io8 



THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



living on the outer surface of the cells, the growth of the shoot, leaf, or fruit is arrested, 

 and ultimately becomes brown or black, but not before the higher form has perfected 

 (Fig. 31, central figure). The mildew causes the leaves to fall prematurely, damages 

 the wood, and ruins the fruit. Prevention is an absolute necessity to secure undamaged 

 growth and clear-skinned fruit. For preventive and remedial measures, see "Mildew," 

 Vol. I., pages 245250. 



Downing, an eminent American pomologist, affirms that the serrate, glandless-leaved 

 varieties are liable to, and those with good glands on the leaf-stems are free from, attacks 

 of mildew. The engraving (Fig. 33) explains what is meant by these terms. That 



certain varieties are more susceptible of 

 attacks by mildew than others is well 

 known, and the conclusion is that where 

 the locality is cold and mildew prevails, 

 varieties with glandless leaves should be 

 avoided. 



Spot. - - This disease is caused by a 

 fungus (Gla3osporium Iteticolor) and pro- 

 duces a pale salmon-coloured depressed 

 patch or patches on half-ripe peaches and 

 many other fruits. It generally attacks 

 the finest and most delicate-skinned fruit 

 at its apex or uppermost surface, and soon 



renders it worthless. The fruit is most liable to attacks in low damp localities, and 

 in close ill-ventilated structures, which may favour the fungal germs by the deposition 

 of moisture on the upper surface. Glass copings affixed to walls and a free circulation 

 of air in houses after the fruit gives indications of ripening are the best safeguards. In 

 dull periods a gentle warmth should be maintained in the hot-water pipes, and if these 

 are lightly painted with sulphur brought to the consistency of cream, the fumes will be 

 inimical to the growth of the fungus. Attacked fruit should be burned so as to prevent 

 the spread of the fungus (Fig. 32). As a preventive, spraying with sulphide of potas- 

 sium, 1 oz. to a gallon of water, is recommended after the fruit is the size of walnuts, 

 repeating once or twice at fortnightly intervals. 



Yelloivs. The leaves of peach trees affected by the yellows are very pale in colour, 

 almost devoid of green. When in that state the shoots do not form perfect buds nor 



Fig. 32. SPOT FUNGUS (GL^OSPOEIUM L^BTICOLOE). 

 Amongst the hairs of peach fruit, highly magnified. 



