THE CABBAGE APHIS.* 



P. J. PARROTT and B. B. FULTON. 



One of the serious handicaps in the growing of cabbage is the 

 cabbage aphis (Aphis brassicce Linn). In sections of New York 

 where this vegetable is extensively grown the insect is a familiar 

 pest, which seldom fails to make its appearance each year in most 

 plantings; while in occasional seasons it develops to great numbers 

 and becomes very destructive. It is the common practice with 

 most farmers to allow the cabbages to take chances with the aphis, 

 which has proven both uncertain as well as expensive in its results. 

 Experiments by this Station during recent years have demon- 

 strated that the losses occasioned by the pest may be largely re- 

 duced, if not prevented, by timely spraying. This circular has 

 been prepared in order to give growers a few concise directions 

 on the protection of their plantings by this means. 



DESCRIPTION OF INSECT AND LIFE HISTORY. 



The eggs of this insect are laid in the fall, principally during 

 October and the early days of November, in crevices and de- 



Fig. 35. — Winged (1) and Wingless (2) Females of Cabbage Aphis. 



pressions of the leaves, and are usually deposited in the greatest 

 numbers upon the under surfaces. These eggs are minute, oval 

 bodies about one-fortieth of an inch in length and are pale yellow 

 or yellowish green in color, usually becoming black within a few 

 days after being laid. Eggs hatch early in the spring, according 



* Reprint of Circular No. 30, June 15. 

 32 C497] 



