FRUIT TREES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1940, Page 3

FRUIT TREES

CLEANING AND SPRAYING The spraying of fruit trees can be carried out now while- the trees are completely at rest, for then a much stronger wash can be used than when growth commences. A very common (complaint. especially in old and neglected orchards and those situated in damp positions, is the growth of moss and lichens on the stem and main branches. These are epiphytes and do not take anything out of the trees, but they block up the breathing pores, and form an excellent shelter for the iresting spores of fungus pests, the eggs, and in some stages also of the insect pests, and they look bad. Some people spray with a lime mixture, and though this is to some extent effective, it is not so satisfactory as caustic soda. Caustic soda three ounces, and water two gallons, is a good strength for a winter spray. This spray should be made fresh every day and as it burns readily, great care should be taken to protect the hands and face. Should any of the spray reach the skin it should be smeared with lard, which will (have the effect of allaying the pain. Do not try to wash oil the spray with water for this makes it worse. If the trees have boon very bad after the spray has killed the moss and lichen it may be necessary lo remove the latter with a still' brush, afterwards burning them io destroy any insect or fungus pests which may be hiding. A caustic spray should be applied with considerable force. Groat care has to be taken lo see that the caustic spray does not touch any green | foliage such as evergreen shrubs, vegetables. or grass, for it will burn them.