FARM LOSSES FROM INSECT PESTS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 152, 24 March 1938, Page 12

FARM LOSSES FROM INSECT PESTS

Further Research Urged

DISCUSSION BY NORTH CANTERBURY FARMERS Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, March 23. "A distinct menace to an important industry in Canterbury and other parts of the country” was the description applied to the white butterfly by a member at a meeting of the North Canterbury District Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union when the losses caused to farmers by various pests were discussed. The help of Government department in combating the pests was sought. The Hororata branch of the union was perturbed at the damage already being done to pastures by the porina caterpillar, said Mr, J. W. D. Hall, secretary of the branch, in a letter to the meeting, and it was considered that immediate steps should be taken to awaken the authorities to the need for controlling the pest. Moving in this direction, Mr. Hull quoted to the meeting the ease of a farmer who had found his land seriously infested. The trouble did not usually occur until August but already the insects seemed to be fully developed.

Mr. Hall mentioned some avenues along which investigations might, be said, be profitably made. For example, there were indications that there was a long period of recurrence of caterpillars in certain districts, say every eight or nine years. Apparently, also, the caterpillar liked three-year-old grass. Whether it affected short or long pastures was in dispute and might also be investigated. Would rolling be effective; and should pastures be heavily stocked or should they be unstocked so that they might have a chance to recover? it would be interesting to know what was being done since the union had approached the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research last' September, con.inued Mr. Hall. The problem was undoubtedly serious, and the department should be reminded. He knew of one farmer in his district, Hororata, who had lost 300 acres through caterpillars. He moved that the matter be brought to the notice of the department. Recalling a recent statement in the Press by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan that the white butterfly did not seriously threaten the country. Mr. J. 11. Skinner remarked that .Mr. Sullivan would soon change his opinion if he was a farmer. He himself had bought some sheep at Addington some weeks ago, but the rape on which he had intended to feed them had been eaten by the white butterfly. The chairman. Mr. 1. L. M. Coop, said he thought the Minister must have been misunderstood. White butterflies were taking not only rape and turnips, but also cabbages. Mr. A. Fisher complained of the depredations of the diamond-back moth and members supported his complaints. The discovery of no fewer than 30 white butterfly grubs in a single turnip about as big as a tennis ball was reported by Mr. F. A. Sheat. who said that the white butterfly did not coniine its attentions to tops, for a quarter of the skin of the turnip had also been eaten. Mr. Skinner moved that the attention of the authorities be drawn to the damage done and that appreciation be expressed of the measures being taken. Mr. J. H. .Syme: We people don’t realise the seriousness of it. Lambs worth 13/- to 14/- a month ago are now bringing 7/-. A member: They eat too many grubs Boih motions wore carried.