CARE OF BUDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22030, 9 February 1935, Page 8 (Supplement)

CARE OF BUDS

SUCCESSFUL UNIONS A few weeks after budding, all stocks should be examined to make certain that the ties are not cutting into the bark. If there is any sign of this, the raffia should be removed and a new piece put on. The bud can be examined at the same time. If the bud is still plump, and the bark around it fresh and green all is well. On the other hand if it has shrivelled up, and is brown, there will still be time to insert another bud on the opposite side of the stock. * ' , The stock,' whether of rose or fruit tree, is allowed to grow, unhindered

tintil the September following the budding. Then all its top growth is cut back to a point a quarter of an inch above the uppermost bud that has made a union with the stock, and is consequently still fresh and fhis ■will concentrate the rising sap into the bud or' buds and force them into growth, , • All shoots from the stock, whether above or below the bud, must be removed as soon as they are detected. If allowed to remain they will divert sap and weaken, or even completely kill, the variety which the stock now feeds. . The present has not been an ideal season for budding, owing to the dry conditions of both soil and atmosphere. Unless there is is a plentiful sap flow, the bark refuses to part company with the wood, and it is difficult to insert the bud; while if the operation is ■unduly delayed, the hot air dries up the thin layer of sap moisture covering the underside of the shield, and the chances of a union are remote. SILVER LEAF DISEASE Branches of plum trees bearing Eilverv-looking leaves should be cut out and burned to prevent the spread of the silver leaf disease. While silvered branches may not die at once, it is only a question of time before they are ruined, and since they cannot be cured, it is as well to dispose of them before the fungus spreads through the tree. Cut infected branches back beyond the * r ® a affected by the fungus. If there is !!§&. stain or brown core to the wood. 1 oack until the wood >lio\vh clean.