FRUITGROWING

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 18, 6 March 1917, Page 4

FRUITGROWING

There was a disappointing attendance at the pruning demonstration given by Mr Lloyd Williams, Government Orchard Instructor, in Mr H. A. Crispin’s orchard at Oanvaatowu, on Saturday lat.s Unfortunately this was also the case at a previous one given in the Wakaraarina. This lack of interest is to be regretted, as we can hardly expect the Government to send their experts into the district unless settlers display a little more interest.

Mr Williams pointed out that, other things being equal, winter pruning induced growth, whilst the operation carried out during the growing season retarded it. Thera are three golden rules regarding summer pruning—(l) pruning can be fairly heavy if the trees are very vigorous. (2) Prune more lightly if the growth is moderate. (31 Should the trees be stunted and producing very little growth, summer pruning should be avoided altogether except perhaps where a little correction is absolutely necessary. , .... The main objects to be attameu in summer pruning arc alsi three in number. (1) To assist in the training, especially of young trees. (21 To divert the sap from strong superfluous growths into fruiting channels by the removal or shortening of such, so that the remaining buds shall receive the extra sap necessary to transform them into fruit bud?, thereby inducing a more fruitful habit. (3) To open up the tree and allow free admittance of sunlight and air to ripen and strengthen the wood and buds, thereby rendering them more resistant to various diseases and pests. Spraying can also be done more efficiently and expeditiously. Mr Williams advised those present to carefully peruse a sound article on pruning which appeared in Friday’s issue of the Guardian. Several trees were operated upon, the process being explained as he went along. We understand from Mr Williams that there is every prospect of the fruit industry forging ahead in Marlborough. The Fruitgrowers’ Association, the formation of which was a big step forward, has already more than justified its existence by the manner in which it arranged for the disposal of practically the whole of the district’s output. Thera is also every prospect of their making a strong exhibit at Che National Apple Show at Dunedin next May, thus bringing before the New Zealand public the capabilities of the district. In addition a local fruit and flower show at Blenheim is also on the cards. Marlborough produces very fine quality finish—free from that bane of the fruitgrower of most other districts—apple scab or black spot, and bad it not been for the hail storm early in January (an almost unique experience in the district; which damaged a few of the orchards, there would have been a very small proportion of low grade apples.