THE FRUIT CROP.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16547, 12 June 1919, Page 3

THE FRUIT CROP.

♦ AGRICULTURAL PEPAETMENT'B HEVIETV. Ofliers of tho Horticulture Diviaion of tho Department' of Agriculture report as follows regarding the condition of the fiuit croji at tho end of Slay: — Nelson. —The fruit harvest closed thin month with the lute picking o£ M,uraier. llokowood, and Dougherty utiles. abb dry spell broke with a lew good, useful shmvera that have very m«ch improved the condition of the land: bright, cold, sewonab-e weather is now being experienced. Grower# are busy applying lata sprays and pruning the stone fnut trees. . , Marl borough.—Apple trees are now cleared of fruit, and" practically everything except the late varieties have been disposed of. A good crop of 'Stirrmers has been picked, a fair quantity of which has already been sold, and it is not anticipated that there will be any trouble to quit the balance later in the sea3»n at remunerative ratew. Trees nave shed their leaves early, and in many instances are already quite bare, and most will be after the first good blow. This will enablo growers to get ahead with their winter work. _ Motueka. —Apples: The quantity remaining in store will bo comparatively light. Practically all fruit is now harvested. Pruning operations are in -.hand in n. -number .of orchards. Cold, frosty -nights now prevail. Canterbury.—Apples and pears: AI- harvested. Late varieties jjood quality, although, only small crops. Sigh prices havo been maintained throughout the season, owing no doubt to the smallhcns' of tho crops. Very little cool storing is being done in this fuctrict this season. On account of complete rest trees have had this season, eVtjry prosnect of good crops next Reason. Wn In tits: Very email CTop in this district. High prices realised by those growers who missed the Christchurch and Suburbs.—The fruit crop is now practically all harvested, and it has been one of the poorest experienced in this district for some time. One consolation to the growers is the high prices obtained for good sound fruit, especially for good keeping varieties of apples and pears. • Most of the fruit suitable for tho purpose has been cool stored, but the whole of this on.y amounts to a few thousand cases. „ Suuth Canterbury.—Very dry weather has prevailed throughout tho month, enabling good work being put in in t.ie orchards in tho shape of pruning, spraying, and cultiva.ine. Frosty nights have been general. Otago.—Apples: There were still a few Sturmer and Rokewood to pick at the end of the month. Late infection by black spot fungus was rathor serious m localities where the disease was prevalent. Peac.ies u° w finished. It was doubtful .at one time if the latest varieties would ripen sufficiently owing to the lateness of the season, but th® * 09a from ibis cause was very small. Pears: Now aU gathered. Late varieties did not hold to the tree well this season. Winter Nelis nsrticularly were incljned to drop prematurely. Strawberries: The area of this fruit is being extended considerably, no doubt duo to the scod prices realised during tho season, the 'demand exceeding tne supply oj this be*ry. The bsdn were greatly depleted during tho war period. Tomatoes ere now finished. Walnutß: _ Tlio crop was a light ono throughout the district.