THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVI, Issue 6, 20 June 1923, Page 383

THE ORCHARD.

PRUNING.

Apple-trees on seedling stocks growing on rich heavy land in the orchards of the north-western States of America may require very little pruning after reaching maturity, but the dwarf tree on the prolific Northern Spy stock as we grow it in this Dominion requires more attention from the fruitgrower in this respect. The heavy-bearing properties and high-quality fruit from this type of tree can usually be maintained only by seasonable cultivation, manuring, and suitable annual pruning. . .

It is the custom now to grow the fruit on the laterals as well as on the spurs With which the. .framework of the tree is furnished. This furnishing in the best types covers the base as well as the upper parts of the tree ; indeed, the base is a little more closely furnished and carries heavier laterals than the upper leaders. The base, being mechanically strong, is required to carry as much of the crop as possible the heavier laterals there do no harm, as they shade only the ground. The pruner is recommended to keep this type in mind when carrying out his work, and gradually to modify the condition of that' common class of tree which has bare forks at the base, brought about chiefly by the overfurnishing of the upper leaders with heavy laterals. The latter are not only detrimental in that they cast a heavy shade, but when loaded with fruit their top-heavy condition becomes a difficult problem.

Pruning is one of the main factors in the success of our orchards, and success can be secured only by giving careful consideration to the different varieties and sometimes to individual trees. How common are overfurnished Delicious and Cox’s Orange trees ; and, instead of the laterals being thinned, how often are they shortened to wood-buds,, the congestion so accentuated resulting in little or no crop. Sturmers and Jonathans are naturally heavy-bearing varieties that soon lose their laterals unless they are invigorated and renewed by proper pruning. These can usually be pruned to wood-buds with advantage. But in all varieties overfurnishing the framework must be avoided, especially about the tops of the trees. ■ '•

In the pear-tree we have rather a different problem : the seedling stock and vigorous habit have to be reckoned with. Commonly pear-trees are overpruned, and develop crowded leaders and laterals. Why prune the laterals of such, a vigorous subject to wood-buds ? . Thin them out by all means, but shortening them makes a great amount of work at pruning-time and a' very light harvest. By bringing a pear-tree into bearing early the growth is steadied, and a mature tree properly constituted should require comparatively little annual pruning.

GENERAL.

Remember to collect scions for grafting in spring if they should be required. Fresh plantings should be pushed along when the ground is dry enough. See that trees are planted sufficiently deep and very firm. Many kinds of stone-

fruit may well be planted on good alluvial land where there is a local demand, also lemons where the soil is deep and well drained and the climate suitable. Such land is also suitable for walnuts. Sweet chestnuts of a good variety are becoming popular, and are suitably placed on hilly country. Filberts are also worth more consideration, and some plantations are returning very good crops. Good shelter-belts are beneficial in most localities, and in many they are indispensable.

Should the season be wet see that the water does not lie about the orchard ; if it does so a good plough-furrow in the right place will often lead it off. On wet days overhaul motors, implements, and harness ; a proper application of oil and paint. will save depreciation and give smooth continuous working in the busy season.

The demand for fruit may now be expected to increase. Market the fruit from store in the right order of varieties, and pack to recognized standards. Waste fruit should not be allowed to lie around in buckets or other receptacles, but should be cleaned up daily and fed to stock or buried underground, and not tipped out to rot on adjacent land, as is so often done.

—W. C. Hyde,

Orchard Instructor, Nelson.

CITRUS FRUITS.

Delayed red-oil spray at 1-40 may yet be applied if found necessary, care being taken not to make the application in any area in which early frosts have affected the trees in the slightest degree, thus weakening their vitality for the time being.

FIREBLIGHT,

The attention of orchardists and others who have common white blossoming hawthorn {Crataegus oxycantha) growing on their properties is directed to clauses 2 and 3 of the Fireblight Act, 1922, as follows : “ In the case of those districts and parts of districts included in the Second Schedule, all hawthorn shall, between the 1st day of June, 1923, and the 31st day of July, 1923, be cut down so as to prevent any part thereof from flowering, and thereafter shall be similarly cut down in the month of June or July in each year and at such other times as may be necessary to prevent any part thereof from flowering. In the case of the district and parts of districts included in the Third Schedule, wherein fireblight is known to exist, all hawthorn growing therein shall be completely destroyed before the 30th day of June, 1923, and any plants which may appear subsequently shall forthwith be completely destroyed.”

—J. W. Collard,

Orchard Instructor, Auckland.