The Mena weekly star., 1907-02-07
SPRAY THE PEACHES NOW

SPRAY THE PEACHES NOW
 R. J. Smith, state etomologist of Georgia, sends out a most earnest warning to the peach growers of his state, which should be of equal value to the horticulturists of this state. It is becoming more and more apparent that 1t is only the best of fruit that can command prices in the market that will justify shipping, and all growers should use every means at their command to develop the most perfect fruit.
 Mir. Smith says that in many or chards last year the leaf curl disease shortened the crop from 9 to 75 per cent, and that experiences have shown conclusively that the disease may be almost entirely prevented by the application of proper fungicides early in February We now know definitely that the best results from spraying for the leaf curl are de- rived by treating the trees fully one month before the blooming period. Spraying now, as recommended herein, will also control the San Jose scale as well as the leaf curl. In one sense the matter of spraying for leaf curl may be said to be an insurance, rather than remedy, for in some cases it is impossible to forecast the occurrence of the disease. To wait until the disease appears is, however, a disastrous practice, for the leaf curl cannot be stopped after the leaves commence to curl. The bor- deaux mixture is the most easily prepared and applied and we recon mend it's adoption in all orchards where the San Jose scale is present It is made by the following formula Stone lime (fresh unslacked) 2 lbs. Copper sulphate (bluestone) IDS. Water .... .......,.. .,..o oo gal
 Provide three barrels for mixing. Slake the lime with a small amount ef water (preferably warm), in one barrel. When the lime is well slaked add water to make 25 gallons.
 Next dissolve the bluestone in 25 gallons of water. The easiest man ner of dissolving the bluestone IS to tie the desired amount in a burlap sack and suspend in p gallons ef water for few hours.
 To prepare the bordeaux mixture take bucketful of each solution and pour them simultaneously into the third barrel. As the two solutions unite very fine light blue precipl- tate is formed. Bordeaux made by the above will stand without set ting for a number of hours. For the benefit of those who have not had experience in preparing bor- deaux we would emphasize the mat ter of mixing the two solutions to- gether at the same time, rather than to pour one solution into the other, as would appear to be the easiest way.
 Peach growers whose orchards were affected last year will not need to be warned further about the necessity for immediate work.
 When spraying be sure that thor ough work is done. Cover the trees entirely. Otherwise the result of the spraying will be disappoint- ment.
 Do not make the mistake of think ing that the bordeaux alone will con trol the scale. Bordeaux acts only as a fungicide, that is a prevention or remedy for fungus diseases. It will not have any effect on the San Jose scale.
 Any persons reading this article, and desiring further advice, are re- quested to write to the state etomologist, Atlanta. Ga.. who will gladly reply promptly to all in quiries.
 Remember the adage, An ounce of prevention, etc.