Huge Crops Predicted

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31775, 4 September 1968, Page 26

Huge Crops Predicted

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 3. The quest for more and better fruit was leading New Zealand to the prospect of greatly increased yields, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Talboys) said today. “The quest for more and better fruit leads into many interesting paths and I would

like to give you a glimpse of the vistas that are opening ahead along some of these,” he said, opening the annual conference of the Fruitgrowers’ Federation. Bigger yields could be forthcoming with the use of new rootstocks to grow smaller apple trees, planted closer together. “Already a block of Golden Delicious on semi-dwarfing stocks at Havelock North has produced 1400 bushels an acre in its seventh year. “Forecasts for this block are that it will eventually produce about 4000 bushels an acre annually, more than double the best current yields,” Mr Talboys said. “This huge crop will be carried on relatively small trees (no more than 12ft high), so that the costs a bushel for harvesting, pruning, and thinning will all be reduced below those for the present tall trees.” Changes were coming in the store as well as in the orchard. Experiments were taking place to improve holding capabilities in stores, while retaining the crispness and other qualities of fruit. EMERGENCY FUND An emergency fund, which could be drawn from promptly to combat serious plant diseases, was recommended by the Director of the Horticulture Division of the Department of Agriculture (Mr A. M. W. Greig). He said that while the severity of a disease was being determined, the disease, under certain conditions, i could spread rapidly.

When serious disease was suspected in livestock, immediate precautions were taken. But unfortunately this was not the situation in the fruit industry. “Horticulturists must assist in devising a procedure that is soundly based, can operate quickly, and be fully effec. tive,” he said.