Fruit Trees, Canes, Vines Must Be Sprayed

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31142, 19 August 1966, Page 8

Fruit Trees, Canes, Vines Must Be Sprayed

Fruiting subjects, whether cane, bush, tree or vine will soon commence to show signs of reawakening after the socalled winter dormancy period. Amongst the first are the Japanese plums, which flower before the emergence of the leaves, and the peaches. All these signs of activity remind one of spraying, for without a reasonable schedule it is not possible to harvest sound, quality fruit, and more often than not. where pests and diseases are allowed to continue unchecked the plant begins to suffer too. First of all it is necessary to have a serviceable sprayer which works efficiently and is easily handled. If you have one check it over thoroughly and run water through it first before applying any spray to ensure that it is functioning satisfactorily. There is little more exasperating than applying a tar or. oil, spray only to find that the sprayer is leaking. If you have not already got a spray unit, carefully examine available stocks before choosing and consider such things as the number and size of the plants you will be spraying. When making your pur-

chase of material for pest and disease control remember that these are two quite different parasites and control of each is obtained by different chemicals although in some instances they may be combined and sold under a proprietary brand name. As it 11 law to specify contents of such products, read the label before buying something which may be quite useless to you.

Fungus diseases of plants are controlled or prevented by timely applications of substances called fungicides. Insecticides are used against insect pests. Bacterial diseases are sometimes controlled by bactericides often loosely termed fungicides, or by antibiotics on occasions. There are no cures for virus diseases once a plant has become infected, although spread can be prevented by controlling the pest which causes it.

In addition to fungicides and insecticides, it is usually necessary to have a wetting

agent. The addition of a few drops of either a sticker or spreader to a spray nux which does not include oil or hydrated lime will increase its efficiency, especially on tall trees, and plants with either upright or waxy foliage.

Sprays are expensive, thev are also applicable at given quantities for a certain volume of water, and require thorough mixing up before being added to the spray dispenser. For these reasons a small plastic flask, which has been graduated in cubic centimetres (c.c.’s), and a pint jug. also in plastic and marked fluid ounces, are indispensable and will take the guess work out of the job as spoons, cups, or milk bottles vary to much for accuracy.

Some measure of protection is necessary, and to this end a pair of waterproof gloves, a suitable coat and hat and a respirator will be needed.