The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-13
SATSUMAS UNHURT. BY EXTREME COLD
Oranges In Mobile County Safely Withstand Tempera-
 ture Of IA Above

MOBILE, AlasJan. 1f.-(Special Leased Wire. 1.-The demonstration has been made and confirmed that the satsuma orange, on citrus trifoliata stock, will withstand e temperature of 14 degrees above zero with but little injury. provided the trees are healthy, we'll cared for and the roots of the plants protected. On the morn ing of. January 6, the thermometer registered 14 above at Mobile. and even lower in some of the orchards, yet the industry as a whole has not been injured in Mobile county.
 After visiting many satsuma or chards and talking with numerous growers, the statement is made by of- ficials of the Chamber of Commerce, including the chairman of the agri- cultural department, that faith in the citrus industry of the Mobile bay district has been strengthened rather than diminished by the results of the cold weather of January s. 6 and [. All authorities agree that the damage done has been offset by the killing of the white fly, purple scale and other pests that infest citrus trees wherever grown.
 Neglected orchards have suffered most, and in some instances have been killed. The nonresident grower who does not properly spray his trees and care for them is regarded as menace. to the industry. anyhow. and the loss of his grove Is not con- sidered in the light of an unmixed evil to the community.
 10000 Trees, All Uninjured.
 Former Senator Jonathan Bourne of Oregon. who owns the largest plantation in the Alabama citrus belt. made the statement yesterday that 10000 satsuma trees on his planta- tion. ranging in age from ono to nine years, appear to be uninjured, and he is going ahead with the planting of many thousands of additional trees grown in his nurseries. He has a million dollars invested in Alabama citrus groves and Is proceeding. he said. to increase his investment. There will be some defoliation as a result of tho freeze. but 1t is his ex- perience that trees stripped of their leaves. with proper fertilization, oft en produce their heaviest fruit crop in the season following.
 At no point visited on a tour of the section south of Mobile does 1t ap- pear that satsuma trees have been split by the freeze. J. M. Kroner, one Of the most successful of the satsuma growers and nursery men. stated that his trees are not injured and that the defoliation will not. in his onin- ion. exceed 50 per cent.
 The L. L. Noble orchards. at Abbot station, showed but little willing of leaves five days after the freeze. and the manager. MT. Colshon, stated that the grove, generally regarded as one of the best in Alabama, is not injured. MT. Noble, like Senator Bourne, Is proceeding with the planting of addi- tional acreage in satsumasI
 Plan Blossk1n Festival.
 With authentic reports from all Of the county showing that the sat- suma industry has stood the new cold test, the Mobile Chamber of Com merce is going ahead with its ar- engagements for a satsuma blossom festival to be held during tho bloom ing period. before Easter. The direc- tors of the chamber decided in favor of the celebration at their meetins s Wednesday and & committee headed by Lloyd Abbott. chairman of the agricultural department, Is at work on details.
 Authorities announced that the greatest noticeable effect of the freeze on the satSuma trees is the large percentage Of defoiiation. which. according to experts, means nothing. The per cent of deSoliation is variously estimated to be from 50 to 75 per cent.
 It Is announced that no bursting of wood was found. very little dying back. and that some damage was found in orchards where trees were not properly kept previous to the cold spell.
 Dr. Winberg. in . statement issued Last night, warned growers regarding the danger of rushing into u.easures which they believe will stimulate the trees. Professor Starcher also issued a warning along fhie lina