NOXIOUS WEEDS

Putaruru Press, Volume XX, Issue 1183, 23 May 1946, Page 6

NOXIOUS WEEDS

MATAMATA COUNTY REPORT Danger Of Wind-borne Seed Reporting on the position of noxious weeds in the county the inspector, Mr. W. J. Logan, advised the Matamata County 'Council as follows: “The recent rains and mild weather have resulted in a second growth of ragwort, where it had been cut, and in the/ appearance of seeding ragwort. / “Ao has been consistently urged, the odd flowers should be immediately pulled and destroyed, whether on the fa/rm or on the roadside. “The- earlier the seedlings are treated the better and a supply of sodium and lima mix (the proportion of 1 to 20 has. definitely proved effective) ohould- be kept on hand. “In recent inspections it has been definitely established that windborne seed infect clean paddocks. Where the wind strikee a raise in the ground, or a tree or hedge, it is steadied' and drops any seed it i s " carrying. The result io subsequently shown in the appearance of seedlings in regular rows, ao though the seed had been deliberately planted. The obvious remedy is to prevent ragwort seeding at all costs and particularly that ‘odd’ plant. “Sodium Stocks: Farmers are reminded that it is advisable to give their merchants an early indication of their sodium requirements for the coming season, so that the merchants can arrange for the necssary supplied.

“Blackberry: A good' response has been made to date to my requests for attention to blackberry on road frontages and elsewhere. In fairness to thcoe who have responded, pressure will have to be brought to bear on those who Wilfully neglect their responsibilities in this respect. It hrrj .been demonstrated, as has been previously pointed out, that if blackberry, in places where cattle can get at it, is cut and a little super or salt is thrown over the stubble, the cattle will soon chew and trample out any re-growth. It is essential that blackberry be cut now before the vines strike and make new root. “Gorse: Keen interest has been taken in the Maungatautari district in tha method of pulling gorse with tractor and chain; and good progress has been made by the originators of the idea. Noticeable improvement should be evident in this district when those with tractors get going on their gorse, which is more easily pulled now that the ground is wet. “Gorse and broom seedlings should be eradicated as soon as they make their appearance, thus saving much heavy work later.” Cr. J. Pohlen oaid that it was a mystery to him where all the seed came from. He never let a plant seed, yet there was as much ragwort on his-farm as ever.

The engineer said that ragwort seed had been known to last up to 30 yearo owing to it being oil protected.

The clerk remarked that the shifting of a set of harrows from one part of the farm to another had spread seed. The chairman commented that farmers should gat in early and get supplies of sodium. The report wao adopted.