anaheim-gazette 1919-07-24

JUNE DROP TAKES HEAVY TOLL IN NAVELS ONLY 50 PER CENT OF A CROP IN SECTIONS OF SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY Experimenter Discusses Best Method of Preventing the Loss.—Valencias Affected to Only Small Extent. Until the first day of June, prospects for this year's navel orange crop were counted at between 95 and 100 per cent of normal in most parts of the State. At the present time San Joaquin Valley districts report a possible yield of 50 per cent and crop estimates in most of the southern counties have dropped materially. And what is the reason? The June drop has again exacted its toll from the navel orange grower. And a most exasperating toll it is. The June drop continues to be one of the most important problems facing the grower of navel oranges, even in the more favored coast counties, and there is no gainsaying the fact that at present time it does constitute the most serious difficulty standing between the interior valley navel orange grower and prosperity. For the June drop comes year after year with more or less regularity in those localities in has occurred on the healthiest trees, trees given every possible care, and that is the phenomenon we are discussing. This is the true June drop, all others being a natural thinning down to the normal crop the tree can successfully carry. June drop in the Washington navel orange groves is occasioned by two very distinct causes: (1) abnormal water relations set up between the leaves and young fruits under severe weather conditions, and (2) the attacks of a very weak parasitic fungus, Alternaria citri, which also causes a navel end rot of navel oranges. There is a delicate water balance or equilibrium existing in all plants, any severe disturbance to which is bound to react more or less detrimentally to the plants' general well being. Water is being absorbed by the roots and being given off as water vapor through the leaves. In order for growth to occur and a healthy thrifty condition to obtain absorption must more than equal evaporation. If for any reason evaporation exceeds absorption, a water deficit occurs in the plant, which if carried far enough, results in wilting and ultimate death from dessication. The ability of a plant to maintain a satisfactory water balance against more or less adverse conditions, largely determines its zone of distribution. Thus we find desert plants provided with various devices, structural and otherwise, to reduce evaporation, and in addition with special powers of extracting moisture from relatively dry soils. Plants indigenous to the tropics however, are not found to be adapted to withstand harsh climatic conditions. In the course of their evolution they have never experienced any such need. When a scarcity of moisture occurs, certain plant parts by virtue of their summer cover of the June drop greatest promise to protection of from our intense shown beneficial June drop. Mulch material was found in 1917. Providing a plenable nitrogen form critical period hail suit in a decided fruit. A certain part to a fungus Alterfects the young cracks and impermeend. The amount sequent dropping varies greatly from Some of the affect maturity and shear heart rot, or nave fruits, however, which are able of the fungus and The greater part fall from the tree innhes in diameter open, will exhibit under the navel usually readily go On account of the occurring as it dand the universa gus spores, this practically every be no hope of cby spraying. Co-periments have any results what Apparently these successful contries along the list summer cover c The June drop continues to be one of the most important problems facing the grower of navel oranges, even in the more favored coast counties, and there is no gainsaying the fact that at present time it does constitute the most serious difficulty standing between the interior valley navel orange grower and prosperity. For the June drop comes year after year with more or less regularity in those localities in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys suited to the growing of navel oranges. Here may be found areas of splendid soil, comparatively frost free, with an abundance of cheap water, few or no pests, and climatic conditions conducive to the highest quality fruit, but on account of the June drop they are not commercially profitable for navel orange culture. Were a simple and practicable remedy for this exasperating shedding of the immature fruits worked out, these areas would at once assume great importance as citrus producing sections. As it is, but rarely is a commercially profitable crop carried to maturity. The June drop is primarily a navel orange problem. The Valencia orange and the lemon are comparatively little affected by the conditions which act to produce an excessive shedding in the navel orange. But what are some of the conditions acting this season to cause a heavy June drop? In the first place, in most sections, the bloom was excessively heavy, a condition not generally held to be favorable for a good set of fruit. Some recent work done by Heinicke on apples in New York is interesting in this regard. He found that trees which carried a very heavy bloom set and matured only 14.1 per cent of the blossoms while trees carrying only a normal bloom matured 73.8 per cent of the flowers. It stands to reason that a tree bearing many times the number of blossoms it can possibly mature is under a much heavier strain than one carrying but few more than it can successfully mature. And under such a strain it would only be natural to expect a much heavier shedding of blossoms. And not only is a heavier fall of blossoms to be expected, but also a generally weakened condition among even the more vigorous flowers, a condition which cannot but be conducive to a light set of fruit. And the fact remains that the set itself was comparatively light this season, in most districts. Thus we find desert plants provided with various devices, structural and otherwise, to reduce evaporation, and in addition with special powers of extracting moisture from relatively dry soils. Plants indigenous to the tropics however, are not found to be adapted to withstand harsh climatic conditions. In the course of their evolution they have never experienced any such need. When a scarcity of moisture occurs, certain plant parts, by virtue of their structure and function, have a decided advantage over other parts. Thus the leaves, being subject to a strong atmospheric pull, continue to take the larger part of the water supply, to the marked detriment of young fruits, if such happen to be developing at that period. Under certain conditions the leaves may actually withdraw moisture from the fruits, resulting in their desiccation. When this occurs, many plants initiate a process called abscission, and throw off or shed the fruit, and if the necessity be severe enough even drop the leaves. The June drop of the navel orange has been found to be the direct result of an abnormal water relation of the kind above described. During hot, dry weather, the leaves actually draw moisture from the young developing fruits, so that there is a periodical swelling and drying out, which, when continued for several days, results in shedding within a week or ten days. This is only what would be expected when we remember that citrus trees originated in the tropics, where they are still to be found, growing wild in the shade of immense forest trees. Here climatic conditions obtaining during the blooming and critical period before the fruit is set are about as different as possible from those occurring in California during the same period. The atmospheric humidity is high and the temperature not excessive. The atmospheric pull on the leaves for water is comparatively low. With our hardy temperate-zoned fruits, and even our desert shrubs, experiencing abnormal water relations during periods of intense dry atmospheric conditions, what could be reasonably expected of citrus trees, so poorly adapted to withstanding a high atmospheric pull for moisture? The wonder is that it was never thought of before. Citrus trees, on investigation, have been found to exercise absolutely no control over their water loss. Unable to control water loss during hot dry determines its zone of distribution. Thus we find desert plants provided with various devices, structural and otherwise, to reduce evaporation, and in addition with special powers of extracting moisture from relatively dry soils. Plants indigenous to the tropics however, are not found to be adapted to withstand harsh climatic conditions. In the course of their evolution they have never experienced any such need. Apparently this successful control lies along the life summer cover cooled by spraying. Cooperations have no any results whatsoever. DRAINAGE DISCREASE INCREASSE Much Benefit Exceeded in this In tests for during the recentposed drainage of Grove and Buena Weir, drainage university of Californi visor Wahlberg, at levels varying feet. Root crops course, cannot take such a supernatant cannot do well with water. As these grows older and downs effect pronounced. Snatchily do well as they are confined of soil overlying but as soon as deeper rooting takes place and becomes evidence of the foliating of the trunk. Where the free or five feet of thaw have a comparison to the surface, excess moisture depth—say six cm less capillary m upward—the ten strict rise on the drains, which colate away in ditches or tile. As great benefit from diminishing the upper stratum cering the free w average root zone. Four or five Garden Grove acres in the Buc carrying but few more than it can successfully mature. And under such a strain it would only be natural to expect a much heavier shedding of blossoms. And not only is a heavier fall of blossoms to be expected, but also a generally weakened condition among even the more vigorous flowers, a condition which cannot but be conducive to a light set of fruit. And the fact remains that the set itself was comparatively light this season, in most districts. Then, again, we have experienced a spring very similar indeed to that of 1917, when the great heat wave reduced the crop fully four-fifths. All spring, weather conditions have been cool and equable and ideal in every way for our navel trees. They therefore did not have reason to become accoustomed to, or acclimated to, hot weather, since none occurred. Suddenly, with the first two or three days in June, there came a heat wave, with temperatures of 100 or better. The result was just as was to be expected, and as was predicted by the writer—a heavy shedding commencing about the 7th of the month. Had we experienced a heat wave of the magnitude of the famous 1917 "sizzler," nearly everything would have gone, just as it did then. The only thing that saved the crop was the comparatively low temperatures. Of course, it is not reasonable to expect weak or sickly trees to bear satisfactory crops. Trees permitted to suffer for lack of water, trees underirrigated, trees not given adequate fertilization, and threes neglected in any way cannot reasonably be expected to bear satisfactory crops. Still there are growers who practice all these sins of omission and then kick about the June drop! There is however, a June drop which hardly temperate-zoned fruits, and even our desert shrubs, experiencing abnormal water relations during periods of intense dry atmospheric conditions, what could be reasonably expected of citrus trees, so poorly adapted to withstanding a high atmospheric pull for moisture? The wonder is that it was never thought of before. Citrus trees, on investigation, have been found to exercise absolutely no control over their water loss. Unable to control water loss during hot dry periods they are absolutely at the mercy of the elements, and react by shedding those parts of the least importance in the economy of the tree, the fruits. Since the drop is largely due to climatic conditions, obviously measures of control must be largely in the nature of ameliorating climatic extremes which may occur during the critical period lasting April and July 1. The most effective method of accomplishing this to date has been the use of a rank growing early summer cover crop which carpets the ground in the orchard during this period. Plantings at Bakersfield last year, where properly managed, showed phenomenal results in increasing the crop matured. A 600-acre grove planted to a summer cover crop this season, recently inspected by the writer, showed rather satisfactory results on the whole. Of all the cover crops used so date, Mellilotus alba, alfalfa, and buckwheat have given the most promising results. The writer knows no reason why Mellilotus indica should not prove more satisfactory than any of these. Cow peas and beans apparently must be abandoned as crops for prevention of the June drop. Where planted early enough and adequate water has been supplied and suitable varieties used, upward—the terrace strict the rise of the drains, which collate away in ditches or tile. As great benefit from diminishing the upper strata ering the free wedge average root zone. Four or five Garden Grove acres in the Buckserved with drains bring the west county to a high tiveness, adding dollars to the value. The experience age districts have expectations of. Following the committee and age engineer's proposed district at the Garden last week, the council proceeded steps towards drainage district. A petition will be listen to who desire to supervise for such a system of tee, consisting of man; A. Schnitz W. M. Adland, a little opposition; fically everyone subject has been. At a special day by the farm cesson Tuesday of last taken to ascert those present drainage system county. This w ANAHEIM GAZETTE the summer cover crop for prevention of the June drop still holds out the greatest promise of successful control. Protection of the soil in any way from our intense summer heat has shown beneficial results in preventing June drop. Mulching with almost any material was found to be a decided aid in 1917. Providing a plentiful supply of available nitrogen for the trees during the critical period has been shown to result in a decidedly better crop of fruit. A certain part of the shedding is due to a fungus Alternaria citri, which infects the young fruits through the cracks and imperfections in the navel end. The amount of infection and consequent dropping due to this fungus varies greatly from season to season. Some of the affected fruits persist to maturity and show up on packing as heart rot, or navel end rot fruits. These fruits, however, represent the few which are able to resist the attacks of the fungus and persist to maturity. The greater part of the affected fruits fall from the tree before reaching two inches in diameter. These fruits, if cut open, will exhibit a dark discoloration under the navel end, which, if cultured, usually readily give the Alternaria. On account of the nature of infection, occurring as it does in the navel end, and the universal presence of the fungus spores, this fungus being found practically everywhere, there seems to be no hope of controlling the fungus by spraying. Co-operative spraying experiments have so far failed to show any results whatever. Apparently the best hope for the successful control of the June drop lies along the lines of the use of the summer cover crop or in the findingive gathering from the district involved. Eighty per cent of those present were strongly in favor of forming a district. The committee having this in charge were instructed to bring about an early organization and proceed to get names for the petition. The committee members are John N. Anderson, A. Nelson and Henry Gatjens. Two other men are to be appointed by the chairman of the center. WARNING TO PUBLIC Commissioner of Corporations E. C. Bellows has sounded a warning to the investing public of California against offers of stock sent through the mails from outside the State, promising extravagant returns on investments. Alluring pamphlets are being flooded into the State by oil and mining companies operating outside California, and in almost every instance the companies are not authorized to offer their securities in this State, and sales thereof are in violation of the Corporate Securities Act, otherwise known as the Blue-Sky Law. Following is the Commissioner's warning, issued in a signed statement: TO THE INVESTING PUBLIC "The investing public should beware the flattering offers of stock promising extravagant returns sent by mail from points outside the State. "One of the latest of these luring pamphlets to fall under the department's notice is from the Worth-Tarrant Oil Company of Fort Worth, Texas. The letter, which is signed by the president of the company, James A. Bluie, makes use of all the usual devices to trap the unwary: an imposing On account of the nature of infection, occurring as it does in the navel end, and the universal presence of the fungus spores, this fungus being found practically everywhere, there seems to be no hope of controlling the fungus by spraying. Co-operative spraying experiments have so far failed to show any results whatever. Apparently the best hope for the successful control of the June drop lies along the lines of the use of the summer cover crop or in the finding of heat resistant sports which are satisfactory in other respects. DRAINAGE DISTRICTS WILL INCREASE VALUE OF LAND Much Benefit Expected from the Work in this County. In tests for the free water table, during the recent trip over the proposed drainage districts of Garden Grove and Buena Park by W. W. Weir, drainage engineer of the University of California, and Farm Advisor Wahlberg, free water was found at levels varying from three to six feet. Root crops and tree roots, of course, cannot thrive normally under such a supernatural condition. These cannot do well with roots standing in water. As the tree develops and grows older and the root system goes down the effects will become more pronounced. Small trees will apparently do well and thrive as long as they are confined to the shallow layer of soil overlying the saturated zone, but as soon as the tree demands deeper rooting area, trouble begins and becomes evident in the appearance of the foliage and improper functioning of the tree. Where the free water is within four or five feet of the surface, alkali salts have a comparatively free movement to the surface, but by holding the excess moisture down below this depth—say six or seven feet—there is less capillary movement of the salts upward—the tendency being to restrict the rise of alkali to the level of the drains, which will eventually percolate away in solution through the ditches or tile. As great benefit will be derived from diminishing the alkali content of the upper strata of soil as from lowering the free water table beyond the average root zone. Four or five thousand acres in the Garden Grove area and nine thousand acres in the Buena Park-Cypress area. "The investing public should beware the flattering offers of stock promising extravagant returns sent by mail from points outside the State. "One of the latest of these luring pamphlets to fall under the department's notice is from the Worth-Tarrant Oil Company of Fort Worth, Texas. The letter, which is signed by the president of the company, James A. Blue, makes use of all the usual devices to trap the unwary: an imposing letterhead with references, a show of extreme caution in testing oil-bearing qualities of tracts before securing leases, urgent appeals to invest quickly to make certain of greater returns. "Accompanying the letter is a printed sheet entitled "True Stories from Life" which contains stories of fabulous returns from investments in Texas oil fields. "If the Worth-Tarrant Oil Company were a regularly organized concern doing a legitimate business, it would comply with the laws of this State, secure the necessary permit and place its stock in the hands of agents resident in this State. But to do this, it must submit to a full investigation of its assets and liabilities, methods of operation, prospects, and the reputation of its officials and agents. That it has not done so it is presumptive evidence that its affairs will not bear the spot-light of publicity, and California investors are warned to keep their money out of investments that have not passed the review of the State Corporation Department." OIL WELL DRILLERS RACING AGAINST TIME Hole Must be 3000 Feet Deep by August 1 to Save Lease. The new derrick in Sycamore canyon which has raised its crown block since the discovery of oil in the Diamond well, on Rideout heights, it to be the scene of a pretty race, according to reports from oil men who are in close touch with the workings there. It is stated that this well must be completed to a depth of 3000 feet before August. The cause for all this speed is the fact that the contract in the lease for several hundred acres of valuable oil lands calls for a well of this depth by August of this year and the owner of the land proposes to the letter of the contract. It is upward—the tendency being to restrict the rise of alkali to the level of the drains, which will eventually percolate away in solution through the ditches or tile. As great benefit will be derived from diminishing the alkali content of the upper strata of soil as from lowering the free water table beyond the average root zone. Four or five thousand acres in the Garden Grove area and nine thousand acres in the Buena Park-Cypress area served with drainage will in time bring the western portion of the county to a higher point of productivity, adding many thousands of dollars to the value of the lands. The experience of five older drainage districts have well borne out the expectations of the property owners. Following the report of the drainage committee and a review of the drainage engineer's observations of the proposed district which were presented at the Garden Grove farm center last week, the committee was instructed to proceed and take necessary steps towards the organization of a drainage district. A petition will be circulated within a week to list the property owners who desire to petition the board of supervisors for the establishment of such a system of drains. The committee, consisting of J. O. Arkley, chairman; A. Schnitger, M. B. Allen and W. M. Adland, expect to find very little opposition to this project. Practically everyone approached on the subject has been favorable to it. At a special drainage meeting called by the farm center of Buena Park Tuesday of last week, a vote was taken to ascertain the attitude of those present towards building a drainage system in that part of the county. This was a very representa- J. E. STROUP, Prop. Home 282 Pacific 300 109-111 N. Los Angeles St. ORANGE COUNTY GROWERS JOIN ASSOCIATION Will Ship Nearly 400 Tons of Dried Apricots this Year. How to improve the quality of dried apricots shipped from Orange county and thus directly benefit growers pocketbooks, and how to get maximum returns from crops through affiliation with the California Prune and Apricot Growers, Inc., is the subject of talks being made before small bodies of local apricot growers by three representatives of the state association. They are C. G. Hamilton, of Santa Paula, district manager, George McCarty of San Jose, inspector and R. C. Powell of Pomona, of the organization department. Already the association, formed with approval of the state market director, has between 6,000 and 7,000 members in California and nearly a hundred in Orange county. There is still quite an acreage as yet unsigned in the association, however, and this fall and winter a strong drive to enlist every grower as a member of the association will be made. Hamilton was in Santa Ana conferring with local members, including Mrs. F. S. Greenleaf, who is enthusiastic for the organization, and then went to El Toro to meet with growers there. Powell will be here probably about ten days, checking upon the acreage of apricot growers and getting in touch with them in preparation for the forthcoming membership drive. Make the SUMMER'S WORK Easier A Message to Women Our modern laundry plant, with all the latest and best machinery and large corps of skilled workers who make their home in Anaheim, is at your disposal and in a position to give the best work and the best service obtainable. Patronize a home concern. Anaheim Laundry Company Phone 18 Building is Brisk Since the government lifted the restrictions on material, and if you are among the many who contemplate putting up a new home or repairing an old one, let us make an estimate for you. We handle everything you will need, and you will find our prices right. Griffith Lumber Company Building is Brisk Since the government lifted the restrictions on material, and if you are among the many who contemplate putting up a new home or repairing an old one, let us make an estimate for you. We handle everything you will need, and you will find our prices right. Griffith Lumber Company South Los Angeles St. H. M. ADAMS, Mgr. Good Place to Buy— G-O-O-D L-U-M-B-E-R C. GANAHL LUMBER COMPANY Anaheim. Cal ANAHEIM FEED and FUEL CO. DEALERS IN Wood, Coal, Hay, Grain Seeds and Flour PUBLIC WEIGHING SCALES Phones: Pacific 317, Home 294 R. W. McClellan, W. D. Grafton, Props. CITY CASH MARKET 117 W. Center St. "Quality, Price and Service" Our Motto We handle nothing but the choicest of meats. We deliver. Phone your orders early. Pacific 20 ED. W. SCHNEIDER Proprietor Inspector McCarty will remain in Santa Ana throughout the 'cot drying season, with headquarters at the C. C. Collins packing house, his duties being to confer with growers and look over under a big service and save the growers the loss of fruit. There are many women in the city, undoubtedly, who could spare time from their household duties during the four or five weeks Inspector McCarty will remain in Santa Ana throughout the 'cot drying season, with headquarters at the C. C. Collins packing house, his duties being to confer with growers and look over their crops as to coloring and preparation, in order that the association may ship the best fruit possible into the market. The quality, he states, is much improved over former years through the association's efforts. He estimates Orange county will produce between 350 and 400 tons of dried 'cots this year. Prices of dried apricots this year already fixed, range from 20 cents to 32 cents a pound, according to quality, as compared with about 16 cents last year. WOMEN WORKERS WANTED Wastage of some of the apricot crop is threatened through a shortage of women for pitting, says the Register. The growers are confronted with a more or less serious situation, according to the statement of a grower today, because of that fact. The hot weather is bringing the fruit on with a rush, and this coupled with the shortage of help, is causing the producers considerable concern. "Every woman and girl in Santa Ana who can possibly get away from home should get out into the apricot camps and help save the crop," declared one grower today, a man who is running three big camps. "It is a time when women could ren-der a big service and save the growers the loss of fruit. There are many women in the city, undoubtedly, who could spare time from their household duties during the four or five weeks of the campaign. "Of course, they cannot be appealed to on patriotic grounds to conserve the produce as a war help, but interest in the community and the success of the men who have devoted a year to raising cots, with prospects of fair returns for their labor, if they can get the fruit dried, should induce such women to make the effort to help out in the rush." Pitting is now on in full force all over the county, with help conditions in other localities about the same as they are here. From 35 to 40 cents per hundred pounds is being paid, depending on the character of the fruit handled. The two canneries operating here are employing a large number of women and girls which has its effect on the number of women available for the apricot camps. Sir Douglas Haig says that the British empire won the war. No use to argue that. The treaty of peace proves it. Willard says he is through with the fighting game forever. What's his game in becoming a pacifist? Does he expect to get a job sometime as Secretary of War?