Aphis-Like Mites

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31052, 6 May 1966, Page 16

Aphis-Like Mites

The enclosed specimen comes from my Acacia baileyana and It is showing the same blight which attacked it last autumn. What is it and what should I do to prevent a further occurrence.—V.B. (Christchurch). Damage is caused by poyllids, an aphis-like mite which has a similar habit of feeding by sucking the plant sap. Control using a wettable powder form of D.D.T. or a pyskmii organic phosphorous insecticide should be applied. On our quarter-acre section we have an area of garden 18 yards by 24 yards which is closed from the east and south by a six feet high iron fence. The west side is closed by a shed wall. Your suggestions would be welcomed on how best to roof over this area so that it may be better suited for a longer growing season for frost tender plants, including tomatoes, beans, cucurbits and chrysanthemums. B.H. (Geraldine). It is doubtful whether, under the prevailing circumstances, you would gain much by simply roofing over the area in question. Very strong unfolded polythene sheeting of six feet width securely fastened may provide some protection; but insulation would be a problem. I think that to achieve the results you evidently hope for, a glasshouse is the only answer. As an alternative you could try using cloches, an article on which will appear on this page next week.

Timaru Venue For Wool Board.— The New Zealand Wool Board will meet at Timaru from August 1 to August 5. Talks will be given by members of the board at a public meeting, and there will be a short tour of the district