FRUIT DISEASES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1920, Page 4

FRUIT DISEASES.

CONSIGNMENTS CONDEMNED IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Feb. 10. Two tons of pears have been condemned in the city fruit markets, and burned in the destructor. The condemned fruit was infested with scab scale, and other skin diseases. Enquiry at the markets revealed the fact that the majority of the condemned fruit came from growers who, tho inspector states, have refused to he guided by the constant warning about the condition of their produce. The stone fruit disease known as “brown rot,” which made its appearance in New Zealand orchards about three years ago, is also very prevalent this year. One auctioneer stated that the growers supplying him had been severely handicapped -by this disease, and in illustration of his remarks, he displayed a pile of leaking cases con v taining rotten apricots, which he said the grower had certified had left his hands in perfect condition. A peculiar feature about this disease, which is particularly contagious, is that it does not come within the scope of the powers of the fruit inspector. He has no authority to deal with it, consequently lie makes no examination. The result is that edible pears infected with skin diseases only, are sent to the destructor, while poaches, nectarines, and plums, infected with brown lot, are allowed to go through the markets, and to he distributed throughout the country. This is an anomaly which, it is stated, is causing no little apprehension to both dealer and grower.