AGRICULTURAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 907, 21 January 1882, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL.

RUST IN WHEAT,

In a paper read before the Millicen t Farmers’ Mutual Association by Mr R. A. Perkins, of the Experimental Farm, Millicent, near Mount Gambler, giving an account of various agricultural experiments in which he has been engaged, occur the following passages in reference to red rust :

This fearful pest first made its appearance in the colony about the year 1853. or 1854. Many will remember tbe year 1854 to their cost. Since then it has been more mr less prevalent, and much valuable time and expense have been vested in experi. raents and researches to try and find an antidote for red rust, but none of those tried have proved a sure remedy, although some are of great value. First—lt has been proved that soft fluffy strawed wheats are the most susceptible to red rust, so it behoves every farmer to sow; nothing but what will grow a strong glossy straw. Second—Manure and Pickle. —I have tried,a great number of different sorts of pickle, and the best results have been obtained from salts and lime, and the worst from bluestone. I consider that we require a stimulating pickle, “of which

I find lime and* salt far the best. Glue and charcoal, saltpetre, sulphate of soda, and many chemical mixtures, have been tried with varying lesnlts, and none have proved of any permanent value. i have made a gfeat many experiments, and may mention a tew that have been suggested by Mr Sabine in a paper read before a commission appointed by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society to inquire into the subject of red rust. ;

Ist. New seed wheat treated with blue-

stone. 2nd. Old wheat treated with salt and

3rd. New wheat treated with salt and

4th. Old wheat treated with bluestone.

The results of these experiments have always been in favor of salt and lime. The old seed is, I believe, of some value ; the plants are stronger and more vigorous and healthy, which is of great importance, and it is an acknowledged fact that the strong, healthy, early crop has the best chance of yielding a good harvest. When those facts are acknowledged, it behoves every farmer to sow nothing but strong, healthy wheats. Those most suitable are, as t •icd by me :—First, Oregon ; second, Red Tuscan; third, White Tuscan ; fourth, Non pariel. These are of a strong growth and hardy nature. I find all those of a soft fluffy straw are most liable to rust.