WHITE BUTTERFLIES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 78, 14 January 1936, Page 8

WHITE BUTTERFLIES.

THE SITUATION SATISFACTORY. (Written for the “Guardian”). CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. An assertion that tile white butterfly pest was being kept well in hand by the parasites liberated by the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, was made by the Fields SuMr R. McGillivray, yesterday afternoon. Mr McGillivray, who has just returned from a tour of Nelson, said that though it was impossible to keep the pest completely controlled, it was highly probable that a control 80 per cent efficient could be maintained, and this- would prevent any serious increase. “The butterfly , has been in various districts in Canterbury, and during the recent warip weather the number has increased considerably,” continued Mr McGillivray. “On my recent trip 'to Nelson I noticed that they were more numerous in Blenheim than anywhere else. We have made arrangements, however, for a supply of parasites to be liberated there soon. Last year the butterflies were extremely troublesome, in that district, and very considerable damage was done to the plants, such as cabbages and cauliflowers. A large number of parasites were liberated there, and I noticed a considerable reduction in the number of white butterflies on the wing. . “Tim.avu was the first centre m the Booth Island where the pest was reported, and the parasites liberated there last year seem to have done remarkably good work.” Mr McGillivray stated that it was extremely unfortunate that the supply of parasites this season was short, only small quantities being available. Arrangements for the liberation of four consignments had already been made and others would follow dm ing tlie next few months. The centics where the liberation had taken place were Timaru, Lyttelton and St. Albans, and within a week or 10 days a consignment would be liberated at Blenheim. “We cannot expect complete control,” concluded Mr McGillivray, “butwe at least expect to exercise a measure of control which is up to 80 per cent, efficient. 'lf conditions such as this are maintained, it cannot be said that the pest is really a serious one. In the North Island where the first liberations of parasites wore carried out, there is now 'a very marked decrease.”