The Potato Caterpillar Pest (Agrotis spec.) of Tristan da Cunha

Abstract

THE reports of the Norwegian Scientific Expedition to Tristan da Cunha (1937–38) and of the naval authorities who were stationed on the island during the Second World War have directed attention to the fact that the potato crop, on which the islanders depend so much for food, was seriously affected by the ravage of a caterpillar. Before the departure of the recent expedition sent to the islands by a group of South African fishing interests, it was impossible to find out more about this pest.