FIREBLIGHT IN ORCHARDS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23807, 28 November 1942, Page 4

FIREBLIGHT IN ORCHARDS

CASES REPORTED IN CANTERBURY Several fairly bad cases of fireblight in Canterbury orchards have been reported this season, though so far the extent of the disease has not been ascertained. Giving this information when an inquiry was made by a reporter yesterday. Mr A. R. Grainger, orchard instructor of the Department of Agriculture, said that there were indications that fireblight was more in evidence in Canterbury this season, and he attributed this to the gradual relaxing of vigilance on the part of owners of fruit trees and hawthorn hedges. This was partly the result of confidence inspired by the comparative freedom from disease during the last year or two. but more particularly the result of the labour shortage, which has meant less thorough pruning methods during the dormant season. In the case of strong-growing young apple and quince trees and older trees, as well as in the case of pears, the disease travelled downwards rapidly at this time of the year and might easily result in the loss of trunks and heavy limbs. Varieties of pears such as William Bon Chretien and Buerre Bose were very susceptible, and might be severely damaged by the disease. Owners of apple, pear, and quince trees, Mr Grainger said, would be advised to make an inspection and (leal with the disease by cutting out all portions well below the point of visible infection. Owners of hawthorn hedges are also advised to take similar steps. In the present manpower situation, Mr Grainger said, the division was not able to make a detailed inspection through all districts, but hoped to receive reports from orchardists, and would be prepared to assist in the identification of the disease where necessary