THE COMMON LAURUSTINUS.

Evening Star, Issue 22988, 20 June 1938, Page 7

THE COMMON LAURUSTINUS.

TO THU EDITOR. Sir, —May I draw attention to tho fact that the common Laurustinus (the species) is steadily becoming a menace all over New Zealand, owing to its vulnerability to a blight called thrips. The foliage is attacked on the undersides of the leaves, and causes a scorched silvery appearance. With age and poor, dry soil conditions the plants steadily become worse, until a really dangerous stage is reached, when the disease is carried on the wiiid to many valuable plants in the vicinity. Observers are lulled into complacence by the fact that the infected leaves fall off and new ones appear in the spring. But by that time untold damage has been wrought to many prized plants nearby, such as rhododendrons, hydrangeas, viburnums, fuchsias, lily of the valley tree, etc. Blackleaf 40 is supposed to be a deterrent, but is prohibitive, owing to its high cost and the large quantities that would be required to effectively spray extensive areas. I would like to make a plea, wherever possible, that isolated infected

plants should be destroyed, and hedges gradually eliminated. I would even go further, and ask nurserymen to consider withdrawing the_ common laurustinus from sale, substituting the more handsome giant variety named Viburnum tinus lucidum, which latter appears to be immune from the. disease. Thrips are increasingly prevalent in New Zealand, and by the removal of the common laurustinus at least one of the worst carriers of the trouble would be removed.—l am, etc., Concerned. Wellington, June 17.