Pre-Planting Preparations
Pre-planting preparations include the following actions:
1. Preparation of the field
2. Installation of an irrigation system
3. Sampling the field for presence of nematodes
1. Preparing the field for planting
• The field, which is designated for the planting of fruit trees, should be weeded, and all herbs, weeds and the like should be removed.
• Clean borders of at least 5-6 meters should be kept around the field.
• Plowing, preferably deep plowing, should be performed up to the depth of 70-80 cm.
• It is possible to employ a rear ripper to create a deep grid.
• The plowing should be performed at the beginning of the summer (June).
• An extremely wet ground should not be plowed, for fear of tightening.
• The cultivated field should remain exposed to the sun for at least one month. The ground should then be flattened at least twice using a tractor with a scraper box and a roller.
• The designated field should be marked according to the common planting margins for each variety (we can provide recommendations regarding the common planting margins for each rootstock, variety and type).
• Once the field was marked, the planting holes should be dug:
o Summer seedlings in grow bags of 40 cm. in diameter – depth of 35 cm.
o Bare root seedlings of 50 cm. in diameter – depth of 50 cm.
• The planting holes should be thoroughly watered or filled with water prior to planting.
2. Irrigation systems
• It is recommended to contact one of the available irrigation companies, and ask for a methodical plan for the designated plot.
• It is essential to install the irrigation system prior to the planting of the seedlings.
3. Sampling a field designated for fruit trees for presence of nematodes
A field designated for the planting of fruit trees can be one of three:
1. Orchard, plantation or vineyard – an existing field
2. Grains or vegetables – an existing field
3. A fallow field
General requirements for sampling:
a. Samples – should be collected from either a wet soil in the winter, an irrigated plot, or at least from a moist layer.
b. The sample should be typical (one sample for 5-10 acres). Each sample should include 5-7 sampling points. When the field is uneven, it is recommended to collect different samples from each plot.
c. The samples should be collected at the depth of 5-30 cm.
d. Each sample should include both soil and roots. The weight of a sample from each sampling point should be between 200-300 gr. of soil and roots.
e. The samples should be placed in plastic bags, which should be sealed and labeled clearly.
f. The samples should be kept in a cool place during storage and/or shipment to the lab.
Sampling of an existing orchard
a. The sample should be collected from a moist soil at the depth of 15-30 cm. (preferably near a drip irrigation point).
b. It is recommended to take whole chunks of thin roots and soil.
c. Each sample should include 5-7 trees.
d. Pay attention to the presence of galls on the roots, thickening or bending at the edge of the root, or stains of necrosis and decomposition, and include these in the sample bag.
e. It is advisable to take samples from the suspect trees: dwarf trees or trees with dry branches, chlorotic leaves and small fruit. Do not collect samples of dead trees.
f. In case the trees have already been uprooted, the samples should be collected from the holes, in which the trees were planted. You should look for live roots. If the trees were uprooted a long time ago, you should look for wild shoots in the field and take some samples.
Sampling a field where other crops are grown:
a. It is recommended to collect the samples while the crops are grown. If you collect the samples following the harvest, you should look for the roots of the plants that are scattered in the field.
b. It is advisable to collect samples of suspect items: small and damaged plants and roots with galls or necrosis.
Sampling a fallow field
a. It is recommended to collect the samples during a wet period.
b. Samples should be collected at the depth of 5-20 cm. (wet soil).
c. If wild plants grow in the field, the samples should be collected from the ground near these plants.
d. It is recommended to collect weeds that serve as hosts to various nematodes, such as weeds from the Solanaceae or Poaceae families.
The samples should be sent to Dr. Evgeni Kozodoy from the Plant Protection and Inspection Services of the Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Beit Dagan. Tel: 03-9681547
The lab results should be sent to Rafi Shutan from Shutan Nurseries by fax: 08-6896094 or by e-mail to: shutan@zahav.net.il
