SPRAYS AND SPRAYING. 



The spraying of fruit-trees for the control of fungous and insect pests is of com- 

 paratively recent origin. Bordeaux mixture, which is oue of the oldest fungicide 

 sprays on the market, was introduced into the United States in 1887. It is evident, 

 therefore, that our present knowledge of the above topic is subject to change, and 

 that we can hope to see in the near future better sprays, spray outfits, and systems 

 of spraying than we have at present. The information given here is the consensus 

 of the opinion of growers and instructors as to what is considered the best in these 

 lines at the present time. 



Some fruit-growers believe that in order to make their orchards productive 

 it is only necessary to spray. Nothing could be more fallacious, as the causes of 

 unproductiveness are many. When such causes are due to insect and fungous pests, 

 spraying is, in most cases, a .specific. When the cause of unproductiveness is poor 

 soil, lack of tillage, poor varieties, etc., spraying can only have a secondary effect 

 in correcting the barrenness of the plantation. In orchards which have been 

 neglected in districts where orchard pests do serious damage, the owner should not 

 expect to obtain perfect results the first year. Spraying being a preventive, in a 

 large number of cases it is advisable to spray every year, especially in such districts 

 as are mentioned above. 



Economical and successful spraying does not depend altogether on methods of 

 application, but depends to a marked extent on the condition of the orchard. Varie- 

 ties differ in their blossoming and fruiting periods, etc., and as a consequence require 

 sprays applied at varying periods, especially where some pests, such as apple-scab, 

 brown-rot, and codling-moth, are to be controlled. In an orchard containing a large 

 variety list per acre, successful spraying is made difficult and expensive. 



Trees with high heads are hard to spray, and more spray is wasted in covering 

 them than with a low-headed tree. Spraying accomplished from the ground is 

 generally more thoroughly done than from an elevated position. These facts point 

 strongly to the value of low-headed trees for economy and good results in spraying. 



Spraying, especially in the case of some of our fungous diseases, has to be most 

 thoroughly done, and all parts of the tree must be covered before satisfactory results 

 can be obtained. A tree which contains superfluous wood will not produce the 

 highest quality of fruits and is difficult to spray. This condition is also conducive 

 to the spread of fungous diseases. Fruit-trees, especially in the non-irrigated dis- 

 tricts, should be kept well thinned out in order to produce high-quality fruits and 

 make the spraying operations economical and successful. The relation of successful 

 spraying to conditions in the orchard as mentioned above, i.e., low-heading of trees 

 and pruning, are most important. They are conditions that are desired in a com- 

 mercial orchard, so that the fruit-grower who keeps his orchard in good condition 

 is in a position to obtain the best results in spraying. 



A careful perusal of the circular on orchard pests will no doubt impress the 

 reader with the value of knowing the pests he has to control, the use of correct 

 mixtures, and the value of spraying at the right time. When the time comes for 

 spraying, have everything ready, and do not delay the operation for something which 

 might appear at a casual glance to be more important. A difference of a few days in 

 application sometimes gives a difference of 50 per cent, or more in results. 



The value of thoroughness in application cannot be overestimated. In control- 

 ling pests it is sometimes necessary to prevent the germination of " seeds " or spores, 

 which are so small that they can be seen only by the use of a powerful microscope. 

 From this, the value of thorough work is appreciated. 



Sprays can be considered from the standpoint of effectiveness, cost, manufacture, 

 effect on spray-machines, etc. In comparing the values of the sprays that are on 

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