THE FRUIT SECTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20132, 18 December 1928, Page 18

THE FRUIT SECTION.

CURRENT ORCHARD WORK.

The orchardist is beginning to reap the reward for his labours as early plums are colouring rapidly, and fruit should soon bo plentiful. Other kinds of fruit are also developing rapidly. In order that these crops may bo brought safely to maturity it is necessary that applications of spray be maintained. Tho ill-effects of neglecting to spray may not become noticeablo until the fruit ripens, at which stago it offers least resistance to fungous diseases. If the fungus is allowed to remain unchecked it may remain ou tho tree for some time and infect the fruit as it softens on ripening. On the other hand if the trees are sprayed regularly and effectively, the fungus will not be able to hide on the trees and tho crop will not bo endangered. . Citrus trees should be sprayed with lime sulphur, 1 in 80, or Bordeaux. 4.4.40, whilo flowering, to prevent the fruit from being infected by some fungus. This is more necessary in the case of lemons which are subject to tho attacks of verrucosis. The trees should also be kept free of insect pests such as scales or aphides. To combat the former, red oil is effective, and it will also rid the trees of the other pests as well. If, however, there are only aphides present., tho use of Black Leaf 40 will bo successful.

I'ip-fruits will need special protection from now on in order to keep the codlin moth caterpillars out of the fruit. Arsenate of lead is really the only successful spray for preventing the caterpillars from entering tho fruit. Onco they have gained admission their position is impregnable, and no amount of spraying will affect them. The codlin moths will search for anv crevice or other hiding place in which to lay their eggs. Usually they prefer the old calyces of tho flowers which are at tho lower ends of the fruits. Tho sepals form a covering over a little hollow, and this is an excellent placo for tho moths to deposit their eggs. In order to reach these places_ the spray must bo applied through a high-pressuro nozzle.

The regulation of tho growth of the leaders of young trees should be r tended to where they are not developing evenly. An evenly-balanced framework should bo the chief aim of the orchardist when young trees are being dealt with. It i 3 far easier to attend to this matter during the summer than to leave it until the winter pruning..