11 Dec, 1916. j Apple Culture in Victoria. 711 



APPLE CULTURE IN VICTORIA. 



(Continued from page 666.) 

 B)l J. Farrell, Orchard Supervisor. 



PkUMXG EsTAIiLISHED TrEKS. 



Now that the piiuciples are shown under which the mddern type of 

 fruit tree may be established in accordance with the plans which are 

 submitted for consideration, the pruner should carefully note all the 

 details with a view to their future scientific application. 



Owing to the varying conditieiis under which the pruner has to 

 work, it is not suggested that in every instance the trees can be brought 

 to the state of perfection depicted in the plan and side elevation. 



The leader growths multiply freely Avhen the tree is growing on rich 

 land, whereas one on poor soil requires more careful and systematic 

 nursing in order to obtain the progressive leader duplication required. 

 To l)e successful in this regard, however, it is essential that the operator 

 should have fixed in liis mind at the start the plans of the type of tree 

 he Avishes to establish. 



When weak two-year-old trees are planted out on poor soil, the head 

 growths should be cut hard back to outer buds Avith a view to producing 

 strong single leaders, as leader duplication is rarely obtainable during 

 the first year after planting under the adverse conditions mentioned. 

 When the strong single leaders desired have been secured in this manner 

 they may be cut hard back to side buds at next pruning, after which, 

 owing to root estalilishment supplemented by manuring and good culti- 

 vation, the tAvo leaders desired from each cut Avill result. 



Having strengthened up the croAvn or foundation of the branch 

 system in this way the pruner may continue to duplicate the leaders 

 until such time as the desired number are obtained, and as shoAvn in the 

 plan Plate 35. 



The main objects of pruning a fruit tree are to stimulate root action, 

 to ])roduce and maintain tlie required number of AA-ell-selected and nicely- 

 spaced leaders Avliich should be clothed from the top to their base Avith 

 the proper quantity of fruit spurs of good quality, and a liberal supply 

 of light fruit-producing lateral groAvths on the varieties that require 

 them, liegular systematic pruning also maintains an rquilibVium of 

 strength between the root and brancli systems. The free ;icce<s of 

 sunlight and air to all parts of the tree and to the fruit is provided for. 

 The tree's symmetrical appearance, stability, and uprightness through 

 its leaders radiating from tlie crown at a suitable angl(> to the vertical 

 is ensured. And finally, its pruning is simi)lified, spraying and fruit 

 picking is facilitated, cultivation is dieapened, while tlie quantity of 

 the fruit product is increased and its quality improved. 



The KsTAUMsMKn Tkkk. 



When a tree has received its annual Avinter pruning, from the time 

 of planting until it is .seven years old, and pntvided tli(> plans laid doAvn 

 for the guidance of same have been followed as chtselv as the conditions 



