BULLETIN 157.] IMARCH, 1907 



Ontario Department of Agriculture 



REMEDIES FOR THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 



Owing- to the rapid extension of the scale-infested areas in the Niag- 

 ara, Essex, and Kent districts, it is essential that the fruit growers should 

 be thoroughly acquainted with the latest methods both for summer and 

 winter treatment of this dread pest. Considerable experimental work 

 has been done by the Department in conjunction with the growers dur- 

 ing the past five years, and the results of these experiments, together 

 with the mature opinion of those who have for several years been fight- 

 ing the scale most successfully in the United States and Canada, are 

 here given. 



Winter Treatment. 



The standard remedy in use in the Niagara district is the steam or 

 fire-cooked lime-sulphur mixture. That is the cheapest and most effect- 

 ive of the washes now applied, and as it is of such great fungicidal value 

 this largely compensates for its caustic action on men and appliances 

 where it is being used. Taking all points into consideration, and assum- 

 ing that the wash is properly prepared and thoroughly applied, this mix- 

 ture takes first place as a commercial remedy for the San Jose Scale, and 

 until something as good or better is discovered, the Department of Agri- 

 culture feel bound to recommend its more general use. 



Lime-Sulphur Mixture. 



The usual formula is as follows : 



Lime 20 pounds. 



Flowers of Sulphur 15-20 pounds. 



Water 40-50 gallons. 



To prepare this mixture, have 12 to 14 gallons of boiling water in 

 the barrel before adding the lime. The lime should be the best stone 

 lime procurable. In the Niagara district, the Beachville and Port Col- 

 borne limes are largely used, and may be procured for from 20 to 30 

 cents per bushel. The flowers of sulphur should preferably be mixed 

 into a paste with hot water and added immediately after the lime has 

 been thrown in. The mixture should then be boiled till the characteristic 

 green or amber color is obtained. This varies with the kind of lime 



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