THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVII, Issue 2, 20 August 1923, Page 118

THE ORCHARD.

The r experience of the past season has proved conclusively, that the Dominion markets are easily oversupplied with low-grade fruit; in fact, the demand for this grade- at present is very limited, and fruitgrowing is not a profitable proposition unless the percentage of such fruit is kept. down to io per cent, or thereabouts. Growers who have been unsuccessful in realizing this ideal should take courage from the .fact that many are attaining it consistently year after year, and should again make an earnest effort. The reason for such success is not a secret, but merely lies in doing the right thing at the right time and doing it well.

SEASONAL SPRAYING.

Specially does the-foregoing statement apply to orchard-spraying. Most of the pip-fruits are graded down for black-spot, and the stone-fruits for brown-rot, both diseases that can be controlled by proper spraying. Effective control requires the trees to be in good heart and the correct sprays to be applied at the right time. Again, the results 'of such a campaign largely depend on the initial effort. Black-spot and brown-rot fungi commence their new season’s growth at the same time as the trees on which they , live, and if they are allowed to establish themselves before preventive measures are taken the battle is lost, or, at best, the results will, be unsatisfactory.. ;

To prevent the loss of laterals, spurs, and fruit through brown-rot on apricot, peach, and stone-fruit trees, generally, follow up the spray recommended last month with a further application of bordeaux, 8-6-40, as the blossoms commence to openusually early in the month of September. Owing to the variable quality of quicklime it is always desirable to test bordeaux that is about to be applied to trees in growth ; should there be any sign of acidity more milk of lime must be added until this is neutralized.

Towards the middle of this month pear and apple trees, commence to resume their growth. Just before this takes place the first fungicide spray for the prevention of black-spot must be applied. In the districts and localities where this fungus gives comparatively little trouble, and probably powdery mildew and red mite are the worst offenders, the fungicide used may be lime-sulphur concentrate, 1 gallon to 10 gallons of water. In applying, close down the aperture of the spray-nozzle somewhat and give the job’ plenty of time, covering branches above and below. Where black-spot has been troublesome use bordeaux, 8-6-40, at the same period in place of the lime-sulphur, using the greatest care in mixing and applying. Should the trees also be affected with scale insects, aphides, or red or blister-mites, follow this application almost immediately with red oil—1 gallon to 15 or 20 gallons of water— care that a good emulsion is obtained. These are the most important sprays of the year, and a clean crop cannot be harvested without them. ■ ■ . : , ' :

CULTIVATION AND PLANTING.

' During the interval that follows these spraying operations the orchard should be ploughed and ‘ harrowed down, if this has not already -been done. - A special plough should be used for getting close in to the trees, thus avoiding the necessity of using the hand-grubber. Much damage is sometimes done at this' 1 season £i by ploughing too . deep and cutting up . the roots. Frequently it is done - by ploughing the same way twice; if the ploughing was towards the line of trees last time, reverse it by ploughing away, and so leave the land level. Avoid working the land when it is wet. Complete all new planting this month. ‘

GRAFTING.

; ™ Reworking trees by grafting may be carried out as soon as the 1 trees commence to make new growth. x - Before cutting the trees down ; and preparing the stocks, carefully consider the best point for reworking, and retain the old ' forks if possible. Poorly , cut scions of unripe wood, insufficiently tied and only partially waxed, are the commonest causes of failures. Scions must be held in firm contact with the stock for the whole length of the splice, and air excluded from the whole operation by a generous application of wax. Inspect them occasionally- afterwards to see that the ties and wax remain in place and are effective. ■ . . ’ ■■■

— W. C. Hyde,

Orchard' Instructor, Nelson.