HARDWOOD PESTS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 15, 18 January 1924, Page 8

HARDWOOD PESTS

CONTROL AND IMPORTATION OF

INSECTS.

(»I KLIUEAJH—HUBS ASSOCUTJO3.)

BALMERSTON N., 17th Jan. That>the Government realises the danger which, threatens the timber in this country through the introduction from the Commonwealth^ and other countries of various pests was made clear by Mr. David Miller, Government entomologist, in an address before the' Nurserymen's Conference. There was no doubti, he said, a great many hardwood pests were being .brought into the Dominion beneath the bark of poles, and there was every: possibility that many were becoming well established. Some might not become sufficiently ■ numerous to become injurious; though others thrived under our conditions and became established very quickly. The speaker referred particularly to gum-tree blight, the ravages of which had, spread to many parts of both islands, having first ben introduced in the Timaru district, and to leaf weevil. The white .'pine borer was difficult to combat, .and. the only, remedy was to use as little sapwood as possible. In reply .to questions Mr. Miiler said there was no evidence that the pests had attacked any New Zealand hardwoods yet. The position would naturally be improved if poles were barked. No timber was absolutely immune from the borer, as many woods, such as totara, which was reputedly immune, has been found susceptible. On the motion of Mr. G. A. Green, the following ■ resolution was carried:— The increase, in the activity in treegrowing and afforestation, together with the existing area of indiginous forests, necessitates urgent legislation for the control of : importation of injurious insects and the depredations of insect fungoid, and allied diseases, and demand the appointment pf specialists attached to the State, Forest Sen-ice for the control .of , these pests. Mr. J. A.. Campbell, Director' of the Horticultural Division, also addressed the conference on proposals for the quarantine of imported plants, and the principle was affirmed by delegates.