Gardeners’ Queries... (Press, 19 May 1961)

A letter from A.B. in Cashmere discusses the issues he is facing with his eight-year-old Cotoneaster watereri, which has flowered abundantly but has not set any fruit. The issue lies in the plant's inability to produce fruit despite satisfactory pollination and the presence of insects. The respondent identifies a potential fungal attack, specifically Sclerotinia, as a possible cause for the lack of fruit; further specimens are requested for diagnosis. Regarding Kalmia latifolia, it is noted that this plant can be successfully shifted due to its compact root ball, with the shifting suggested for the current time. For Proteas, the paleness observed in some plants is attributed to genetic variation in seedling-raised plants, thus impacting flower colour. There is no method available to induce darker colours in flowers that are naturally lighter, emphasizing the importance of buying plants raised from cuttings for preferred traits. A separate inquiry by "Advice Wanted" from Sydenham touches on browning and unhealthy leaves of chrysanthemums despite spraying with lime sulphur. The respondent points out that various causes could lead to browning leaves, including chrysanthemum eelworm, a serious pest that often results from consecutive planting in the same area. Suggestions for controlling the pest include using organic-phosphate sprays and relocating to fresh land, although some recommended treatments, like parathion, are toxic and not suitable for home gardeners. Specimens are requested for a detailed evaluation. Mrs. S. F. Bailey from Waimate seeks plant identification, with the respondent confirming it as Alstroemeria pulchella, which is distinct from other varieties due to its unique flower colours. The presence of eelworm is noted in another inquiry concerning chrysanthemums, with B.H.C. not being effective against it. The best control method suggested is parathion, but an alternative method involves hot water treatment for cleaning up infected stock plants, which is laborious yet effective. Inquiries also include how to grow walnut trees, revealing that they can be raised from nuts or grafting, mentioning the variable characteristics of seed-raised plants. Recommendations for planting walnuts stress the importance of sowing fresh seeds and not allowing them to dry out. A gardener from Hokitika seeks advice on preventing bird damage to mustard seeds and controlling twitch. Coating seeds with red lead is suggested as a deterrent, while Dalapon is indicated as effective for twitch, requiring proper application to absorb through foliage. Lastly, C.E.W. from St. Albans inquires about Lilium auratum seedlings and two ornamental plants that flower but do not fruit. The seedlings are deemed hardy for overwintering, whereas failures for the Chinese lantern plant and Herberts wilsonae to fruit remain unexplained, although lighter soil is suggested as a possible improvement. The letter concludes with a note on the internal hollow characteristic of carrots due to growth conditions rather than pest issues.

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