THREAT TO FRUIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23192, 11 November 1938, Page 8

THREAT TO FRUIT

LOSS FROM FIEEBLIGHT HENDERSON OUTBREAK GROWERS' SERIOUS CONCERN Fireblight in, apple and pear trees in orchards at Hendenson is causing fruitgrowers there serious concern. Some growers, it is estimated, will suffer heavy losses. "We ordered 2000 cases for our pears this season, but we are not sure whether we wilil have any pears at all; we have cancelled the order for the. cases,'' said one grower yesterday. In; his orchard apple trees were also Mr fected, but not to the lame extent as his pear trees. *

Other growers reported that they would suffer a loss on their pear crop, while some were more, concerned about the infection of their apple trees. In most cases, however, growers considered that it was too early to give an actual estimate of thins loss they would probably suffer. Some orchards have escaped lightly.

Firebligkt bits , been in evidence in the Henderson district for some years, but for the most part the infection has been slight. This is the first year it has assumed serious proportions. Orchardists about the central part of Lincoln Road are the principal sufferers.

Every effort is being made by the Department of Agriculture to stamp out the outbreak. Growers are urged to exercise extreme vigilance over their trees and to cut and burn any part that shows infection. .

Fireblight occurs when apple and pear trees are coming into blossom, and outbreaks are usually at their worst in October and November.