Gardeners’ Queries

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31652, 11 April 1968, Page 6

Gardeners’ Queries

Is it possible to make cuttings of a rubber tree and if so how?—C.O. (ChristIl church). I The most usual way of proIpagating ficus is by aerial layering, which involves the packing of moist sphagnum moss around a section of stem and binding tightly with polythene. Cuttings can be made from the top two or three leaves by cutting straight across the stem about an inch below a node or leaf axil, or alternatively single leaves can be used by cutting through the stem about one inch above and below a leaf I axil. The cut end (s) should be allowed to dry or be dried by dipping in sand. A good moist peaty rooting medium should be provided and the cuttings firmly inserted after applying rooting hormone, taking care not to bury the leaf buds. Enclose pot in a polythene bag to maintain even warm (70 deg.) temperature. May to July provide good months for performing this task. My Chamaecyparis obtusa erlpsli planted about a year ago has suddenly started to die. A piece from the tree is enclosed—it seems to be dying from the base of the branch upwards. There are still some green branches left and a new shoot has started at the base of the tree. Is it poslble to save the plant?—Chamacyparia (Westport). Cypress canker is the causative patfiogen of the browning and death of your conifer. This disease can attack most

all species of Chamaecyparis and varieties, also cypress, junipers and thuyas. It gains entry through an abrasion or injury to the tree, possibly caused by wind or insect Autumn and early spring application of a copper based spray such as Bordeaux mixture can give some relief but there is as yet no control for it Diseased portions should be cut right back to healthy wood and tools used in the job should be disinfected. Badly Infected trees are usually better lifted out and burnt I have got an apple tree with lots of stuck-on old fruit and diseased new fruit as the enclosed samples will show. Could you tell me what the trouble is and also the name of the apple variety.—Pensioner (Ashburton). The disease is brown rot, the same as attacks stone fruit but it is not so common on apples. The presence of mummified fruit on the tree, which may persist throughout the winter into the spring, is typical of it and it is from these and fallen ones that infection is primarily perpetuated on a tree. All fruit unfit for consumption should be removed from the area and preferably incinerated and cankered shoots and branches removed when pruning. These too should be burnt This is the most effective means of control, although the normal seasonal spray schedule Should afford protection if properly applied. Variety could be Lane’s Prince Albert.