THE FLAX GRUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1092, 3 May 1913, Page 2

THE FLAX GRUB.

The ravages of the flax grub in the Manawatu district have been so serious this year that flax millers are considering the question of fighting the pest. The grub is a yellow-green caterpillar which eats holes out of the flax leaf, generally selecting the top portion on which to make its meal. Where these holes have been made the fibre rots, and consequently the leaf is practically useless. Speaking to Mr G. Craw, of Linton, a wellknown miller, a Standard reporter learned that the grub was worse around Tokomaru than elsewhere, and it seemed to thrive better where the ground was of a damp, spongy nature. On dry ground where sheep had kept the grass short cropped the grub was very scarce. The millers are at a loss as to the reason why the pest has made itself more prominent this season. It is quite evident, however, that the past seasons have been favourable for the life of the moth and the of the caterpillar. It has been suggested as a remedy for the grub that birds be encouraged to inabit the flax areas. Starlings are reported as having eaten the grub, an area of flax in the Lockwood estate which is frequented by these birds being free from the pest. Mr. Craw considered that each miller should make experiments on a small area of infected flax with a view of killing the grub, and if successful immediately report to other millers so that the district might be cleared of the pest as soon as possible.