Orchard Notes.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2644, 13 October 1919, Page 5

Orchard Notes.

Work for the pre-out mouth is referred to as follows in the cm rent number of the Journal of Agriculture : Although many pears will be out in full bloom, some varieties will not yet have reached this stage. With the latter the cluster bud, or ‘‘ pink,” bordoaux 6-4-50 spray should not be neglected for black-spot. The importance of this spray on both apples and pears that are subject to black-spot is again stressed. If it is neglected trouble can assuredly be anticipated. Apples will not be so far advanced as pears, and spraying in the clusterbud stages will be in full swing. While the writer recognises that limesulphur applied at this stage will give brighter and cleaner fruio and foliage than bordeaux, growers are warned against using the former on those varieties that are susceptible to blackspot. Mb is better to have saleable fruit with a little russeting than black-spotted unsaleable fruit. On the other hand, lime- sulphur is recommended with most varieties on which black-spot is not troublesome, ft is not only cheaper, but the fruit crop is invariably brighter. Limesulphur cannot be relied on at this stage to control black-spot. Peaches are now in full bloom. From this stage onwards it is not safe to spray with even the summer strength of bordeaux, as it is liable to burn both fruit and foliage. For this reason all summer spraying shoul 1 be done with lime-sulphur or atomic sulphur. The control of plum-rust on English plums is very often neglected. \ Mmy of these fruits will nob yet have broken, and spraying with bordeaux, 6-4 50, in the cluster bad will be found very useful in checking this disease. Bordeaux mixture will give the best results from the intimate blending of the lime-water and bluestoue solution. Both should be well diluted and poured together into a third vessel. The extra time spent in preparing this mixture will always bo well repaid.

OTAGO NOTES, (Mr J, 11. Thorp.) The season has promised to be an early one, and ere this the first measures will have been taken against fungoid diseases of apples and pears, but blackspot and mildew are very persistent and will need attention as soon as the blossoms have fallen. Many growers will still have in mind the excessive russeting caused last season by the applications of strong Bordeaux mixtures after the fruit was formed, especially in the case of the thin skinned varieties mentioned in last month’s notes. Some of the varieties of apples that are the most liable to attacks of black-spot are Cleopatra, Romo Beauty and Newtown Pippin. These will stand Bordeaux, 3-4 40, without so much depreciation as those previous'y mentioned as susceptible to russeting, and I would advise growers to use their discretion when the time conies for the second application against black-spot. Bo careful of the hme-sulphur loft over from last season, especially if only a small quantity remained in the barrel. Ono such remn ant tested by me recently went 30* Beaume, a rise cf 4’, duo no doubt to evaporation through the barrel, thus increasing the density of the remainder. The strengths recommended for the period after the blossoms fall is 1-100 to 1-120 ol a 32* Beaume test of lime-sulphur solution. Lime-sulphur powder is likely to bo used extensively, and is recommended at 31b. in 100 to 120 A couple of exceptions to this rule may be mentioned, The writer has tound Cleopatra and Rome Beauty will stand 1-80 lime-sulphur solution without injury. Varieties that are subject to burning and subsequent dropping of fruit are Lord Suffleld are Ribston Pippin. Dilute still weaker for these, or if previous sprayings have been well carried out, leave alone entirely.

Arsenate of lead can be added to fungicides at this stage, l Üb. to 21b. paste to 40, or q* lb. to lib of powder. Many growers have found it an advantage to add mi'k of lime from Üb. of fresh.slaked lime to each barrel of mixture, in order to eliminate risk of damage. The lime acts as a neutralizer for any free acid that may possibly be in the arsenate of lead. Stone-fruits should not require any attention just now, but if leaLcurl makes its appearance a spraying of lime sulphur, 1-130, directed against the infected tips will give good results. The aphis tribe will all be on the move, black and green aphis on nectarines and peaches, and woolly aphis on apples. Do not let this pest get a'head of you. Start straight away with Blackleaf 40, at 1-800, before it gets a chance to become established. Cultivation should receive on ref pi attention at this time to conserve the moisture, and to obtain the best results manures should bo applied where this has not already been done. Young trees and those recently regrafted should have the surplus shoots removed, choosing those best placed for the building-up of the trees.

PRESERVING THE EYES. Indications that the sight is not so good as formerly am wlion the book has to be hold at arms longth or near the face or when a mist grows before objects one wishes to see. If your eyes are at all troublesome get them tested without delay. Rigid gjgsses may help you wonder ft'dV and preserve your eyes. HUGH NEILL, D Glasgow Optical House, -Jl9 George Street, Puned ip. For Cibiidren’s Hacking Cough, Woods' Great Peppermint Care,