154 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



netting can be used b}' folding it two or tliree times. Tlie repellant to 

 be effective mnst be on the leaves all of tlie lime, thus the necessity of 

 frequent application. 



In order to prevent, as much as possible, the depositing of eggs on or 

 near the base of the plants, it is recommended to use tobacco dust in 

 liberal amounts around the young plants. The dust should be fresh as 

 the odor is the effective part of the repellant. 



When the plants have begun to make vines, it is best to use a liquid 

 spray. A weak solution of Lime and Sulphur in combination with Ar- 

 senate of Lead makes a good repellant but Bordeaux is nearly as good 

 as a repellant and is a better fungicide. While some authorities recom- 

 mend full strength Bordeaux, others say a weaker solution 3-G-50 or a 

 2-4-50 is safer. The addition of the Arsenate of Lead at the rate of three 

 pounds to fifty gallons makes the mixture more effective against the 

 striped beetles. 



Whether Lime and Sulphur or Bordeaux is used, the applications 

 should be very thorough. The fact that the melon ^vines grow very 

 rapidly causes much leaf surface to be exposed each day. To be 

 effective against either bugs or fungous diseases, it is necessary to make 

 frequent sprayings during the rapid growing period. The spray material 

 should be directed in such a way that as much of it will be deposited on 

 the uhder side of the leaves as possible. 



While the striped beetle is a biting insect and feeds freely especially 

 on the young plants, the most serious damage done by this insect is the 

 transferring of the bacterial wilt from one plant to another. It is (piite 

 generally admitted that this insect is the chief cause of the rapid spread 

 of this serious disease. It is important, therefore, to give the beetles 

 no quarter and to fight them from start to finish. 



Melon Lice are frequently quite a serious pest. To control them 

 prompt work is necessary. When discovered on a few hills and before 

 they have had a chance to spread, they may be destroj'ed by carefully 

 burying the affected hills with earth, taking pains not to let any lice 

 escape. After they have spread over quite an area, the application of 

 some form of nicotine to the vines will control them if taken in time. 

 "Black Leaf 40" is the most common form used and it is diluted by 1,000 

 parts of water to one of the concf^ntrated material. The insects are killed 

 by contact and must be hit if the treatment is effective. 



DISEASES. 



Anthracnose : This trouble attacks the leaves, stems and fruits of 

 melons. It causes dead areas on the leaves usually more than 14 ii^ch 

 in diameter and more nearly round than Avith the Downy INIildew. On the 

 stems it appears as elongated brown areas or lesions and on the fruit as 

 yellowish diseased spots which may disfigure it considerably. While 

 this disease is sometimes present in field culture of melons, it is more 

 liable to occur in the greenhouse. Dilute Bordeaux will control it. 



Rust or Blight. This disease is almost universally present. It at- 

 tacks the oldest leaves first and thus makes its appearance in the central 

 part of the hill, from where it works outward. It causes dead areas of 

 varying size on the leaves but which are usually distinguished from other 

 leaf troubles of the melon by the tendency to break out through the 

 central part of the diseased spots. It also causes the leaves to curl and 



