1021.] 



Storage of Apples. 



825 



causes galls upon the leaves and renders them unsightly, is 

 sometimes found in the older orchards, but the damage done 

 is not sufficient to result in appreciable loss of crop. 



Silver Leaf has appeared in some orchards, but few trees 

 have been killed or have had to be totally removed. The 

 reason for this apparent resistance is probably the vigorous 

 growth, and natural hardiness of the prune; and the possible > e 

 of the prune as a stock for other plums, especially Victorias, is 

 suggested as a method of combating the disease. 



Very little spraying is done in the district, except in the best 

 orchards. A home-made mixture containing copper sulphate 

 and lead arsenate has proved very satisfactory. Some growers 

 limewash their trees and occasionally spray with lime; but as 

 a general rule, owing to the expense of the operation, the small 

 orchards receive little or no treatment. 



****** 



STORAGE OF APPLES. 



In the past the smaller commercial growers in this country 

 have paid very little attention to the necessity of storing their 

 apple crop under the best conditions. Even the larger growers, 

 with a few exceptions, rush their produce on the market direct 

 from the trees, and in the first place cause a glut, to the detri- 

 ment of all concerned, and in the second place compel the 

 consumption in early autumn of varieties which would com- 

 mand a much higher financial return if kept until January or 

 February. 



In other cases the storage accommodation is of such a crude 

 and unsuitable description that it accelerates rather than retards 

 the decay of the fruit. Apple rot has been very virulent this 

 season (1921) and apples which might have been expected to 

 keep for several months have rotted wholesale in three weeks. 

 No doubt the climatic conditions have been abnormal, rendering 

 make-shift stores useless, mainly owing to the difficulty in 

 keeping down the temperature. On the other hand, birds have 

 been in desperation for moisture and their attacks on apples 

 have been more severe than ever before, thus compelling 

 growers to pick earlier than the weather conditions necessitated. 



Essential Conditions. — So far as modern research has carried 

 us, the following conditions as to storage are deemed to be 

 essential, although there are indications that these views may 

 have to be changed in the future : — 



