The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-07-24
Apple and Cherry Pests.


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Among the various pests and diseas
es that our fruits and trees are subject
ed to here, perhaps none are so pre-
valent at the present time, or so in
furious in their effects, as what is
known as the dead spot or the bark
disease, affecting the apple tree prin-
clpally, and less commonly the pear
tree. 1t is now very common in most
localities in the Puget sound region,
Inns disease first appears at the close
OF winter, or at the beginning of the
growing season, the tender bark of the
trees showing dark dead patches, at
first quite small and rapidly extending
In dimensions, and at times entirely
encircling the stem or branch of the
tree. When this occurs of course all
that portion of the tree or branch
above the dead patch dies. But as
general thing these dead patches do
not exceed few inches in length, and
about one-half that in width. If
these dead patches of bark are early
In the season slit with the point of
knife In several places, to allow the
exit of poisonous exhalations or the
admission of the oxygen of the at
mosphere new wood and bark will in
variably form and grow beneath the
old decayed tissue and the dead spot
will heal over and become effaced in a
short time.
The disease is believed to be of fun
gous origin, and that sprays OF sui
phate OF copper solutions will act as
preventive. AS yet but little is known
as to the nature or cause of the dis
ease, or as to the best remedies.
There is good ground for the belief,
however. that trees carefully sprayed
each season with the salt, sulphur and
lime solution, or other good fungicide,
are comparatively safe from its attacks.
The use of strong alkaline or soap
solution as a winter spray is strongly
recommended because of it's effect in
leaving the bark of the tree bright
and clean, allowing the presence of
the disease to be quickly noticed,
when, by the Sitting of the bark, its
|evil effects Can be guarded against or
avoided entirely.
Of the gummosis OF the cherry tree,
or the bursting of it's bark and the ex-
udatlon OF gummy matter there
from, and which is by some thought
to be closely allied to the bark disease
of the apple tree, still less is known.
Should the cherry be grown upon a
soil deficient in drainage, or having a
hardpan or impervious subsoil forming
pocket and holding the water, tho
tree soon gives evidence of disease,
and the cumming shows as one of the
first symptoms. Experience teaches
that there are but few conditions of
soil, etc., that seem properly adapted
to a continued healthy growth of the
sweet varieties of the cherry, the sour
kinds being more hardy in this respect
A loose and naturally thoroughly
drained soil is indispensable to it's
healthy and perfect growth. Much
more success may be had with this
fruit by top-working it upon the Ma
haleb wild variety, as that is not So
subject to the bark diseases, being
more hardy and suited for growing on
a greater diversity of soils The high
er and drier river valley soils are the
best adapted for successful cherry
growing, the trees in such soil and sit
uation being comparatively free from
the attacks of disease or insect pests.
]. F. CAss,
Secy State Board of Horticulture.