TREE DISEASES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 27 May 1927, Page 7

TREE DISEASES

I)AMA.(iE TO YOUNG (IUMS

A 111 XI) HP I) PESTS

A comment on diseases affecting tree pl.-uiUlion.s is in. '■-*•' by the fiuppnnUnj"ii(. of the Holwyrr plantations in liis Minual report to Liu- iW/tf. The ropori s.iM :--"T«e. gradual vn dcnniniiig of gum stands generally by ilisoasp was not unexpected, hut such : liuiiil transition lYi'in slightly affected trees In absolutely ilc.nl holes llial IlilS occurred in places lliis year was scarcely looked for. Undoubtedly the season' lias lippii favourable for tlic dissemination of IIOHI insect and fungus nests whilsl tliP intensely harsh growing conditions have still further lessened" Hie chance of affected trees withstanding attacks by beetles, gall, or scale insects. Under the circumstances ii has nol been practicable tn rigidly adhere to the projected planting scheme outlined four "years ago. •Another factor to I"' considnred is the increased spread of gorge throughmil plantations when the canopy is de strove! and rout hold weakened b) the dyiiig trees. Thus, tho necessary clearance of altccted plantations, attention h, fences, and replanting in the near future should account for a large proportion of the sum allocated for atloresiatinn or regeneration work. It is very desirable, however, to resume and plaiit annually in a modern manner at least a small area of virgin land. ••Amongst the hardwoods, a disease Hint, has' become troublesome recently i, ihe mussel scale (Lopido'saphes Plica-. Ivpli), which in conjunction with the other half-do/pn pests referred to in previous reports, cans.' constant irritation and subsequent asphyxiation to the BU SncakiiiK 1° lll(> Boanl ' Mr Ro,,ins ? n (according to the -'Press") said that the mussel scale was, ill his opinion, going l„ he perhaps the greatest danger to Canterbury plantations. lie was' preparing a classified collection of the insects and other diseases which affected the trees, and expected. when this was complete, to have 100 different specimens.