Wires to Replace Props In Supporting Fruit Limbs

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17949, 29 November 1932, Page 8

Wires to Replace Props In Supporting Fruit Limbs

A SUGGESTION that 'the wire-bracing ™ of fruit tree limbs will be a great. ..leal cheaper than prop supports and save a considerable loss is contained in an article contributed to the Journal of Agriculture by Mr P. Everett, orchard instructor at Gisborne.

“Wire-bracing for the support of limbs in fruit trees,” be states, “is rapidly increasing in popularity in Nov ZcalaiHl and elsewhere, and is proving more satisfactory than wooden props and less costly.” Central wiring had distinct advantages over any other system in use, tlie writer added. In this system, eadh limb was supported by a wire, one end of which was attached to the inner side of the .limb by means of a screw-qye or staple; the other ends of lire wires come together in the centre of the tree, where, they are attached to a. single ring, which was suppoi ted by ■fhe various wires.

Any means of fastening which necessitated the wire encircling the limb should be avoided on account of the trouble in preventing the wire cutting into the ibark as the diameter of 'the limb increased. Screw-eyes were 'preferred to staples for fastening the wire to the limb.

Wiring could 'be done at any (time of the year, but the most suitable time was immediately after winter pruning. Central wircybracing had many advantages over wooden props. The wirebracing was practically permanent, lasting, it was estimated, for at least 20 years, while the cost was small and (lie depreciation very low. Moreover, it did not interfere with picking and carting of fruit, spraying or cultivation, while the strain on any one liinb was supported by all limbs, and they were secure in any storm.

'.Figures were given to show that the central wire-bracing was a great deal cheaper than the use of wooden props. The 'cost of propping 100 trees was worked out, at £B, including tlhe purchase of! props every five years, and labor in 'erection and later removal. Oil the dther hand, central wiring would cost £5 6s Od, but as the wiring system was estimated to last for 20 years, with additions to the number of wires as required, the total average cost, per annum would be in the vicinity of 1 (is per 100 trees. In addition, there were many other ■savings to be gained by wire-bracing. Limbs frequently broke off at the point of contract with the props, resulting in loss of fruit. There was also loss from Kunscald 'to be considered, as a result of sun suddenly shining oil fruit ■exposed .by thp sodden bearing out. of an imperfectly braced branch. Only one advantage from propping could be discovered, and that was a large proportion, of. the fruit could bo harvested without the use of ladders. However, this advantage was more; 'than offset- by the interference of props with the normal orchard work.