Replies to Correspondents

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 10 (Supplement)

Replies to Correspondents

•1.C.K., Omahu.—The sodium chlorate and limr should be the most effective method of controlling the thistle. "Jihjiiirer," Otalnih I.—The trouble is Cladosporium and can l:e controlled by spraying early in the season with shirian, obtainable from any seed store. "Vine," Knmeii. —The application of nitrogen »ill probably briny: about an improvement. I'se sulphate of ammonia one ounce to each square yard, well hoed in. Spray occasionally with lime sulphur, 1- - so. There are signs of leaf spot, which the spray will control. ti.H., Katikati. —'The leaves were received but with no indication of their origin. Always enclose a slip with name and address or other particulars* lo avoid delay. The trouble was citrus scab and spraying with Bordeaux powder, one ounce to one gallon of water, should control. "Twitch," Northcote. —There ' are many proprietary weed killers obtainable from see stores which would be quite effective on the Harden paths. If the odour is not objected lo for a time, spent oxide from gas manufacture spread on the paths will keep them clean tor a lons time. "Daffodil," Taumarunui. —The bulb has been eaten round the base. This caused the decay. The grubs of the beetle enclosed are probably responsible for the damage. Before planting the bulbs next time immerse them in a solution of arsenate of lead powder, half an ounce to one gallon of watler. This will poison any grubs which attack the bulbs. M.U., Whakatane.—(l) Citrus scale, spray with while oil such as Volek, as per directions on container. C-) The Chinese gooseberry will sometimes produce hermaphrodite flowers. This has evidently happened in your case. So long as there is at least, one male flower this will pollinate quite a number of blooms. The case is, however, interesting and 1 would be pleased to hear later whether the fruits reached maturity.

" Wftipa."—The disease is the raspberry spur blight. To control, cut out the old canes immediately after fruiting: and burn. them. Its winter cut out any of the now nines that are showing dark or silvery-while patches around the buds. Spray with lime sulphur (I in HO in spring, when the buds have pushed out not more than half an inch. Spray iigaiu with lime sulphur il in 10> when the blossoms show while. It is possible also that (he soil is lacking; in potash. Apply loz. per sijuaro jnrd of sulphate of potash in early spring. - "Interested," New Lynn.—(l) There are quite a number of the native trees that will grow by salt water, but if the soil is saturated with moisture, mangroves are about the only ones to be successful! Ngaio; pohutnkawa; Grisclina lucida; Pittosporum crassifolinm: taupata, or puriri, would bo suitable for a salt-water frontago. ('_>) If the bark of the acmena near (he ground has pooled off, it is a case of root rot, and if not too far gone could be shifted in April; its condition will show on lifting whether it is worth replanting The soil may bo dry on the surface, but the crucial point is how deep is the water table. That is, how deep can you go before striking water. For that is all the soil the trees will be able to grow in. CO Bon'Chrietien pear is self-fertile and with the Packhams, pollination should be good. Other good varieties are Conference and Mario Louiso. (4) If there are any young growths from the base of the peach trees you could bud them with the desired variety during the present month, rutting tbo tops off next, autumn when the leaf falls. Grafting stone frui's is not very satisfactory owing to gumming. <*>) Suitable trees far planting on the bank, Japanese cherry, Crimson gum, Hakea laurina. Photinia glabra, or ACacia Bnileyana in the order of preference given ((>) Plum, Satsuma hybrid, cross between Satsuma and an English plum. Kir Ob