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Growers of cauliflowers in Otago suffer considerable losses through the incidence of " whiptail." Researchers believe this trouble is caused by deficiency of molybdenum salts in the soil. Hops The culture of hops is almost confined to the Waimea County, in Nelson Province. The area under hops in 1948 was 750 acres and the yield 986,835 lb. The hop industry has shown a distinct improvement on recent years. With better seasonal conditions the yield per acre was higher, and the better prices offering have given an incentive to growers to extend the acreage under hops. Now that younger gardens are coming into production the yield in 1949 should be maintained if there are good growing-conditions. The main variety of hops grown in Nelson, Golden Cluster, has proved to be very susceptible to root-rot fungi, Gibberella cyanogena and Phytophthora cactoram, which caused high mortahty among the plants, sometimes up to 25 per cent., particularly in old-established gardens. On the recommendation of the Horticultural Superintendent, Nelson, who visited Tasmania in February, 1948, several new varieties of hopsintroduced from that country are now quarantined at the Department's Horticultural Station, Levin, before being planted out for trial in the Nelson district. The Division is represented on the Hop Research Committee in charge of these trials. Tobacco The commercial tobacco-growing industry, which is restricted to Nelson Province, continues to expand steadily; 4,770,827 lb. of tobacco was harvested in 1948 from 4,361 acres. Compared with 1947, these are increases of 64,000 lb. of tobacco and 446 acres. The major manufacturing companies at Motueka have installed improved leafconditioning facilities. The Division is represented on the Tobacco Research Committee by the local Horticultural Superintendent. The favourable weather conditions over the 1948-49 season indicate that a new production record will be established, even though a severe hailstorm on 26th January, 1949, caused severe damage to tobacco crops in Riwaka. Vine and Wine Production The estimated area in vineyards in 1948 was 890 acres, producing 2,800 tons of grapes, which were converted into 580,000 gallons of grape wine ; 194 winemakers were licensed under the provisions of the Licensing Act, 1948. During 1948, 95,000 gallons of fruit wine was also manufactured. The excellent conditions during the 1947-48 season resulted in a yield of approximately 600 tons more grapes than in the previous season. This crop was of high quality, and better-quality wine was manufactured in the season. About 98,000 gallons of cider made in 1948 was mainly produced in the South Island. During the past ten years the quantity of wine manufactured annually has increased by about 500,000 gallons. The favourable trading conditions that existed during the period provided a strong stimulus for increased production. -In 1947 and 1948, 300,000 gallons were imported into New Zealand. These large imports and the substantial increase in the production of locally-made wines have caused vignerons in New Zealand some concern, particularly as wine consumption is now close to saturation point. Local winemakers realize that more attention will have to be paid to manufacturing a highergrade wine if they wish to retain their share of the market.

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