Home and people

Press, 22 January 1988, Page 19

Home and people

The enclosed plant has come up in many parts of my garden. At first I thought it was a wild turnip but now it has pink flowers so I must be mistaken. Is it a weed that needs restraining? H.W.(Chch). Although not a wild turnip, Lunaria annua belongs to the same family. This biennial is probably better known by its common name of Honesty and is grown for its attractive shining papery pods which are used in dried flower arrangements. The generic name was actually given to this plant because of the shape of the fruits which resemble the full moon. There is also a far less common variegated form. It is interesting to note just how prevaleant this plant has become, undoubtedly spread by its capacity to produce plenty of viable seed. Could you please comment on this piece of apricot branch which broke off recently. I think it is a case of bacterial blast. I would like to know if this is right, and what treatment to give the tree? P.A.(Chch). The exudation of gum from affected apricot trees, as well as the development of cankers, is not confined to just bacterial blast but also to fungal infections. There was also no smell present in the cut wood although stained tissue was evident. At this stage of infection, I recommend regular spraying with a fungicide such as triforine followed by the thorough application of a copper based preparation prior to leaf fall, during the winter, and again at bud movement. Any cankered wood should be pruned off during the usual annual pruning. All the tomato plants I have growing in one part of my property grew well until this week when the tops suddenly wilted. I have grown them fn the same

GARDENING

by

Mike Lusty

area for several years, but this year I sterilised the soil with Basamid some weeks before planting. Copperox has been regularly applied and watering has been regular. Tomatoes growing elsewhere show no signs of wilt. Can anything be done to save the plants for this season, and should I not plant in this area next year? L.L.(Chch). These tomato plants have come into contact with a hormone herbicide, most likely residues of the Basamid used to sterilise the soil. This problem occurs from time to time and is caused by insufficient aeration of the soil following the use of this chemical. The plants grow quite happily until the roots begin to spread out. Distortion of foliage follows when the roots contact the herbicide. There is no treatment for the damaged plants. It is essential to follow implicitly the direction given for the application of Basamid to prevent these problems. Gardeners’ Queries should be sent directly to Mr Mike Lusty, 58 Wayside Avenue, Christchurch 5. Samples should be separately wrapped in a plastic bag with air holes. Provide representative, good-sized samples, and your name and address-. A nom-de-plume can be used for publication.