720 Journal of Agriculture, Vicfcria. [lo Dec, 191 2. 



INSECT PESTS OP THE NEW ZEALAND FLAX 



{Phormium). 



The "White Mussel Scale {Phenacaspis eugeniae, Maskell). 



C. French, Jun., Acting Government Entomologist. 



This scale, of which there are several varieties, is spreading in 

 many parts of the State. Recently numbers of fine New Zealand flax 

 plants (PJiormium tenax) have been attacked; and, in some instances, 

 especially after the predaceous insects have pulled the scales to pieces^ 

 the plants look as if a snowstorm had passed over them. (See plate 1.) 



When the leaves are badly attacked, they develop a fungus which 

 causes them to become rusty-red in colour, and in some instances they 

 turn brown and curl up. Mr. C. C. Brittlebank, the Acting Govern- 

 ment Pathologist, informs me that the fungus is one of the stages of 

 Capnodium. 



Numbers of the scales are attacked by parasitic wasps, other 

 Hymenoptera, and Coccinellids (ladybirds), which help materially to 

 keep them in check. 



This scale insect is recorded from most parts of Australia, Ceylon, 

 Japan, Hawaiian Islands, and has been found on various plants and 

 trees, amongst which are the following: — Castor Oil Tree {Ricinus 

 commnnis), Eugenias (a very ornamental and highly useful genus 

 of plants). Palms, Tea Tree {Leptospcrmum and Melaleuca), Native 

 Sassafras Tree (Atherosperma moschatum), &c. 



. Remedies. 



A spraying with Pine Spray, Prepared Red Oil, Kerosene or 

 Benzole emulsion will soon rid the plants of this pest. Formulas for 

 any of the above sprays can be obtained by applying to the Entomo- 

 logical Branch, Department of Agriculture. 



The Ivy or Oleander Scale {Aspiditous hederae, Vail'). 



This is another common scale, which attacks flax plants in Vic- 

 toria. It causes similar damage to that done by the White Mussel 

 Scale, and congregates on the leaves in larger numbers. In some 

 instances leaves 5 feet in length are simply covered with them, the 

 scales often overlapping each other. 



When the young scales are hatched — generally in September and 

 the following warm months — they are of a dark-yellow colour, and 

 soon form a white round covering over themselves, which after a few 

 weeks alters to a dirty white, greyish, or light-brown colour. This 

 covering has a small cream-coloured dot in the centre. 



This is a variable species, and has received considerably more than 

 40 names from writers on Coccids (scale insects). It has been found 

 on oranges and lemons coming into Melbourne from foreign parts, 

 bananas from Fiji, olives, palms, oleander, ivy. apples, cherry, plum, 

 currant, grass, clover, and many other garden and native plants. 

 It is found in most parts of the world. 



Remedies. 

 The remedies recommended for the White Mussel Scale will suffice. 



