Poplar and willow cuttings, in the form of long poles, are planted extensively on farm land in order to control soil erosion without retiring the land from grazing. Reports on possum damage to plantings have shown that considerable damage can occur over a wide area. In some areas planting programmes have been abandoned because of this damage. Possums eat leaves in spring and late summer and break leaders. Bark biting and bud removal occur in winter.

The worst damage often occurs where poles are planted near scrub-filled gullies or bush patches but can also be severe in areas without bush or scrub where plantings are small and scattered. Both these situations present possum control problems either because of the large areas involved or because low density populations can cause severe damage.

Improved control would result from better co-operation between Catchment Boards, who are the planters, and possum control operators. Research into improving methods of protecting the poles follows along three lines. The selection of less palatable pole types is continuing. Experiments will be attempted with physical barriers in the form of sleeves around the poles and with lures in the form of highly palatable bait trees or crops dispersed amongst the plantings.