153 



NiCHOLLS (H. M.). The Woolly Aphis {Eriosoma lanigera).— Tasmania 

 Agric. & Stock Dept., Hobart, Bull. 83, 1919, 8 pp. [Received 

 26th February 1920.] 



The origin and early records of Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly aphis) 

 are discussed, and the life-history is given. This differs very little 

 from that in other countries outside America, though the winged 

 form is not seen abundantly in Tasmania but appears to be recognised 

 in New South Wales, where it is observed about mid-summer. As 

 the wingless forms are found on the trees all the year round they 

 evidently do not rely on the winged forms for carrying on the genera- 

 tions, as is the case in severer climates. The winged females produce 

 living young and these continue reproducing until late in autumn 

 and sometimes throughout the winter. At the beginning of autumn 

 males and oviparous females begin to appear. In Australia, there is 

 no evidence that E. lanigerum ever migrates from the apple to any 

 other food-plant. 



Apple-trees in Tasmania may have every appearance of heavy infesta- 

 tion by this Aphid, and have been in that condition for many years, 

 without apparently suffering in any way, but in some of the drier 

 parts of the State the pest causes a good deal of damage, especially 

 to young trees. Experiments in Tasmania with resistant varieties 

 of apple-stock have been disappointing, but further tests are required 

 and the discovery of resistant roots that would grow freely in somewhat 

 poor soils would be very desirable. 



The usual remedial measures against E. lanigermn are recommended. 

 Young trees should be dipped or fumigated previous to planting. 

 For slightly infested trees, Blackleaf 40 can safely be used at all 

 times of the year. Sprays of red oil or crude petroleum have given 

 satisfaction in some of the drier parts of Australia but are of doubtful 

 value under the moist conditions frequently prevailing in Tasmania. 

 These sprays can only be used during the dormant season. Against 

 Aphids on the roots the usual remedies practised in other countries 

 are described. A treatment recommended by the New Zealand 

 Government consists of 4 lb. sublimed sulphur boiled with water in 

 an iron pot, to which is added 1 lb. caustic potash previously dissolved 

 in water. When the sulphur has dissolved and the mixture is hot, 

 as much colza or other vegetable oil as will make a thick paste is 

 added. The mixture is painted, while warm, round the butt of the 

 tree. Rain washes it down to the roots and the oil will tend to 

 preserve its strength for years. 



Thomas (P. H.). Small-Fruit Culture. — Tasmania Agric. & Stock 

 Dept., Hobart, Bull. 87, 1919, 16 pp., 12 figs. [Received 20th 

 February 1920.] 



Black and red currants in Tasmania are very liable to attack by 

 Aegeria tipuliformis, Clerck (currant borer). The larvae penetrate 

 the pithy centres of the various parts of the bush and burrow down- 

 wards, eventually killing the parts attacked. Control is somewhat 

 difficult and must be by concerted effort in any district if it is to 

 be successful. All aft'ected ptirts of the bushes should be removed 

 and burnt during early spring. 



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