IMPORTATION OF NEW-ZEALAND-GROWN POTATOES INTO CANADA.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXIV, Issue 2, 20 February 1922, Page 121

IMPORTATION OF NEW-ZEALAND-GROWN POTATOES INTO CANADA.

Some time ago a shipment of potatoes from New Zealand to Vancouver was refused entry on the grounds that potatoes infested with tuber-moth are strictly prohibited from entering the Dominion of Canada. In reporting the circumstances of the case to the Department of Agriculture the Canadian authorities intimated that they did not wish to place an embargo against New Zealand potatoes, as they were anxious to do everything possible to foster Empire trade, but that it was necessary that they should have a guarantee that New Zealand potatoes intended for Canada are not infested with this pest. In answer to an inquiry as to the precautions that they considered should be taken to guarantee freedom the Canadian authorities offered the following suggestions : (i) That precautions should be taken to see that no tuber-moth exists in the districts where the potatoes are grown ; (2) that before being shipped they should not be allowed to come in contact with any potatoes known to be infested with the tuber-moth ; (3) that they should not be stored in any warehouse or wharves where infested potatoes have been ; and (4) that they should be shipped in new bags.

Potato tuber-moth {Lila Solanelld) is fairly common each season in the North Island, but in some seasons is absent, or almost so, in most parts of the South Island. Hence any merchant contemplating the shipment of potatoes to the Dominion of Canada should take special steps to first satisfy himself that the area from which the potatoes are to be drawn is free from potato-moth. To this end the Department of Agriculture will be pleased to assist with advice upon application being made to it.