WEST COAST A. & P. ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1927, Page 4

WEST COAST A. & P. ASSOCIATION

FIELD COMPETITIONS. The turnip growing competitions resulted in gootl crops, especially in swedes, although a greater number nl entries are desired. file winning crop of Mr I’. Kennedy, ol loiara Flat, in addition to its value for winter feed, is. experimentally, of great value to Westland, and indeed to the whole of the Dominion, its showing dry rot in different stages of control. This disease is recognised its one of the worst of diseases of farm crons, and right throughout the Dominion the growing of swede turnips has been extensively curtailed due to its ravages* Extensive research and experimental work has been conducted for its control, investigations proving that llie disease is seed borne. Mr Kennedy’s crop is interesting on this point and others, there being four clear distinct issues of importance to farmers. (T) The loss of crop brought about In- use of affected seed. (2) Resultant sound crop following use of gootl seed. (3) The increase in yield and quality by the application of wood-ash. (I) Last but not least, sound crop and increased yield produced by addition of ash to mamma! treatment ; although seed affected with organism of disease as in the case of No. 1. Similar results as issue 4. have been obtained by Mr Jacobs, of Kntmnanil, ami on the Waimnimga Experimental Farm. The yellow-fleshed turnip crops were not U|> to expectations, nl the same time giving quite a payable return and supplying a reliable stand of winter feed.