The Orchard and Vineyard

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 62, Issue 3, 15 March 1941, Page 195

The Orchard and Vineyard

• » E Contributed by the Horticulture Division ?

Orchard Notes

Importance of Observing Trees

MUCH has been written in the past on the picking, grading and preparation of fruit in readiness for the market. Many growers have possibly gathered something from the advice given, while others have learned by observation, and experience, but unfortunately, there are some who evidently have failed to grasp some of the essentials. In business, window dressing has become quite an art, and this doubtless attracts buyers. As fruit is a perishable article and is very susceptible to damage in many ways, every care should be taken if prices are to be maintained and consumption increased. One well-known authority makes the following statement: “It seems to be ordinarily considered that any fruit sound enough to reach its destination is good enough to be called first grade, but such is a grievous error. The fruit should not only reach its destination in approximately the same condition in • which it leaves the orchard, but it should also be attractive and uniform in quality and capable of being held for some time when it reaches the wholesaler and retailer.” ■ It may be as well to define first-class fruit as a sufficient quantity to pack a standard case that is well packed and in which the specimens are all uniform in size, shape, and degree of ripeness, free from bruises, insect and fungus blemishes, and are characteristic of the variety. Quality of Fruit This time of the year affords a wonderful opportunity for growers to take note of the quality and quantity of fruit being produced by the respective trees, and the importance of doing this cannot be overestimated if improvements are to be made.

Too many trees are to be seen which once produced good quality, fruit and which are now bearing fruit very much below par. This could be obviated by attention to the following points:— (1) Excess russet,. malformed, small fruit, and weak foliage. This may be caused because of persistently following a wrong course in pruning, or by the use of incorrect manures, or insufficient thinning out of the fruit when a heavy setting has taken place. (2) Crowded fruit spurs, weak fruit buds. These are both inclined to produce undersized fruit inferior in quality, tasteless, and unattractive. If some such observations are not made and recorded it will not be possible to have defects rectified. The time may not be far distant when only specialised persons will be able to carry on the all-important work of fruit production. The time of slipshod or. careless methods is fast passing away; therefore, all true lovers of horticultural pursuits should take every opportunity to improve not only the quantity of fruit produced but also the quality. If quality cannot be combined with quantity, then it is much better to sacrifice quantity and concentrate on quality. The moral is: Keep the trees healthy, manure them well, cultivate sufficiently. Plant them in soils and situations where they will thrive. Take notice of the following:— (a) Advice is free at all times. (b) Get advice before you get into difficulties. (c) If you get into difficulties, seek advice, and when you get the advice do not be disappointed if it is not in keeping with your preconceived ideas. (d) If the Departmental officer consulted is not immediately in possession of the information you require, he will get it for you if at all possible.

Fruit Inspection

' At ' the present time some anxiety may be felt by some fruitgrowers when submitting fruit for inspection at the assembly depot. Do hot get angry if your fruit is rejected for any packing defects or if it is not up to grading standards. Fruit is never rejected without adequate reasons. If you have fruit rejected, call on the Fruit Inspector and talk matters over with him. and' he will help you to rectify any mistakes you have made. There is an old saying, “A person who never made a mistake never made anything.” Seasonal Notes Spraying is practically finished for the season. See that the outfit is left in such a condition that it will be ready for next season’s operations. While harvesting mid-season and late varieties of apples and pears, the weather may break and unsettled conditions will make harvesting operations difficult; therefore, try and keep picking operations well in hand. Growers are reminded once more that if the best trees are desired for the extension of orchards or new plantings, they should be ordered in good time. The most satisfactory way is to order, a year in advance. By doing this not only are supplies assured, but directions can be given to nurserymen in reference to the manner in which the trees are to be grown. For commercial fruitgrowing it is advisable to plant only a few varieties. After studying some of the orchards one is forced to the conclusion that too many varieties are grown.. Varieties differ so much in different localities that it is not possible to recommend a list that would be applicable to all New Zealand. The handling of fairly large lines of any variety of fruit is

more economical than handling .small lines of a multitude of varieties. The following points should be considered:— (1) Plant varieties in order to spread the work of harvesting over as long a period as possible.

(2) Select those varieties which show vigour and cropping capabilities combined with flavour and quality. (3) Plant out not only dessert but some good culinary varieties. (4) Finally, remember that fruit is required throughout the 12 months;

therefore, do not neglect some of the very earliest as well as some of the latest in order to meet the requirements of the consuming public.

-L. PAYNTER,

District

Supervisor, Auckland.