POTATO CROPS ATTACKED.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1049, 11 February 1911, Page 8

POTATO CROPS ATTACKED.

ADVICE FROM BIOLOGIST. A tVairarapa reports that an Eketahuno- settler recently sent to the Government Biologist three grubs which ho said had eaten through tho haulms of his potatoes.' Tho biologist lias replied.: > Tho specimens sent aro tho larvae- of ono of tho .native cutworms belonging to tho genus Agrotis. There aro fivo specimens occurring in Now Zealand, of which Agrotis ypsilon is tho commonest, and does tho largest amount of..damage to both field and garden crops. Tho following methods will bo found useful in controlling this class of-insect in small gardens:— Tho Poison Method.—This'cousists of killing off tho grubs before tho crops aro planted, by strewing over tho land bunches of fresh clover, cabbage-, or other- leaves which havo been dipped in a solution of arsenate of lead (lib. to 20 gallons of water). Tho young grubs in search of food greedily cat these baits, and aro killed beforo they can do any harm. This method has given good results, and is well worth a trial where cutworms are likely to provo troublesome. Of course; caro must bo taken that fowls or stock do not get at tho poisoned loaves. Using Boards as Traps.—This method consists of placing boards on the ground in and 'about the garden, and collecting and destroying each morning tho grubs that will congregate beneath them during tho night. '.'Digging out tho Grubs.—This' consists of digging put the grubs that will bo found round each affected plant.