NELSON APPLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 9 January 1926, Page 4

NELSON APPLES

RECORD EXPORT PROSPECTS

BIG AND CLEAN CROPS The prospects are that Nelson's export of apples will this season establish a record. There are some excellent crops aoout. .Most varieties are doing weld, including Cox Orange. Jonathans, Delicious and Stunner. Dunns arc the most disappointing, and growers are concerned at the comparative failure of this fine variety year after year. The Dunn is one of tin- most popular varieties for English markets, and is largely grown in Nelson. Formerly it was a heavy producer, but in recent years seems co have developed "shyness. Research and experimental work might restore the Diiim to its former productiveness, and it is to be hoped tin's will be undertaken.

Tile crops are generally reported as exceptionally "clean"—that is free from black spot. Here and there the spot is slightly in evidence. but taken all through the crops at present are practically free from this blemish. The trees are carrying so much fruit in some orchards that growers are now engaged in thinning out.

Orchards on clay subsoil are coming through the long spell oi dry weather very well. The trees are healthy IimI; nig and the fruil is developing satis faetorily. On orchards with gravelly subsoils tin* trees arc more in need ol a good soaking rain. But on the whole the orchards may be said to be licking remarkably well, and early rain should pnt the seal in a bumper crop.