PARASITES LIBERATED.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19461, 28 December 1934, Page 4

PARASITES LIBERATED.

WHITE BUTTERFLY PEST.

WOR'R IN THE WAIKATO

As part of the measures under* taken by the Department of Agriculture to reduce the depredations of the white butterfly, thousands of parasites have been liberated throughout the Waikato during, the past several weeks. Although the pest has been experienced in large numbers In the district for only a comparatively short period, last summer it caused considerable damage to crops and gardens and the timely action of the Department is warmly applauded by farmers.

The pupil parasites, which In appearance resemble large .flying ants, were transported to 'Hamilton from the Plant Research Station at Palmerston North in small glass boxes. The insects, whose method of attack is to lay their, eggs on the chrysalides of the white butterfly, were then distributed to various parts of the Waikato and liberated.

Field officers of the Department of Agriculture have released quantities at Puketaha, Tenfoot, Horsham Downs, Tuhikaramea, Frankton, Ruakura, Ohaupo Road, Rukuhia, Tamahere, Brentwood, 'Cambridge, Hautapu, 'Matangi. norntiu. Fairfield, Taolaoroa, Waikato Hospital, Whitiora, Hillcrest and Te Rapa. Direct consignments have also been sent to farmers at Te Akau, Tuhikaramea, Paterangi, Pnirere. Ilinuera, Taurangamoana, Shaftesbury, Elslow, Mangaiti and Tfituanui.

The parasites show every sign of thriving and it is anticipated that they will prove as efficacious as has been the case in Hawke’s Bay.

Mr J. F. Shepherd, of the Department of Agriculture, stated to-day 'that particularly good work had been done by the insects in the south, and ■equal -success in the Waikato was expected.