FRUIT-TREE PRUNING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3099, 6 August 1913, Page 12

FRUIT-TREE PRUNING.

DEMONSTRATION AT MOSGIEL. A practical demonstration of fruit-tree pruning was given in the garden of Mr D. F. Gibson, at Mosgiel, on Saturday afternoon, by Mr W. T. Goodwin, the Government orchard instructor and fruit expert for Otago and Southland. Ihcweather cleared up in the afternoon, and a large number of people availed themselves of the Opportunity to gain information on this most important point of fruitgrowing ; fully 80 people being present. A number journeyed out from the city to “pick up points” along with the residents of Mosgiel, Wingatui, and the Taicri. Mr Goodwin first explained the objects of pruning, viz., to increase the size, appearance, and quality of the fruit, to secure regular crops every year, to maintain the" life of a tree over a lengthy period, and to accomplish all these upon the most economic lines. He then proceeded to show the best method of attaining this by a judicious application of the pruning secateurs and also of the pruning saw. The first tree operated on was an apple-tree. Several large cross limbs were removed, opening up the centre of the tree and giving it a better balanced appearance. The instructor then proceeded to trim up the remaining limbs, explaining the different treatment required for the leading shoots, to carry on the main extension and preserve the balance in the right direction ; the lateral shoots, to make thorn fruit-bearing; and the fruit spurs, which have to be depended on to provide the crop for the next season. The tree began to present a much better appearance, and called forth remarks of approval from those present, the main limbs being more evenly spaced, not so crowded, and allowing for the free admittance of sunlight and the circulation of air, which the instructor pointed out was essential for the ripening of the fruit-buds and the development of tiro fruit later on, besides making much better conditions for the application of spraying mixtures. After pruning a couple of apple-trees, and satisfactorily answering numerous inquiries relating thereto, Mr Goodwin turned his attention to a plum-tree and carried out another similar operation, pointing out that the main principles of pruning applied alike to all classes of fruit. In the removal of the larger limbs it was shown how to make a cut that would heal rapidly and prevent decay getting down into the heart of the tree; an occurrence that often -occurs after the depredations made by some careless primers. Operations were then transferred to a currant and a gooseberry bush, the treatment required for each of these being thoroughly shown. At the close of the demonstration Mr Goodwin made some interesting remarks about the different diseases to which fruittrees are susceptible, and recommended the proper treatment. Pie also handed out leaflets dealing with the mixing of spraying compounds. Most of those present could see the practicability of the methods adopted, and appreciation was shown by a ■hearty vote of thanks carried at the end of the demonstration. A hearty vote of thanks was also given to Mr Gibson for the use of his orchard in which to hold the demonstration. A New Plymouth resident has samples of apples which he has preserved by a method peculiar to himself. The fruit had been kept outside, under the trees, and exposed to all weathers. Nothing more than a wire netting hammock was used in this instance, and the fruit was in excellent condition. A shallow wooden box may be substituted. but on no account should the fruit be covered up, further than protection from the birds. The fruit lias been kept three months in tin’s way, and will com

pare more than favourably, in the direction of flavour and soundness, with any apples on the market.