FRUITGROWING

Dunstan Times, Issue 3517, 13 April 1931, Page 5

FRUITGROWING

M. Davey in N.Z. Agricultural Journal Late Spraying During this period of the year operations in the orchard are mostly confined to harvesting and packing the crop of pip-fruits for overseas and local markets. In addition, however, occasion may arise when the application of late sprays becomes necessary to control pests and diseases which persists until late in the season, A close watch should be kept on late varieties of apples and pears in order to guard against that form of blackspot which is so often associated with dewy nights and the increasing humidity following early autumn rains. Immediately infection is observed it is wise to revert to an application of lime-sulphur at a strength of 1-100, otherwise a large percentage of the fruit may have to be rejected for only slight infection, which can be avoided. In addition, a late application of arsenate of lead is generally a good investment to prevent damage by leaf-roller eaterpi liar to the late varieties of apples, particularly those with short stems, such as Stunner, llokewood, and others. —Emulsifying Oils, —

Mention of certain features which have come under the notice of the writer during the past month may be of service to readers. Many instances of incomplete or imperfect emulsion of emulsified winter oils for application during the winter season have occurred. In one instance stale oil which had been contained in a cask for a long period proved quite unsuitable for applying at this season of the year.

In other instances the same type and brand of oil freshly obtained in tins gave perfect emulsions by adopting the following methods in mixing: - To each gallon of oil slowly add four gallons of a water in which ] gallon of soap-powder has been dissolved ; the water should be slowly added to the oil while a vigorous agitation of the combining liquids is maintained. The primary emulsion thus obtained should be then poured into the spray vat and the engine started ; next slowly commence to add water until the propellers of the agitators are covered, after which the main quantity of the water can be added quickly without any anxiety regarding reversion t<> tree oil. The

importance of obtaining perfect emulsions should not be underestimated otherwise spotting of the fruit is likely to ensue.

The standard winter oils have proved very etlieaeious at a strengtn of x-150 for control of red mite in the active season, and they also seem to refresh the foliage of the trees in the hot dry weather. Possibly this eilcct can be accounted for by a reduction in the rapid transpiration of the foliage during such periods Manuring. Manures which are slow in action such ;is basic slag are best applied in the early autumn. Applications of lime should also bo made at this lime of the year.