FIGHTING NOXIOUS WEEDS

Waipa Post, Volume 36, Issue 2147, 21 April 1928, Page 4

FIGHTING NOXIOUS WEEDS

PROGRESS OF RAGWORT MOTH. (By Telegraph— Press Association). WELLINGTON, Friday. Reference to the release of the new ragwort attacking moth was made by. the acting chairman, Mr Q. Donald, in the report of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. "After further trials," said Mr Donald, "it was decided that a restricted permit only should be issued for the release of the ragwort moth Tyria Jacobaeae. It was considered necessary to take the utmost precautions regarding all insects released, hence this moth was placed out on ragwort areas in the immediate vicinity of the Cawthron Institute only. In the event of its ultimate safety being thoroughly proved, this action will render a large supply of insects available for more extended release next season. It is hoped that the outbreak of wilting disease which has appeared, probably as the result of the restriction of the moths to a confined feeding area, will not seriously diminish their number. Applications to the council for its attention to a number of other noxious weeds and entomological problems have been received," added Mr Donald, "and it appears advisable that something should be done to place all entomological work in the Dominion upon an organised co-operative basis."