New Zealand Department of Agriculture.

Manawatu Herald, 25 June 1895, Page 2

New Zealand Department of Agriculture.

_ # JOHN D. EITCHIE, Secretary. LEAFLETS FOR~ FARMERS A FRUITGROWERS, No. 5.

Currant-Borer, Currant Clear-owing, Currant Sphinz {Jtgeria tipuliBy T. W. Kir<, F.L.S., &c. London. Fig. 1. Grab ; Fig. 2. Papa ; both en. larged. Fig. 3. Perfect insect, natural size, altered from Cooke and Wright, . . This moth may usually be seen from September onward. ' The wings of the perfect moth, when expaneled, measure about three quarters of an inch from tip to tip, transparent ; veins, and a cross bar near the ruidtfle, black. At the end of each wing is a black patch, with copper-, coloured reflections. Body very dark blue, with golden-yellow band on shoulder, and four rings of same colour on abdomen. The eggs are laid in the interstices of the bark or other crevices on the young shoots of currant-bushes. Very soon small white grabs appear, which immediately eat their way into the Bhoot and devour the pith. When about to turn into pupa, each grub eats a hole in the stem sufficiently large to allow the exit of the perfect insect. It then takes up a position juat below the hole, assumes the pupa die3s, and in about a week the perfect moth emerges. ; The branches being weakened by ijhe borer, assume a stunted appearance, and frequently large bougns are broken off, sometimes by their o wn^weight, but more otfcen by :|he wind, their enfeebled condition rendering them unable to withstand a fresh breeze. Specimens of currant branches attacked by this insect have been re* ceived from several districts. Spraying the plants with kerosene emulsion, tar-water, or whale»oil soapf has been found beneficial. The bushes should be frequently examined during spring, and any affected branches carefully removed and burned. This, done systematically, 1 will soon rid the garden of the pest, or, at any rate, so reduce the number as to render it comparatively ; harmless. May,iß94.