TO CORRESPONDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21332, 5 November 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

TO CORRESPONDENTS

F.J.L., Mauku.—The twiner is Parsonia neterophylla, the native jasmine. le Whare," Thames.—The bulbous flowering plant is Brodiaea coccinea. J.D.G., Greenmeadows, anr] " Tahunca." Crisborne.—Replies will appear next week. Rawene.—The bulbous flower is Morphixia paniculata, now classed Unde lxla. " Shelter." Waihi.—The plant, ia Acacia melanoxylon. the blackwood tree of Australia. It will thrive in any soil or situation. D.McI., Tangowahine.—The specimen is Diosma ericoides, a sweet-scented, evergreen shrub, commonly called breath of heaven. It is a native of South Africa. "Inquirer," City.—Thft specimen is Wignndia macrophylla; lilac flowers, hairy tomentose. It is a. very distinct flowerinc shrub. It is a native of Caraccas, Central America. D.G.8., Papatoetoe. Spray tomatoes under glass for mildew on the under-sides of leaves with Bordeaux mixture, the <l-1 10 formula, or with soluble sulphur, l'b. to 10 gallons of water. A.8.. Hawera.—The white stem and white variegation in the leaves of the rose Hon. Ina Bingham is a most uncommon occurrence and is generally. a sign of weakness. It is quite unique to happen in a rose, but is hardly worth perpetuating. "Daffodil," Hnwera.—You write regarding double daffodils under deciduous trees not flowering the first season after taking them up. dividing and replanting. They should flower next season, provided the bulbs have made a good growth. Cr.W., Otorohanga.—Root fungus . has caused the apple trees to wilt and die when they are coming into leaf. It usually exists in soils previously in fern. Turd up the soil to the sun and liberally mix quicklime and sulphur with it, or inject carbon bisulphide to sterilise and kill fungoid germs. A.E.M., Whangarei.—The apples Willie Sharp and Warner's King were affected with bitter rot or pit. Where drainage is defective this disease is some varieties. Attend to winter spraying with the lime sulphur or caustic soda-alkali solution. When the btids are swelling in the spring apply Bordeaux mixture, the 10-6-40 formula. A.E.M., Whangarei.—The Winter Colo pear leaves are badly attacked with a species of fungus similar to the shothole fungus. Spray with lime sulphur in the winter. In the spring, as the buds are swelling, eprny with a strong solution of Bordeaux, the 30-0-40 formula. After the flowering spray with soluble sulphur, lib. to 10 gallons of water. " Old Subscriber," Moerewa.—The specimens are:—l. Coprosma tenuicaulis. 2. Melanoselinum decipiens. 3. Coprosma Cnnninghamii. 4. Plumbago larpentae. 5. Rapanea urvillci (mapou). 0. Hypericum androsaenum. 7. Olearia Cunninghaiuii. 8, Brachyglottis repnnda (rangiora). 9. Pinelia, prostrata. 10. Veronica feucrium prostrata. 11. Doronicum. 12. Species of campanula. Send a better specimen. 13. Sednm dendroideum. 14. Coprosma rhamnoides. 15. Omitted. 10. Arctotis grandiflora. 17. Linuni monogynum. J.K., Helensville.—The mummified or pod-shaped fruits on the Burbank plum arc caused by a species of fungus. This often occurs upon trees that lack vigour, but produce an abundance of flowers. Spray tho trees in winter with lime sulphur or the caustic soda-alkali solution, and when the flower buds are swelling with Bordeaux mixture, the G-4-40 formula. When the fruits have set apply a spraying of soluble sulphur, lib. to 10 gallons of water. Liberally prune to encourage new growth. Also apply a liberal dressing of manure. P.C.A., ■ Taupiri.—Black 'aphis on the peach and nectarine is a most serious nest. When the trees are coming into leaf the young shoots become curled and twisted by the infection. The aphis hibernates at the roots and can be treated with waste tabo'cco. Remove 3in. of soil for about 3ft. around the tree, spread the tobacco evenly over the surface, and return the soil. The winter rains will wash the poison in and destroy many of the insects. In the spring, when the aphis appear on the branches, dress with Black lieag 40, to which add some soft soap or nlolasses to make it more adhesive. Apply hot. Give a second dressing if necessary. H.C., Otorohanga.—Spraying too frequently and with too strong insecticides and fungicides would have a damaging effect. Arsenate of lead paste, one tablespoonful to tlje gallon of water, applied when tho flower petals are dropping and every 21 days after until the fruits are maturing, is necessary for codlin moth. Lime sulphur should be applied once in the winter. Bordeaux mixture, the 4-4-40 formula. is the strength for tomatoes and potatoes. Apply every fortnight. For peach curl apply as much as 101b. of.bluestone and Olb. of fresh lime to 40 gallons of water. When tie flower ' buds are 'swelling, ono application is sufficient - Soluble sulphur should be applied at a strength of lib. to 10 gallons of water. . Full instructions for spraying special mixtures, the strength to use and the time to apply are given in the weekly notes " Bitter," Kotorua.—Wallflowers when cut back and replanted are never very satisfactory. Save the seeds and raise fresh plants. By careful selection you will obtain a good range of colours. With reference to garden mauures and their uses, organic manures, consisting of blood and bone and steamed bonedust in equal parts, are tho safest and best for general garden purposes. Guano and fish manure should be mixed with soil and sparingly used on account of its strength. Superphosphate should be applied in spring and summer as a topdressing. and hoe it in. Snlphato of ammonia may be mixed with the super. Sulphate of potash should be applied in the winter and early spring. Apply basic slag in early winter and hoe or dig in. Sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of t,oda and sulphate of potash must be sparingly given by a light dusting on the surface soil around the plants without touching the foliage. These are best applied in liquid form. loz. of each to the gallon of water. With nitrate of soda a little and often is the best system of application. It is a powerful stimulant Where there is a deficiency of lime and there is plenty of humus,. apply basic slag in early winter. KF.ro 3.