Method for protecting young fruit trees against ants
A historical note from 1828 recommends drawing a chalk ring around tree trunks to effectively protect young fruit trees from ant infestation.
Full transcription
Appendix.
To protect young fruit trees against the destructive visits of ants, the following simple remedy deserves to be recommended. One draws a chalk ring about a thumb's width around a relatively smooth spot on the trunk, and the tree remains completely protected as long as the chalk is not washed away by rain, since no ant dares cross this line either going up or down. It is curious to watch their anxious search for a crossing point when, coming down from the tree, they arrive at the perilous circular field and finally, after fruitless effort, throw themselves down from it.
1828 at a glance
The year 1828 in Merano and its surroundings was characterized by regional administration, local welfare initiatives, and agricultural matters. While legal and bankruptcy affairs alongside historical studies on the Passeier shield farms defined local history and administration, the course of the year also reflected a mixed harvest, charitable events such as the imperial name day celebration for the deaf-mute institute, and practical advice on tree cultivation. →
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"Method for protecting young fruit trees against ants." Der Bote für Tirol, 11 December 1828. https://digital.tessmann.it/tessmannDigital/Zeitungsarchiv/Seite/Zeitung/47/1/11.12.1828/150519/4. https://www.meran-archive.com/en/artikel/1828-12-11-mittel-zum-schutz-von-jungen-obstbaeumen-gegen-ameisen