Problems In The Garden

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30919, 27 November 1965, Page 24

Problems In The Garden

My dianthus Is beginning to have a peculiar growth all over it and it does not look very nice. I am sending you a sample and wonder if you could advise me concerning what to do about it? —R. J. (North Brighton) The symptoms showing on your specimen are typical of witches broom or a form of proliferation caused by an Eriophyid mite. Remedial measures include cutting out the infected portions and spraying with lime sulphur before the advent of new growth in spring. Enclosed is a small section from my juniper tree. This and one or two others of my conifers are affected and are beginning to look verydismal. The trees are kept formally trimmed but receive no other attention. What is the cause and is there a cure? —F. R. (Christchurch) Infestation by the caterpillar of the moth Heliostibes is resSonsible for the apparent die ack and bunching of the twigs. If you examine your trees closely you will undoubtedly discover a mesh of silken threads wpven around a crude shelter of plant fragments. It is from this shelter that the caterpillar emerges to chew the terminal growths. Spraying with D.D.T. may be necessary to control severe attacks but cutting out of caterpillar rests may be sufficient to clear up light infestations.