SPRAYING FRUIT TREES &C. IN CANADA. 



987 



Now, regarding the time of spraying, as has been already stated, the 

 potash and sulphate of copper solutions can either of thern be applied any 

 time in winter or before the buds burst. When an orchard is in good 

 condition, winter washes are usually only given once in two or three years, 

 unless it is to keep down aphis or scale. It is more economical in labour, 

 during summer, to apply the Paris green and Bordeaux mixture combined. 

 The first summer spraying is applied when the buds are opening, to de- 

 stroy spores of Apple Scab fungus, and to kill the larvae of Winter moth, 

 Bud moth, and Apple weevils. This first spraying should cease before the 

 blossoms open. 



If aphis or scale insects are harmful, soft or hard soap may be used as 

 a wash, 1 lb. to 6 gallons of water. 



The second summer spraying, with Bordeaux mixture and arsenite, is 

 given immediately after the petals have fallen, whilst the calyx lobes are 



turned back, exposing the eye. This spraying is specially to destroy the 

 caterpillars of the Codlin moth, one of the most serious insect pests 

 attacking apple orchards ; the parent moth deposits her eggs usually upon 

 the young fruits soon after the blossoms fall. The Bordeaux mixture 

 also prevents the spread of the Scab fungus from the leaves to the fruit. 

 If this spray is washed off by a sudden storm before the mixture has " set," 

 the spraying should be repeated ; one or more additional sprayings may 

 be given if thought advisable. 



The insects usually found most injurious to apple trees in England are 

 the following: Woolly aphis {Schizoneura lani^h) an^JMussel scale 

 (Mytilaspis pomorum), which are found on trees all the year round (the 

 same varieties exist in America). As soon as the buds commence to open 

 they are attacked by the looper caterpillar of the Winter moth (Cheima- 

 tobia brumata), a cousin of the American Canker worm ; together with 



Figure 7. 



Fig. 226. 



