RASPBERRY CROP

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28752, 25 November 1958, Page 8

RASPBERRY CROP

Adequate Supplies Expected

In spite of the dry season .there should be plenty of raspberries this year for the Christchurch retail market. Growers in Christchurch have kept their properties well irrigated, and the crop should be about normal. Most growers have had a hard time this year with insect pests, including aphids, leafrollers and raspberry bugs. but modern chemical methods have brought them under control. Raspberry growing is a chanced business, and Canterbury growers, as a result of their hard work, have been fairly lucky during the last few years. Growers in Otago have not been so fortunate—the wet season last year brought an incidence of root rot, and this year about a quarter of the growers south of the Rangitata river ceased to grow raspberries. Late and continuing frosts have also had an effect on the crop in Otago. Most home users should get enough raspberries this year, provided they place their orders early. However, it is not expected that the supply will be enough for the many factories which process the berries, and it is expected that some quantity will have to be imported, if licences are available, from Australia and South Africa.

The price of raspberries in Canterbury this season will be fixed on Wednesday, when representatives of the growers will meet with the secretary of the raspberry marketing committee (Mr S. M. Graham).