CHECK TO TOMATOES

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1933, Page 2

CHECK TO TOMATOES

TROUBLESOME DISEASE

CONCERN AT GISBORNE

A disease that has been causing serious concern to tomato growers in the Gisborne district was commented upon this week by Mr P. Everett, orchard instructor,. Prior to this season, he said, lie had not seen the disease in the district, but this year) it was very much in evidence in practically •every garden where tomatoes were grown on a commercial scale. In some instances, almost 50 per 1 cent of the plants were affected. The disease did; not- kill the plant, Mr Everett added, nor did it stop the growth, but it reduced the vigour, and! in many instances the fruit failed to set on the portion of tlie plant affected. The disease was readily detected by the leaves being very thin and pliable in contrast with the thick fleshy leaves of the plant. In many instances, plant* grew to about 2ft in height before the disease gained entry, and, in plant: affected in this way, and lower leave* produced after infection took place showed the growth characteristic of the disease. Being uncertain as to the cause, tin instructor sent specimens to the mycologist at the plant research sta tion, Palmerston North, who reported that the trouble was duty to a vine disease similar to tomato mosaic and that there was no known mean' whereby the disease could be checker once it grim'd to t'’e plaint.