THRIPS ON LAURUSTINUS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 241, 8 July 1938, Page 20

THRIPS ON LAURUSTINUS

At a recent meeting of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, a letter was received from Mrs. Charles Haines, Wellington, urging the elimination of the common laurustinus (viburnum tinus) and the substitution of the giant variety (viburnum tinus lucidum). The following resolution, moved by Mrs. Knox Gilmer, seconded by Mr. H. J. Poole, was carried unanimously: “In view of the ravages of thrips insects, which have been specially severe in gardens during the past season, as indicated by the number of re- ! presentations made to the institute, this executive resolves that all nurserymen be circularised, drawing attention to the fact that the principal source of infection is the common laurustinus (viburnum tinus), thence passing on to more valuable plants; and recommending that, in the circumstances, they discontinue raising and distributing this species, substituting therefor the giant variety (viburnum tinus lucidum), which is relatively immune from attack. “This recommendation is made on the grounds that, if the common species is not further distributed and is eliminated where already planted, the control of thrips in respect of the more valuable plants would be materially simplified.” It was resolved further that a copy of the resolution and the circular be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture and also to the New Zealand Horticultural Trades’ Association, requesting that this effort should be supplemented as far as possible.