219 



Froggatt (W. W.). The Blue Oat Mite [Notophallus hicolor, n. sp.). — 

 Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxii, no. 1, 3rd January 1921, 

 pp. 33-34, 1 plate. 



Notophallus hicoloy, sp. n., was found to be the cause of injury to 

 oat crops during August 1920 in New South Wales. The mites appar- 

 ently confined their attention to oats, as adjoining fields of barley and 

 wheat were not attacked. Thistles among the infested oats were thickly 

 covered with the mites, but no other weeds were found to be infested. 

 The moist condition and rank growth existing at the time of discovery 

 appear to suit this pest. In view of the drought of the previous 

 season, the normal food-plant of this mite and its place of origin are 

 still uncertain. 



A similar mite is reported by French as attacking potatoes, peas, 

 lucerne and other crops in Victoria. 



Illingworth (F. J.). Cane Grub Investigation.— (^we^ws/aw^ Agric. 

 Jl., Brisbane, xv, pt. 1, January 1921, pp. 29-31. 



The Tachinid parasite, Ceromasia sphenophori, Vill., has become well 

 established, and has been recovered fully 3 J miles from the original place 

 of liberation. As a result of the activities of this parasite, a recent 

 survey revealed an average of only 1 per cent, of canes attacked by the 

 weevil borer, Rhabdocnemis obscura, Boisd. The burning of trash on 

 all infested land is still advocated, as it apparently does not injure 

 C. sphenophori. 



The application of dry arsenic to the soil at the rate of 80 lb. per acre 

 has proved an effective method of destrojdng all stages of grubs of 

 Isodon puncticollis, Macl., in gardens. Further experiments for 

 determining the value of poisons against soil pests are progressing 

 favourably. 



Illingworth (J. F.). Grasshopper Control in North Queensland.— 



Queensland Agric. JL, Brisbane, xv, pt. 1, January 1921 pp 

 31-34, 2 plates. 



As a rule grasshoppers are of minor economic importance in Queens- 

 land, as they are successfully kept in check by natural enemies, but 

 during a recent outbreak remedial measures had to be resorted to at 

 Meringa in the cane fields, and the infestation was successfully checked 

 by the application of Kansas poison bait. Owing to the cheapness of 

 lemons, double the usual number of fruit was used, and this addition 

 apparently increased the attractiveness of the bait. 



Watt (R. D.). Prickly Pear in V.^.k.— Science & Industrv, 

 Melbourne, ii, no. 11, November 1920, pp. 679-681 [Received 

 2nd March 1921.] 



The utilisation of prickly pear as stock food by concentration or 

 desiccation is not advocated, but more attention should be given to the 

 plant in its natural state as a reserve for drought periods. By singeing 

 off the spines it is made more attractive and less harmful"^to stock. 

 In California there is a race of wild cochineal insects that attacks many 

 varieties of Opuntia, including 0. inermis. The species concerned is 

 probably Coccus confusus. 



(2758) Q 2 



