THE PORINA MOTH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21183, 2 November 1938, Page 3

THE PORINA MOTH

DESTRUCTION OF THE PEST CONCERTED ACTION TO BE TAKEN The farmers of South Canterbury will be asked to assist in a co-operative effort in an endeavour to check the spread of the porlna moth. It is to be hoped that all farmers will realise the importance of co-operating as it is only by this means that any measure of control can be assured. Farmers will be asked to light large fires on six consecutive nights from 7.30 p.m. to 9 o’clock. The moths will be attracted towards the light and destroyed by the flames. This method of control has been successful in America on other species of night flying pests and it is hoped that with the help of all farmers the pest will receive a considerable setback. | Most farmers have already decided which strawstackj they will not require and are prepared to use those which will be admirable for the purpose. The grub or caterpillar of the porina moth is easily the farmers’ worst enemy as it not only destroys acres of pasture each year but is often responsible for considerable damage in the swede and mangold crops by ringbarking the young plants at an early stage and destroying large areas. The ravages of porina on pasture is easily distinguished from that of grass grub, for whereas grass grub only affects in the main ryegrass and hair grass, porina will take anything and bare completely large areas. Porina has not been so much in evidence this season mainly on account of the fact that the bare pastures of last spring, due to dry conditions, did not 'allow sufficient cover for the hatching eggs and small grubs to firmly establish. With the present moist conditions prevailing there is every reason to suppose that unless a concerted effort is made this season the depredations of the pest will again be considerable. Farmers will be notified by advertisement when united action will be taken.