DIAMOND BACK MOTH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19803, 3 December 1938, Page 7

DIAMOND BACK MOTH

STUDY OF PARASITE SPECIMENS FROM EUROPE A study is being made of a parasite from Europe with a view to controlling the diamond back moth. The Minister of Industrial and Scientific Research, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, made this announcement in Christchurch this week, when he reviewed the steps taken in this respect. “Mr. John Muggeridge, associate director of the Entomology Division, returned during the week from a visit to Great 'Britain and Europe, where he was sent by the Government to inquire into the possibilities of securing parasites iwhich would control the ravages of the diamond back moth and the white butterfly, which constitute serious pests of turnip, rape and cabbage crops in 'New Zealand,” the (Minister said. “While it is a little difficult for New Zealanders to comprehend . a state of affairs where turnips and cabbages are not infested with the diamond back moth, yet this is what actually prevails in Europe, where (Mr. Muggeridge had difficulty in finding diamond back moths at all, and farmers there do .not appear to regard this insect as a serious pest. All specimens found appear to bo heavily parasitised, so it would appear that the moth is kept in cheek by parasites. “Arrangements will be made to import several species of these parasites for trial under controlled conditions in New Zealand, having in view the necessity for safeguarding the New Zealand position against possible trouble arising from new introductions which may be inclined to attack other things than those ■"-Inch thev were intended to c6ntroV’