Gardeners’ queries

Press, 16 April 1982, Page 11

Gardeners’ queries

Enclosed you’ll find leaves from an African violet which seems to have been attacked by something. The leaves droop and the flowers are not forming. I don’t over-water, perhaps not enough. Could you suggest cause and remedy? G.P. (Rangiora). While there were no insects present on the leaf specimens examined the damage was suggestive of thrips. One of the best ways of treating pot plants of reasonable size for pests and diseases is to dip the entire plant in a container with therapeutant in it — in this case, acephate. African violets should not be over-watered. Periodic thorough watering is generally advocated, the top of the soil then being allowed to dry right out before watering again. Could you please tell me what is wrong with these blotchy tomatoes? The green bits remain hard and unpalatable when the remainder of the tomato is ripe. It is too late to do much about it this season, but perhaps you could tell me what to do to stop It happening again. “Bryndwr” (Chch). The tomatoes in this case are suffering from the symptoms of blotchy ripening and while it may affect the fruit, as mentioned in the query, it is stilledible. The problem is a physiological one which has been' the subject of considerable research and although some aspects of the trouble have as yet to be clarified it is predominently one of

water up-take and soluble salts within the fruit. The main observation is to avoid over-watering, particularly during the formation of the first three trusses of fruit. Could you please tell me what is infecting my previously healthy rubber plant? First, a brown scale forms on the lower leaves which eventually turn yellow and drop. The disease is gradually spreading up the plant, which is about six feet high. Over-watering, draughts and direct sun are avoided. Benlate and shield have been used. C.W. (Rangiora). It has unfortunately not been possible to define the problem causing the leaf drop of this ficus from the description, and more particularly from the section of leaf sent in for examination. In order to provide helpful advice regarding problems it has been mentioned on previous occasions under this heading that samples should please be fully representative, preferably more than one, and that they not be compressed or mutilated in any way. Many problems bear similarities, and diagnosis is made that much more difficult if poorly selected material is sent. Rubber trees are usually fairly ’easy to manage provided that they are not over-watered, that the leaves are. kept clean (free from the accumulation of dust and dirt) and pest-free. Over-use of leaf polishes should be avoided, as should deposits of moisture on the leaf surface.

Einclosed please find three recipes for laurel jam which I hope will aid your enquiry. Note also that laurel leaves added to cornflour blancmange add a different flavour. NJ. (Chch). The recipes are much appreciated, and should be of use to all who may wish to try laurel jam. Must rush out and see if I can still find some fruit as it is a few years ago since I last sampied.lt. Laurel berry jam (1) 2.3 kg laurel berries, weighed after stoning; I.4kg sugar: 2 breakfast cups water; 2 dozen blanched laurel berry kernels. Put the berries in a pan with the water and bring to boil. Addwarmed sugar, and boil rapidly for, about half an hour. Skim off skins as jam cooks. Have kernels in a muslin bag. and remove before bottling the mixture. Laurel berry jam (2) and with apple 2.7 kg laurels; I.4kg plums, apples or peaches; 3.6 kg sugar. Put all fruit in a pan and boil until soft enough to push through sieve. Boil again, add the sugar and boil until it will set May be eaten with cream. For laurel berry and apple jelly; I.4kg laurels: 1.15 kg apples. Barely cover with water, boil to a pulp, and strain through a muslin bag. Next day bring to boil, add heaped cup sugar to every cup of juice and boil quickly for hour or until set.