Narcissus Flies

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22540, 3 October 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

Narcissus Flies

Not Easy to Eradicate

TN somo districts narcissus flics aro very destructive. They are admittedly not easy to eradicate. Control measures which are many and varied include hot water treatment as often as is expedient—say, every two years; vigorous cultivation from November onward: poison bait spraying and the capture of adult flies. None of these methods is completely effective, but taken together a very high standard of success can bo obtained. . , , . ~ The larvae or grubs attack tho bulbs (one grub being found in each bulb) and may kill them if tho bulb is small and weak. Tjarge healthy bulbs are so much injured that tho main growing point fails to shoot. An excessive number of secondary growing points are formed between the scales. When they

grow they lead to an abnormal growth appear on tho wing about November and the eggs aro deposited singly on the surface of the soil close to a bulb or on tho foliage A fajourito place of entrance is the hole left by tho ripening off of the foliage. Raking the beds over to fill these holes will nrevent this method of attack. Many flies may be killed by spraying a liquid poison bait on the in coarse drops. Somo damage to tho foliage may result, but since it is lining down no harm will be done to the bl To'make the bait, dissolve one ounce of sodium arsenate (poisonous) in one gallon of water, add half a pound of white sugar, allow to dissolve, then stir in a quarter pound of crude glycerine. This is added to prevent tho drops drying up too quickly in tho sun. Apply the spray with a coarse nozzle, and tho spraying should be carried out in warm sunny weather when the flies are on the wing. They will then feed on the drops of sweet but poisonous liquid. The spray should bo handled with all due respect for such a poisonous substance as sodium arsenate. Modern Lupins Lupins have received almost as much attention from plant breeders as have delphiniums, and it is no easy task to keep pace with the rate of progress. Delight was considered for a long tune, the best of the so called " crimsons, though in some soils it was liable to die out in winter. In this respect it is surpassed by such later introductions as Mrs. rsiehol Walker, Splendour and Riverslea. I ink Pearls is still one of tho best of its colour, though Goodwood and . Highlander are both good clear pinks, lho buff and apricot Elizabeth Arden will appeal to many as a novel shade,, C M. Pritchard is another of the same shade. In deep purple it is difficult to find better kinds than Happiness, Gloria and Taplow Blue.