10 Nov., 1917.] Orchard and Garden Notes. VOl 



ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. 



E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., Pomologist. 



The Orchard. 



Spraying. 



The sj)ray ]uiiiip should now ho in thorough working order, so that 

 the various spi-iiig sprayings may he carried out with as little interrup- 

 tion as possible. It is always wise to clean out the pump after each 

 spraying, so that it will be ready for the next mixture. Putting a 

 different spray in a pump barrel tliat has not been washed out, very often 

 causes the formation of a sediment, which blocks the nozzle and inter- 

 rupts the work. 



During Xovemher it will he necessary to sjiray for eodlin moth, 

 peach aphis, ])ear slug, and various leaf-eating insects. In addition, 

 black spot of the a]iple and pear, shot hole, and other fungus diseases 

 must be kept in check. As various sprays are required for all of these 

 troubles, the necessity of always having a clean pump is evident. 



At the present time the best spray for peach aphis is strong tobacco 

 solution, and the same spray may also be used for the pear slug. Arsenate 

 of lead is the better spray for this latter insect, but it should not be used 

 when the fruit is approaching the ripening stage ; hellebore may also be 

 used for the slug with good effect. 



As a preventive against eodlin moth, the trees should be kept well 

 sprayed with arsenate of lead. If the sjiraying is careful and thorough, 

 no bandaging need be carried out. The time spent in bandaging could 

 be far better employed in an extra spraying. The first spraying should 

 have been given at the time of the falling of the petals ; the second spray- 

 ing, ow-ing to the rapid expansion of the fruit, shotild be given a fortnight 

 later. After that the grower must use his own judgment as to the neces- 

 sity for subsequent sprayings. If the moths be at all prevalent, other 

 sprayings will be quickly necessary. 



As the woolly aphis is increasing at this time of the year, it will 

 mean a saving of a large number of buds if this insect be sprayed. 

 Nicotine solution, pine spray, or lime sulphur may be used with good 

 effect. 



CULTIV.\TI0N. 



The work of ploughing and harrowing should be completed imme- 

 diately. All crops for green manure should be now under cover, and if 

 the orchard soil is at all heavy or stiff, the grower should make up his 

 mind to grow a crop next season, in order that this condition may 

 be reduced. 



The orchard should be kept free from weeds, not only for the eon- 

 servntion of moisture, but in order to do away with all hiding places of 

 the Rutherglen fly, cutworm moths, &c. 



Geneeal Work. 

 Grafted and newly-planted trees should be frequently examined, and 

 given an occasional watering and overhead spraying, in order to en- 

 courage their growth, and to prevent loss of moisture from the foliage. 



