COMBATING PLANT DISEASES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 4 June 1919, Page 2

COMBATING PLANT DISEASES.

DEMONSTRATION AT WERAEOA

On Thursday afternoon a large gathering of members of the Horo

wlienua Fruitgrowers' Association availed themselves of Mr Qanninghum's invitation to sec the work bein; done at tiie Biological Laboratory at (he Central Development Farm. In the una voidable absence of Mr Cockayne, biologist, Mr Waters, plant pathologist, and Mr Cunningham, assistant pathologist, gave most interesting addresses on their work in investigation and-control of plant diseases. The immense aad practical value to all farmers of the research work being done at the laboratory was a revelation t*

tho.-e present and'brought home he>w; necessary, and even vital, such portly scientific work is to the well-being.of all agriculture. The methods of isolating and identifying harmful fuagae and bacteria were explained in detail illustrated with microscopic section* showing their growth and action Oa plant tissue.

Afterwards a visit was made to Uife etymological laboratory, where Mr Miller, the etymologist, showed from

.-pecimens the forms of various insect life both harmful and helpful to the farmer. The seed testing laboratory; was next visited, and the method of work explained and illustrated. Luting the afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies of the Farm. Altogether the fruitgrowers: spent f.a. enjoyable and c.rtreniely cuucatfre afternoon, and they were highly appreciative of their reception and of the splendid work being done for thoa: bv the scientist"- at the Farm.— "Chronicle.-"