COMMERCIAL GARDENING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26197, 6 July 1946, Page 4

COMMERCIAL GARDENING

PARISITIC DISEASES After the visit to Kakanui of Mr Hudson, of the Department of Agriculture, in connection with the control of parisitic diseases in glasshouses, the sub-committee set up to investigate the adoption of this control by steam and chemical sterilisation has advised the North Otago Commercial Gardeners’ Association that arrangements have been made with officers of the Horticultural Division to commence steam and chemical - sterilising on July 15, on an experimental basis. The selected glasshouse is to be divided into 18 plots, nine plots on each side of a central pathway. In addition to the steam sterilising, the chemical sterilising will consist of four separate chemicals. Three plots will be devoted to each of these experiments, leaving three control plots for the compulation of yield. The department has forwarded all the agents necessary for the chemical experiments, and with the co-operation of Christchurch and Nelson members the local association will receive the equipment for the steam sterilising experiment, utilising a local traction engine to supply the pressure. To ensure complete isolation of each individual plot for the compiling of precise scientific data, plot division will be caireid out. preferably by corrugated iron partitions. This material is practically unprocurable, and the association issues an appeal to holders for the loan or sale Of 32 six-foot lengths.