The Tropical Agriculturist. The Agricultural Journal of Ceylon December 1935

In view of the menace of this pest a campaign was started as soon as possible in the Balangoda district by the Department of Agriculture and satisfactory progress has been made in the control of the borer in that area by pruning all bushes in hearing burning the prunings and clearing up and burning fallen berries. [...] The plant is hardy and can be grown in the low-country and in most gardens in mid-country also but owing to its rapid growth and strong root system it needs to be fed to maintain the health of the bush and quality of flower. [...] The quantities and the particular kind of manures and fertilisers to he used will depend on the type of soil and its fertility the intensiveness of cultivation and cost considerations. [...] The application of fertilisers in the drzone should always be supplementary to dressings of organic manures mentioned above as in the case of the former the plants are afforded a supply of readily available plant food while the latter improve the texture and humus content of the soil as well as its retentiveness of moisture. [...] The French growers enjoy the privilege of specialising in the cultivation of certain wine grapes and French viticulture is a great asset to the natidn and undoubtedly reflects credit on the ability of the growers who have held their position for ages.