POTATO BLIGHT PREVENTIVE.

North Otago Times, 20 April 1906, Page 4

POTATO BLIGHT PREVENTIVE.

Mr J. 0. Eastwood, of Tatauaki, who 'has for ycsirs been growing potatoes free from blight, says the preventive lie uses was used by his father in the West Indies as a .precaution against blight in the arrowroot and ginger crops, which take disease vcry s readily, lie has been using this specific with bis 'potato crops at fongapot'utii (Taranafci) tor five years, and lias not- once had them afi'octed by blight, although bib neighbors have suffered, He uses it also for other crops, soaking onion seed, peas, etc., in a solution before sowing, and the effect is always good. Some French beans, however, which be neglected to treat, took a blight. The specific is made up of ujb of sulphate ol ammonia, ami oil) of nitrate o( potasli, dissolved in 2.'igal of water, approximately -loz of each to' a gallon of water, and the same strength is used for all seeds. He soaks Hie seed for 21 hours, and in the case of potatoes allows them to dry for another 21 hours before planting, so as to avoid mildew, ille advises the use of a chemical fertiliser, such as Fison's, rather. than stockyard manure, and is certain it bis plan is followed good, clean crops will result. Mr Eastwood is now experimenting villi a preparation to kill the Californian thistle. He trcatod four roots three months ago, pd they have not shown any sign of lifo since; but he will wait till spring before claiming success. —Herald. ,