DEATH TO RAGWORT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18554, 29 April 1930, Page 2

DEATH TO RAGWORT.

PROMISE BY RESEARCH STATION. By Telegraph—Press Association. PALMERSTON N.. April 28. Promising to sound the death-knell of ragwort, a revolutionary method of control by- spraying has been evolved by the Fields Division and Plant Research Station at Palmerston North. An announcement to this effect was made to-day by Mr J. W. Deem (director), who emphasised the merits of the discovery. He stated that tests concluded resulted in complete eradication of the yellow weed which was such a menace to stock. Simple of application, the new spray is stated to be non-poisonous to stock, and as cheap as it is efficacious. Continuing his statement, Mr Deem says: “During the past six months we have been testing the merits of sodium chlorate and calcium chlorate for the control of the weed, with gratifying results. Where properly applied the chemicals gave 100 per cent, of kills. In addition to the control of ragwort, they appear equally efficient in the control of pennyroyal. St. John wort eye daisy, and many of the other soft leaved weeds, while there are indications that it will considerably help in the control of Californian thistle and similar weeds, but further research is necessary before reliable information will be available in respect to the latter weeds.”

Outlining the experiments, the statement says: “ The best results were obtained when the plants were young. Ragwort is best treated when from three to nine inches high. Areas at this stage treated in October have shewn no sign of recovery. The older ragwort plants, right up to the flowering stage, were equally well destroyed, but a great deal more time and material were required to cover the plants. “Regarding the strength of the spray, it is stated that 4 to 5 per cent, strength gives the best all-round results, but 21 per cent, gives excellent results. Calcium chlorate, being liquid, was applied as a spray. Sodium chlorate was tested both as spray and in the dry state. The latter method v.as equally effective where crystals were applied direct to the weed, but a great deal more costly, both as regards time and the cost of material, therefore spraying is recommended for general work. While both chlorates have done excellent work, we consider sodium gives the better results. The question as to which to use greatly depends on the cost of material, convenience and transport.”