I02 



Journal of Agriculture . Victoria. 



[lo Feb., 1912. 



be either death to the moving bud or a weakened condition of growth. 

 To prevent this, it is necessary to remove all superfluous shoots before a 

 certain period elapses. This period is controlled by the species, variety 

 of fruit, and the quickness of the growths. 



Deciduous stone fruits, such as the apricot, nectarine, peach, and plum 

 will first require attention. All shoots should be removed before they 

 become hardened at the base of the growth and before they are more than 

 6 or 8 in. in length. With healthy and well grown stocks there is no 

 danger of leaving the shoots to attain this length. Such shoots are a 

 protection to the growing bud until this time. With the apple, cherry, 

 pear, &c. , the shoots should be removed earlier. 



When disbudding, as this operation is termed, the operator should 

 carry an old knife to remove any shoots from the stock just below the 

 surface of the soil. Shoots may be removed fromx the stock by rubbing 

 them off with the thumb and finger, i.e., if soft enough, or cut off close 

 to the .stock with a sharp knife. 



61. DISBUDDING STOCKS. 

 a. Stock showiug robber shoot?, b. Same stock disbudded, showing growing bud. 



Before starting to remove the shoots, first locate the inserted and 

 growing bud. The bud is the terminal point. When the stock is reduced 

 shoots cannot sprout around or about the bud. If there is any likelihood of 

 injuring it while disbudding, hold the growing bud carefully with the one 

 hand to insure its safety, and remove the useless shoots with the other. 

 Growing buds are very easilv broken away from the stocks. When dis- 

 budding stone fruits, remove all shoots, if the inserted bud has not started 

 to grow and is alive. 



If the bud is dead, and one wishes to save the stocKs for future use, 

 cut off to a shoot close to the ground ; failing a shoot, reduce to ttie 

 ground. During the following winter, such stocks .should be carefully 

 removed, trimmed, and planted out again for budding upon. Almond. 



