BLACKBERRY IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 129, 16 July 1954, Page 2

BLACKBERRY IN TAUPO

HORMONE SPRAY PREFERARLE TO SLASHER A , As reports in the "Times" have indicated, the Borough Council has ori a number of recent OGcasions been asked by ratepayers to use its powers to have neighbouring sections cleared of scrub and other growth constituting a fire hazard. In several cases blackberry has been in evidence, and it may be noted that the Putaruru Borough Council has had some experience with this. At one of its recent meetings it was reported that 100 owners had been notified, following warning advertisements in the press to clear blackberry. The method of spraying with hormone is being preferred, in the Putaruru area, to the slasher as a method of removal of blackberry, following advice by Mr G. A. Blake, Instructor in Agriculture. Mr Blake recommends the use of 2.4.5.T., and states that for blackberry control the time of application is very important, and plants should be in full leaf and in the green berry stage. If spraying is delayed beyond this stage more hormone is needed and as there is little sap movement then a poor absorption of the spray results and many regrowths appear. One gallon of 2.4.5.T per acre is required but as blackberry is Jargely confined to clumps and along drain banks it is difficult to estimate how much to apply but as a general rule one gallon of 2.4.5.T can be added to 100 gallons of water and the plants thoroughly wetted per medium of low-volume nozzles.