A NEW PEST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2228, 27 June 1908, Page 2

A NEW PEST.

FOUND IN IMPORTED MAIZE.

STRINGENT PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY. . ,

[Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 26. An instance of tho need for the careful inspection of produce coming into New Zealand was afforded'yesterday. There was a stack of maize from Fiji, the sacks of which were completely covered with little grey moths, and an examination of the grain showed that it was simply riddled by a tiny blackhead grub. Air. Arnett, Government fruit inspector, noticed the pest in a shipment a fortnight ago, and at once communicated with AA’elliugton, but found' that at present there is no law to deal with this as affecting grain. Had it only been an enemy of the orcliardist, it could have been promptly dealt with. As it is, the maize had to bo admitted, and the risk incurred of one of the worst- scourges of grain crops in America being spread throughout New Zealand. The only hope is that as the maize has arrived in winter, and as there are no growing crops of grail} for the insect to attack at the present time of tho year, it may perhaps perish without getting a footing here. This particular moth is known as the angomnois grain moth (gelecliia eereallela). Tile danger of this insect is not confined solely t-o maize, as the larva bores into the kernel of wheat, rye, or corn.