INTRODUCTION OF SEEDS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25734, 21 February 1949, Page 6

INTRODUCTION OF SEEDS

ACCIDENTAL CARRIAGE TO NEW ZEALAND Accidental agencies play a considerable part in the introduction of new plants to New Zealand, according to Mr A. J. Healy, assistant-director of the botany division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Interviewed at the Pacific Science Congress he mentioned seeds carried in trouser cuffs, in freight packing, and in transport. After a day in the tussock country of Waipara he found 30 ’ different variety of seeds in his trouser cuffs, including nassella tussock, he said. At field days farmers were frequently asked to turn down their cuffs and observe the seeds carried there. Weeds common in linen flax crops were found to have arrived in seed imported from the Continent. When the New Zealand Third Division returned from the Pacific three or four new grasses were carried on the bottom edge of tents and other seeds in clothing and other fabrics. The armed services were afterwards asked to clean such materials carefully to guard against introduction of troublesome plants. When ships arrived to pick up wartime supplies, ballast was dumped around Wellington and new plants grew there. The United States Marines apparently brought other new seeds in gear packed for shipment. Altogether 40 to 50 new plants had been detected in the last eight or nine years. Where possible trouble was expected. prompt steps were taken to eradicate such plants.