11 Nov., 1918.] Weevil Pest of Grain. 699 



freshly reaped wheat was unsuitable for milling, and as to the changes 

 that took place when it became mature. He thought, also, that it 

 was important to ascertain whether the heat treatment killed the grain, 

 and, if so, how long it could be kept afterwards without deterioration. 



Mr. Lea mentioned that though weevils required a fairly high per- 

 centage of moisture, Rhizopertha will breed in dry wheat. 



The Chairman pointed out that all organic matter is hygroscopic, 

 the amount of moisture absorbed depending on atmospheric condi- 

 tions. 



Several members confii-med the hygroscopic qualities of wheat from 

 their own experience. 



Mr. Froggatt thought that eggs would not keep long without hatch- 

 ing, but that the larvae would probably remain dormant for a long 

 period. 



Mr. Lea thought it possible that under adverse conditions eggs 

 might also remain dormant for considerable periods. 



Mr. Froggatt said that in New South Wales distribution of old 

 bags and dunnage into the country Avas the chief cause of infection. 

 He recommended treatment with salt water on the sea-board. 



Mr. French said that in Victoria trucks were the greatest source 

 of infection. 



Mr. WiNTERBOTTOM mentioned that weevils could live nine days in 

 sea water. 



Mr. Lea said that they could survive five hours in methylated spirit. 



The Chairman suggested that two sub-committees should be ap- 

 pointed to draw up plans regarding present methods of treatment and 

 future research respectively, and report to-morrow. 



Mr. Pitt thought that the Conference could proceed at once. He 

 thought that the work in South Australia should have financial assist- 

 ance, either from the Wheat Board or from the Federal Government. 

 As regards scientific research, he explained that the Wheat Board was 

 purely a selling organization, and that though it could allocate funds 

 for the immediate protection of the grain, it would be outside its func- 

 tions to make a grant for research. This was rightly a question for 

 the Commonwealth and State Governments. He moved — 



That this meeting expresses satisfaction with the steps taken by 

 the South Australian Weevil Committee for the preserva- 

 tion of existing stacks of wheat, and is of opinion that its 

 investigations should be continued; also that financial 

 assistance for this purpose should be rendered by the Wheat 

 Board or by the Commonwealth and State Parliaments. 



Mr. RossELL seconded the resolution, which was carried unani- 

 mously. 



Mr. Pitt then suggested that the research Avork should be under- 

 taken by the Advisory Council Avitli funds from the Commonwealth 

 GoA^ernment, and, if possible, subsidies from State GoA^ernments. 



Mr. Lea suggested that there Avas room for a Committee in each 

 State. 



Dr. Hakgreaves thought that the Committees in each State could 

 be kept in touch Avith one another through the Advisory Council. He 

 moved — 



That Committees to undertake further scientific research on 

 grain pests be appointed in each of the four wheat-growing 



