REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 33 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



INSECTS AFFECTING FIELD CROPS. 



As complete an investigation as possible was made of the outbreak of the Cut- 

 worm, Porosagrotis orlhogonia, which had proved so injurious to wheat and oats in 

 southern Alberta in 1912, and to which reference was made in the last annual report. 

 Mr. Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant Entomologist, spent some time in the infected 

 district in the spring, and Mr. E. H. Strickland, Eield. Officer, was stationed at tli« 

 Experimental Farm at Lethbridg-e, where an entomological laboratory was estab- 

 lished for the purpose of studying this insect and other similar troubles. ■ Control 

 experiments were carried out, but the feeding- habits of the larva; rendered most of 

 them valueless. Fortunately, natural causes were responsible for a very maiked 

 decrease in the abundance of the insect. 



The Army Worm, Leucania unipuncta, reappeared and Mr. Norman Criddle 

 reported its occurrence in southern Manitoba. 



Experiments were carried out at the Entomological Laboratory, Covey Hill, 

 Que., and at Bowesville, Out., on the control of locusts by the bacterial disease 

 caused by Coccohacillus acidiorum d'Herelle, a cultvire of which was obtained from 

 the Pasteur Institute, Paris (France). 



In co-operation with the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, an investigation on the White Grubs {Lachnosterna spp.) was- 

 begun. Field laboratories were established at Aweme, Man., and Strathroy, Ont., 

 where the local species of LacltuGsterna were studied. The lengthy life-cycle of the 

 insects will necessitate an inquiry extending over several years. Observations on 

 various insects affecting cereals and other field crops were also made. 



A special inquiry was undertaken regarding extensive injuries to winter w-heat 

 in southern Alberta. The occurrence of Eelworms (Nematodes) in injured plants 

 suggested a possible cause, but further investigation does not appear to place entire 

 responsibility upon these pests. 



INSECTS AFFECTING FRUIT CROPS. 



In Nova Scotia the investigations on the Bud Moth of apple, which is one of the 

 worst apple pests in the fruit-growing sections, and on the Green Fruit-worms 

 (Xylina, spp.) were continued by Mr. G. E. Saunders. Our work on the former insect, 

 both in the laboratory and in the experimental orchards, where spraying* ex,peri- 

 meuts have been carried on, has enabled us to determine the correct time to spray 

 and the materials to use to prevent bud-worm injuries. 



At the Entomological Laboratory at Covey Hill, Que., Mr. C. E. Petch con- 

 tinued his work on the Apple and Plum Curculios, but progress was seriously affected 

 by the almost complete failure of the apple and plum crops in that region. 



Mr. W. A. Eoss completed a third season's work on the Apple Maggot (Tihago- 

 letis pomonella) in the Niagara fruit district, and has now tried out most of the 

 methods of control usually recommended, including soil insecticides, spraying, 

 poisoning and cultural methods. He also commenced a study of the Aphides of the 

 region. 



In British Columbia, Mr. R. C. Treherne completed his studies of the Straw- 

 berry Root Weevil (0 tiorhynchus ovatus) and a bulletin on the insect and its con- 

 trol is now in the press. Studies were also made on the Lessor Apple Worm and Bud 

 Moth. Mr. Tom Wilson continued the work of assisting the Indians in fruit cul- 

 ture, with increasing success. 



INSECTS AFFECTING FOREST AND SHADE TREKS. 



At the request of the Provincial Government an investigation of the insects 

 destroying merchantable timber in British Columbia was begun by Mr. J. i^L Swnine, 

 who spent some time in the southern part of the province. A preliminary su \ey 



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