FIREBLIGHT IN NELSON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21641, 6 November 1933, Page 5

FIREBLIGHT IN NELSON

LIMITED AREA AFFECTED COMBATING THE .OUTBREAK • -I Mr. W. T. Goodwin," assistant-direc-tor of the Horticultural Division, who lias been in Nelson organising the work in connection with the suppression of the appearance in suburban orchards of fireblight, said last week that the outbreak so far appeared to be localised and the action in hand to cut out infection should cause its eradication, unless infection later appeared in a wide area where it is not visible at present. The infection is of the blossom infection type and apparently what is known as a late blossom infection, only the late blooms being infected. Hawthorn blossom infection nad also been located, but it was not possible to say at present, said Mr. Goodwin, what extent of the hawthorn blossom was infected, because they are only now at the full blossom stage. Extra inspectors are being engaged immediately,, and a thorough inspection of all orchards and hawthorns in a gradually-increasing area from the centre of infection is being arranged. The Public Works Department in con- • junction with the Nelson Fireblight Committee, is increasing the number of relief workers in the vicinity ofiinfe- t tion, and they are engaged in the cutting back and eradication of hawthorn. "In the meantime," concluded Mr. Goodwin, "there are no reasons for causing any panic. The infection, coming after the main blossoming season, is not likely to affect _ the present season.'s crop, and • providing that any tip infection —infection of tips of new season's growth which is always likely to occur at a later stage—which may appear is pr6perly dealt with and removed, the danger of any infection next season may be completely overcome.''