DEATH TO RAGWORT.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18005, 28 April 1930, Page 5

DEATH TO RAGWORT.

CHEAP, EFFECTIVE SPRAY. NON POISONOUS TO STOCK. SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENTS. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.) PALMERSTON N., Monday. < Promising to sound the death knell of ragwort by a revolutionary method of control by spraying is being evidenced 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 have been conducted which have resulted In the complete eradication of the yellow weed, which is 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 effloaclous. 100 PER CENT. OF KILLS. REMEDY FOR OTHER GROWTHS. GRATIFYING RESULTS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., Monday. 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 addiLion to the control of ragwort they appear equally efficient in the control ol" penny royal, St. John’s wort, ox eye daisy, and many other softleaved 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 made the statement says: “The best results are obtained when the plants are young, Ragwort'is best treated when from three to nine inches high. Arens at this stage which were treated in October have shown no sign of recovery and older ragwort plants right up to flowering were equally well destroyed, but a great deal more time and material are required to cover the plants. “ Regarding the strength of Hie spray, it is stated that four to five per cent strength gives the best all round results, but 2£ per cent, has given excellent results. “ Calcium chlorate being a liquid was applied as a spray. “ Sodium chlorate has been tested both as a spray and in the dry state, the latter method being equally effective where the crystals were applied direct to the weed, but it is a great- deal more costly both as regards time and cost of material. Therefore spraying is recommended for general work. “ While both chlorates have done excellent work we consider that sodium has given the better results. The question as to which to use will greatly depnd on the cost of the material and convenience of transport.