FRUIT CROPS IN CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25321, 22 October 1947, Page 6

FRUIT CROPS IN CANTERBURY

GOOD PROSPECTS THIS SEASON

“Judging from the blossom, there is every indication of good crops of stone fruits, pip fruits and berry fruits this season,” said Mr J. Coombe, orchard instructor for the Department of Agriculture in Christchurch, yesterday. Mr Coombe said that the apple blossom was only falling now, and it was too early to make a definite forecast about apple crops in Canterbury. However, the blossom was very heavy this year. Recent high winds would not have had any effect on the blossom. Early spraying had been carried out on all fruits. In a few days, when all the apple blossom had fallen, a start would be made on early summer spraying. Early in the season, bluestone for Bordeaux sprays had been in short supply, but the shortage had since been relieved. Most growers already had supplies of other .sprays, and there should be no difficulty in filling the season’s requirements. Weather for spraying had been much better this season than last year and there should b.e less chance of black spot becoming prevalent in apples and pears. Cultivation had been in progress in a number of orchards, but it was generally thought better not to do it during the early setting of the fruit. The best time was just before the trees blossomed.

Generally speaking, added Mr Coombe, there should be a good crop of fruit in Canterbury this year, provided the weather was favourable. The present time was the most critical period, especially for pip fruits.