Breece, J.R., T. Furuta, and H.Z. Hield. 1978. Pinching azaleas chemically. California Agriculture 32(5): 23.
Azaleas in pots require pinching — removing the terminal bud (shoot tip) to induce branching — for a uniform crown of flowers. Manual pinching had been required before a chemical pinching compound became available. To study the effectiveness of azalea-pinching chemicals, a trial was established at Lewis Gardens, Inc., Vista, California. Hand pinching was used as a control. Except for Fuzzy White variety, Antrinal-treated plants had more shoots developing following treatment than plants that were hand pinched or treated with Off-Shoot-O.
Pechnold, P.C. 1978. Cytospora canker — its effect on spruce. Am. Nurseryman 147(11): 11, 63.
This damaging stem disease is most commonly found on Norway and blue spruces. Cytospora canker is most always associated with older and/or weakened trees, trees whose lower branches or roots have been injured, and trees growing in restricted sites or in other poor growing situations. It is seldom a problem on young, vigorous trees. Cytospora canker is caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei. Because older, weakened trees are most susceptible to Cytospora canker, it is important to maintain and/or improve tree vitality. An occasional topdressing of leaf mold or peat moss with compost mixed into it is beneficial to maintaining plant vigor.
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