The Osceola times. [volume] (Osceola, Ark.) 1870-current, 1881-07-23
FACTS FOR FARMERS.
The Preservation OF Vineyards From Grape
Rot
indianapolis SENTINEL

indianapolis Sentinel
The grape rot has caused such serious
damage TO vineyards all over the coun-
try within The last ten years that many
irult growers are contemplating the
abandonment OF grape culture altogether
as unprci;dDie. 1t is still a mystery to
all-the cause and cure; but no doubt
VIII, In the course of a few more years,
be overcome by proper methods. So
far, the safest plan of preservation has
been TO inclose the branches in paper
bags, but this is a very laborious and
tedious operation. What we desire, how.
ever, is TO know the cause of the rot and
the preventative. If We closely watch our
vines during the growth OF the fruit, it
VIII be noticed that it is principally dur
ing period Of damp, cloudy weather
that the process of decay takes place.
First little speck on the grape, which
rapidly enlarges, until finally th9 fruit
falls to the ground.
1t is nothing new, for thirty years ago
our white grapes rotted annually, and
often not single bunch was gathered
from large field of them. This process
of rotting, as it is CALLED, takes place
obOui lut liIit vi ttlt vi tfc
seed, and it certainly is not attributable
to any disease OF the roots. or attacks of
parasites, as may be supposed, for if so,
our vineyards would by this time be
completely destroyed. On the contrary,
we had better crop last year than dur
ing several years previous, which de-
stroys such theory. We must, therefore,
consider the subject from another point.
The following experiments were tried
last season, which are well worth the
consideration of all who are interested
in this subject: A row of vines were
left standing without being fertilized.
Another had an application Of common
barnyard manure. The third was treat
ed with barnyard manure which had
previously been subjected TO a sprInk-
ling Of diluted sulphuric acid (oil of Wit
mol, and the fourth row was supplied
with an equal mixture of dissolved
bones, muriate of potash, plaster and
guano. While we admit that the rot
was not very serious on any of the rows,
the two that had been treated with the
calculated manure and mineral fertilizer
were freer than the others, while the
punches were much larger and finer.
VIC bIdutl lIOll tll'-St tADtlllDtlllS,
therefore, that the fertilizers must be
soluble and ready to be at once absorbed
by the vines and the fruit, which was
the case with the third and fourth rows,
and that the fruit during the process OF
seed formation needs ready pres
pared food (phosphoric acid chiefly,
the growth from infancy being very
rapid and the change from starch TO
sugar being very quick. During the
exact period OF ripening potash plays a
principal part in assisting in the forma-
lion OF sugar, and yet, strange TO say,
there is no potash at all to be found in
sugar. This is the case with all fruits
and vegetables containing sugar, but
more especially is it the case with the
grape. The scid principle is tartaric
acid, and this particular acid seems
always associated with potash in the
shape of tartrate of potash.
The row which was fortified with raw
manure Jared worse than the others.
Whether 1t was caused by fermentation
at the roots or lack of some particular
ingredient is unknown, but the unma-
nured row evidedtly needed ready solu-
bic noufishment. 1t is not safe to ex-
press an opinion as to the reason of this
difference, as the subject is still open to
discussion.
One thing has been gained by the ex-
pertinent, however, whic is that we are
taught that vines fortified with chemi-
calls are freer from the evils than those
not so managed; and ii is also clear that
by saturating our stable manure with
diluted sulphuric acid we at once put 1t
in proper condition for plant food. 1t is
to be noticed also that we had better
grape season than usual last year. Let
us experiment this year and note the
result, for the remedy may at last be
Inupd IN no yprv 81 m r,1p