CONFLUENT BITTER PIT OR CRINKLE'. 



15 



Apples exposed to the direct rays of the sun were equally affected with those in the shade, 

 but it was observed that apples towards the topmost boughs were generally free from it. Frequently, 

 in two adjoining apples, one was free and the other affected, and sometimes the larger, sometimes 

 the smaller was perfectly sound. It was observed that four trees sheltered by a building from the 

 north wind were remarkably free from it, and the roots on the same side passed into made up soil. 

 This would tend to keep the roots cooler, and prevent the pumping action during the night when 

 the fruits would not be so actively transpiring as during the day. 



This district has a heavy rainfall, and last year it reached 52*77 inches. If we compare 

 the rainfall of the first two months of 1911 and 1912, it is as follows : — 



1911. 1912. 



January . . . . . . 1-85 . . 1*16 



February .. .. .. 7*08 .. 1*31 



In December, 1911, the rainfall was 5 inches, and this would influence the growth during 

 the succeeding month when t£ Crinkle " developed. I have no means of getting the rainfall for 

 December, 1910, preceding the year in which Crinkle was practically absent, because no records 

 were kept. A comparison would be interesting, since the rainfall is very irregular, as shown by 

 7*08 inches in February, 1911, and only 1*31 inches for the same month in 1912. 



Five Crown or London Pippin is undoubtedly very susceptible to " Crinkle," and the 

 configuration of the apple may have something to do with it. It is called the Five Crown 

 from the circumstance that there are five ribs on the sides, which increase in size towards 

 the crown, and there form five prominent ridges. There are thus very decided ridges and 

 furrows, and it will be shown subsequently that wherever there is irregularity of growth the 

 conditions are favorable for the development of Bitter Pit, and consequently of Confluent Bitter 

 Pit or Crinkle. 



In New South Wales, the Fruit Expert states that Five Crown apples were affected, and 

 that it has always been found to be worse on light poor soils and in very dry seasons. But it also 

 occurred in the Bacchus Marsh district of Victoria, where irrigation is practised, and there is plenty 

 of moisture. Like Bitter Pit, therefore, it may occur in wet or dry seasons. 



SYMPTOMS. 



There is no mistaking the " Crinkle " or " Pig-face " when it is fully developed. The crown 

 end of the apple is usually thrown into very irregular folds, and the prominent ridges sometimes 

 stand out so that it is suggestive of a pig's face. 



There may be only a slight irregularity towards one side of the crown, or it may sometimes 

 be deeply sunken but still firm. It may be on the shady or on the sunny and coloured side of the 

 apple, and sometimes the irregularity extends towards the base. When it is combined with 

 " glassiness " (Fig. 44), then it may become quite soft, and it may be further disguised by sunburn, 

 but, when a section is made through the crinkled portion, then the appearance is very characteristic. 

 The green skin is quite intact, but immediately beneath it there is a more or less interrupted rim' 

 of brown tissue, with large cavities here and there owing to the rupture of the tissue. When a 

 longitudinal section is made, it may be found to be confined to the crown end, or it may extend 

 almost to the stalk. 



There is sometimes confusion over this disease owing to the fact that it is often associated 

 both with " glassiness " and " sunburn." In glassiness, the tissue is not discoloured, and it is firm, 

 and in sunburn or heat scald the skin is affected. Sometimes there is sunburn on the coloured 

 side of the apple, and crinkle on the opposite side, showing that the sun did not act upon it directly. 

 Occasionally, it occurred in a Jonathan apple coloured all over, and without any external sign except 

 that it was slightly mis-shapen on the side affected with Crinkle. 



