THORNTON Y.F.C.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 66, 13 August 1947, Page 5

THORNTON Y.F.C.

FIELD DAY PRUNING DEMONSTRATION On Tuesday, July 29, at Mr G. W. Mexted’s orchard, Mr J. E. Hume, Orchardist Instructor, Department of Agriculture, Tauranga, gave a very interesting lecture and demonstration on the pruning of different types of fruit trees. Mr Hume first explained the principle and the way to prune. In commencing his demonstration Mr Hume explained and demonstrated the pruning peach and nectarine trees so as to encourage a good strong growth and at the same time obtain a good return of fruit. Mr Hume then demonstrated the pruning of different types of apple trees. He explained that there were many different types of apple trees and the pruning of each one required different methods to suit the type of tree and how it was growing.

Mr Hume pruned an Albany Beauty apple tree and at this stage of his lecture he showed the difference between leaf and fruit buds. Mr Hume was then asked a question about Root Pruning and in answering he explained why it was done and the method. He strongly advised its use only as a last resort as the tree would be liable to get blown over unless well sheltered.

The next tree to be pruned was a Jonathan apple tree. One side of this tree was weak in growth and the other side was very strong. Mr Hume pruned the tree so as to obtain a more even balance of growth.

He also explained that the Jonathan apple tree was susceptible to mildew which can be cured" by sulphur spraying.

Mr Hume also explained different diseases attacking fruit trees. He gave the contents of different sprays and general hints on spraying and gave a strong warning against using uncertified sprays on fruit trees. The next tree to be pruned was a Rainer apple followed by a Munroe Favourite tree which was very vigorous in growth. Next was a Cox’s Orange followed by a Rome Beauty tree. A few samples of mildew were found on this tree. Mr Hume then pruned a Golden Delicious tree and explained the features and peculiarities of this species.

ing of pear trees, the tree used being of pear trees the thee used being a Bonchretion. Mr Hume showed the method of pruning a young peach tree so as to obtain a well shaped tree. He also explained and demonstrated the method of pruning a young Grannie Smith 'apple tree in order to obtain a good tree. *

The pruning and care of grape vines and also that of Rose trees was shown.

The function was made open to the public and' approximately forty people benefitted from the very interesting and instructive day. In closing, Mr Law, club chairman, thanked Mr Hume for coming along ad giving such an efficient and instructive lecture and demonstration. Mr Law also thanked Mr Mextecl for the use of his orchard and the ladies for serving lunch.

In replying, Mr Hume thanked everybody for coming along and taking'such an interest in his lecture and stated that he was only too willing to help anybody with their orchard problems.