FIGHTING RAGWORT

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20785, 21 April 1939, Page 10

FIGHTING RAGWORT

ROLE OF SCIENCE MUCH INFORMATION GAINED In regard to ragwort, some very interesting new knowledge had been gained concerning tiie readiness with which it regenerated from root cuttings and its dependence upon abundance of moisture for seed germination, commented the Hon. I). G. Sullivan, Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and industrial Research, in speaking of the work of the botany division of the Plant Research Bureau. This year's efforts, continued the Minister, were directed toward ascertaining to what extent the seed was spread by wind, and some careful trials had been arranged in an endeavour to acquire information on a most difficult problem. The entomological division had secured some hopeful results on tiie control of ragwort seeding where it was found that, the activities of the seed fly were such as to destroy a large percentage of tiie viable seeds in the heads of flowering plants. Tussock Grasslands The botany division was also investigating the botanical composition of the South Island tussock grasslands. the whole area of which had been surveyed and a preliminary report had been published. This year's work centred in tiie composition of certain tussock pastures which had stood up well to utilisation since they were first grazed, and tho object w.is to ascertain further whether native species of pasture plants could bo o\pected to yield good grazing continuously. The grasslands division was also testing out strains ..f such plants and acquiring knowledge of their behaviour. The montane tussock problem, said the Min stor. was u t © most area of .-oulh Island lands affected was greater than th.d of an> other single pasture type. land* produced much of New Zealand's wool

and of the store sheep required by farmers on arable lands. It was essential that their carrying capacity should be maintained and that any tendency to deterioration should be checked. A special study of imported pasture plants which might prove suitable for second-class lands and unusual localities was being made at Palmerston North. Species had been secured from a large number of British, European. Australian and African stations, and some had shown a luxuriance of growth which surprised visitor* from