HOST FOR THRIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 142, 18 June 1938, Page 8

HOST FOR THRIPS.

May I draw attention to the fact that the common Laurustiirus (the species) Is steadily becoming ;i menace all over New Zealand owing to its vulnerability io a blight called Ihrips? The foliage is attacked on the undersides of the leaves and causes a scorched, silvery appearance. With ape and poor, dry soil conditions, the plants steadily become worse, until a really dangerous stage is reached, when the disease is carried on the wind to many valuable plants in the vicinity. Observers are lulled :nio complacence bv the fact that the inf ; rted leaves fall off, and new ones appear in the spring. 15ut by that time untold damage lias bpen wrought to many prized plants nearby, such as rhododendrons, hydrangeas, viburnums. fuchsias, lilv of the valley tree. etc. I would like to make a plea, wherever possible, that isolated infected plants should be destroyed and hedges gradually eliminated. I would even go further, and ask nurserymen to consider withdrawing the common laurustinus from sale. substituting the more handsome giant variety, named Viburnum tin:is luciduni. which latter appears to lie immune from Ihe disease. Thrifts are increasingly prevalent in Xcw Zealand, and. by the destruction of the common Laurustinus. at least one of the worst carriers of the trouble would be removed. OOKCKI'N" KP.