SPRINGTAILS & BRASSICA CROPS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30278, 2 November 1963, Page 5

SPRINGTAILS & BRASSICA CROPS

Most farmers will have experienced from time to time partial or even complete germination failures in brassica crops such as turnips, swedes, ehou moellier, etc., despite the fact that soil and climatic conditions seemed ideal. These failures are costly, for besides the delay which will occur in restablishing the crop under conditions which may no longer be favourable, there is the necessity to buy more seed and to completely re-sow the area. Generally, the reason for the failure is never known. If, however, the farmer had inspected the soil carefully, he may well have found that the real culprit was a minute insect known as a springtail. Springtails are very small, vary from pale amber to dark brown or black in colour, and can be readily distinguished because of their habit of leaping or hopping when disturbed They live at the soil surface, often under small clods or in crevices, and feed upon many types of plants, being particularly fond of the new leaves of germinating brassica crops. They are most severe on the seed leaves, which are the first two leaves to appear, and frequently destroy so much of this tissue that the plants cannot survive if attacked at this stage. As the later true leaves develop, the damage caused ceases to affect the growth of the plants. Fortunately, these springtails are easily controlled. Just dust the brassica seed with Dieldrex 50 per cent W.P., a product of Shell Agricultural Division, and sow in the normal way. Failing that, the same material can be prepared as a spray amd applied to the soil surface straight after sowing. (In £he latter case, it will be necessary to obtain a permit from the local office of tile Department of Agriculture.) Dieldrex 50 per cent WJ?. is a cheap and extremely effective method of i proofing brassica seeds against i attack during the susceptible stage, and without any problems of residues later affecting the animals which finally eat these crops Make sure that you have no costly resowing problems this season by ordering your supplies of Dieldrex 50 per cent WJP from your normal supplier now, —Advt