NELSON FRUIT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 119, 16 November 1936, Page 18

NELSON FRUIT

THE SEASON'S PROSPECTS

I The blossoming of apple varieties j generally in the Nelson Province was not nearly so heavy as last season, and for some of the, main export sorts blossoming was very patchy, especially on those of an ' alternate bearing nature, said Mr. J. Thorp, orchards instructor, when interviewed by a Nelson "Evening Mail" representative regarding fruit crop. prospects for the coming season.

Throughout' the district stone fruits generally blossomed profusely,* he commented, but rather unfavourable weather conditions prevailed during the full bloom period of some of the late' blossoming trees, which resulted in a rather light setting of some varieties of late plums. Otherwise a reasonably good crop might be expected. •

Peaches and nectarines had set quite a good crop of fruit, and, given favourable weather, should be in plentiful supply.: Apricots, he said, were very light this season.

After remarking-that there was generally not such heavy blossoming, on apple trees-as last year, Mr. Thorp said that the present indications were that Cox's Orange would be light and Dunns were somewhat similar. Statesmen in most orchards were having a very "off" year.

The best crops promising were Stunner and Jonathan, but it appeared doubtful whether these varieties would come up to last year's crop.

Delicious were also very variable, he went .on. The- trees in, many orchards did not blossom heavily, and there werfe indications that this variety would not come up to expectations.

Pears blossomed well, but the setting had not been heavy in many orchards, and it appeared probable that the quantity available would not come up: to that of last season^