RUST IN WHEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2791, 3 June 1890, Page 2

RUST IN WHEAT.

TO lIIK EDITOH. •Silt,—ln these times of smut and rust it) crops, tho following might not bo out pi place:—Some of the causes of rust in wheat: First, I might say wet land, stagnant water in the soil, ploughing deep, turning up green soil, especially soil of a red colour, not giving the land a winter fallow, ofteu to be seen where deep furrows have been drawn to carry off water. Late sowing: At a certain stage of tho wheat, and at a certain time of the year, if it comes rain or heavy dew, these parasites will spring into lifo almost instantaneously. Tho good old theory, heat and moisture produce lito, just at a timo when they are able to feed on the wheat and being so numerous tlioy soon destroy it. I have seen rusted wheat, wheu tlnashed in a bin, a living mass of these parasites, just like small mites in cheese. Home of the best safeguards against rust: First, good soed ; never sow wheat on wet land ; give the land a winter fallow—a bare fallow, f think, impoverishes the land. In tho Old Country a good coat of snow is said to be g«od for the land. Rye would bo a good thing to sow ; it grows fast, and is not particular about soii or manure. About three-quarters of a bushel to the acre. Plough it down in the month of August, and sow wheat always in September, if possible. But I don't want to encourage the Waikato farmers co grow crops, for they cannot compete with those in the South. The land hero has not got the stamina in it for cropping without lots of manure, and it ruins the land for growing grass. The growing of grass and turnips is best suited for the light laud of Waikato. With a little courting it can grow these well, and can produce as good butter, cheese, cattle and sheep as can be found in the world, The same treatment for smut as for rust will be a good preventative, but me especially good welldressed grain for seed, and not too late in sowing. These observations oxtend over forty years, so I think there might be some truth in them.---I am, &c, J U.