THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18885, 6 December 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE ORCHARD.

NEOESSITY FOR SPRAYING.

From this time onward spraying is ona of the most important operations of the orchard, for where apples, pears, quinces and other' fruits, that are attacked with the codlin. moth, aro grown, frequent spraying with the arsenate of lead solution is the safest means of Seeping these pests under control, and of securing anything like sound fruit. In addition to ! codhn moth, the leech, beetles, leaf rollers and other leaf-eating pests arc kept under by its use. Spraying, however, must in no case be confined to the trees mentioned, for almost every deciduous • fruit-bear-ing tree will be benefited by spraying. DEPREDATIONS OF THE. LEECH, Of all. the leaf-eating insects, the leech is by far the most destructive if left anmolested, and it is no uncommon sight in small gardens to see trees of plums, pears and quinces almost denuded of foliage by these pests, at a' time when . the trees should be full of health and vigour. The egg of this insect is deposited the leaves by a small fly, a number often being laid on one leaf. These in .. a • few days hatch out, and at once commence to teed upon the foliage. It takes about three weeks for these to attain their full growth, and by that time, if.-not destroyed, play such havoc with the skin of the leaves, as to leave them practically skeletons. When this „is allowed to • occur, such a premature check takes place that it is almost certain.to result in the trees making weak secondary growth in autumn, and producing flowers from buds ! that should, under natural conditions,, reI main dormant until the next flowering season. The leech is by no means difficult to kill, for if spraying appliances are not at - hand occasionally dusting ; the ; trees, I with lime, dry-ashes or soot, will protect the foliage from their ravages. ARSENATE OF LEAD SPRAY." The advantage of spraying with the .arsenate of lead solution is that its effect is more lasting as it adheres to the foliage, especially in fine weather, and is equally destructive to other leaf-eating pests. The brown beetle, or what is more commonly l called grass grub, has, when on the. wing i stage, such a wide range that it is impos- ■ sible to deal with it in. all its haunts. It flies at nights in swarms, attacking the foliage of large, as well as small, trees nnd shrubs. The chief concern of the fruit-grower, however, is to protect Ins trees and fruit from all destructive pests, and spraving, so far, is the most effective and surest means of doing this.; In addition to spraving, good cultivation is important at this season; working and keeping the soil .well stirred, assists growth and development of fruits.