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Kuang Padi Pest. 



On 12th and 13th December, in company with Mr. Glover, 

 Assistant District Officer, I visited Kuang to investigate a padi 

 pest w hich had been reported to this department as having 

 ruined the padi, and I have the honour to report as follows:— 



A cultivated area of approximately 50 acres, situated about 

 one mile from Kuang Station, has been almost completely destroyed 

 by apparently the larvae of several insects. The serious damage is, 

 however, caused by the larva of "Nonagria (Sesamia) in reruns. 

 Wlk." of the family Noctuidae, the others, though numerous in 

 species, w ere causing but little harm. 



In parts the virulence of the disease is much more marked 

 than in others; local areas badlv affected resembling a field of 

 cut hay. During December, the" adult insects were almost ready 

 to emerge, numerous adult larvae being obtained. The eggs \\vr< 

 not found, but it is probable that at any rate these are laid chiefly 

 on the young padi, and during August or September. The young 

 larvae bore" through the leaves covering the stem, and usually make 

 their way into the hollow portion of the latter. It is here they 

 commence their destructive work, usuallv working downw ards and 

 eating away the part surrounding the hollow portion of the stem. 

 When the larva reaches to within about 4 inches of the ground the 

 stem falls over and withers, and the great numbers so affected Rive 

 the field the appearance mentioned above. 



In about 20 per cent, of the specimens gathered, pupati ' 

 had taken place below the water, and these were alway s found m 

 a putrefying condition. This no doubt is due to the percolation 

 of the water through the epidermis of the stem, which had lor a 

 short time (perhaps while pupation was taking place) proved 

 sufficient protection from the water, but which su 

 rotted. In the rest, pupation was above water and as many a 

 ten pupae were gathered in a single stem. 



I was unable to find any adult specimens of the pest, P robabl - V 

 it was t. >o early in this month to obtain them. They are, ho\ve\ • 

 with difficulty disturbed, being essentially night fliers. 



A species of bug (Lebtocorisa acuta Thunb) was observed in 

 the field in great numbers, and on inquiring from the - 

 was informed that the ripening padi is sometimes injured o> 



