THE BLACKBERRY

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1929, Page 5

THE BLACKBERRY

INSECTS ATTACK PLANTS.

FARMERS OBSERVATIONS

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

THAMES, November 28

For some time past observers noticed where blackberry -vines were in small clumps, they were not making progress in spreading that they t had done: •in former-years. Tiiis prompted a-farmer interested in the pest to take closer notice. The result of 'his observations were encouraging, He. found, the. blackberry was being ■ attacked' very vigor- | ously by an-, insect which: is .doing a great amount.of. damage. Investigations were made on farms ombpth aides of Coromandel’Range. -He jfounjUthe insect attacks were causing plants to die. Older leaves were riddled through with - holes and- -young shoots withered and dead. It was observed that ap insect similar, to the ladybird, only- black, infested the plants, when the leaves were turned over. Colonies were eating old leaves and also the stems of the plants. Especially was tlij£"the .ease where there were isolated- clumps of blackberries. No eggs were found; It is not known how the insect’ came, but it will be a boon to fanners||f it continues its labours. So far it*has not been seen on any other plants-. It has been noticed since 1927, that blackberries that used to riot -over thousands of acres have received a check. • i ; -