STRAWBERRY SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20903, 19 June 1931, Page 8

STRAWBERRY SEASON.

BEDS WELL ADVANCED.

OVER 3,000,000 PLANTS.

COMBATING THE ROOT DISEASE,

Planting operations in Auckland in preparation for the strawberry season are nearing completion and it is estimated by the firms supplying tho growers that Hy the end ol tho month more than 3,000,u00 plants will have been distributed. The number of plants cultivated last year was about 2,500,000. There are more growers this year, and last month and this month—which comprise tho planting season—have been ideal for planting operations, on account of tho sunshine and rain.

Tha new beds are well advanced and far fewer replacements of plants than are necessitated in the averago season have been required. There is about the same number of old beds, although the cultivation of two-year plants is not a recognised principle in the Auckland'district. Most of the old beds, which are scattered in the various districts, comprise Captain Cook and Helenslea Surprise varieties. As was the case last year the majority of the plants in the new beds are of the Marguerite variety. There are more Captain Cook plants this year. Suppliers, however, have not been able to meet the considerably increased demand for this class. The remaining plants are mostly Helenslea Surprise. The locations of the beds are mainly tho same as last year, although there are larger areas under cultivation at Mount Roskill and New Lynn, where the favourable type of soil should result in satis-" factory crops. The most numerous beds are at Birkdale, Northcote, Birkenhead and Mount Roskill. Smaller and scattered crops aro grown at Avondale South, Glen Eden, Henderson and adjacent districts, and also at Taupaki, Manurewa, and Ostend, Waiheke Island.

Many areas where the root disease was prevalent have been abandoned and the growers have Belected new plots. The trouble is attributed to the soil in certain localities. A close examination of the beds at the nurseries whence the plants aro obtained has resulted in no signs of tho disease being found and the healthy state of the nurseries has been certified by ths Department of Agriculv ture.

The vagaries of the weather are the principal factors in the strawberry industry, but given a mild winter and a warm spring with occasional light showers a plentiful yield should be obtained. A few berries are usually available about the end of October and the season proper commences about the middlo of November. Inquiries for the fruit aro usually keen and stocks are sent throughout the North Island. The gross turnover to strawberry growers last season was less than usual and slightly lower net prices were obtained.