GRASS GRUB

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3551, 9 May 1939, Page 2

GRASS GRUB

MEANS OF PREVENTION EFFECT OF SUPERPHOSPHATE Correspondents have asked for a remedy or a check to the ravages of the grass grub. The late summer has provided exceptionally favourable conditions for the development of this pest and it may be that during the winter bare patches in lawns and pastures will show signs of its activity. Many methods of destroying the grub by chemical have been found particularly successful but for application on a large scale the cost of most of these plans is prohibitive. On pasture land the feeding out of hay or roots has a good effect, the benefrt coming in two ways. Consolidating the soil has the effect of restricting the burrowing activities of the grub and benefits the grass in the' same way that rolling does a good lawn. Feeding out hay on. the affected area not only gives consolidation, saving the plant from drying out, but also provides valuable seeds of clovers and grasses. The consolidating effect of the hoof is more effective than consolidation brought about by mechanical means. On, large areas where consolidation by stock is impracticable, rolling with a tractor and heavy roller immediately after top-dressing is helpful. In Gardens and Lawns Grass grubs in lawns may be checked by heavy rolling before which operation the ground should be saturated with water. This has a drowning effect on the grubs which make their way to the surface where the birds, especially the starlings, complete the job. It should always be remembered that the damage to the grass docs not show on the surface until the destruction of the plant is complete therefore no preventative measures are then of any use. Repair work can only be in the form of resowing or, in lawns, returfing. Value of Superphosphate

Experiments conducted over a number of years have shown, that a valuable deterrent to the increase of grass grub is provided by the applications of heavy dressings of superphosphate. Apart from any chemical action on the grub itself the action of superphosphate stimulates root development and vigour in the sward winch enables it to withstand the attack on its roots. Confirmation, of the value of superphosphate has been provided by an accidental discovery. Messrs Smith Bros., Tua Marina, Blenheim had an area sown out with grass, the seed being mixed with one bag of super per acre. The sower was emptied across the the paddock, so that a strip received a double quantity. Grass grubs cleaned out the paddock with the exception of this strip. Due to the increased vigour and root development resulting from the heavier application of super and additional seeding, this strip withstood the attack of the grubs. When applying superphosphate io lawns or pastures, it should, as far as possible, be applied directly to the ground. The lawn should be mown as close as the mower will cut and farm lands must be eaten down by sheep if these are available. Harrowing and rolling after spreading the fertiliser will complete the job.