PEAR MIDGE PARASITE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 245, 15 October 1926, Page 7

PEAR MIDGE PARASITE.

LIBERATED IN AUCKLAND. VALUABLE AID TO ORCHARDISTS. Mr. D. Miller, Government Entomologist, arrived in Auckland to-day with a large consignment of the pear midge parasite (Platygaster), bred out from the consignments received from Europe. With what is on hand at the field insectary at Henderson, there should be good supplies of the parasite available for Auckland orchards this season. The first lot to emerge from New Zea-land-bred material were taken to Kelson last week and liberated there. The midge was active on the.pear trees at the time and, within a few minutes of their liberation, the Platygaster were' seen busily at work depositing their eggs within those laid by the midges. It is not possible yet to send consignments to individuals, but the available supplies of the parasite are being liberated at the main centres of infection and natural distribution should follow, though this will be helped by artificial means as suplies become available. In transporting his consignment of insects from Wellington, Mr. Miller has received very valuable help from the railway authorities, particularly Mr. J. Duncan, stationmaster at Auckland. The Platygaster has to travel by express trains and must be kept- cool on the journey so that they may be fit lor their important work on arrival at the orchards. I