Apple Scala.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14153, 12 March 1910, Page 4 (Supplement)

Apple Scala.

; AN EFFECTIVE SPRAY. At a meeting of tlie Hawke'a Bay Fruit-growers' Association last week, Mr F. Cook, who received from the association in July last a sample of scaleeide to experiment with, reported that on September 16tli lie sprayed an old Ribstone apple tree that was literally covered with scale. He also used it on a peach tree for curl, on an apricot tree for shot-hole fungus, and on a rose busk for ;\vhite scale and green aphis, each with very satisfactory results. With regard to the scale, to which he paid particular attention, and which he was most anxious about, he examined tha trees and the scale through the microscope on the 19th (three 'days after) alid again on the 22nd, and although there were millions of scales (of course at this date it is known that tho scale itself is naturally dead, but the shell is filled with eggs which hatch out in November). Ho examined some through the lens. On the l&t-h he found a few live eggs, but on the 22nd lie could find none, although he took samples from various parts of the tree. About a month afterwards Mr Nottage, Government orchard inspector, paid him a visit, and together they made another careful inspection of the tree and the scale through the microscope, but could find absolutely no living eggs. Mr Nottagc expressed himself as being highly satisfied with the result. On February 22nd last the crop was picked, and he instructed his men to keep a box full from that tree separate. This was done, and upon examination after discarding a few niothy ones there were 104 apples loft, and on those 104 he could only find 64 individual scales, each one being examined separately and carefully, wliile from the next tree, which had been sprayed at the same time, with another preparaton, he took an apple and scraped off and counted 71, and on another ICS. On March 4th, 3 910, he tried it on a Coxes O.P. for woolly aphis, nd it was sudden death to all it touched, which he considered very gratifying. He brought tif the meeting samples of sprayed and unsprayed twigs for the members to see. The strength used was 1 to 60. In the former winter spraying it was" 1 to 20. Scaleeide is an oil spray, in appearance similar to Neptune Red Oil. emulsifying instantly with cold water without nnv effort in the operator's part, turning tho liquid to a. milkv while. It is easy to apply, being harmless to the operator and thoroughly effective. Ro was highly satisfied with the results obtained and could truly recommend it for effectiveness. The nrie->, however, was against its universal use. the cheapest rate being 7s (3d per gallon. which is a heavy charge for a n-rui with a large number of tivos to do.—Mr Cook trns accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his rewrt.