GRASS GRUB AT TEMUKA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22194, 10 September 1937, Page 6

GRASS GRUB AT TEMUKA

SERIOUS DAMAGE DONE ON PASTURES OPINIONS OF FARMERS Waimate is not the only district in South Canterbury where anxiety is being felt by farmers at the ravages of the grass grub; at Teiriuka, also, concern is being felt by . farmers, whose pastures are affected by the pest. Mr G. A. Davey, Rangilira Valley, said that more damage to his land had been caused this season by the grass grub than for years. In one of his paddocks six acres of summer grass had been completely eaten away, while, in another, which he Would have to plough, five acres of young grass had also been destroyed by the grub. He expressed the opinion that the ravages ol the pest were noticeable all oyer South Canterbury. Even in MidCanterbury, he had seen in one paddock an area several chains square without a single blade of grass on it, which, the owner of the land told him, had been ravaged by the grass grub. Fairly strong growth in the summer causing surplus feed, due to plenty of rain, and lack of control of the pasture on the part of the farmer, were cited by Mr Davey as being chiefly responsible for the abnormal amount of damage done this season by the pest. The drying off of the feed had provided a suitable breeding ground for the beetle to lay its eggs. All pastures had beep affected, he thought, though he considered that the lighter soils were affected most. On the lighter soils grass had a struggle to grow, and if it were checked in its growth by the grass grub the probability was that it would peter out altogether. Young grass of four years old and under suffered most, he said; grass older than that was practically immune from attack. Mr W. Moore, Waitohi, supported Mr Davey’s remarks, and said that several of his paddocks were affected by the pest. He was inclined to believe that top dressing did not give a greater resistance to attack, as although through top dressing the grass was provided with a greater rooting system, the sweetness contained in the lime used for top dressing attracted the grub. He thought that one of the best means whereby the pest might be kept in check was for farmers to roll the affected paddock, so as to consolidate the soil; to surface sow in spring, or to plough the paddock again were also good methods to adopt. Irrigated land would be just as susceptible as non-irrigated land to attack from the grass grub, Mr Moore thought. He explained that the grub usually worked on slightly elevated land, seeming to shun the hollows where pools gathered after heavy rain. “I think that it is time to get in touch with the Cawthron Institute and to make inquiries about the insect which is said to be able to counteract the depredations of the grass grub,” Mr Moore said. "Farmers in this district may recall a lecture given at Pleasant Point some years ago by an officer of the Cawthron Institute, who stated that an insect had been discovered somewhere in South America —Chile, I think, he said—which was a grass grub parasite. Farmers in South Canterbury would certainly welcome that parasite now.” Mr L. V. Talbot, Kakahu, was another farmer who said that Iris pastures had been affected by the pest He considered the worst attacks were now over, however, and did not think that the carrying capacity of the land which had been damaged by the pest would be seriously affected. To aid the funds of St Joseph’s parish, a successful euchre and dance social was held in the club rooms on Wednesday evening. Winners at cards were: Women’s section, Mrs M. Nolan 1, Mrs H. Cain 2; men’s section, C. Scannell 1, K. McAteer 2. A competition was won by Miss Howden. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mrs Walker and Mr J. Solomon. Mr w Seeler was master of ceremonies.