THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 10

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Mr J. C. Blackmore, Government pornologist, who has just returned to Christchurch from a visit of inspection to the Alexandra, ' Clyde, and Roxburgh districts, informs the Press that the fruit crops are light in the two former districts, with the exception of the old orchard at Clyde, known as Feraud's. In the Roxburgh district the fruit crop promises to be one of the best on record. Aprioots are veryheavy, and peaches appear to be an excellent crop. Plums on the whole should afford a fair crop, also cherries, pears, and apples. Many of the strawberries ore good, though not so largely grown as formerly. The green peach aphis is in -evidence in most orchards visited, and, has caused some slight damage the foliage of the trees infested, but the statement which appeared in the papers that the peach crop is in great danger of being practically a failure in the Central 01-ago districts this season from the effects of green fly is incorrect. Mr Bladcmore is of the opinion, from personal investigation, that frost was responsible for the unhealthy appearances of a few trees here -and there met with -in the orchard!?. Careless spraying was also responsible, an several cases for traces of the fungoid disease known as peach curl. Where, however, spraying had .been thoroughly done, even with sorts susceptible to the disease, the, trees are entirely free. Shot-hole fungus of the apricot is not so prevalent this season. In several orchards this disease ha^ been held well in check by the winter application of the lime, salt, and sulphur wash, which is becoming very popular amongst growers, as an efficient insecticide' and fungicide while the trees are dormant. Bordeaux mixture has also been largely used this season as a fungicide with excellent results, especially when the spraying has been, carefully and' thoroughly done.