THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21036, 21 November 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE ORCHARD.

PROTECTION .OF TREES

The weather for some weeks past has been favourable for the setting of the fruits of all lato flowering orchard frees. Pip fruits, especially, have had every chance to set good crops, and from this time onward, judicious spraying will play an important part in the success attained. Fungoid diseases may prove more troublesome, as much of the winter dressing for these diseases proved of little avail owing to the almost incessant rain. To grow and mature sound fruit, whether, in large or small quantities, judicious spraying almost throughout the whole growing season has become a necessity, not only to protect the fruits from the codlin moth, but in protecting the foliage and fruit from other pests.

THE BROWN BEETLE, At this time the brown beetle, the fully developed insect of what is commonly known as the grass grub, is in the flying stage, and attacks the young tender foliage of almost every variety of k fruit trees, as well as "other trees, shrubs and plants, hence the difficulty in keeping this pest in check, much less in eradicating it. With fruit growers, their chief concern is in keeping their fruit trees free from these and other pests. For this * reason, spraying is essential not only for trees that are subject to fhe attacks of codlin moth, but any fruit trees subject to the attacks of leaf-eating insects. With pip fruits at this stage of their growth the codlin moth is generally very active in depositing its eggs in the eyes of apples; pears, quinces and other fruits they attack. It is when pip fruits are at this stage and in an upright position that spraying is most effective, as the arsenical solution is easily deposited in the eye of the fruit, and when the first brood at any rate, is more easily destroyed, providing the spraying is done so that every fruit is moistened with the arsenate of lead solution. To be thoroughly effective against codlin moth, however, the trees require to be sprayed at reasonable intervals from the time of the setting of the fruit until they are practically matured, the spraying being regulated by the weather. In showery weather for instance, more frequent applications are necessary than when fine, dry weather prevails. RAVAGES OF THE LEECH. The leech, or which is sometimes called pear slug, is the most destructive of the leaf-eating pests, and it is responsible for many failures with plums and other trees it attacks. The trees being often left unsprayed, the insects are allowed to continue their ravages until almost all the foliage is destroyed and the growth of the tree is severely checked. This pest usually commences its ravages as soon as hot dry weather sets in. The eggs are deposited by a fly upon the leaves of plum, pear, quince, cherries, medlars, and other trees, a number of eggs being often laid on one leaf. These hatch out in a few days, and at once commence to feed upon the foliage. AN EFFECTIVE REMEDY. It usually takes about three weeks for the newly hatched insects to obtain their full growth, and by that time, if not destroyed, they will have so eaten the skin of the leaves as to leave them practically skeletons, and check all the growth. Every effort should be made to keep the trees as free as possible from this pest. It is by no means a very difficult pest to keep under control, as the arsenate of lead solution judiciously applied is effective in destroying this and other leaf-eating insects. - Some judgment must be exercised as to how often the trees should be dressed, as much depends upon the weather. In dry weather for instance, the material remains effective much longer than during showery weather. There is, however, little risk in applying the solution if the directions furnished with the material are complied with.

THE HAWTHORN. MANY FLORAL PICTURES. The different varieties of Crataegus, or hawthorns, the double-white, red, rose, and scarlet as well as the old single white, or may, that was extensively used for field hedges, are now a floral picture. Unfortunately, the advent of the fire-blight menace decreed the destruction of many hedgerows. Whether this was justified or not is a matter of conjecture. Few hardy shrubs are more useful and ornamental than the hawthorn. The majority of the species and varieties are noted for their berry-bearing qualities and highly appreciated for their appearance when covered in attractive many-coloured berries.

Pyracantha, tho evergreen hawthorn, is now classed with the Crataegus. The variety augustifolia produces a mass of scarlet berries which retain their beauty throughout the winter. Coccinea Lelandi, the fiery thorn, produces it mass of brilliant fiery red berries. Crenulata, a dwarf species, makes a popular hedge plant in cold climates. In the warmer climates, red spider and thrips often destroy its appearance, and spread to other plants. USEFUL FLOWERING SHRUB. Polygala oppositifolia is an attractive shrub worthy of special notice at the present time. Its branches are wreathed in the greatest profusion of pea-shaped purple blossoms distinct from any other flowering shrub. It is well worthy of a plaice in the mixed border.