MOTUEKA FRUIT

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 65, 10 December 1930, Page 12

MOTUEKA FRUIT

Abundant Crop Expected

Dominion Speciai Service

Nelson, December 9,

The fruit crops in the Motueka district are looking exceptionally well, states Mr. G. Stratford, Government instructor. There is very little disease, and up to the present no black spot is showing on Mi-. Stratford attributes these good conditions to the fact that more attention is being given to orchards in the way of pruning, spraying, manuring, and cultivation. There are slight traces of black spot on pears, and if the infection does not increase the affected fruit could be eliminated at thinning time. The majority of varieties are carrying a heavy set, but in places Dunns and delicious are patchy. Cox’s orange are exceptionally heavy, although there is a chance of a drop in the near future. On present appearances, and considering that more young trees arc commencing to bear. Mr. Stratford considered that the crop will be quite as abundant as last season, when 277.000 cases were exported from Motueka.

The crops of stone fruit in the Motueka district are only medium, and unfortunately there is a fair amount of dropping taking place. Cherry trees, are carrying a large crop of good quality fruit, and little brown rot is showing. Strawberries are quite up to the average, and good crops are being harvested. Raspberries, generally speaking, are not coming up to expectations. Currants and gooseberries are plentiful.