RAG WORT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1929, Page 7

RAG WORT

A NATURAL ENEMY. MOTHS TO BE LIBERATED AUCKLAND, Feb.' 8. Sfriugonts tests have been passed by the Ragwort moth, which lias been en gaging the authorities at the C'athorn Institute for some time past, and the Miniser in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial research, the Hon. If. Atmoro, said this afternoon that it had been decided to liberate the moth. (Specified areas, commencing with selected phres in the Auckland, Taranaki and Southland distrits will first receive attention. The Minislcr lias been advised that Dr. D. .Miller reports much success m the tests, and the requirements under the Noxious Weeds Control Research Committee, at the head of which is Professor H. D. Kirk, have been fully complied with. Tesls with the ragwort moth have extended- over a period of sixteen moiillis and have shown that in all eases mollis and larvae die when placed on any-economic* plant-. •On ragwort weed the dost ruetive effects of the moth have'been ostabi,shed bevond doubt.

If. is not anticipated bv Hie Department that the moth will clear ragmvf this year. but. a good beginning will la* made. Sonic milious of eggs will be distributed and flie first generation will be acclimatised and will breed large supplies in Hie Held next year. Tin* moth is a cinabar moth with black and red stripes. “Eanners who have been .handicapped hv (he prevalence of ragwort weed will hail with pleasure Hie prospects of its rap'd destruction,” said Air AI inure lie milled that tin* exm rimenls were another indication of the great vain** of the work done at the Cawllmrn Institute. Under Ihe methods of invest iid ion the moths were allowed t ' sample "hints of all kinds in the insectar.v at f'awthorn. and there was no dang rof their es*ea ,, o until it was (idle established that no damage result ed to plants of economic value. The class walls and roof and the lining of phosphor guaze with which the insec tary was provided wi re a complete bar rior to the escape of any insects. The insect ary. .Mr A. tin ore recalled v, as establish by a grant of £I3OO

from tin* Imperial Slarketine; Hoard of (Jpeat liritii im, and a subsidy" of £7O" was received from the (jovernment. The remainder of (lie money necessary was found hy tlic Cawlliron autliorities.