Chilean Saw-Fly

Northern Advocate, 30 December 1938, Page 10

Chilean Saw-Fly

We are indebted to Dr. David Miller, chief entomologist at the Cawthron Institute, Nelson, for advice on the present situation of the Chilean sawfly parasite, introduced to combat bidi-bidi.

This was introduced by Dr. Miller after a special trip to South America about two years ago. A number of public-spirited sheepfarmers, about Wanganui particularly, had contributed substantially to the expenses incurred.

Dr. Miller now writes: TTie first liberations were not concentrated, but were made to the* individual farmers who had subscribed toward the cost of securing these insects from Chile; but now that these commitments have been met, we are no longer distributing, but concentrating, as I consider that the only means of getting results. Because of the scattered nature of the area of liberations, and the small quantities in each, it will be some time before the insect shows itself to the uninitiated in these isolated places. As a result of this, I fear that there has been some disappointment among farmers that the influence of the insect is not already seen. For the time being, we are not attempting to make general liberations of the insect, but are concentrating all available supplies on a selected area of the weed for the purpose of ascertaining what control the insect will exercise under natural conditions in New Zealand.

When this work is complete, we shall then be in a position to decide whether a major campaign of distribution throughout the country should be undertaken.”

This statement by Dr. Miller very clearly sets forth the position, and indicates that, for the present, we must hold ourselves in. patience and await events. Should success finally crown the effort, this will be one of the great contributions made by science to our farming.