PINE TREE PEST

Gisborne Times, 13 October 1932, Page 5

PINE TREE PEST

MENACE OF HORNTAIL BORER CA WTHRON J NST IT UTE I AlI'OR’IS PARASITE FROM BRITAIN. EXPERIMENT POINTS TO SUCCESS. (Press Association.) NELSON. Oct. 12. During the last few years attention qf those interested iu the commercial production el' pine trees has been drawn to the activities of the steel blue liorntail borer, which is now well established in Hie Dominion. Though it does not damage vigorous trees, it is much too common to be discarded as of minor impo l lance. Tho parasite of the borer being known to occur in England. Dr. D. Miller, Director of the Entomological Department of the CawHiron 'iinstitute, arranged with the Director of tho Earnhuin Royal parasite Label atory for the parasite to be studied anj supplies to be sent to New Zealand.

This was quite a new departure in biological control, in that it was the first attempt made to transport a parasite of a wood-boring insect from one country to another and establish it in that environment. Several consignments of the parasites were sent to the Cawthron institute. where the work has been carried out as one of the major operations. Though many of the parasites perished before reaching maturity. a considerable number survived, and many were liberated among bor-er-infected trees near Blenheim, Haninor aud Alouterc, while otherg were retained at Cawthron Institute. That there was some possibility of the parasite succeeding in this country was shown by the activities oi the insect in locating the position of its victims in infested trees prior to piercing the bark, and laying its oggs OIL the lio ring grubs. However, whether this had been successfully accomplished or not could not be piacticabl.y ascertained, the parasites and borer being concealed within the timber. In consequence, a careful watch was kept for the emergence of adult parasites from trees in which the parasites were known to have laid their eggs. During tho last week o.t two these emergences have been taking place in .the insectory at the Cawthron Institute, and there is every reason to expect fliat the same is taking place in tho plantations at Blenheim, Hanmev and Alouterc.

The appearance of this, the first generation of parasite to be reared in New Zealand,! is one of the most, important developments in insect post control during the year, and gives great promise of the successful establishment of the parasite, a’ncl tho subjection oL the liorntail borer in the Dominion.