BIDI BIDI DESTRUCTION

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 19 November 1932, Page 7

BIDI BIDI DESTRUCTION

DISEASE ATTACKS WEED. A disease is attacking bidi bidi in the Feilding district (states an exchange). So far it lias been noticed on only one farm, that of Mr. George Buekmau, near Apiti, but there the weed seems to be disappearing rapidly as the disease gains a hold. The disease is attacking the roots of the plants and turning them to a white powder, and it is suggested that the Department of Agriculture might look into the matter. No other plant but the bidi bidi has suffered. If this disease is proved to be or some economic value, farmers in the high country should hail this as welcome news, but often diseases and natural enemies of weeds and pests arc. not of much consequence, as the action of many lasts only a short time, making them of little value. Tn the Feilding instance, the disease has existed for two years, and has spread rapidly during that time. A few years ago a disease was noticed to be attacking bidi bidi on a Matawai farm, but bidi bidi still Exists in that area. Other diseases and natural enemies-of many weeds have been announced from time to time, but very few are of much economic signficance. and after a short setback the weeds attacked thrive iust as well as ever.

The Feilding instance is no doubt one that the Department of Agriculture "ill investigate, and these /farnters with ai great idea? of bidi bidi infestation hope that it will prove of some real worth.