ERADICATING RAGWORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1930, Page 8

ERADICATING RAGWORT.

The announcement made by the Director of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. J. W. Deem, that a successful method of destroying ragwort has been found is one that will be greatly appreciated in Taranaki. The spread of the weed in this province is causing considerable concern, for not only is it multiplying in the rougher country but it has infested quite a considerable amount, of better class dairying land. It was beginning to look as though the dairyfarmer would have to expend the amount necessary to make subdividing fences sheep-proof in order that by grazing with sheep the menace of ragwort could be kept in check. But with a cheap and effective destructive agent available the end of the ragwort trouble should be in sight. The experiments which have been carried out have been exhaustive and made under conditions that, obtain in many holdings in Taranaki. ‘ The fact that: the destruction of the weed appears complete in a season such as the summer which has just passed, when growth of weeds was simply phenomenal, seems a sure indication that a way of coping with the evil has been found. Full details of the methods that have been found most suitable will doubtless be made available to farmers. The result has been the outcome of experiments by the Department of Agriculture and the Research Institute at Palmerston North. If their cooperation results in nothing more than the elimination of ragwort it has been amply justified and the establishment of the institute has been a thoroughly sound investment for the Dominion. Already there are indications that other weeds may prove susceptible to chemical agents, and though insect enemies are by no means to be despised as agents in the destruction of weeds there is much to be said for one that is more rapid and wholesale in its effects. Mr. Deem has not long held the. positiqn of director and it must have been a source of much gratification to him to be able to announce such a forward step in Aveed eradication. If his term of office is marked by further advance in’ this direction he will certainly be able to claim- that he has “done the State some service.”