Replies to Correspondents

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Replies to Correspondents

0.A.C.. Patumajioo.—Native shrub, Eugenia ' mairo, native name Maire-tawako. V.A.L., Papatoeioe.—(l) Spergula arvensis, (Spurrey). (2) Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel), (3) Malva rotundifolia (Mallow). (.J) Solanum nigram. (Black^ightshade). 0.L., Tuakau—Specimen of grass is I nnlcum crus-galli; common name Barnyard grass or cockspur millet. Usually regarded as a weed and of little feeding value. •Hoots," Papakurn.—The usual amount of salt to apply to beotroot is two pounds for fain square rod of ground. The seaweed is best placed inn compost heap to decay before being used. Six or seven weeks after, it will bo ready for digging in. . Mnngoro.—Tho grapes are affccted with ripe rot. A regular spray programme is required in order to combat this trouble. Bordeaux mixture 5-5-fiO (1) when second or third leaf is showing! (2) before blossoms opon; (.*{) after blossom fails: (1) again in 10 to 11 days. "Try Again," Taurnnga.—Tho aquilegias must havo a chance if they are to make a good show next season. Jf you rob them of sustenance by planting something in between to make a rhow you cannot expect tho nquilegias to give of their best. Tho foliage should not bo cut off until it ripens, or the crowns will bo weakened. "Okahukura School".—Both specimens are plantains. The broad leaved ono is Plantagp major and the narrow leaved specimen piantago lanceolata, commonly called rib grass, although the plant is not a grass at all. Common names are very misleading, and for accuracy the botanical nanicß should be used in pre'erence, as common namew vary in different localities, ili.K., Keri Keri.—(l) The Australian Christmas Bush is Ceratopetalum gummiferurn. Species of eucalyptus but leaf is not sufficient to stato what, variety. (,'l) Virgilia capensis, 20 feet, straight trunk with bushy head. (4) Specimen insufficient, (fi) Tho wistaria can be grown as a bush by stunting the plants. This is done by growing tho plants in large pots or similar receptacles, then sinking tlie.se in the ground. The object being to induce the plants to make short, stubby growths which eventually bocome covered with flower buds, ((j) Kindly number specimens when sending. "Oto." Otorohangn.—(l) The leaves aro affectoii with plum rust. The effect of this is to defoliato tho trees prematurely, which of couiso, weukens them. Tho summer and winter spores of tho rust are formed on the plum and tho spring spores on the tuberous anemone, improved conditions can bo brought about by systematic manuring. Sulphate of potash should be applied at two ounces pe» squaro yard at the present time and again in spring jufit brfore the blossoms open. After the fruit has set, spray with lime sulphur at'a strength of one in 120, C2) The following list of azaleas should suit your purpose:— Criterion, salmon pink, margined white; Splondons, rosy salmon j Glory of Sunninghlll, rich pink; President, rich rose; Vivid, orange scarlet. Tho truo flame and orange shades aro to be found in Azalea mollis, the deciduous type.

H.W.B.—Thanks for photo, which will be reproduced if possible. "Puzzled," North Auckland.—(l) Cape weed (Cryptosteinina calendulaceuin. (2) Ox M.vwf <Picri! ! e . thioides >- (3) Centaurj (li.rj thraea centaurium). (-1) Hawkbit (Leontodon hispid us). wvu A' 10 f. n J on -: —l' he specimen of plant sent for identification goes under two names llie one most commonly used is Justicia carnea. Iho same plant is sometimes grown under the naino of Jacobinia magnifica I'ftrnea, but they are one and the same, botanical authorities have not been abo to agree as to which is correct. "yine," Whakatane.—The vine is attacked by downy mildew. Burn all fallen leaves and affected fruits, then spray with Bordeaux powder at one ounce to one gallon of water Just beforo the vines start into growth next season, spray with (lie Bordeaux powder three ounces to one gallon of water and follow up after tho loaves have formed with tho ono ounco to ono gallon spray. A.8.C.. Mount Roskill.—The insects nre the Australian paper nest wasp, Polistes humilis. J'heso wasps have a fondness for fruit, especially citrus. The nests should bo searchod for and destroyed. These will be found in sunny positions hanging downwards by a slonder stalk, the cells being arranged as in a honeycomb. Hold a lighted torch of paper beneath tho nests at dusk as ■ wasps spend tho night on top of the comb. AAV., Glen Eden.—(l) The foliage of the nectarino is affected by mineral deficiency, principally iron anil nitrogen. Iron may be present in the soil but on nccount of excess of limo it is not available to tho tree. Apply sulphato of iron at the present time about quarter pound to the two-year-old tree. Follow with an application of sulphato of ammonia two pounds per tree in earlv spring just us growth is starting. (2) A pollinator is not necessary for Golden Queen peach. "Novice," Onohunga.—The green appearance of the surface soil is a sign of a sodden, badly-drained condition. Such soil would also have a tendency to sourness. Improve tho drainage if possible first. Dig tho soil deeply and leave as rough as possible for the winter, also give a good dressing of lime now, and again in the spring. Tile rpcho lime would be best for your purpose. Place in small heaps and cover with soil, tho lime will then gradually slake and can then be spread over tho surface. "Uarborry," Ngatea.—(l) The peach may be a very poor seedling or a very late kiiui, but from the quality it would scarcely be worth keeping. (2) The apple is throwing up suckers from the stock. Clear the soil away down to where the suckers arise from the root, then cut them 6(f cleanly. If cut in any other way tho sucke-s simply sprout again(3) Cuttings of seedless barberry can be put in any time from the end of this month until June. Make the cuttings from the straight shoots which usually come up in the centre. The cuttings should be about nine inches lone cut sqaure below a joint and inserted half their length in tho ground. Tread firmly when inserted.