CONTROL OF RAGWORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 192, 15 August 1931, Page 20 (Supplement)

CONTROL OF RAGWORT

WORK OF CINNABAR MOTH BEST RESULTS IN TARANAKI. An interesting letter dealing with cinnabar moths as a means of controlling the spread of ragwort has been sent by the Prime Minister, the lit. Hon. G. TV. Forbes, to Mr. W. J. Broadfoot. M.P. for Waitomo. The letter sated that cinnabar moths had been established in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, King Country and Taranaki districts. They had shown the best efficiency so far in Taranaki, where it was reported that considerable areas of ragwort had suffered defoliation and the seed-heads had in conse quence not developed. It was too soon to state with certainty how far the attacks of the moth would prove an absolutely effective measure of control. It appeared to be most effective until about January or February, after which its ravages lessened. Work was at present proceeding with stem-boring insects which would supplement the efforts of the cinnabar moth. It was hoped that the cinnabar moth would check effectively ragwort ou steep hillsides and in isolated places where grubbing, control with sodium chlorate spray or by grazing, were found impracticable.