294 Peach-Growing 



respectively, both of which gave good results in controlling 

 curculio, scab, and brown-rot. 



The dusting is done with a machine designed for the 

 purpose of which there are several different makes obtain- 

 able, including machines worked by hand and others oper- 

 ated by horse-power. The schedule of applications, so far 

 as determined, is substantially the same as for the liquid 

 sprays (see page 290). 



Some of the assertions made for dusting in preference to 

 spraying are : ease of application ; saving of labor ; uni- 

 formity of distribution and the very close adhesion of the 

 dust to the leaves and fruit; saving in cost of equipment; 

 elimination of water and hence great reduction in weight 

 of material that has to be hauled through the orchard, 

 and consequently the ability to operate in the spring at 

 times when the soil conditions do not permit the use of a 

 heavy spray-rig; and finally a high degree of efficiency in 

 the control of curculio, scab, and brown-rot and the excellent 

 color which commonly characterizes the fruit treated by 

 this method. 



On the other hand, dusting, in the present degree of per- 

 fection of the method, is commonly followed by some burn- 

 ing of the leaves, which may result in the defoliation of the 

 trees, and by injury to a material percentage of the fruit 

 due to the cracking of the skin. These forms of injury are 

 likely to occur if too heavy applications have been made, and 

 especially if followed closely by rain. These difficulties 

 do not appear insurmountable; and it seems likely that in 

 due course a fungicide-insecticide dust mixture will be 

 compounded that will be effective on peaches in controlling 

 curculio, scab, and brown-rot and still not possess the faults 

 of those that have thus far been used. 



