Leaf scorch of apple trees

BEFORE the 1964-65 fruit season, sections of a number of orchards in the Donnybrook district were converted to systems of permanent overhead sprinkler irrigation. In several cases, however, leaf scorch occurred where these overhead sprinklers were used during the day time

Control of summer weeds around apple trees

THE application of residual herbicides around the butts of irrigated apple trees early in summer has given good control of summer-growing weeds in recent experiments, as well as in a number of commercial orchards

Contour planting for hillside orchards. Part 1

FRUIT growers intending to plant an orchard on sloping land, would be well advised to consider the suitability of the block for planting on a contour system

Cross pollination in apple orchards

ONE of the main aims of the successful apple grower is to reduce seasonal variations in cropping. With this in view it has become apparent that provision for adequate cross pollination can be important in certain seasons, especially with Granny Smiths, if full advantage is to be taken of chemical thinning and other improved methods of orchard management

Modern methods boost apple production in a south-west orchard

A WELL-KNOWN South-West apple orchard with an impressive cropping record is owned by W. F. & E. M. Dilley and Sons, of Upper Capel, near Donnybrook. Trees in this orchard have been producing consistently heavy crops for many years and, furthermore, yields have increased steadily over a 10-year period

The vital role of bees in apple pollination

THE vital role the honey bee plays in pollinating apples is often overlooked. Bees are the most important agents for cross pollination in apples and other fruit trees

Fertiliser responses with newly planted apple trees

AN outstanding response to phosphate and a worthwhile response to nitrogen have been obtained in the Donnybrook area on a new orchard site on the property of Mr. A. Cross of Argyle

The value of alar sprays for apples

ALAR* is a growth retardant which has been die subject of intensive research in other countries. It tends to slow both fruit growth and ripening and to reduce shoot extension. Overseas and local investigations with apples have shown that Alar will reduce preharvest drop, restrict shoot growth and increase flower bud formation for the following season

Stop-drop sprays for Jonathan and Delicious apples

STOP-DROP sprays prevent excessive pre-harvest drop of Jonathan and Delicious apples. Recent research has thrown more light on the best methods of employing these materials. TWO CHEMICALS used as stop-drop sprays are available commercially in Western Australia. One of these, alpha napthalene acetic acid (NAA), is also well known as a thinning spray for apples