THE FLAX GRUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1451, 25 September 1915, Page 2

THE FLAX GRUB.

A SERIOUS MENACE TO THE INDUSTY.

The operations of the flax grub in some of the green blade areas iu this district, and particularly those iu the vicinity of Raugitane, are causing alarm to ail interested in the hemp industry. Although this grub has been in snae swamps for years past, and a few years ago was very prevalent, during the last season or two it has not seriously affected the leaf to any great extent. However, the rapidity with which the pest is working through some areas this season is alarming and if some method of checking the pest is not lound the result will be very serious to the industry. In portion of the Riverdale swamp, near Rangitane, and some of the adjoining liax areas, the grub is playing havoc. At the beginning ot the season the leaf was iu fairly good condition, although the presence of the grub was quite evident, but in the last few weeks an alarming change has taken place, portion of the area now being infested with the pest. Recognising the seriousness of the position the Department arranged for Mr A. H. Cockayne, biologist to Department of Agriculture, to visit and inspect the area and observe the grub at work and to ascertain if something could not be done to exterminate the pest. Mr Cockayne, accompanied by Mr W. H. Ferris, chief hemp grader, and Mr Hooper, editor of the Journal of the Department of Agriculture, visited (he swamps yesterday and took specimens of the grub (which resembles a caterpillar) and the green leaf after the pest had been at work, and no doubt a report on the subject will be furnished to the Department at a later date. This matter-is indeed a very serious one to the industry and every effort should be made to combat the grub. The New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association, which has done good work in various directions in connection with the industry, should take the matter up.