FROST DAMAGE

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 10

FROST DAMAGE

75 PER GENT. APRICOT LOSS PIP FRUITS NOT AFFECTED CENTRAL OTAGO ORCHARDS SUFFER Frost damage in orchards throughout Central Otago is fairly severe this season. Principal fruits affected are apricots, and, to a lesser extent, nectarines. Peaches in most districts have come off lightly, and the plum crop this year was forecasted as a light one m any event. A firm of fruit auctioneers reported this morning that fruit growers in Central Otago are experiencing an anxious time, as early frosts were being experienced almost nightly. It was too early to determine the damage which might have been caused, as the stone fruit was still mostly in the budding stage. It was reported, however, that nectarines and apricots had been affected in pome districts. Frost-fighting appliances were installed by some orchardists in Central Otago, and the fire pots were proving quite effective in warding off attacks by frost. One of the most prominent fruit growers in Central Otago, interviewed by the ‘ Star ’ this morning, stated that there had been a very severe cut in apricots. In his own district (Roxburgh) there had been an 80 per cent, loss. A . wholesale man had reported that even including districts supplied with fire-pots, the loss in this class of fruit could be estimated at 75 per cent. Peaches had not been affected, and the loss in nectarines was less severe. Most of the damage was caused on the night of September 15, when a sleety rain had fallen. Before any wind had sprung np to shake the trees, the sky had cleared, and the frost set in. The flowers, and fruit in formation under the dead petals, had been killed. Contrary to the general rule, the orchards on higher levels that were usually immune, or partly so, had suffered worst “ T can say that this is the worst loss I remember in my own personal experience,” said this orchardist.

Other reports sav that Clvde and Alexandra districts have suffered less. In any ease, pip fruit, such as apples and pears, are not affected,