122 VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 



generally at the base of a leaf ; the larva when hatched, burrows its way down 

 the stalk, and when full grown seeks a secluded spot, generally in the wilted 

 tops, and pupates. If any tubers are not completely covered with soil, they 

 will be infested. Potatoes are liable to infestation whether left in the 

 field or placed in store after being dug. 



The injury to the tuber is very similar to that done to the plant. The eye 

 of the potatoes is usually the spot selected by the moth to lay its eggs. The 

 larva, when hatched, channels its way through just beneath the skin, or 

 through the substance of the tuber. Its presence can usually be detected by 

 the castings or excrement which it throws out. Several larvee have been 

 found in the one tuber. 



In suggesting remedies to control this pest, it is as well to point out that 

 unless every grower does hh part thoroughly and well no diminution need 

 be expected ; it will be of no avail for one grower to use every means to- 

 fight it if his careless and negligent neighbour does nothing but harbour the 

 pest. 



The battle should begin when cultivating. Where hilling is the practice 

 it should be done with care, so that all tubers should be well covered with 

 well-pulverised soil ; 110 clods should be permitted, as they form crevices 

 for the moth to make its way in and do its work of destruction. Where flat 

 cultivation is practised, plant deeply and keep the soil well stirred. When 

 the potatoes are dug they should be bagged without delay; if they are 

 exposed even for a short while infestation is almost sure to follow. It will 

 be particularly noticeable in a season when showers are frequent, that the 

 percentage of infected tubers when dug, is considerably smaller than in a 

 comparatively dry one. This is mainly owing to the rain breaking down the 

 clods and compacting the soil, effectively closing any crevices, and thus 

 preventing the moth from gaining an entrance to the tubers. 



Many growers, after filling the bags, and before sewing them up, cover 

 the mouth of the bag with stalks and leaves, probably to shade them from 

 the sun. This practice cannot be too strongly condemned, as the moth is 

 generally lurking in the haulms, and will immediately leave them to attack 

 the potatoes. All stalks and foliage should be removed and burnt or 

 destroyed as soon as possible. The bags should be sewn up immediately 

 after filling and removed without delay to suitable storage. If it is not 

 convenient to remove them for some time they should be placed in stacks 

 and closely covered with some cloth or tarpaulin. Extreme care and watch- 

 fulness all along the line are necessary, particularly in storage. The 

 majority of growers think that there the tubers are immune from attack, 

 Far from it ; more damage is done while in store than elsewhere. But if 

 suitable storage is provided, the ravages of the moth can be better controlled 

 than in the field. , 



Frequently potatoes are stacked in an open shed on the farm, and no pre- 

 cautions taken in the way of securely covering them. To prevent infestation 

 they should be stacked in a tight room. On top of the stack place a shallow 



