MENACE TO PLANTATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19626, 3 May 1927, Page 11

MENACE TO PLANTATIONS.

THE GIANT HORNTAIL. SPECIMENS IN PINE WOOD. [BV TELEGRAM. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHUKCH, Monday. Several pieces of pinus insignis wood, in which were embedded living and flourishing specimens of the giant horntail woodborer (Sirox Juveneus), were produced by Mr. C. H. Adams, of Greendale, at the meeting of the Solwyn Plantation Board to-day. Many articles have appeared in the New Zealand press about the menace to plantations caused by the horntail, and Mr. Adams' exhibit proves beyond doubt that this imported pest will attack pinus insignis. The horntail makes a hole a full quarter of an inch in diameter and spoils the value of the timber when present in any number. Mr. R. G. Robinson, the board's superintendent, said so far no specimens of the horntail had been found in any of the board's plantations, either in the timber cutting or milling operations. Mr. Adams said the specimens lie had brought had been found in dead timber near Charing Cross. Up to the present he had found specimens only in dead timber and none in green timber. Mr. Robinson said the horntail had been known to attack green timber at Hanmer Springs plantations, and many young trees had been bored.