoes this way as well, a little known secret is it also helps remove a considerable amount of fibre on the flesh surface under the skin. In Jamaica, the Black mango (aka paper skin mango) is to best enjoyed eating both skin and flesh, myself included. For first timers, there is a certain amount of skepticism until they realize its flavor is far more delicious compared to eating this mango variety after peeling. Incidentally, Our mutual friend Crafton Clift was also die-hard a non-believer until he tried it himself. The black mango is very prolific and is grown mostly by Jamaicans in Florida. Maurice Kong You said: [Two of my three children have allergic reactions in their mouths when eating any mango fruit-makes their mouth itch. My Thai daughter-in-law prefers green mango fruit and can eat a lot with no problem. I have a Mexican friend who begins eating a mango from a tree by biting through the skin. It clearly is risky to take chances with anything that causes severe reactions to some people. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Southeastern Citrus Expo 2009 From: Stanley McKenzie Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:46:04 -0400 Southeastern Citrus Expo 2009 Saturday November, 21st. 2009 Moore Farms Estate, Lake City, South Carolina This years Southeastern Citrus Expo promises to be a great event with lots of activities and some great speakers lined up to speak on various topics. This years Expo will be by pre-registration only and there will be a $5 registration fee to help offset some of the expenses of the meeting.. Tours of Moore Farms Gardens will take place at various times during the day. Here is a link to their website: www.mooreplants.com If you are planning on coming, please email Stan McKenzie at citrusman99@hotmail.com or call him at 843-389- 4831. Directions to Expo site will be given at registration. Deadline to register is Thursday, Nov.19th. Here is a listing of some of the activities : . Friday Night: 7:30 PM Citruholics Banquet at the Railway Restaurant in Lake City, SC Saturday 9.00- 9:45 AM Registration & Entering of citrus for the fruit competition. 10:00-10:30 Lecture by Stan McKenzie on growing citrus in colder areas. 10:30-11:00 Optional: Coffee break & or Question and Answer with Experts 11:00-12:00 Talk on regulatory aspects of citrus greening & citrus psyllid by Sherry Aultman of Clemson University. 12:00-1:00 Lunch “onsite” 11.00 per person turkey or ham club, chips and beverage included. Music while you dine furnished by Lowcountry Brass! 1:00-2:00 Lecture by Ryan Atwood of the University of Florida on citrus fruit production and other exotic fruits 2:00-2:30 Winners of the fruit contest announced, Raffle tickets drawn and prizes awarded to lucky ticket holders.. Prize awarded for person who traveled the longest distance to attend. 2:30- 3:00 Citrus Seed spitting contest ( open to all) prize awarded to the winner. 3:00 Expo at Moore farms Ends 3:00- 6:00 Tours of Stan McKenzies citrus grove, tours of Old Plantation Syrup mill, visit the original Juanita Tangerine tree. ( these tours on your own at your own leisure . Maps will be provided at the Expo. Plant Sale takes place all day with many rare and unsusual plant types available Lodging: Marilyns Manor Bed&Breakfast, Lakc City, SC Ph. 843 699 9068 or email:mfoster12@sc.rr.com Lake City Inn 843 394 8400 Security Inn 843 374 7666 email: securityinn@ftc-i.net Sponsors: Southeastern Palm Society, Rahns Plant Connection, McKenzie Farms and Moore Farms ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Do you know this fruit? Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:20:24 -0700 From: Ben Hi, My name is Ben Lim and currently resides in Waukegan IL. Waukegan is north of Chicago near the Illinois-Wisconsin border. I do not have any rare fruit as in exotic fruits. All I have are several grafted pawpaws (Asimina triloba) saplings. I just finished reading "The Fruit Hunters" by Adam Leith Gollner. While I was reading, my childhood memories resurfaced.....of a fruit I picked from a semi developed area on my way to school. I grew up in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I hope some of you can help me identify the fruit. I don't have any pictures, just memories (30 years + memories) which I will try to describe in detail. The trees is about twenty feet and have simple leaves. Here is the fun part describing the fruit.... The fruit is about the size of an average grapefruit, but rounder (like an Asian pear). The skin is highly hairy/pubescent, like a very large and hairy peach. As a kid, I used to knock the fruit off the tree with a stick. If it falls, I don't normally pick it with my bare hand because the fine hair will rub off. Then I stick the fruit in a container that contains rice to help ripen the fruit. When fully ripe, it taste like a very smooth textured chiku/sapote. The flavour, smell and sweetness is more like a persimmon, hence the chinese name (teochew dialect) is "ang mo sai", literally "white man's persimmon", due to its hairiness (Note: The hairiness is not like a rambutan). No hints of sourness at all, and also of average juiciness. When ripe, it is as red as a peach on the outside. The inside is more like a orangish cling peach. The seeds, if I recalled correctly, were like those of a sapote. I appreciate if you can give me its Latin name and point me to an image on the net. Just curious! Thanks. Ben. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Do you know this fruit?] From: Oscar Jaitt Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:02:42 -1000 To: Ben Ben and Leo, it is probably mabolo, also called velvet persimmon, Dyosporos blancoi. Here is an image: http://www.proscitech.com.au/trop/display/img/mabolo.jpg Plenty of info if you google it. Here in Hawaii it is planted by mostly Filipinos living here. Not usually seen in the marketplace. Oscar, Hawaii ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Tasting From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:28:17 -0700 2009 University of California Lindcove Research and Extension Center Satsuma/Clementine Season Fruit Display and Tasting Location: 22963 Carson Ave., Exeter, CA, 559-592-2408 ext 151 2 Hour Tastings Sept 25, Oct 9, Oct 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lindcove Research and Extension Center is offering an opportunity for growers to observe the development of Satsuma varieties during the fall season. Lindcove will host three tastings of Satsumas beginning Friday September 25, 2009. Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Tasting Satsuma mandarins in various stages of maturity will be displayed whole and sliced for tasting. The same varieties will be displayed each week to allow visitors to compare characteristics such as color, flavor and quality as the season progresses and the fruit matures. At each tasting we will provide a report of the current sugar acid ratio, rind thickness, and other fruit characteristics measured in the fruit quality laboratory for the displayed varieties. Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m., Focusing on Satsumas, and Clementines. Culminating this series of tasting events is a fruit display and walking tour of the LREC Demonstration Block on November 12 at 8:30 a.m., led by Tracy Kahn, Curator of the UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection. At this event, growers will be able to evaluate on-tree fruit characteristics and the growth of the trees and discuss the varieties. She will provide information about Satsumas and Clementines. Anita Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Do you know this fruit? From: Ben Lim Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:22:42 -0700 (PDT) Hi All: Thanks to all for the responses. Thanks especially to Oscar. The fruit I was looking for is velvet persimmon, Diospyros blancoi. Ben ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Wolfskill pomegranate tasting November 7th-10:00am From: "Joe Sabol" Reply-To: harveycorreia@yahoo.com Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:12:05 -0700 I was told by Jeff Moersfelder at the USDA that this year's tasting will be a the above date/time. He also said that it will consist mostly of hard-seeded varieties. I do not know if persimmons will be included in the tasting like last year or not. I will follow-up with him and ask for more details, etc. Hope to see you there, Harvey ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cacao Tree From: Nelo Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:30:51 -0700 To: I am interested in growing a cacao tree in my yard, I live in coastal Los Angeles. Is it possible to get fruit from this tree, how long will it take, or will it even fruit in this climate? <><><><> 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 RFN200910A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - October 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200910B.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Ripening fruit: Mango, pitahaya (aka pitaya, dragon fruit), apples, Fuyu persimmon, jujube, figs.... More fruit than storage space, so it's time to reduce the size and production capacity of some of the trees and plants. Horseradish tree - Moringa oleifera <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> Please Re-Subscribe Me James Wroble Sugar apple and Dragon fruit in La Jolla Bob Holzinger To: Marilyn Cacao in coastal LA Bob Holzinger To: Remembering La Jolla Pet To: mnoonan@san.rr.com Northern California Citrus Growers' Seminar Joe Sabol Looking For Sour Sop Fruit Carol Bridgens Leaf Miner vs Citrus Joanne Gram Green roofs offset global warming? Leo Manuel Behaviors Of Pitaya/Taro/Mulberry Tree James Freedner William's New Dragon Fruit Website W Chow Gopher control - Meeting 11/18/2009 8:00 A.M. CE San Diego <><><> 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: Please Re-Subscribe Me From: James Wroble Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:52:32 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, Please put me back on the mailing list for the newsletter. I hope all is well with you. It's been a long time and I know there were some issues a year back or so. Thank you, James Wroble mailto:jhwroble@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Sugar apple and Dragon fruit in La Jolla From: "Bob Holzinger" Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 11:53:36 -0400 To: Marilyn Hi Marilyn, I think trying to grow sugar apple, Annona squamosa, in La Jolla is a big challenge. It's very tropical and needs more heat than you will find anywhere in La Jolla. If it does survive I'd be surprised if it set a fruit and the fruit ripened. You are much better off growing cherimoya, Annona cherimola, it's better adapted to a cool climate and will fruit readily in coastal San Diego County. The Dragon fruit, or pitahaya, will probably do fine with the right exposure. Talk to Leo about varieties and availability. Good luck, Bob Holzinger mailto:bob.holzinger@Ambrx.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Cacao in coastal LA From: "Bob Holzinger" Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 11:58:19 -0400 To: Hi Nelo, Growing cacao in coastal LA is not really feasible, the plant is really tropical and needs more heat and humidity than you can provide, unless it's inside a greenhouse. The plants are even picky about the quality of water you give them. The seeds I planted sprouted readily but slowly died in my greenhouse in Ventura. The tree is beautiful and the fruit is tasty, including the white layer around each seed, but it needs the right environment that outside in LA along the coast can't provide. Happy growing, Bob Holzinger mailto:bob.holzinger@Ambrx.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Remembering La Jolla From: PetMarv@aol.com Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 13:10:19 EDT To: mnoonan@san.rr.com Dear Marilyn, My name is Pet Thaxton Daniels and I grew up, went all through school up until graduation from La Jolla High School! I remember it well considering I graduated in 1953. Depending on where you live, west facing should be pretty good for growing most sub and tropical fruits if--- your own microclimate is warm enough? Hours of direct sunlight can be important but not a total answer. We lived on Fay Avenue first in present day downtown La Jolla and later one block away from the High School. My father had an agricultural background and loved our garden! We had wonderful Black Mission Figs, Strawberry Guavas, Citrus, and Apricots! May I suggest Cherimoyas, all varieties, Suebelle White Sapote, Coolidge Feijoa, Bananas, Goldenberries, Yellow Strawberry Guavas, Macadamia and Avocados? I grow all these fruits in Pismo Beach. Good luck and do 'push the borders' and accept the challenges of growing delicious fruits. Your new friend in Pismo, Pet In a message dated 9/30/2009 5:59:26 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, rarefruit@san.rr.com writes: Hello, my name is Marilyn Noonan and I am interested in growing rare fruits at our La Jolla home. While citrus, figs, Anna apples, and apricots have grown well, I am interested in Atis or Sugar apple and Dragon Fruit. Any advice will be appreciated. We have a sloping, west-facing yard. Many thanks, Marilyn Noonan mailto:mnoonan@san.rr.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Northern California Citrus Growers' Seminar From: "Joe Sabol" Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:48:49 -0700 Hi Leo... See below and attached.... Joe Sabol mailto:jsabol@calpoly.edu From: Grafton-Cardwell, Beth [mailto:BETHGC@uckac.edu] Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 11:45 AM Subject: FW: Northern California Citrus Growers' Seminar Greetings everyone, Attached is the program for the October 30th Citrus Growers' Educational Seminar. Please distribute as you wish to whomever may be interested in your counties. [Note: For the attachment ask either Leo or Joe Sabol. It gives registration information and deadlines.] For those who are speaking and covering the topics on the program we really appreciate your support. Thanks very much for making the effort to educate the northern California citrus industry. Best wishes, Joe Connell. Sincerely, Joe Connell, Farm Advisor University of California Cooperative Extension 2279-B Del Oro Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965 Phone (530) 538-7201 FAX (530) 538-7140 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Looking For Sour Sop Fruit From: Carol Bridgens Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:39:51 -0700 (PDT) I am looking for where I can find the sour sop fruit......I live in Oregon and it seems that there are no produce outlets here....any ideas? John Bridgens mailto:carolbridgens@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Leaf Miner vs Citrus From: Joanne Gram Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 09:43:17 -0700 There is a LEAF MINER here in Altadena attacking my navel orange tree and possibly my other citrus. Look for damaged leaves and at night if you shine a flashlight on the backs of your leaves you may see white sticky spherical eggs that glisten like diamonds ! The leaves have subsurface wide meandering paths much wider than ordinary leaf miners J. Gram mailto:jhgram@earthlink.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Green roofs offset global warming? From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:42:40 -0700 Grasses and plants can sop up, hold carbon to help cut greenhouse gases By Emily Sohn Discovery Channel updated 2:45 p.m. PT, Tues., Oct. 6, 2009 Filling rooftops with plants and dirt can help pull a modest amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, found a new study. While green roofs certainly won't solve the global warming problem, their ability to sop up greenhouse gases — even just a little bit — bolsters the case for planting them on city buildings, despite extra costs on the front end, said lead researcher Kristin Getter, of Michigan State University in East Lansing. "The key to fighting global warming is capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in new reservoirs that weren't storing carbon before," Getter said. "In the whole scheme of things, green roofs are not the one answer to sequestering carbon, but they will certainly help." Green roofs offer a long list of known benefits. They lower air-conditioning costs in the summer by absorbing and reflecting heat. They lower heating costs in the winter by adding extra insulation. Green roofs appeal to cities because they soak up rainwater, making excess stormwater less likely to flood sewage systems and inflate sewage treatment costs. Plant-filled rooftops make urban areas less likely to become heat islands. They reduce air pollution and noise pollution. And vegetation, even when it's several stories up, provides habitat for animals. Like any forested or vegetation-covered area, a patch of green on top of a roof should theoretically lower levels of carbon dioxide in the air, as well. Plants breathe in the greenhouse gas like we breathe in oxygen, and they store carbon in their leaves and other tissues. Until now, however, no one had measured how much carbon a green roof could actually take in. Getter and colleagues began by measuring the amount of carbon stored in vegetation above ground on 12 typical green roofs in Michigan and Maryland. For two growing seasons, they also measured carbon both above and below ground on an experimental roof at Michigan State University. Although the numbers varied from roof to roof and even between different areas of the same roof, the scientists calculated a total of 375 grams of carbon in an average square meter of roof. The metropolitan area of Detroit has between about 65 million square meters and 85 million square meters of rooftop land. Greening all of that area, the researchers reported in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, would be like removing 10,000 mid-sized SUVs or trucks from the roads for a year. A green roof's ability to sequester carbon lasts only a year or two. At that point, the amount of carbon emitted by the decay of soil and plant material balances out the carbon taken in by photosynthesis. Still, that's two extra years of offsets that make a green roof potentially worthwhile, said David Sailor, an engineer at Portland State University in Oregon. His models estimate a nine-year delay before the energy savings of a green roof offset the money and energy required to build it. Those costs can be up to twice as high as what it takes to build a traditional roof. The new study lowers the estimated payback time to seven years. That's a significant benefit, Sailor said, given that green roofs also last up to twice as long as traditional roofs. "Their argument is that the carbon sequestration in plant biomass should be considered one of the co-benefits of a green roof," Sailor said. "Taken along with other co-benefits, you start to tell a very compelling story for green roofs." © 2009 Discovery Channel URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33198790/ns/technology_and_science-future_of_energy/ MSN Privacy . Legal © 2009 MSNBC.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Behaviors Of Pitaya/Taro/Mulberry Tree From: James Freedner Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 14:55:19 -0700 (PDT) Hi, Leo!! My pitaya has been blooming like crazy lately under the full moon. And with our somewhat cloudy weather these past few days, the flowers have stayed open during the day, to be pollinated by many bees. Which makes trying to smell them a bit tricky. Still no fruits developing so....I bought a couple of "dragonfruit" from our local supermarket (Sunland Produce) and showed them to the cactus plant, hoping it would know what to do! I'd forgotten what a pitaya tasted like -- the consistency is like "moen cake" that my father loved but really not a strong flavor. A bit funky. I ate the outer leafy red-and-green parts too. Hope one is supposed to do that. Taro plant is getting more large leaves, apparently it enjoys being outside in a plastic box. But I noticed ants are bringing aphids onto the leaves. Is that a problem also in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands where taro is more commonly found? I got some basil stalks at the market and was able to get one to grow roots, and it's next to the taro plant outside -- already has begun to flower. Guess basil doesn't count as "rare fruit" though. Lastly, my dying mulberry tree - gone into a sort of suspended life as to the little leaves it put out on a couple of branches - they are still green but grew no larger than in spring. But, there is a "sucker" stalk with larger green leaves coming out of the trunk just above the roots, so perhaps the tree has some life in it after all! If we get a wet winter, perhaps I'll see more action from it. Guava seedlings still going strong in their pots, I have a jujube plant (I think) also growing still from last year. Regards, J. Eric Freedner Sun Valley, CA mailto:jhfreedner@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: William's New Dragon Fruit Website From: W Chow Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:55:13 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, I think the new website is okay to show. I will make more improvements when I have time. "Viva Pitaya" means "Long Live Dragon Fruit": http://www.vivapitaya.com We drove up to LA to see my son Steven. They live in San Francisco area. This last weekend they flew to LA to visit with Grace's parents. So we drove up there to visit with them and ate lunch in LA. Steven is thinking about growing some fruit trees in his backyard. He wants something that use very little water and very low maintenance. I recommended pomegranate and jujube. I will drive up to San Francisco to visit them for Thanksgiving. I have pitanga plant and pomegranate plants. I will just take my plants up there for them. Cheers ! William mailto:williamwchow@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Gopher control - Meeting 11/18/2009 8:00 A.M. From: "CE San Diego" Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:32:14 -0700 The University of California Cooperative Extension San Diego County office invites you to attend a field demonstration and training focusing on Gopher Trapping. Location: Rancho Luna Mia, 10975 Pala Road; Pala, California Date & time: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 8:00 a.m. For registration information, please see the attached flyer. Cheryl A. Wilen, Ph.D. Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties UC Statewide IPM Program www.ipm.ucdavis.edu 858-694-2846 (office) mailto:cesandiego@ucdavis.edu <><><><> 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 RFN200910B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - November 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200911A.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> We had a relatively cold snap, dipping into the high thirties a few days ago. You'd think it would wring a little bit of moisture from the air, but not a bit. We haven't had rainfall for months. I'm still spending too much time with my Monarch butterfles in the three stages of caterpillars, chrysalis, and butterflies. Caterpillars strip one plant so I move them to another with more foliage. There are at least a dozen cocoons or chrysalises within a few feet of the milkweed plants. Quite a few butterflies have returned to the plants. I'm hoping that they will still let butterflies emerge during cold weather. There are a few caterpillars still crawling around, even some very small ones. How have your trees and fruit plants performed this year? Did water restrictions reduce your yield? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber Florence, Kentucky Michael White New Subscriber - Arcadia, CA - With Questions Pat Wolff New Subscriber - Norco, California-With Questions Warren Christianson <><><> Readers Write <><><> Multiple Questions - Looking For Help, Please Eliana Uretsky Fuyu cuttings Wanted - Sale or Trade Raul Gonzalez Ruiz re: Looking For Sour Sop Fruit "Ranjit UTA" To: Carol Bridgens RE: Behaviors Of Taro Vital Scherrer To: J Eric Freedner Info from Australia on the MANGO R2E2 "Al Bredeson" Tumeric Plant Tubers Color Transformation? Alice Snow Orange Festival In Netherlands-Sculptures With Oranges! To: Herminio CRFG October 2009 Newsletter San Diego Chapter Dawn mailto:craftyharper@yahoo.com Fruit ID CHINO228@aol.com Ugni molinae - 'Chilean Guava' - Anyone Growing It? Leo Manuel New Edition of California Agriculture Oct-Dec 2009 Carol Lopez Avocado Meeting in Temecula, Thursday, Nov. 5 "CE San Diego" Small Farm Program Closure Announcement "CE San Diego" Kaffir Lime Seed Question "Hays, Gary" Avocado Meeting Nov 5, 2009 Temecula 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: New Subscriber Florence, Kentucky From: Michael White Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:48:20 -0700 (PDT) Dear friends, My name is Michael White, my friend Francis Weng referred me to this newsletter. I live in Florence, Kentucky, which is a USDA Zone 6. I operate a small specialty nursery. I am currently growing several cultivars of bananas. I am also growing dragonfruit, sea grapes, and passion fruit. I have recenty become interested in tropical fruits, so this newsletter was of great interest to me. I also grow plumeria, adenium, bamboo, alocasia, calocasia, gingers, and bougainvillea. This might not sound like specialty nursery stock, but in a zone 6 this is rare, which is my niche. I hope to gain a vast knowledge of tropical fruit cultivation. Michael White mailto:ueberwinden@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Arcadia, CA - With Questions From: Pat Wolff Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:40:31 -0700 (PDT) I am Pat Wolff, in Arcadia, CA I am growing various common fruit trees: apricot, nectarine, avocado, feijoa, loquat, yellow plum, naval orange, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit, macademia. and have recently planted pear, pluot, blueberries, and ginko. I also have various ceanothus -- apparently their seeds are edible (but small) Used to have a "springtime peach" but sadly it died, so did the aprium. Used to have a tangelo "summertime" which actually stayed on the tree getting sweeter and sweeter until early summer, but I moved and can't find that variety anywhere now. My rare fruit: a citrus that was supposed to be a blood orange, but isn't cereus repandus, Peruvian apple cactus (or similar) which isn't really rare, just rare that folks eat them, why not? they are delicious and grow w/o water! dragon fuit (just bought, not planted yet) planning to plant apples, pistacio if there is one which has low enough chilling hours Questions: I'm planning to rip out 2 large pecan trees for less shade, wish I could sell the wood for hardwood, they are huge, anyone know anyone who would like to do it? I hate the pecan trees, they are only squirrel and parrot food, both of which throw them at me! And they come up everywhere! How do I keep the squirrels from eating everything? Though I had a good crop of apricots, I got none zip zero, squirrels took them all down before they were ripe and they don't eat them either. They are also eliminating my avocado crop now. I can't shoot them, I live in the city. Once I read about an oak (possibly from Texas?) which has so little tannin in its acorns that they are edible without treatment, but I have lost the reference and don't know what kind it was. Pat Wolff mailto:partwolff@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Subscriber - Norco, California-With Questions From: Warren Christianson Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:29:27 GMT I am Warren Christianson of Norco, California. I am interested in growing unusual fruit, but have not been a howling success. Currently, along with the citrus and other common trees, I have loquats, a cherimoya (Booth), a white sapote (Vernon), a pomegranate (Wonderful), a persimmon (Hachiya), a pineapple guava, and two yellow guavas. The sapote bearshuge crops of edible fruit, but I prefer some others. This area is marginal for the yellow guavas which freeze each winter and seldom recover enough to ripen fruit. The persimmon and pomegranate produce very well. For several years I had purple passion fruit, but when the vine finally died I was not able to get seeds to sprout. I also grew pineapples in a plastic greenhouse for a few years, but decided they took up too much space for the small reward. I have been trying to grow pawpaws, but have had no fruit. I bought a grafted tree to polinate the 8 foot seedling, but the bloom periods were two weeks apart. I should like to find another tree, preferably three feet or more in height. I am also intreested in obtaining a few Tristar strawberry plants (not rare, but sources for fall planting are.) I should like to hear how other people are doing, and what they think of their fruit, as I have found that the taste often falls short of the description furnished by nurseries. Warren Christianson mailto:wlcandirc1@juno.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Multiple Questions - Looking For Help, Please From: Eliana Uretsky Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:01:22 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo, Thanks for this latest edition. I am unable to attend the meetings, as I have an Ornamental Hort class on Wednesday evenings. I've had lots of questions lately about: Figs, pomegranates, mulberries (current question is whether they can tolerate heavy clay with poor drainage), bougainvillea - looking for a source of lesser-known varieties. I have pestered Jon the banana man with some of my questions, but do you know of someone else who knows these fruits well, and do you know anyone propagating bougainvilleas? Looking for resources! Thanks, Eliana mailto:goeliana@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fuyu cuttings Wanted - Sale or Trade From: Raul Gonzalez Ruiz Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:16:28 -0700 (PDT) Hi Leo I live in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, I like to buy or exchange the above mentioned, with any interested, I have a big rare fruit collection including annonaceas, Best Regards, Raul Gonzalez mailto:raulglezruiz@yahoo.com.mx ------------------------------------------------ Subject: re: Looking For Sour Sop Fruit From: "Ranjit UTA" Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:45 +0200 To: Carol Bridgens Dear Carol/Leo I live in Europe and when I needed this for a cancer patient relative of mine I contacted the local shop selling Asian food and they imported it for me, 10 Kilos, from Costa Rica. This might give you a hint as to where to look it for in your area. Hope it helps. Ranjit Wimalaratne mailto:ranjit.wimalaratne@utanet.at Austria >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Looking For Sour Sop Fruit From: Carol Bridgens Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:39:51 -0700 (PDT) I am looking for where I can find the sour sop fruit......I live in Oregon and it seems that there are no produce outlets here....any ideas? John Bridgens mailto:carolbridgens@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Behaviors Of Taro From: Vital Scherrer Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:04:33 +0100 To: J Eric Freedner Ola J. Eric Freedner, Ants and aphids on taro must be rather unusual, considering the toxicity of the leaves. At least here on Madeira - were taro is cultivated for sale - I have never seen any pest damaging it. Maybe you got a variety with a particularly low toxicity, and thus could try to grow another one instead. Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Info from Australia on the MANGO R2E2 From: "Al Bredeson" Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:56:10 -1000 To all interested in the Mango R2E2. The below information on this mango variety came from this guy in Australia. Read what he says below. Allan B. mailto:alinkona@hawaiiantel.net === Here is the lowdown on R2E2 'R2E2 is a mid-season variety with large, highly-coloured fruit. It was selected in 1982 by Ian Bally, Ross Wright and Peter Beal as a seedling progeny of the Florida variety Kent, and takes its name from the row and position in the field of the original tree at DPI&F's Bowen Research Station. Released for commercial production in 1991, R2E2 has gained wide acceptance throughout all mango growing regions in Australia and is now the second most popular variety grown. R2E2 has a long shelf life and is sought-after on the export market. Fruit characteristics Fruit shape: round ovate* Fruit weight: 600 g - 1 kg Average fruit length: 107 mm Average fruit width: 77 mm Average fruit depth: 107 mm Fruit ground colour: green-yellow Fruit blush: orange red Lenticels: small and yellow Pulp colour: lemon-yellow Pulp fibre: low Pulp firmness: firm Pulp recovery: 77% Fruit flavour: sweet mild flavour' Personally, I prefer Kensington Pride over R2E2 and Kent. Mind you there is a lot of variation in KP...the early season Darwin ones look and taste totally different to the Queensland ones. Although R2E2s are huge, they are a bit too bland in flavour for my taste. I guess it is all personal taste though. Daryl ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Tumeric Plant Tubers Color Transformation? From: Alice Snow Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:57:33 -0700 Leo: A few years ago I bought and potted up some tumeric root. They had a bright orange color. I grew them and they are now a canna like plant. The roots are now different and white in color. What happened? Was it replaced by another plant or is that what tumeric does? Thank you for doing the RFNO. I really enjoy it. Alice Snow mailto:rhsnowsr@cox.net [I hope someone with turmeric-growing experience will respond, as I had a similar situation: A friend gave me turmeric plants that he said had come from orange-flesh tubers. However, on examination of the tubers, they were pale almost white. Is this a phase that the tubers go through before becoming orange? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Orange Festival In Netherlands-Sculptures With Oranges! Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:16:42 -0700 To: Herminio http://laingan.com/94/orange-festival-in-netherlands-abundance-of-oranges-everywhere/ The Queens Day or Koninginnedag of Netherlands falls on 30 April. Orange is the colour of their Royal family. You can see that the Amsterdam's streets, roads, parks and canals come alive in a sea of Orange. It is preferable if not mandatory to wear orange during this national event of the Amsterdam Orange Festival. It is amazing to see that oranges can be used to build windmills, castle, houses and so on. This shows that everything is possible to happen with creative minds and ideas. P.S. : I get inspired by the Orange Festival in Netherlands and /or the Citrus Festival or Festival Citrusov in the South of France. So, I had decided to use orange colour as the theme colour when I was designing my new website design. My website is called LogoVale.com and let me know if you like my design work ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG October 2009 Newsletter San Diego Chapter From: Dawn mailto:craftyharper@yahoo.com Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:30:53 -0700 Hi, Highlights from the October Newsletter! -->Note next two meeting dates (only) have changed. View from the Chair David Yetz, Chairman We had another great CRFG Meeting in September with a large turnout of members and guests. David Silverstein gave us a very informative talk on the many varieties of pomegranates. He pointed out that pomegranates can vary from soft to hard seeds and colors can run the gamut from white to pink to dark purple. Although most people in the U.S. are only familiar with the common variety "Wonderful", there are a tremendous number of varieties that we can grow in the San Diego area. David Silverstein -->Note: Dates change for November AND December Meetings!!! -->Tuesday: 11/24 and Tuesday: 12/22 from 6 pm to 10 pm Chair: Dave Yetz mailto:Chair@CRFGSanDiego.org (619) 659-8788 Treasurer:Joy Bladykas mailto:Treasurer@CRFGSanDiego.org 224-8109 Newsletter Editor: Dawn Martin mailto:craftyharper@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Fruit ID for Ben Lim From: CHINO228@aol.com Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:34:49 EDT Hi Leo: In response to your letter to identify the fruit described in an earlier newsletter, aft, it fits the description of Mabolo or Velvet apple which is popular in the Philippines The scientific name is Diospyrus Philippinensis or D.blancoi. In Indonesia, it is also called Bisol. Maurice Kong mailto:CHINO228@aol.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ben Lim said: Here are the details. This person grew up in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and recall a fruit I hope some of you can help me identify. I don't have any pictures, just memories (30 years + memories) which I will try to describe in detail. The tree is about twenty feet and have simple leaves..The fruit is about the size of an average grapefruit, but rounder (like an Asian pear). The skin is highly hairy/pubescent, like a very large and hairy peach. As a kid, I used to knock the fruit off the tree with a stick. If it falls, I don't normally pick it with my bare hand because the fine hair will rub off. Then I stick the fruit in a container that contains rice to help ripen the fruit. When fully ripe, it taste like a very smooth textured chiku/sapote. The flavour, smell and sweetness is more like a persimmon, hence the Chinese name (teochew dialect) is "ang mo sai", literally "white man's persimmon", due to its hairiness (Note: The hairiness is not like a rambutan). No hints of sourness at all, and also of average juiciness. When ripe, it is as red as a peach on the outside. The inside is more like a orangeish cling peach. The seeds, if I recalled correctly, were like those of a sapote. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Ugni molinae - 'Chilean Guava' - Anyone Growing It? From: Leo Manuel Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:47:54 -0700 http://www.potato-rock.com/catalog/Ugni molinae.htm Ugni molinae - 'Chilean Guava,' 'Murtillo,' Myrtus ugni. - An attractive, compact shrub for the landscape with lovely, shiny foliage and beautiful clusters of hanging bell-shaped flowers, and it often finds its way into landscapes for ornamental purposes. The fruits are blueberry-sized and very sweet and intensely flavored, like guava or strawberry candy. The foliage is aromatic and releases a spicy scent when crushed. These are an important food plant for the Mapuche indians of Chile. Chilean Guava grows to about 6' tall and is covered with small, shiny oval foliage that has a spicy aroma when crushed. The dangling, bell-shaped flowers occur in clusters and are followed by the tasty berries in fall. It is hardy to about 18 F, and is listed to perform well in Sunset zones 14-24, or USDA zone 8b. Full sun is best in cooler summer zones, whereas light shade is best in hot summer areas. It sets fruit without cross-pollination. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: New Edition of California Agriculture Oct-Dec 2009 From: Carol Lopez Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:21:45 -0700 California Agriculture OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2009 Welcome to the newest edition of California Agriculture journal! The entire contents (Vol. 63 No. 4) can now be viewed at our new Web site: http://CaliforniaAgriculture.ucanr.org/ Highlight: Research funding to UC scientists supports the search for better biofuels At least two-thirds of a billion dollars is currently being spent in University of California laboratories systemwide to make better biofuels, a massive effort to help the state achieve its ambitious goal of a 10% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020. UC scientists are investigating how to improve the conversion of cellulose and other constituents of plants into ethanol, the conversion of oilseed into biodiesel, and the conversion of plant and animal waste into other liquid, gas or solid fuels. They are also engineering faster-growing, higher-yielding crops and algae for biofuel feedstock. The October-December 2009 issue of UCs California Agriculture journal includes six peer-reviewed research and review articles on the promise of this biofuel research, as well as the challenge of insuring that food security and natural lands are not adversely affected by a vast expansion in the production of biofuels. Articles, and related editorial and news coverage on biofuel regulation and research initiatives, include: Research articles: Sustainable use of California biomass resources can help meet state and national bioenergy targets by Bryan M. Jenkins, Robert B. Williams, Nathan Parker, Peter Tittmann, Quinn Hart, Martha C. Gildart, Steve Kaffka, Bruce R. Hartsough, Peter Dempster Plant and microbial research seeks biofuel production from lignocellulose by Laura E. Bartley, Pamela C. Ronald Cellulosic biomass could help meet California's transportation fuel needs by Charles E. Wyman, Bin Yang Biofuel policy must evaluate environmental, food security and energy goals to maximize net benefits by Steven Sexton, Deepak Rajagopal, Gal Hochman, David Zilberman, David Roland-Holst Model estimates food-versus-biofuel trade-off by Deepak Rajagopal, Steven Sexton, Gal Hochman, David Roland-Holst, David Zilberman Can feedstock production for biofuels be sustainable in California? by Stephen R. Kaffka Other research articles in this issue: Survey explores teen driving behavior in Central Valley, Los Angeles high schools by Ramona M. Carlos, John A. Borba, Katherine E. Heck, Keith C. Nathaniel, Carla M. Sousa Member record books are useful tools for evaluating 4-H club programs by Larry Forero, Katherine E. Heck, Pat Weliver, Ramona M. Carlos, Thi Nguyen, Audra Lane Satellite imagery can support water planning in the Central Valley by Liheng Zhong, Tom Hawkins, Kyle Holland, Peng Gong, Gregory Biging Video market data for calves and yearlings confirms price discounts for Western cattle by Steven C. Blank, Larry C. Forero, Glenn A. Nader News and editorial content: Editorial Biofuels: Growing toward sustainability by Bryan M. Jenkins, Chris Somerville, James J. Stapleton Research news The 50th anniversary of a great idea Biofuels caught in changing regulations Dozens of UC research projects pursue fossil-fuel alternatives To our readers: California Agriculture is the University of California's peer-reviewed journal of research in agricultural, human and natural resources. For a free subscription, go to http://californiaagriculture.ucanr.org/, write to calag@ucop.edu or call (510) 642-2431, x33. Feel free to share this e-mail with others. If you wish to be dropped from this list, please write to calag@ucop.edu and include 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. Let us know if you are having difficulty with any aspect of our Web site. Where possible, we will make changes in response to reader requests. The Editor California Agriculture 6701 San Pablo Ave., 2nd floor Oakland, CA 94608-1239 Phone: 642-2431 x33 Carol Lopez mailto:Carol.Lopez@UCOP.EDU ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Small Farm Program Closure Announcement ( ! ) From: "CE San Diego" Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:08:50 -0700 Dear growers, I just want to take a moment to share the devastating news about the decision of the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to permanently close the UC Small Farm Program effective December 31, 2009. This measure is taken in response to severe budget shortfalls the Division is currently facing. While the closure of the program does not eliminate the jobs of all Small Advisors associated with the program, it will certainly limit our ability to conduct the type of research we, as a program, have been conducting over the last 30 years to benefit small scale and limited resource agricultural operators in California. On a local basis, the closure of the program will significantly limit our research and Extension efforts to identify and evaluate new and alternative crops in San Diego County and Southern California. The letter that follows below, from Dr. Shermain Hardesty, Director of the UC Small Farm Program, highlights some of the contributions made by the UC Small Farm Program to California agriculture over the last several years. Please feel free to contact me either by email or by phone at 760.752.4716 if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss this any further. Thank you all for your support and best regards, Ramiro Lobo mailto:relobo@ucdavis.edu Farm Advisor - Small Farms University of California Cooperative Extension 151 E. Carmel Street San Marcos, CA 92078 (760) 752-4716 (760) 7520-4725 fax Dr. Shermain Hardesty Letter: Dear UC Small Farm Program Core Advisors and other concerned Advisors, The University of California has announced that it will close its statewide Small Farm Program permanently on December 31, 2009, in an effort to close a budget shortfall of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). Since 2000, the Small Farm Program has brought in $1.97 million in grants and contracts to the University. By ending the Small Farm Program, ANR will save $140,000 in annual costs, along with a one-time savings of $268,000. According to USDAs most recent Census information, California has 68,536 small-scale farmers, and 47 percent of California's farmers have limited resources. The Small Farm Program has served thousands of smaller farmers in California since being established 30 years ago, in response to a lawsuit detailing how the University's mechanization research adversely impacted small-scale farmers. For many new farmers, immigrant farmers and small-scale growers, the Small Farm Program's advisors are the trusted first links to university research in a food system often more conducive to large-scale production. Small-scale farmers cannot compete against large farms based on price, due to economies of scale. Thus the Small Farm Program has sought to enable California's small-scale farmers to differentiate themselves through the crops they produce, their production methods and their marketing channels. The program leverages academic research and grant funding to provide scale-appropriate solutions, including: * Niche crops: Field trials and cultivation information on new specialty crops, such as blueberry, miniature melon, annual artichoke, daikon, edamame, capers, pitahaya, lychee, longan, jujube, lemon grass, sweet and chili pepper varieties, guava, papaya, squash, gailan, sinqua, moqua, and other Asian vegetables, along with publication of original and updated versions of the Specialty Crops Handbook. * Farmers markets: Support for the development of farmers markets, including publication of the three-volume Farmers Market Management series, and handbooks regarding risk, liability and food safety guidelines for markets. * Minority farmers: Delivery of educational programs to non-English speaking and ethnic-minority farmers regarding crop selection, weed control, pest and disease management, irrigation practices, postharvest handling and storage, and regulatory requirements regarding labor and pesticide handling practices. The Small Farm Program also connects these farmers to other resources available to them, including USDA programs. * Agritourism: Organization of a statewide workgroup of Cooperative Extension advisors and stakeholders who led workshops for more than 1,000 small-scale producers, development of regional agritourism organizations, creation of a statewide online directory of agritourism operations, a newsletter and a communication network for agritourism, and an assessment of the needs and economic contributions of California's agritourism operations. * Critical analysis: Timely analytical studies addressing critical small-farm issues, including a feasibility study for a regional niche meats processing facility and the costs for leafy greens growers to comply with food safety programs, including the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement. * Healthy environments: Hands-on workshops for growers on topics to preserve healthy environments, such as fertigation, farm water quality management, pesticide safety, and soil solarization. * Alternative marketing: Ongoing workshops for producers regarding marketing through alternative channels, including the state's revised farm stand regulations, effective marketing at farmers markets, management of marketing costs, and requirements for marketing processed food products. * Business management: Training for small-scale farmers to improve their business management skills by using USDA resources, such as the Market News Service data, farm loan programs and conservation programs. The program provides a website with nearly 25,000 page views each month of field-tested information on specialty crops, direct marketing, agritourism, postharvest handling, and farm management topics as well as a newsletter with more than 5,000 subscribers. In addition, we provide organizational leadership to the annual California Small Farm Conference, which rotates around the state and consistently supports 600 participants each year. With the closing of the Small Farm Program, all of these activities would be scattered or discontinued. Since 85 percent of all California farms are considered "small" by USDA standards, ensuring that small-scale farmers are economically viable is important to the sustainable food system of the future. Sincerely, Shermain Shermain D. Hardesty, Ph.D. Director, Small Farm Program University of California Davis CA 95616-8699 530/752-7774 FAX: 530/752-7716 Ramiro Lobo mailto:relobo@ucdavis.edu [This is bad news! Is there anything we can do? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Kaffir Lime Seed Question From: "Hays, Gary" Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:49 -0400 Can a reader describe the size/shape of Kaffir lime seeds? I had a fruit and didn't see any distinctive seeds. [Maybe you can buy a Kaffir lime (aka hystrix) at an Asian market and open it to see its seeds? -Leo] Gary Hays mailto:ghays@harris.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Avocado Meeting Nov 5, 2009 Temecula From: Leo Manuel Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:12:02 -0700 Cooperative Extension, University of California San Diego & Riverside Counties 2009-2010 Grower Seminar Series "Keeping Farming Simple" WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm WHERE: South Coast Winery Resort 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula COST: Free TOPIC: Crop Insurance & Pilot Program - Dick Mansfield, Risk Management Agency, USDA will address crop insurance, the new program, and enrollment requirements. Desiree Houston, Farm Service Agency, USDA will present information on SURE. This seminar series is brought to you by the University of California Cooperative Extension, California Avocado Commission, and the California Avocado Society mailto:cesandiego@ucdavis.edu <><><><> 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 Nov & Dec) 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 RFN200911A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - November 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200911B.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> Slim Pickings - Too much anticipation of the holidays? Too little happening in the garden at this time of year? Could you help us out anyway by writing, please? Vital Sherrer has helped us out again - Thanks! Valencia Pride Mango Fruit - What time of year do yours ripen? Mine are pretty green. Probably yours will have a head start if you live in Florida. At one time, in a reader survey, it seemed to be among the most popular variety. How do you rate it? Monarch Butterflies - Would you believe there are still about a dozen chrysalises? I moved all but one that I've found to the green house. I would have guessed that they would migrate as soon as they emerge, but some keep coming back every day (so far.) There have been more than 30 'hatched' out, and I didn't have any caterpillars until September. Should be lots more next year...? <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> None this time <><><> Readers Write <><><> RE: Oak Trees With "Sweet" Acorns Vital Scherrer To: RE: Ugni molinae - 'Chilean Guava' - Anyone Growing It? Vital Scherrer Buddha's Hand at Whole Foods Market $8.99/lb dracademia@aol.com Lindcove Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Thursday Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m Joe Sabol Important Grower Meeting Notice (Medflys in North County) November 17 "CE San Diego" To: CRFG North San Diego County Chapter Nov. 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 None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> None this time <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: RE: Oak Trees With "Sweet" Acorns From: Vital Scherrer Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 09:44:13 +0000 To: Hello Pat, Actually there are several species and varieties of oak producing acorns which are edible without treatment. It appears that among the various specimens of the same species there are some with more or less tannin content. Apart from leaching, reportedly the tannin content is also considerably reduced if the acorns are sprouted. In Texas it could be some specimens of the burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa), which bears probably the largest acorns of all the temperate species. For southern California you might want to look for a "sweet" variety of the coast live oak (Q. agrifolia) or of the valley oak (Q. lobata, aka California white oak). Or you may want to look for a source of the ballota- or holm oak (Q. rotundifolia, aka ilex var. ballota), which is also evergreen and with similar climatic requirements as your native coast live oak, but has smaller seeds. Other oaks with very low tannin content are::: - Q. x bebbiana, Bebbs oak - Q. lyrata x virginiana, Comptons oak - Q. macrocarpa x gambelii, Burr Gambel oak - Q. macrocarpa x muehlenbergii x robur, Ooti oak - Q. prinoides, (dwarf) chinkapin oak - Q. x schuettes, Schuettes oak Re the squirrels, unless they are able to jump from neighboring trees onto yours - in which case you would have to keep a wide enough open corridor between them - you might try to put an insurmountable barrier around the trunks. Good luck! Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Ugni molinae - 'Chilean Guava' - Anyone Growing It? From: Vital Scherrer Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:37:04 +0000 Hello Leo and rare fruit aficionados, I have a Chilean guava, but its fruits are much smaller than those of blueberries (only about 2 or 3 mm, though they are said to grow to 15 mm), they have quite a thick peel, and thus, despite their rich flavor, I have to consider them as usually too laborious to pick. But it may be worth growing it for its drought resistance, for its shade tolerance in zones with a lot of intense sunshine, and for its ornamental value. Speaking of Chilean plants, I also have a Chilean hazel (Gevuina avellana) which is growing slowly, but looks surprisingly healthy in rather poor and dryish soil conditions. As it must be about 3 or 4 years old and little more than a foot high, I'm waiting for it to bear its first nuts. Cheerios Vital mailto:vital233@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Buddha's hand at Whole Foods Market $8.99/lb From: dracademia@aol.com Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:19:27 -0500 Buddha's Hand citron, or Fingered citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus) is a fragrant citron variety whose fruit is segmented into finger-like sections, has been seen at a Whole Foods Market for $8.99/lb. If you haven't seen them, they have an octapus-like appearance, and seem about to walk away. Citron is that dyed-green fruit piece you see in fruit cake.The fruit has a thick peel and only a small amount of acidic flesh (if any) and is juiceless and sometimes seedless. It is very fragrant and is used predominantly by the Chinese and Japanese for perfuming rooms and personal items, such as clothing. ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Lindcove Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Thursday Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m From: Joe Sabol Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:27:23 -0800 (PST) ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Anita M. Hunt Sent: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:54:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: Reminder: Lindcove Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Thursday Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m 2009 University of California Lindcove Research and Extension Center Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m followed by Final Satsuma/Clementine Fruit Display and Tasting Location: 22963 Carson Ave., Exeter, CA, 559-592-2408 ext 151 Satsuma and Clementine Mandarin Fruit Tasting Fruit Tasting and Walk Through of the Demonstration Orchard Nov 12 at 8:30 a.m., Focusing on Satsumas, and Clementines. Culminating this series of tasting events is a fruit display and walking tour of the LREC Demonstration Block on November 12 at 8:30 a.m., led by Tracy Kahn, Curator of the UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection. At this event, growers will be able to evaluate on-tree fruit characteristics and the growth of the trees and discuss the varieties. She will provide information about Satsumas and Clementines. Satsuma mandarins and Clementine mandarins will be in various stages of maturity will be displayed whole and sliced for tasting. The same varieties will be displayed each week to allow visitors to compare characteristics such as color, flavor and quality as the season progresses and the fruit matures. At each tasting we will provide a report of the current sugar acid ratio, rind thickness, and other fruit characteristics measured in the fruit quality laboratory for the displayed varieties. Anita M. Hunt mailto:amdhunt@ucdavis.edu ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Important Grower Meeting Notice (Medflys in North County) November 17 From: "CE San Diego" Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:33:26 -0800 To: Hello everyone, We have just been notified of this important meeting and are passing the information on to you. Please read the meeting notice below. CDFA MEETING ON MEDFLY INFESTATIONS IN N. SAN DIEGO COUNTY A joint meeting of citrus and avocado growers has been organized to discuss the Medfly infestation in north San Diego County. At CDFA-s request, the Citrus Research Board and California Avocado Commission have made arrangements for a meeting to be held at: WHERE: PALA MESA RESORT 2001 Old Highway 395, Fallbrook, CA 92028 WHEN: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 TIME: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. USDA and CDFA representatives will present the latest information on the Medfly quarantines in north county, and will answer questions regarding steps growers must take in order to harvest their fruit in compliance with quarantine restrictions. Best regards, Gary S. Bender, Ph.D. mailto:gsbender@ucdavis.edu Farm Advisor - Subtropical Horticulture University of California Cooperative Extension 151 E. Carmel Street San Marcos, CA 92078 (760) 752-4711 Ramiro Lobo mailto:relobo@ucdavis.edu Farm Advisor - Small Farms University of California Cooperative Extension 151 E. Carmel Street San Marcos, CA 92078 (760) 752-4716 ------------------------------------------------ Subject: CRFG North San Diego County Chapter Nov. newsletter From: Harry nickerson Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:10:16 -0800 (PST) CRFG North San Diego County Chapter; Meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday, 7 PM at Mira Costa College (MCC) One Bernard Dr., Oceanside in Room 7003 of the Horticultural Bldg.. NOV. MEETING- We will meet Nov. 20th at 7pm in room 7003 of the Horticulture Bldg . at Mira Costa College. This is our annual planning meeting . We will plan next years program calendar, discuss next years financial plans, and any new initiatives members want to bring up. It is also a fruit tasting and attendees are asked to bring some fruit or something they have made from fruit to share with others. We will be collecting dues for 2010 at this Nov. meeting. Chapter dues are $8.00 if you receive the newsletter via email and $12.00 if you receive the newsletter via USPS. CHRISTMAS PARTY Please RSVP to Dottie Logan at 760 806 6678 by Friday Dec. 11th. This is our annual Christmas potluck. We will meet on Dec. 13 in the Alta Vista Botanical Garden building which is located in Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. As you drive towards the park on Brengle Terrace Dr, proceeding from East Vista Way there are 2 entrances. The first one is at 1200 the second at 1400. Enter at the second entrance which takes you past the Senior Center, continue to the top of the hill where you will see a sign directing you to the Alta Vista Botanical Garden, which is on the left. Plan to arrive between 11:30 and 12 Noon. Bring a potluck dish to share, and the serving utensil. The committee will provide the turkey, ham,and drinks as well as paper plates and plastic for eating. Oct. Program Our speaker was Paul Maschka his topic was Fungi in Your Garden Friend or Foe. Paul is very knowledgeable on this subject. He has been in horticulture as a vocation all of his working life. He spent more than 10 years working for commercial nurseries and operated an organic landscape business for more than 15 years. He also worked as a horticulturist at the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Zoo for 17 years. For many of those years organic gardening was not taught at our local colleges, so much of his knowledge was acquired by self study. He now manages an urban farming program at San Diego City College. His study of organic gardening required that he study soil science, because soil conditioning is the keystone of organic gardening. The study of soil science led to the study of fungi because they are widely prevalent in soils and vital to growing healthy plants. He has been for many years a member of the Mycological Society of San Diego which meets the first Monday of most months in room 101 of the Casa Del Prado Bldg. in Balboa Park. They also hold an annual Mushroom Fair. Check their website atwww.sdmyco.org for current info. He cautioned that while fungi are only toxic if ingested, selecting wild mushrooms for eating should only be done after completing a field study program with an expert. Internet pictures and descriptions will not suffice to portray the subtle but important differences between edible and non edible species. About all your editor can provide here is a summary of some of the background presented and a recap of those facts that pertain to their usefulness in the garden. Fungi are neither plant nor animal and are assigned a kingdom of their own. Fungi differ from plants in that they breathe in and use oxygen where as plants use Mycorhizal fungi are particularly important to the gardener. That is because their mycelia grow in and on the roots of plants. With a plant feeding is done by the small hairy roots. The hyphae of micro risal fungi are much smaller than even the smallest hair roots of a plant and extract moisture and nutrients from the soil, that the plants roots can not, some of which pass to the plant in their symbiotic relationship. Their presence can multiply the effectiveness of the root system by a factor of 10. mycorhizal in the soil can be destroyed by sterilization or by over use of commercial fertilizers. For healthy plants the soil should be re-inoculated with mycorhizal fungi. Dr. Earth fertilizers have some mycorhizal Harry Nickerson CRFG- North San Diego County Chapter FRUIT NEWS Nov. 2009 NCSDC Chapter website <><><> 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 RFN200911B.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - December 1, 2009 - AKA RFN200912A.txt ______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> How about that rain? My rain guage showed about 2.25 inches, but nearby areas reported less. A cistern to catch it would have been useful. Dick and Alice Snow in nearby Spring Valley have large tanks recently installed. I have two mango cultivars that bloom in winter, and set very few fruit. I have considered removing the winter bloom to see if it would make it bloom at the "proper" time. My concern is that it will put even more energy into replacing the removed blooms. Is there any way that I can reset its clock? Both varieties (Maha Chinook, Pen Sen Mun (sp?)) produce delicious fruit in Florida, but for me, rarely set fruit, and when they do, it's very small. The Tissue Culture class sponsored by the San Diego chapter of CRFG should be of great interest, and I'd recommend that you get your name on the list as soon as you think you'll be interested. Contact Jose Gallego by leaving a message at (619) 261-3610 or mailto:JMGallego@LosGallego.com FYI: My butterfly milkweed is Asclepia currassavica, not A. tuberosa, as I may have told you earlier. Plants still have eggs, still hatch caterpillars but at a far slower rate, and butterflies keep hatching and coming around. However, out of the more than thirty chrysalises, only two or three that I know about are still unopened. <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber - Melbourne, FL - in Marketing Grant Hammond <><><> Readers Write <><><> My Florida Fruit This Year Hays, Gary November CRFG Newsletter Dawn Martin Mango Harvest & Food Dehydrator Recommendation Sought Cielo Beauty Plum's Off-Bloom Puzzle Minna Riber <><><> 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 - Melbourne, FL - in Marketing From: "Grant Hammond" Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:54:46 -0500 I am Grant Hammond in Melbourne, FL. URL: www.atomicgrow.info Product Information: support@atomicgrow.info Bio: I am Grant Hammond, I live in Melbourne Florida. I am in marketing and have a successful online business that promotes other peoples products or services that their business provides. My reason that I am contacting you is because I am a distributor of a product known as ATOMIC GROW, sometimes also known as Soy soap. Below is a description of ATOMIC GROW which I describe in blogs or when asked what is ATOMIC GROW. Rather than coming out and trying to market this product to your society, I do have some tact. I wanted to make you aware of this all green totally organic product. Here are my points: I am very successful in working with Landscapers, Nurseries, Growers, Farmers, private organic farmers, Food Distributors, In making their crops and businesses more profitable. I show them how they can reduce their costs in raising their crops And get a 30% yield increase on their crops, vineyards, orchards, and farms. What ever they grow our product is the only product that affects the total plant's cell structure to make it produce more fruits, vegetables, and flowers. I thought it would be wise on my part for you and your subscribers to be informed about ATOMIC GROW so that your followers are Aware that this product exists, that has less EPA regulations, and is good for the environment, plus makes them more profitable when they go to market. Atomic Grow: What makes Atomic Grow so different? Atomic Grow is made from various US Government FDA approved food stock and food additives formulated into a colloidal liquid emulsion with extremely small molecular size particles. These small size particles cause a change how the product is able to work in the plant. Atomic Grow is able to enter the plant cells due to its extremely tiny molecular structure. Atomic Grow does not possess the quality of nutrients that are normally found in other foliar fertilizers. The nutrients it has are extremely efficient and effective for enhanced plant growth. Atomic Grow is able to provide energy and nourishment to the plant's cell, which in turn increases the level of sugar production that the plant photosynthesizes. When this higher sugar level in the plant is achieved, (referred to as Brix) Plant production increases greatly. This chain of events also helps to boost what is termed systemic acquired resistance or SAR for short. With a higher degree of increased sugar/Brix levels, the plant has the capability to defend itself from attacks from pests and pathogens, as a result of having a quality supply of nutrients along with an increased sugar level. The results and benefits from using Atomic Grow is that growers are capable to produce healthier more nutritious food for both humans and animals, with a greater increase in yields of their crops. It has been reported by users of Atomic Grow that such yields in some cases are as high as 33% more plant production with far fewer growing problems.www.market-4you.com Thank You, Grant Hammond mailto:gbhammond@mpinet.net www.atomicgrow.info <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: My Florida Fruit This Year From: "Hays, Gary" Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:09:17 -0500 Leo, I don't have a lot going on in the yard from a production standpoint, but I do grow over 120 varieties of fruit. Right now I have my first crop of canistel going on, probably still a couple months from ripeness. Hopefully the cold won't interfere with that. I harvested a week ago about 10 Sri Kembangan carambolas. It was a small crop due to tree pruning. Been getting a few muntingia fruit now and then. Per some advice, I may be cutting the muntingia down as they are showing clear signs of being invasive. Have a few pineapple fruit on out of my 100 or so pineapple plants. One is pretty large, still might be a month to ripeness. I have various varieties of bananas which are in different stages of having bunches, hopefully a few good ones before winters slows them too much. On Valencia Pride mangos, I believe mine ripened in August this year, which was my first crop (only two). It is one of my favorite mangos. The combination of taste and a very vigorous growing tree with good sized, fleshy fruit makes it a winner. And to me it has a hint of coconut in there. Happy growing, Gary mailto:ghays@harris.com [I have had no success growing carambolas, and only one pineapple plant has fruited for me. What's the secret to success in fruiting pineapple? Thanks Gary, for writing! -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: November CRFG Newsletter From: Dawn Martin Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:26:11 -0800 (PST) CRFG San Diego Chapter Newsletter November 2009 Calendar December 22, 2009 (TUESDAY) Holiday Party & Potluck Event Casa Del Prado, Room 101 EARLY 6:30 pm Start Time! Look for more information in the December Issue! Tissue Culture Class Planned Plant tissue culture" is a practice used to propagate plants under sterile conditions, often to produce clones of a plant. Different techniques in plant tissue culture may offer certain advantages over traditional methods of propagation, including: The production of exact copies of plants that produce particularly good flowers, fruits, or have other desirable traits. To quickly produce mature plants. The production of multiples of plants in the absence of seeds or necessary pollinators to produce seeds. The regeneration of whole plants from plant cells that have been genetically modified. The production of plants in sterile containers that allows them to be moved with greatly reduced chances of transmitting diseases, pests, and pathogens. The production of plants from seeds that otherwise have very low chances of germinating and growing, i.e.: orchids and nepenthes. To clean particular plant of viral and other infections and to quickly multiply these plants as 'cleaned stock' for horticulture and agriculture. Plant tissue culture relies on the fact that many plant cells have the ability to regenerate a whole plant (totipotency). Single cells, plant cells without cell walls (protoplasts), pieces of leaves, or (less commonly) roots can often be used to generate a new plant on culture media given the required nutrients and plant hormones. (From From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Plant tissue culture, J.M. Gallego contributor) We have the opportunity to invite Dr. Carol M. Stiff, PhD to provide our Chapter members hands-on training on how to propagate plants by tissue culture. Dr. Stiff has been the leader in home tissue culture for many years, her propagation techniques takes tissue culture from sophisticated laboratories to the home environment. Besides providing the necessary biological background (explained in simple terms), safety, cleanness, disinfection, her workshops are mostly hands on experience, a must to understand, learn and apply tissue culture techniques. Her training include using a microwave oven or a pressure cooker, supplies found in your kitchen, growth hormones (from local suppliers) to multiply rare and difficult to propagate plants in your kitchen or garage. The workshop would be a full day event and the tentative schedule is as follows (taken from Dr. Stiffs web site (http://www.hometissueculture.org/): Time *Tentative* Schedule for Beginner Class 9:00 Introductions Fill out information sheets; hand out class schedule Discuss what everyone wants to accomplish Safety and food; location of aprons, gloves, goggles, etc. 9:20 - 10:20 Presentation on plant tissue culture in the home and classroom (part 1) Break Media preparation using a microwave: demo by instructor followed by media preparation by students (break into groups) 11:20 Discuss clean boxes and aseptic technique Assemble PVC boxes and prepare areas 12 Noon Lunch (provided) and discussion 1:00 Demo of disinfection and culture of: leaf, axillary bud, seeds 4:00 Students disinfect and culture: --African violet leaves --Axillary buds --Seed or orchid pod (if available) --Other? Break (as it fits your individual schedule) Discuss problems, trouble shooting, alternative protocols, internet connection and webpage resources; Share experiences with "seasoned tissue culturists" at meeting 5:00 Workshop officially ends/discussions continue as needed The class will have limited seating and there will be some cost involved, depending on the number of people attending. If you are interested, please contact me by leaving me a message at (619) 261-3610 or mailto:JMGallego@LosGallego.com Dawn Martin mailto:dawn@craftyharper.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Mango Harvest & Food Dehydrator Recommendation Sought From: Cielo Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:27:34 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, I have a 2 foot tall Valencia Pride that has a 6" long mango that's beginning to ripen on the tree. This little tree started out w/ half a dozen fruits, and I removed all but this one. I have another VP that is about 5' tall that has not flowered yet. I've harvest 6 Kent mangoes from my tree this month. Homegrown mangoes are the best. I'm waiting for a Kiett mango to ripen, it's first this year. Also waiting for the Malikka to reach its mature size, then I'll ripen off the tree. I tasted one while still green. If you like green mango, it's acidic but tasty w/ a little salt or chili powder & sugar. I was told not to let Mailikka to ripen on the tree, but I think, it's good to experiment. I also have 5 Vietnamese mangoes in clusters that are still green and getting plumper. I might just pick one to taste while green. How are your other mango varieties tasting? The last time I visited your garden, there were several hanging on the tree. Can you recommend a food dehydrator? I'm thinking of going solar. Perhaps, your readers have some ideas. I have a solar cooker that I use to bake brownies & casseroles. Fruitfully, Cielo mailto:cielo_g@yahoo.com Coastal San Diego [Excalibur Food Dehydrator, works very well for us. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Beauty Plum's Off-Bloom Puzzle From: Minna Riber Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:42:36 -0800 Hi Leo, Our Beauty Plum (pollinator) went into bloom in September and produced golf ball size fruit. Mike finally took the fruit off of the tree as it would never have matured. It will be interesting to see if it will bloom again in the Spring. At least now after yesterdays rain of almost 1" we will have clean leaves and less dust. Along with the rain we got bouncing hail and thunder and perhaps two lightening strikes. Last evening we had a beautiful full rainbow. Almost made it worth waiting for. As we only had a 20% chance of rain I had not distributed wild flower seeds nor did Mike set up our rain barrels. I am convinced that we need a cistern and have that and the reuse of grey water from our washing machine on my "list". Minna mailto:minna@earthlink.net [Has it performed normally in prior years? If not, possibly it's not getting enough winter chill in our climate? Have others of you readers had success with the Beauty plum? If so, where do you live? Minna's in S. California. -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 RFN200912A.txt <><><><><><><><><><> Rare Fruit News Online - December 15, 2009 - AKA RFN200912B.txt _______________________________________________________________ <><><><> Notes In Passing - Leo <><><><> <><><><><><><><><> Table Of Contents <><><><><><><><><> -> -> -> Messages follow the Table Of Contents <- <- <- <><><> New Subscribers <><><> New Subscriber, Interested In Hylocereus undatus Tom Taylor <><><> Readers Write <><><> Mandarin Question - Heavy Crops Deadly To Tree? STEVE WRIGHT Succeeding With Pineapple And Carambola Here Hays, Gary My first hand of home grown bananas Nancy B. Date for DIY Tissue Culture Class - Mid February Jose Miguel Gallego Re: Frost/Freeze Warning for San Diego County John Brode RE: Frost/Freeze Warning for San Diego County Mike McCright Re: Frost/Freeze Warning for San Diego County Carol Sharp Peachcot Trees-Who Sells Them? MaryEllen Turk Report from our San Diego home 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) ars>news@arsgrin.gov <> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm None, this time -> -> -> -> -> -> Messages <- <- <- <- <- <- <><><><><><><><> New Subscribers <><><><><><><><><> Subject: New Subscriber, Interested In Hylocereus undatus From: Tom Taylor Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:47:46 EST I would like to be included for your newsletter. I live in Anaheim, California and have started a few one gallon pots. I have Alice, Guyute, Thompson and Vietnamese varieties. I am eager to learn more as I can about this unique fruit. Thank you so much, Tom Taylor mailto:ttaylor349@aol.com <><><><><><><><><> Readers Write<><><><><><><><><><> Subject: Mandarin Question - Heavy Crops Deadly To Tree? From: STEVE WRIGHT Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2009 19:20:51 -0800 (PST) Leo and fellow fruit growers, After about three years, my mandarin trees - an Owari Satsuma, Dancy, and Murcott - are finally producing very tasty fruit. The Dancy is partcularly loaded, and I've read that when mandarins have heavy crops, they can die from carbohydrate depletion. What exactly is it? Is it something I should expect and just accept? Can I prevent it and how? I would appreciate any information people can share. I live fittingly enough, in Orange Vale, CA, a suburb northeast of Sacramento. We are in the Sunset zone 9. Steve Wright mailto:sdubya59@sbcglobal.net [It would seem that thinning the crop dramatically should help the tree to recover. How about it, readers? I have the same concern with various mango trees that bear heavily but only on alternate years, and none on the other years. -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Succeeding With Pineapple And Carambola Here From: Hays, Gary Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 07:52:56 -0500 Leo, on growing and fruiting pineapple, I have exceeded any expectations I would have had, all because of using large amounts of organic matter. They love it. I use finely ground composted mulch, and use that as the soil for them. The plants themselves get very large, and thereby produce large fruit. I've had 6.5 lb pineapples, I have around 18 varieties. I have a blueberry bed with that mulch topped with pinebark chips and peat moss, and pineapples I also have in there really do well there. On my Sri Kembangan carambola, while that small harvest ripened, another crop was in process. In a couple months I should get a real large harvest. Two years ago I made wine from a similar large harvest. Gary mailto:ghays@harris.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: my first hand of home grown bananas From: NancyB. Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 19:51:08 -0800 (PST) Dear Leo; I am writing from New Orleans, Louisiana where we are definitely feeling the winter set in with rain and cold fronts.. I had the opportunity to harvest and taste the first hand of home grown bananas. I wasn't quite sure when the hand would ripen (it took about 3 weeks for 2/3 of it to ripen). I thought I should have cut down the hand and let it ripen under the carport, but I was so busy. The stalk bent down over the patio and I found about a dozen of the fruit fell to the ground, but they were still good. The bananas are about 5 inches long at the most and the most sweet and aromatic I've ever eaten. I wish I knew the cultivar's name but the stand of banana trees just grew along the masonry wall by my house. the bananas are little yellow fruit and look like a mini Lacatan. Now I have so many bananas I will make some bread, smoothies and give them as presents (my family swaps citrus). If you are just getting into tropical fruit growing I would say in additon to growing pineapples, bananas are worth the wait because they are more aromatic and flavorful than the store bought fruit. Cheers, Nancy B. mailto:sergius1@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Date for DIY Tissue Culture Class-Mid February From: Jose Miguel Gallego Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 20:11:22 -0800 Hi Leo, Sorry for my late reply, I just read my emails. Yes, the announcement did not include the date nor the price. We are looking to the middle of February and the approximate cost is around $100 per person, depends on the number of attendees. As soon as I get more information I will send it to you. I am very excited about this class, I was planning on doing the presenting myself but opportunity to have Carol do it is too good to let it go :^) Thanks for posting the announcement, Jose mailto:JMGallego@LosGallego.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Frost/Freeze Warning for San Diego County From: John Brode Date: Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:09:22 GMT Thanks Leo.. I really appreciate the warning.. Brhrhrh! the freezing cold nights started so quickly .. and it's been down to freezing here [we live in the foothills].. the frost collects ......so hopefully there will not be any damage.. 3 winters ago it went down to 17 degrees .. you remember that arctic air.. we had it for a week and I lost just about most of my garden.. so much still needs to be replaced..but we don't have years ahead of us.. Have not had a good year either with the fruit trees.. not sure what happened. Its been very sparce. so hope everyone does well re the rare fruit and little damage if any !! .. all the very best to you and yours .. Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.. warmly, Marion and John Brodie mailto:marionjohnbrodie@msn.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Frost/Freeze Warning for San Diego County From: Mike McCright Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009 22:01:21 -0800 Thanks Leo (for the frost/freeze warning.) My thermometer read 32 degrees under cover about an hour ago. It has clouded over some and looks like it will warm up a little. Mike McCright mailto:natureboy@gotsky.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Frost/Freeze Warning for San Diego County From: Carol Sharp Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 11:45:26 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, We moved to Grass Valley and have been snowed in for 3 days. Waste Management got stuck in front of our house for 2 hours. Ever seen one of those monster vechicles put on chains. My thill for the day. I sure wish it was 47 degrees here. Keep me on your e-mail list; even though I can't grow many fruit trees here I do enjoy your updates on Fallbrook and sure miss So. Cal. Thanks, Carol and Bob mailto:sjsharp2@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Peachcot Trees-Who Sells Them? From: MaryEllen Turk Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:28:11 -1000 A friend grows peachcots in Queensland--I'd like to try them here on Kauai Any ideas on who has them? Mary Ellen [The early peachcot hybrids in the U.S. were not patented, and known to be very low in production, as I recall. Floyd Zaiger has been working on perfecting a cross. This may be it: Title: Interspecific tree named Flavor Treat U.S. Pat. PP12936 Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on Citation Rootstock (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,112), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as, pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 2. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 3. Fruit with an attractive garnet red skin color. 4. Relatively uniform size fruit throughout the tree. 5. Fruit with firm flesh, good handling and shipping quality. 6. Fruit holding firm on the tree 10 to 14 days after shipping ripe. 7. Fruit ripening in the late maturity season. Any reader know more about Peachcot hybrids? -Leo] ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Report from our San Diego home From: Cielo Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:54:29 -0800 (PST) Hi Leo, I've started this draft over the summer, but never got around to finishing and sending it. So, I'm adding more things before sending it off. The garden has really benefited from more compost this past spring, and then added more this fall. I mix the compost in with the native dirt, and save some in several 15- gal containers for standby when I transplant plants. This past summer I harvested lemon guavas and strawberry guavas. My Philippine white guava tree was generous this year w/ lots of fruits. The birds have also enjoyed them. Instead of covering the entire tree, I cover each fruit that is near maturity. The birds seem to know which fruits are ready to pick on. I'm waiting for other guavas (Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Hawaiian pink, uma, Mexican cream, Asian pink, etc.) to ripen. Kishu Mandarin and cocktail grapefruits are plentiful this year. However, not one fruit from gold nugget Mandarin this year. Got one Chandler pummelo fruit this year. Dozens of Suebelle white sapotes, and half a dozen of Vernon white sapote. I had tons of passion fruits. Bought it at Home Depot w/ Frederick label on it 4 to 5 years ago. Someone said it's not a Frederick; unfortunately, he couldn't say what it was, either. That would've been useful; knowing what it is. I'm sure it's not the first time a fruit tree gets mislabeled. My Surinam cherry (Lolita seedling) still have a lot of fruits on the 4 foot tall tree. This is the 2nd year my green tea pummelo (pear shaped) has fruited. Last year the fruits drop prematurely. I picked one that was already all yellow, but it was still premature. I don't want to waste another one trying. Do you know when they should be picked from the tree? My diamond river longan has teeny fruits - first this year. I got one pitomba fruit and a couple of grumichama fruits. Hopefully, more next year. Also this year I harvested over 50 pounds of celebrity tomatoes from a 4-pack. I wanted to preserve my harvest so I learned how to can, and made tomato sauce, marinara sauce, etc. I also harvested over 150 pounds of zucchinis from 2 plants (quart size). The largest zucchini weighed 8.5 pounds. I've also removed some non-performing fruit trees (Algerian tangerine) and high maintenance fruit trees (red Malaysian guava and pink tropical guava) in the last few months. Real estate and water are at a premium so I can't be sentimental when it comes to digging up these trees. I've found them good homes instead of landing in my composter. Im enjoying fruits of my muntinga calabura (red). I didn't know the tree comes w/ yellow fruits until I saw and tasted them at Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery in Vista, CA. That was a surprise for me. After attending the pitahaya festival in August, I razed my rose garden, terraced the sloping garden bed, and transplanted my pitahayas in the ground. I've had one fruited already. I'm hoping for a nice harvest next year. I also joined your pitahaya group, which drives me crazy sometimes w/ all the traffic, but the exchange of information is great. Thanks for moderating the group. I know I'm missing some, but this should be it for now. I should tell you about my 2 raintanks are full from the two storms we had recently; harvested over 2500 gallons of rainwater. Fruitfully, Cielo Coastal San Diego <><><><> 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 RFN200912B.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. There are three email addresses for me. The one I will get most readily is rarefruit@san.rr.com, but either of these other two will also work: Better: leo92129@yahoo.com, and OK: rarefruit.manuel@gmail.com. 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/ ================================================================