ORCHARD WORK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19846, 21 May 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

ORCHARD WORK

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES THE WORK AHEAD. In a few weeks lifting and transplanting fruit and other trees will be again in full operation, and no planter can afford to leave to the last moment such preparations as will ensure successful growth after planting. Not only is it necessary to place the ground in the best possible condition for the trees, but the selecting of the most suitable varieties to plant planning out the ground, and arranging the positions best suited to the varieties to be planted. Fruit growing is no longer the easy task of former years, when insects and diseases (especially the latter) that play such havoc with the fruit, even after they are matured and ripened, little known. The origin of ripe rot in stone fruits, bitter pit and other diseases in apples and other pip fruits, appear to be little known, or at any rate no efficient remedy has so far been found that will eradicate or even properly control these diseases. Unfortunately they are chiefly confined to the most staple varieties of fruits, as both pip and stone fruits are subject to its attacks which are so insidious and destructive that even the most |experienced growers are unable to detect any defects until the fruit is cut open.

It would be interesting to know whether fruit taken from orchards that lave been well drained, are affected to :he Same extent as those taken from land where little or no provision have jeen made for drainage. Is the material used for spraying the most effective for this particular class of diseases, or is it possible it is having the opposite effect! One rarely if ever, see any imported fruit, particularly apples, affected in the same way; is it that the country from which they are sent is immune from these diseases, or is it that an effective remedy that protects the fruit from injury has been found? It is sincerely to be hoped that every inquiry is being made and that no effort will be spared to trace the cause of the trouble, and, if possible, to find a remedy that will save the fruit growers from so much loss. In the formation of new orchards there are many things that need careful consideration such, for instance, as the adaptability of the soil for the varieties selected, the lie of the ground, the most sheltered positions being chosen for the most tender varieties; in fact every detail that is likely to advance the interest of the planter should be carefully considered. In every instance the best and most profitable returns are taken from orchards that receive the best attention. One thing is especially important, that whatever tho nature of the soil, thorough drainage is necessary to successful fruit culture, for while a certain amount of moisture is necessary to keep the trees in a healthy, growing condition, an excess of it, or. stagnant water at the roots, is fatal to their growth. To simply dig deep holes in soils of a stiff clay nature, especially when the subsoil is composed of clay, without providing an outlet for surplus water is to court failure. Yet hundreds of trees are planted in this way. In such soils providing double ploughing or trenching cannot be done, it would be far better to break up and prepare the land only to the depth of the subsoil, rather than to penetrate the clay and form wells for water to lie and stagnate. Where a mixed variety of fruit trees are to be planted, the soil and situation best suited to their requirements should be selected. The peach and nectarine will succeed in any reasonably good loamy soil but require a fairly sheltered position, while apples, pears and quinces will thrive in soils of a stiffer nature, and in more exposed positions. Plums succeed best when planted in moderately strong, loamy soil, and when reasonably sheltered from the cold spring winds. But in addition to the general standard orchard fruits, tree tomatoes, persimmons, passion fruit, loganberries and others are in increasing demand, and if the prices paid by the consumer can be taken as a guide, they should be profitable additions to the orchardist. Most of these succeed well in districts not subject to very severe frosts, and produce abundant crops under reasonably good treatment. The lemon and other of the citrus family succeed best in any good deep alluvial soils, with a free, open subsoil, in such soils there is generally a free outlet for surplus moisture so that any artificial draining is not required. The main thing to study in planting citrus fruits is not to cover the plants too deep but Jo always keep the part where the bud or graft has been inserted well above the soil. In exposed positions it may be necessary to provide some shelter from the prevailing winds, but while a certain amount of shelter is needful for the more tender varieties, too dense a shelter is by no means an advantage for heavy fruit trees. Deciduous trees in fact are benefited by being exposed

to all the light and air they can get throughout the autumn and during their season of rest. Their season of inactivity is so short that unless fairly well exposed tho wood cannot ripen . sufficiently to ensure sound, healthy, well-matured buds. In replanting and renovating old orchards much needs to be done before the soil is in a fit condition for planting young trees, so that the work of preparing the ground cannot be started too early. No trees should be allowed to remain that have proved unprofitable, as the same space land attention is required to grow a bad ’ tree as a good one. It may not be nl- ; ways necessary or advisable to grub i the trees out, for if. it is healthy i though unprofitable, both time and labiour will be saved, by regrafting with some more suitable variety that is known to succeed well in the locality. At the time of pruning the wood for grafting should be selected and be heeled in the soil in a cool place until (required for use.