1919.\ 



CONTROL OF THE CACAO THRIPS. 



89 



HOAV CAN THRIPS BE DESTROYED? 



Tlirips can be destroyed by means of spraying with a suitable liquid 

 applied at the right time of the year. When on the pods, they can also 

 be killed by painting the pods with a suitable liquid. When ripe pods 

 are picked with a great many thrips on them the shells should be buried 

 or covered with earth and not left exposed. 



When suckers or chupons are infested they should be cut out 

 and burnt. 



WHEN SHOULD THRIPS BE SPRAYED? 

 Thrips should be sprayed after the heavy rains of June, July and 

 August, but it is very difficult to make hard and fast rules. It is most 

 important that the first broods be destroyed as soon as they appear after 

 the rains. A good time to spray is just after the crop has set properly 

 after the heavy rains. When possible, three sprayings should be given 

 with a month's interval between each. 



MANNER OF SPRAYING. 



One of the essential conditions to observe in spraying for thrips is 

 that it must be thoroughly done and a good pressure used. Plenty of 

 liquid should be used, as the whole tree and fruit must be sprayed, 

 taking care that the underside of the leaves is thoroughly wetted. It is 

 necessary that in applying the Hquid the nozzle be held close to the 

 leaves of the tree. 



SPRAYING OUTFIT. 



Any good make of hand 

 pump capable of giving and 

 maintaining good pressure 

 is suitable for spraying cacao 

 thrips. The following are 

 recommended. 



For Small Estates. 



1 Small hand pump of 



the type of fig. 6. 

 1 Bamboo rod 10-12 ft. 



long (fig. 8). 

 1 Stop cosk for rod 



(fig- «)■ 

 1 Angle nozzla with hole 



j^^g- of an inch in 



diameter (fig. 9). 

 1 Length hose -j ir.c'i 



bora 2.j-."0 feet in 



len;;th. 



ct< -/~Ot 



rig. 6. 



Fig. 0." Small barrel pump (") ajitator, 

 {b} plunger tube, (c) delivery t'lbe, (d) air 

 chamber. Ongiual drawing. 



