14 B.C. Entomological Society. 



SPRAYS OF UP-TO-DATE INTEREST. 



By L. L. Palmer. 



Among the differeut sprays, inseeticidus, and fungicides of proven value and in 

 practical use are some of more rec-eut date which, to the writer's knowledge, have 

 not been extensively tried under Okanagau conditions. These I have been asked to 

 discuss uuder the above title, " Sprays of Up-to-date Interest." Since many of them 

 are worthy of long, detailed study, it will not be possible to consider the relative 

 values of each at any great length. 



The 1014 season found the fruit-growers of the Okanagau still fighting the same 

 insect pests and diseases that troubled this district in 101.3. and, in addition, many 

 instances of new insects and previously unknown diseases have appeared to augment 

 the already complex spraying problems ; at least, it is correct to state that effective 

 spraying was never in greater need by Okanagau fruit-growers than at present. 

 Perhaps I should put the question more strongly and say, as I believe, that many 

 growers have practised false economy in 1911 by neglecting to spray where so doing 

 meant bigger crops, cleaner fruit, and healthier trees. Consequently, the question 

 of sprays aud spraying is of more vital importance than ever before. 



Before entering into the subject of " Sprays of Up-to-date Interest," the writer 

 wishes to prelude his remarks with this statement: Do not attempt new or untried 

 sprays if the ones you are accustomed to are giving desired results. No matter 

 how interesting or novel experimental spraying may be, on a commercial scale the 

 avei-age orchardist cannot afford it, and even if he could, from an economic stand- 

 point, he would probably loose money. Still, in the Okanagau Valley many insect 

 pests and diseases thrive unchecked, and the orchardist must iu the future do more 

 .spraying. In the majority of orchard conditions in the valley I believe the common 

 aud well-known insecticides and fungicides, properly mixed or combined and .sprayed 

 iu the correct season by men and machinery competent to do the work thoroughly 

 and effectively, will control the chief economic insect pests and diseases. 



However, there may arise, either through neglect or especially adverse climatic 

 conditions, an' orchard status which requires an exceptionally severe spraying or a 

 spray combination which will positively not burn fruit or foliage. To meet such a 

 necessity we have some new and interesting sprays, tested and proven in some other 

 locality for the same reason for which we are trying them. A few such combina- 

 tions are worth studying. But you must remember, after all, that they do not differ 

 greatly from the common sprays to which you are accustomed, and some of them 

 contain the same chemical compounds. 



Since sprays composed of insecticides and fungicides, mixed or combined, and 

 applied to the trees in one application are becoming more and more needed as the 

 pests and diseases increase in number, the importance of the problem as to just 

 which spray materials can or cannot be combined has also grown. I am tlierefore 

 tabulating a few " donfs " for guidance iu the combining of different insecticides 

 and fungicides. 



(1.) Do not combine Bordeaux mixture and Black Leaf 40 or other nicotine 

 ingredients. 



(2.) Do not combine Bordeaux aud acid arsenate of lead. (Note. — Most 

 standard arsenate pastes are acid arsenates and not safe in combinatiou .spraying.) 



(3.) Do not combine lime-sulphur with acid arsenate. 



(4.) Do not combine lime-sulphur with soap or kerosene emulsions. 



(5.) Do not use atomic sulphur in place of lime-sulphur in dormant insecticide 

 combinations. 



(C.) Do not use any spray materials the purity or strength of which is in doubt. 



The first four combinations may be used in dormant season with little danger, 

 but for spring and summer application they are apt to be disastrous. 



Among the most interesting and effective of the newer insecticides are the 

 different oil sprays. These have been especially brought to oiu- attention through 



