97 



STEPS IN THE CULTURE OF COTITON FOR CON- 

 TROLLING THE BOLL WEEVIL. 



'The immediate adoption of such improved agricultural 

 practices, as rotation and diversification of crops, bettor 

 culture and more careful selection of seed for cotton 



as soon as the weevil is known to be within 

 less than 100 miles of any locality. 



In order to practice earlv destruction of stalks it is essen- 

 tial that part, at least, of the other steps be also adopted as 

 thej^ are of prime importance in leading up to the early 

 maturity of the crop. It is impossible for us here to at- 

 tempt to describe these steps at all fully. Much more can 

 be learned regarding them from a study of the publications 

 referred to in the brief Bibliography on ]>age KX). 



If we begin this work for the control of the weevil in the 

 fall, as is desirable for securing its greatest effectiveness, it 

 may involve the sacrifice of a small amount of cotton from 

 the late maturing bolls. It is not necessary to make this 

 sacrifice until the first year that the weevil is likely to reach 

 the locality. After that time the possible loss of a few 

 pounds of "scrappings" should not be allowed to count as 

 against the necessity for and larger benefits of early des- 

 truction. ' 



Destruction of Stalks. — The best method of destroying 

 the stalks is by uprooting and burning them. The roots, if 

 cut, should be cut below the surface to prevent their putting 

 out sprouts later. The plants should be thrown into 

 windrows or piles while still green so that the leaves, 

 squares and bolls may not be scattered but will remain on to 

 assist in the early burning of the stalks and also because it 

 is desired to destroy immediately the immature stages which 

 may be present. Sometimes it will be found worth while 

 to apply crude oil to faciliate the burning before the stalks 

 have time to fully dry. 



Advantages of Early Burning. — 1. It stops absolutely 

 the development of weevils late in the fall by destroying the 

 immature stages then present in squares and bolls. 2. By 



