FRUITGROWING

Dunstan Times, 13 March 1933, Page 7

FRUITGROWING

The Tomato Crops Where leaf- mould has been troublesome in crops under glass the plants should be lifted and burnt, and the house thoroughly fumigated to destroy the abundant spores lodged everywhere about the building. Unless the house is thoroughly cleaned up and the ground put into good order there is onlj. disappointment coming next season. Some evening in calm weather shut the house up tight and burn a quantity of sulphur, the sulphur dioxide gas given off will do the good work. One pound per thousand cubic feet is a sufficient dose. To obtain a quick generation of the gas do not burn it ail in one heap, but distribute it equally in half a dozen heaps on the ground and set them all alight. Retire and lock the door, using a wet sack to seal any opening there may be where the door does not fit tight on the sill. This method was fully described in a recent Agricultural journal. There are very few houses that would not benefit from this treatment so soon as the present crop is finished. Regarding the atmospheric humidity of houses, which is the main factor in the spread of this fungus disease, regular attention to ventilation by an experienced person during early summer, when the danger is greatest, is quite effective in some places, but not in others. In the latter case it appears the experience may be due to a high water-level in the soil, and that ffietter drainage by means of tile pipes or even open drains wouldfiimprove the conditions- Undoubtedly in wet districts, especially where the land is heavy, such treatment can be relied upon tc be of great assistance in preventing the attack of this disease. Great assistance would also be gained by fixing guttering at the eaves to carry off the rain water satisfactorily; only on land with a shingle subsoil or where drainage is exceptionally good can it be dispensed with, j