ORCHARD WORK FOR DECEMBER.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 December 1913, Page 2

ORCHARD WORK FOR DECEMBER.

By W. A. Boucher CULTIVATION.

In most localities cultivation of tbe sou either in orchard or garden should be regarded as an important feature of the season's work, and should be continued persisently throughout the summer months. An orchard or garden with soil w rell worked and free from weeds and grass, with trees looking clean and healthy and carrying abundant crops of well-developed fruit, is most attractive. On the other hand a neglected orchard or garden with the land overrun with weeds and grass, with the trees stunted and unhealthy, is by no means a welcome sight. All growers are urged to keep the soil in such a condition as will lead not only increased profit but also to its attractive appearance.

Codling moth & Leap-roller Caterpillar. .

These orchard pests become increasingly troublesome during the month of December, as in moat localities throughout the Dominion warmer weather is setting in. i It has come under notice that some growers are under the impression that spraying for codlin-moth need not be commenced before January. This is quite a mis* take, for, as has been mentioned in former issues of the Journal, the results of the first flight of the codlinmoth can be observed in November, as the eggs—not in great numbers, it is true —can be seen on leaves and twigs adjacent to the clusters of newly set fruit. During the month of December the eggs are laid in numbers that steadily increase as the weather becomes warmer. The period of incubation varies from seven to ten days according to cliamatic conditions, so that it will readily be seen to defer spraying until January will probably mean the loss of a fair percentage at least of the season's crop, as well as increasing the difficulty in controlling tbe heavy flights that must be expected in January and February. 1 herefore growers are advised not to neglect the December spraying with arsenate of lead.

BitoxzE Beetle

In some districts during the early part of the season when the beetles ate on the wing, which, fortunately is only for a comparatively brief period, considerable injury to fruit crops may be caused unless precautionary measures are taken to prevent it. Apparently the application of arsenical poisons alone is not sufficient wdien the beetles are numerous to prevent a fair percentage of the fruit from being blemished, at least, by the attack of the pest. However, if a small quantity of resin solution be added to the arsenate-of-lead spray, but little injury will be caused by the beetle.

Apple axd Peak Scab

It is prohable that in many localities apple and pear scab will be more or less troublesome during the month of December. This, however, depends upon the climatic conditions, showery or wet weather with a humid atmosphere being favourable to continued attack by, aud spread of. this fungus, while warm weather combined ,vith a dry atmosphere are conditions which in themselves suffice to check severely, if not entirely prevent, further ravages by these diseases. As to whether or not it is necessary to again spray during the month of December for the control of apple and pear scab, growers must use their own judgement. It is recognized that, on account of possible lussptting, it is not dosirable to apply the Bordeaux mixture more often than is necessary, especially in the case of some tender-skinned varieties of apples and pears. Peach Aphis. Iv some districts this pest is hardly to be observed, while in others it is one of the prominent pests at this sea3on of the year. Either whale oil soap or Mc Dougall's in&ucticide will be found to be effective remedies for tlie control of this troublesome insect. The formula for preparing whale-oil soap is: Warm 14 lb. of whale-oil; in another vessel dissolve 2 lb. of caustic soda; let this cool until just warm, and then slowly add tho warm oil, stirring well. When cold this will set into a hard soap. Boil togetht-,r for about half an hour 5 lb. of whale-oil soap, 7 oz. of sulphur and 5 oz. of caustic soda in 0 gallons of water. Make up to 40 gallons. If possible, select a dull day for spiking or sprwy in the evening. Leecii. This pest, which will become very numerous and injurious to such classes ol fruits as pears, plums, cherries, quinces should receive careful attention to keep it well in check. For control on pears and quinces most growers prefer to use arsenate of lead, but in the case of cherries and plums some growers spray with hellebore powder. This latter treatment is essential with some varieties ot plums the foliage of which is too tender for the application of arsenate of lead. l ■