36 Bulletin 184. 



made strong enongli to l)e effectual against tliis pest ; in one case, 

 where four pounds had been apphed to a vine, tlie grubs were 

 found at work uninjured in soil among which the kainit was clearly 

 perceivable. 



The bad-smelling liquid, carbon bisulphide, which volatilizes 

 quickly when exposed to the air, is one of the most effective insec- 

 ticides now in use against underground insects. It has been thor- 

 oughly tested by Ohio grape-growers in their efforts to check the 

 grape-root worm. In summing u^) the results of his experiments 

 in 1894, Mr. Webster states that " carbon bisulphide cannot be used 

 to advantage earlier than November, on account of the prolonged 

 season of ovijjosition, which prevents the later appearing grubs 

 from working downward to a sufficient depth to be reached b}^ the 

 fumes. It cannot be used to advantage in soil that is very dry or 

 saturated with water, but must be used in soil that is damp. The 

 most satisfactory results will probably follow its use in spring, in a 

 damp soil, and applied in such a manner as to fumigate the roots 

 without the fluid coming in contact with them, and when from four 

 to six ounces per vine are used. It is not possible to kill every 

 worm about each vine, and it is doubtful if it can be used profitably 

 when the price of fruit is low." In 1896, he reports that " so far 

 have found bisulphide of carbon too expensive." This liquid is the 

 most effectual of anything yet used against the grubs feeding on 

 roots. But it is not easy to apply properly, requiring some such 

 instrument as the McGowen Injector, care must be taken not to let 

 the liquid touch the main roots, and the soil must not be too dry or 

 too wet. The liquid to treat each vine would cost about three 

 cents, and it may be obtained in quantities of Edward 11. Taylor, 

 Penn Yan, N. Y., for about ten cents per pound. 



In brief, we would advise vineyardists who have this pest to flght 

 to keep the soil thoroughly pulverized and mounded around the 

 base of the vines in July ; manage to have the roots grow deep in 

 the soil and not near the surface ; use freely some fertilizer that 

 will stimulate growth and thus overconijo the effect of any slight 

 attack of the grubs on the roots ; wage a vigorous warfare against 

 the beetles with chickens or with a poison spray, beginning as soon 

 as they emerge in the latter part of June so as to kill as many as 



