FUNGUS ATTACK ON TREES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28162, 28 December 1956, Page 9

FUNGUS ATTACK ON TREES

Auckland Growers’ Losses (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 27. Auckland fruit growers now estimate their losses from fungus attacks on the roots of trees at hundreds of thousands of pounds. The position has worsened over the last few weeks, as thousands of apple and citrus trees have failed. “It’s the worst year we have ever known,” said Mr J. A. McGregor, of Birkdale. today. Last month 40 to 90 per cent, losses in peach and pear crops were reported. Fresh losses have developed as the later bearing species have reached maturity. Up to 60 per cent, of the affected trees are considered a write-off and, according to Mr G. L. Stubbs, of Birkdale, “those that recover will never be the same again.” He estimated that a third of his apple and citrus trees had been affected, as well as peach and pear trees. Fewer than half of the 800 to 900 trees on which he depends will produce this year. The neighbouring orchard of McGregor Brothers is writing off almost all of its 500 peach trees and turning the land—about five acres—to market gardening. This year’s loss from these trees is estimated at more than £lOOO. A Henderson grower said the fungus attacks would cut his income by about a third. The cause of the attacks is excessive winter rain.