PARASITE TO KILL BLUEGUM WEEVIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3692, 17 September 1927, Page 4

PARASITE TO KILL BLUEGUM WEEVIL.

Wellington, September 13.

'The Minister of Agriculture states that the insect that is doing damage to the gumtrees in the Thames Valley and surrounding districts is the gumtree weevil, conipterus scutellatus. This beetle is the major eucalypt pest and for the last three years the Department of Agriculture has given close attention to the insect and has made a study of its range and life history in New Zealand as the basis for parasite control.

As the insect is an Australian one, and is comparatively rare in the Commonwealth, attention was .given to securing parasites from there.

It has also become established in South Africa where it is doing great damage and in July, 1924, the Department, being already in communication with the chief entomologist at Pretoria, steps were taken on behalf of South' Africa and New Zealand to locate a suitable entomologist in Australia who would be able to undertake the search for the. required parasites and ship .then! to New Zealand and South Africa.

It was found, however, that there was no one in Australia who could undertake the work. 'Eventually an entomologist in Australia, who had been to South Africa, and aftei some searching was successful in 1920 ib locating at least two species of parasites which will be invaluable. These were sent to Africa and reports show their great possibilities. The South African authorities readily agreed to send some to New Zealand and the material is expected at an early date. Preparations are (made for establishing them in the spring.