GRAPE – CULTURE.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 4, 15 April 1913, Page 418

GRAPE - CULTURE.

S. F. Anderson.

Vine Work for May.

During the past month many growers experienced the common trouble of their grapes rotting, and in more than one instance this vexatious trouble has been put down to disease. It is not so, however. The matter has been carefully investigated by the Biologist of the Department, Mr. A. H. Cockayne, who states that “ The only fungi present are saprophytic ones that would appear as soon as the grapes.begin to rot, and they must have commenced to rot through having water on them.” The trouble is more noticeable where the bunches, have been imperfectly thinned,. thereby preventing the water or moisture condensed on them from going through the bunch, or. drying up. It is easily avoided by keeping the bunches more open. The month ■of May .is a quiet one so far as cultural operations are concerned. The renovation of old vine-borders (advised in the notes of the February issue) may now be proceeded with, provided ; they are not too dry or that the weather has not been continuously dry for some time. In' this case, wait for ■ rain. ■ • • • . . .

Growing Outdoor Grapes.

'As a branch of horticulture grape-growing has reached an important stage in this country. Although grapes are never likely to form an article of export, it has been conclusively shown during the last two years that local consumers can be supplied without the necessity of importing them from other countries, and • this at reasonable prices. The production of good fruit, however, is capable of much. greater extension. • It would be ‘better, . too, for .the production of .the best outdoor , table-grapes if the work were confined to ; small holdingssay, from 1 to 5 acres in extent —and if these areas were cultivated in a thoroughly up-to-date .manner. Only in this way can the business be made to pay. 'lt is most important that, the site , chosen . should be: on

hill country, preferably on well-drained slopes lying to the sun. This cannot be too strongly impressed on those intending to embark in the business. The quality of the soil for the vineyard is not so important a matter as the choice of locality, and it may be at once stated that all'parts of the North Island are not suitable for the industry. The rainfall varies considerably, and this must naturally influence, the grower in choice of district. Hawke’s Bay, especially the southern portion, is the best <n that respect. There are, however, many other places on the eastern side of the North Island that are eminently adapted for the purpose. The following varieties have proved suitable for growing • outdoors for table purposes : • Black : Black Hamburgh (early), Besgano Nero (mid-season), Muscat Hambro (mid-season), Chasselas Rose (early). White: Golden Chasselas (early), Chasselas de Fontainebleu (early), Foster’s Seedling (early). All the above are European varieties, and can be grown on espalier fences in the same way as the wine-grapes. . Albany Surprise and Pierce : American (mid-season). For the culture of these see leaflet No. 11, New Series.

Manuring of the Vineyard.

Some vinegrowers do not manure their vines until they • notice . a falling-off in the general growth and bearing-capacity. They should not wait to be reminded of the want of plant-food in this way. It is obvious that where a considerable weight of plant material and ripe fruit is taken away some return must be made. . It is one of the inexorable laws of plant-cultivation that sooner or later , a return to the soil must be made for the annual tax upon it. In the case of vineyards, a green crop, such as horse-beans, field-peas, mustard, rye, or in fact any crop of green stuff that can be ploughed in and gives the least trouble afterwards, should be grown every few years. In the intervening years it can take the form of well-rotted stable, manure, bonedust, blood-meal, or artificials suitable to the particular soil. Most hill country is deficient in phosphoric acid, so that phosphatic manures are the- best for such locations. The quantity applied should not exceed 2 cwt. to the acre. Sulphate of ammonia, and nitrate of soda are more fitted for vegetables and cereals, and should not be used for vines. Slow-acting manures are the-best. April is the time to commence this'work.

Whereas there were only -thirty-nine .agricultural credit societies.-in Russia in 1909, the number increased to 107 by 1912.