THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19762, 8 October 1927, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE ORCHARD.

ESSENTIAL WORK EXPLAINED. Fruit prospects for the coming season, especially in regard to peaches and nectarines, appear anything but promising. Numbers of trees that earlier in the season were furnished wit- an abundance of flower buds, have now shed most of them, leaving only a few to develop flowers, and it is doubtful if many of these will set fruit. This is no doubt due, in a large measure, to the uncon-

genial weather experienced throughout the winter and spring months, the cold, sodden state of the soil from the time the buds commenced to swell, so checking the flow of sap, as to retard their development. This is practically noticeable when the trees are growing in soils of a stiff, retentive nature, or in exposed positions. The later-flowering varieties and Japanese plum may not suffer to the same extent, though it is only reasonable to assume that any of the more tender fruits must, to some extent, bo affected by such an abnormal rainfall. After such a season, too, insects and diseases are likely to be more troublesome, as effective winter spraying has been almost impossible. This will necessitate careful watching and sprayinc throughout the summer months. Apples, pears, and other pip fruits are now rapidly developing their flowers, and, should reasonably good weather prevail, should set good crops of fruits As previously advised, a good dressing of stimulating manure, if not already given, will do much to strengthen and develop both flower and fruit. The ground, too, should be kept well cultivated and free from weeds. Measures will shortly have to be taken for spraying for cod!in moth and other pests. The material for spraying should, in any case, be obtained and held in readiness for dressing the trees as soon as tho enemies make their appearance or better still, as soon as the flowers fall, and beforo the moth has deposited its eggs. Arsenate of lead is tho best material to spray for tho destruction of moth and other leaf and fruit-eating pests. In spraying all pip fruits, the first dressing should be applied as soon as the blossoms have fallen. This necessitates going over the trees at different times as somo of the varieties flower later than others. Mako it a rule to apply the first dressing shortly after the flowers have fallen, and repeat at regular intervals while the fruit is growing. One or two sprayings are of better value in dealing with" these pests, particularly if the weather is at all showery. A little energy and judgment is all that is required to attain success. Arsenate of lead not only destroys the codlin moth, but also deals effectively with bcttles, leech, leaf rollers, and other leaf-eating pests. Both appliances and material are obtainable at any of the seed merchants. Full directions for use are given, so that tho work is made easy, and there is little excuse for not making an effort to combat these pests. All trees that have been recently planted should have the soil well broken up around them, and when planted in exposed positions may need to be staked It is at this time, "when tho trees are making new roots, that they are often injured and their growth checked by the action of the wind, if left unprotected. Mulching, when practicable, is beneficial for all newly-planted trees, but where material for tne purpose is not obtainable the soil should bo kept well worked so that a nice, loose surface is maintained,,