FOREST BIOLOGY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1930, Page 8

FOREST BIOLOGY

PROGRESS OF RESEARCH,

UTILTSA'I LON PROBLEMS

At the last meeting of the Fores’ Biological Research Committee of tin Council o. Scientific and Industrial Re searoli, consideration was, states tin “Post,” given to the preparation of i bulletin which would give full information regarding the growth rates of tin main species of exotic trees, which hat been planted in Now Zealand lor timber purposes, it was derided that tin work of preparation of this bulletin would be sectionised among a numbei of workers who were interested in particular species of these timber trees and who would be in the best positioi to gather the fullest and most accu rate information throughout the Dominion. This course would enable tin matter for the bulletin to he assemble* more rapidly than if the task wen undertaken by a special officer dele gated for the purpose. Consideration was also given to ; bureau of information by which tin latest results of all investigations eo-u----ducted both in New Zealand am abroad would be made available t those interested in the Dominion. Th< mass of forestry publications was now so considerable that it was difficult foi practical foresters to keep in toucl with the latest developments.. It wa.decided to give this matter furtive consideration, and to ascertain whether the Canadian publication which gav useful references and extracts, migh not be secured 'for general distribution in New Zealand. The committee decided to urgt upon the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research tne desirability oi giving further attention to- Forest Utilisation Research. It was felt that in view of the steady coming’to maturity of the parent plantations, the question of realisation would b( of prime importance at an earlier date than was anticipated. The Forest Products Branch of the State Fores! Service was at present doing work in this direction. Some members thoughi that the matter should be still further pursued in order to derive the best returns from the present steadily maturing plantations. The Mycological Sub-committee presented a report regarding the best, means advisable to pursue investigations relating to fungous pests affecting plantations. Some difficulty had been found in securing suitable trained mycologists who possessed forestry experience, and it was recommended that a local forestry graduate should be trained in mycology under Dr Cunningham at the Plant Research Station Palmerston North, for a number ol years, and during this training undertake a survey of the principal fungi found in both indigenous and exoticforests. The sub-committee had ascertained that the Director-General of Agriculture would be agreeable to such a trainee being placed under Dr Cunningham’s supervision for a period of training, and when this was completed he could, if desired, lie located at the Forest Biological Research Station at Nelson. The recommendations were fully endorsed. i The Acting-Director Mr A. F. Clark, presented liis quarterly report, which was discussbd by the committee. During the season an insect survey had been in progress, and a report on this was now being prepared. At the same time a host index was in course of compilation, which would indicate the insect pests attacking each individual species of the timber tree. • A good deal of information had been gathered on this matter since the work had been started in 1927. Mr Clark outlined the investigations on Hyln.stes ater, a bark beetle which attacked pinus rndiata in particular. A good deal of investigational work had been done on its life history, its host range, and habits, and estimation of its damage, and certain information had also been- gleaned regarding practical methods of control.

Spruce aphis was at present receiving dorse investigation, the habits of this pest under New Zealand conditions not being as yet, fully understood. Other researches were proceeding in regard to the conifer spinning mite, and Sirex juvencus ("the horntail borer) which was now being attacked hv Ryssa, a parasite introduced last year. A further parasite to control this pest will be imported during Ihe current season, and it is hoped that these measures will prove a. serious check upon < o spread of the horn-tail borer.