NOXIOUS WEEDS PEST.

Shannon News, 3 May 1929, Page 4

NOXIOUS WEEDS PEST.

COMBATING WITH INSECTS.

At a mooting of the Noxious Weeds Research Committee recently, presided over by Professor If. B. Kirk, it was announced that the Tyria moth liberated in ragwort-infested areas at Te Puke, Stratford, Nelson and Southland was establishing itself well. Particularly favourable reports have been received from Taranaki. Altogether about 500,000 eggs had been distributed.

It was stated that it was too early yet to estimate the success that was likely to attend the liberation of these ragwort-destroying insects. This year’s trial would, however, provide valuable information in revpcet to their capacity for enduring the New Zealand winter and the degree to which they wore likely to be attacked by parasites. Steps were being taken to arrange for tiie transferance of the insects to*other areas in the immediate vicinity. If successful it was hoped to have a greatly-increased number of eggs available next year for widespread distributests.

It was. stated that work was still proceeding in connection with the piripiri and foxglove parasite, but no new developments had been recorded. Mr. A. L. Tonnoir, assistant entomologist at Cawthorn Institute, having tendered his resignation, it was stated that the resignation would take effect, from August 31 next. Arrangements to appoint his successor were left, in the hands of the director.

The estimated expenditure for the coming year was approved. The cost of \the investigations are shared by the Cawthorn Institute and the Department of Scientific Research. The sum of £3OOO is being expended upon the New Zealand investigations and £IOOO in England. '