YIELD OF APPLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23263, 4 February 1939, Page 17

YIELD OF APPLES

LIGHTER CROPS RULE POPULAR LINES AFFECTED EXPORT OF EARLY VARIETIES RAIN BENEFITS ORCHARDS Although tho fruit is maturing well up to time, lighter crops of apples will be available for export from orchards in the Auckland district this season. A moderate yield lias been obtained from tho earlier varieties, notably Gravensteins, but tho well-known Delicious and the popular export line, Cox's Orange Pippin, will bo coming forward in smaller quantities. When tho season closed recently for tlie export of Gravensteins, approximately 1000 cases had been forwarded from the Auckland district, while* an additional 600 cases of Willie Sharp, another early apple, aro being despatched by growers. The chief orchard instructor of tho Department of Agriculture in Auckland, Mr. A. T. Douglas, said yesterday that up to the present stage the fruit passed for export had been of a good standard. Smaller Quantity of Delicious

Regarded as Auckland's principal apple variety, the Delicious is not likely to justify optimistic expectations when picking is commenced early next month. The maturing crop is regarded as "patchy" and, while some trees are heavily laden with good quality fruit, the majority will yield less than last year. Russet is also much in evidence, and this trouble will seriously affect tho quantities likely to bo available for export.

With its unique flavour, Cox's Orange Pippin is a New Zealand-grown apple that has won a distinct reputation among overseas consumers, but only comparatively small quantities of the variety are likely to be exported this year. Light to moderate crops are anticipated, and rough russet, which condemns the fruit for the outside markets, is in evidence. Granny Smiths, however, are showing more promise, and satisfactory results have been obtained with Ballarats. Largo sizo fruit of the latter variety will bo accepted within the next two weeks for export as cookers. Stone Fruit Crops Earlier in the season the fruit was inclined to be small, but orchards have benefited greatly from the recent rain and it is expected that the main crop of apples will maintain average marketable size. Apart from the prevalence of the bronze beetle, the incidence of pests has been slight and, where sprays have been applied regularly and efficiently, the yield shows indications of being fairlv clean. Stone fruits took well this season and, although lacking in size when maturity was reached, good results were obtained with peaches and plums. The earlier crops were marketed free of brown rot, but the trouble has made its appearance in the later varieties which were still on the trees when the heavy rain was experienced this week.