Our local orchard society publishes a magazine called Pome News which encourages information exchange. The following is taken from the winter issue. Electric bug zappers have a hazard which few people are aware of. The insects are vaporized and a cloud of insect debris surround the zapper. It is recommended that food be kept away for zappers. The rules for planting orchard trees are: 1. Dig a hole twice root ball size. 2. Do not add soil supplements. 3. Spread roots 4. Allow trees to flex, stake only young grafted trunks 5. Mulch surface but not against trunk 6. Prune top to match root ball size 7. Keep records. Bug spray Fungicide --------- --------- 2 garlic bulbs 1 tbls baking soda 2. hot peppers 1 tbls horticultural oil 2 tbls molassas 1 gallon water (blend with water) Another good spray is "compost tea". It's effectiveness depends upon the microorganisms present but in some cases it outperforms commercial sprays. The Ananasnaja was mentioned as a favorite kiwi variety. I've never seen this type in stores so only fruit hobbyists will be able to try it. Many nursery catalogs now carry it. Biofungicides can now be ordered from the web. Here are some sources: http://www.gardensalive.com http://www.groworganic.com Http://harmonyfarm.com Common orchard diseases of the West coast (USA) Pseudomonal Brown Rot Coryneum Blight Peach Leaf curl Anthracnose Apple and Pear scab Fireblight ---- jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape to leave ecopath: unsubscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
