FARM FORUM

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28266, 2 May 1957, Page 15

FARM FORUM

Questions _ and answers by experts _ for the man on the land.

Spraying Wing Thistle Q: 1 have used hormone sprays for wing thistle and they have been successful in other years but not this summer. Why should this happen ? A: Many are Ending the results from hormone sprays contusing. Reports from many quarters suggest that, although one may do all that is required by the directions, results differ. However, my own view, is that conditions at the time play an important part in hormone spraying and this could be a cause of poor results. Another important point is the stage of growth of a plant when the spray is applied. Finally, it is always necessary to obey carefully the instructions. New Insecticide Q: Pye seen dieldrin advertised as an insecticide by a number of firms but had thought this was a Shell product. What is the true story ? A: Dieldrin is a new wonder insecticide produced by Shell overseas. It is included in the formulation of a number of locally manufactured insectirides because of its remarkable effectiveness. Shell market Dieldrex 15 which is a Shell produced emulsifiable concentrate of dieldrin. Spreading Manure from Sumps Q: Spreading natural manure collected in sumps is considered by most dairymen as only profitable on smaller farms. I wonder if they have looked at it from all points other than the cost and time factors. What is to stop a larger dairyowner doing it? A: There is nothing to stop any dairy farmer spreading manure collected in sumps; but in many places it would not be practical. Some larger dairy farmers do this now; but for others, this practice would require time and organisation. In New Zealand we have everything the easy way and are still wasteful in our attitudes. Usually this practice is found where the initiative factor in management is above average. Controlling Gorse Q: Other than spraying is there an effective way of knocking back gorse altogether once it has started spreading? A: On non-arable land there has not appeared anything to surpass timely hormone spraying. The story on arable land is definite break down, break up and resow to new pasture. Before the advent of hormone spraying, many farmers effectively knocked back gorse by hand, and this method is not to be despised today. If farmers carried a mattock and grubbed out the isolated gorse bush, what great progress we would make I “Farm Forum" is another Shell service to farmers. If you have any queries, address them to “Farm Forum”, Box 2D91, Wellington, and watch for the answers in this column. FF4.7