The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1901-10-29
AFRAID OF
THE BLIGHT
Potato Crop on
Maui Will Be
Small.

Prof. r. r. Sedgwick OF the United
Station Experimental station returned
on the Claudine Sunday from Maui
where he went to investigate the potato
blight Because of the blight very
small crop was planted this year, and
the greater part of the 5000 acres of
fertile soil was devoted to the cultiva-
ton Of corn. The United States Ex-
pertinent station will very likely con-
tinue the investigation Of the blight,
and will probably send some one to the
other island very soon to make further
experiments. to find not only a remedy
for the blight but also to experiment
with fertilization and other important
matters.
II spent most of my time in the Kula
district, which Is given over almost en-
tirely to the cultivation Of potatoes and
corn" said Mr.. Sedgwick yesterday.
About 5000 acres are available there.
but this year most of it has been plant
ed In corn because of the damaging ef-
feet of the blight last year upon the
potatoes. There is considerable
amount Of potatoes also planted be-
tween the rows OF corn.
The corn crop this year will be light
because Of the dryness Of the season.
There has been considerable need Of
rain all summer, and while 1 was there
they had .35 inch rainfall. which was
a Godsend to them. The Germ Is ripen-
ing rapidly. and some is being cut now,
all according to the elevation at which
it is planted.
1.-The potato growers had to contend
with a combination of troubles; the
blight last year kept many from plant
ing this season. This blight occurs gen.
orally when the soil is in moist con-
dition and In moderately warm tenn
perature. The blight was very severe
last year owing to the continued damp
ness, while this season which has been
very dry, 1t has been very little felt.
"Caterpillars have also been causing
trouble, but the farmers prevent them
from doing much damage by the use
of a mixture of -four and Paris green.
This preventive is acting very well.
1.-The potato growers also have the
peelua or cut-worm to contend with.
They have a novel way of Kidding the
vines from this pest by digging a ditch
falls, and then can't go any further.
1.-THE blight from which the vines are
suffering Is characteristic OF the potato
rot which affects that plant in other
countries. 1t can be prevented. 50 it is
thought at the Experiment Station, by
the application of a bordeaux mixture
(lime and copper suiphate). The blight
is a fungus disease and the bordeaux
should be sprayed upon the vine where
1t will kill the fungus and prevent 1t
from getting on the leaves. One cause
OF the blight 1t Is thought, is the use
of poor seed potatoes. The Japanese
keep the poorer potatoes for seed. and
Sell the best qualities. An attempt was
made a year ago by Manager Won
Tempsky OF Haleakala Ranch to in
troduce a good seed, and he imported a
ton of the best quality, but the tenants
did not take kindly to the idea. and
used only few pounds, so that the re-
suits could not be learned.
Potatoes on the field are selling for
from $1.75 to $500 sack and the yield
is from one and a half to four tons per
acre. This last yield is excellent.
1.-The people were most hospitable and
offered the Experiment Station every
opportunity to investigate. The people
over there are experimenting on their
own account with many fruits and
vegetables. They have successfully
grown nectarines and peaches, though
only as an experiment.
1.-The Japanese beetle Is steadily
climbing higher. and has arrived some
$500 feet above the sea level over
there.
II visited HaIeakala Ranch and was
much impressed with the systematic
and business like way in which It Is
being conducted. The stock Is being
constantly increased and many useful
experiments are carried on.
"They are protecting the forests by
fences and the results are most remark
able. the young trees are coming up
nicely. though the borer is causing some
trouble. The eucalyptus Is now grow
ing from the sea to a distance of $500
feet above sea level. Manager Won
Tempsky putting out a great many
each year."
Prof. Sedgwick may be sent to Maui
again to conduct series OF expert |
ments with the blight. soil and make |
other tests for the information of the |
farmers there.
A.