252 EXPERIMENT STATION KECORD. 



tioii of hoc'oniiiiK an imixirtaiil pest. The diseovery of gipsy moth egg clusters in 

 the Connecticut Valley during tlie spring indicates that sooner or later this 

 insect may be found in all parts of the State. 



Report of the entomologist, W. V. Tower (Porto Rico <s7rt. Rpl. J DOS, pp. 

 ii3-2S, pi. 1). — Particular attention was given to Insects affecting the orange 

 and pineapple. Among the new lines of work talien up were the fumigation 

 of pineapple slips for the mealy bug, the destruction of ants in pineapples and 

 oranges, and the determination of the value of various oil emulsions used by 

 planters in combating the purple and white scales. 



It is stated that at present the hemispherical scale '(Saissctia hemisphcerica) 

 can be found in groves only in limited numbers. The purple scale (Lepido- 

 saphes hcckii), however, is the source of injury in all plantations not protected 

 from the wind and where systematic spraying is not practiced. The life history 

 of this scale has been worked out and is here described. It is recommended 

 where kerosene and crude emulsions are used that a second application be made 

 about 21 days following the first, as by this time the females which escape the 

 first spraying have deposited eggs and these have had time to hatch. 



The life history of the red scale (Clinjsomphalus flciis) has also been worked 

 out. It was found that the female develops in about the same time as the 

 female of the purple scale but unlike that species the young come forth at a 

 definite period. It is said to be much harder to kill than the purple scale. 

 The white scale {Chionaspis citri) appeared in a large number of the older 

 groves during the season and was a source of considerable iiujury. It requires 

 about the same time for the completion of its life cycle as does the purple scale. 

 While this insect is not preyed upon by as many fungi as the purple scale one 

 fungus has been found attacking it. As a remedy kerosene emulsion 1 : 7 or 1 : 8, 

 or crude oil emulsion, 1 part of stock solution to 20 parts of water, is recom- 

 mended, 3 applications to be made at intervals of 3 weeks. The rufous scale 

 {Pseudaonidia arUcuUitus) was found in a few groves causing slight injury. 



The orange leaf weevil (Diaprepes spengleri) , previously described as appear- 

 ing during the latter part of May, was observed in large numbers during No- 

 vember, there being 2 broods during the year. The " vaquita," a small green 

 beetle, is reported to have been the source of Injury in orange groves on the 

 northern coast. " Caculos " and ]May beetles were the source of injury in young 

 groves, one or two cases having been reported where young trees were defoliated. 

 The mealy bug has been found in all the pineapple sections of the island. 

 Very satisfactory results were obtained from the fumigation of slips and suck- 

 ers with hydrocyanic-acid gas, 1 oz. of potassium cyanid to every 100 cu. ft. 

 being used. The coffee weevil was found in a number of plantations around 

 Ponce, and in some districts the planters complained that it did a great deal of 

 damage. The coffee stem borer was reported as the source of some damage in 

 1 or 2 localities. 



Five nuclei of Italian bees purchased in July had developed sufficient bees by 

 December 13 to raise a brood and develop IT frames of comb, 10 of which were 

 filled with honey. The fungus causing mummy disease of guavas is thought 

 to have entered young fi-uit through the punctures of mealy bugs. Kerosene 

 emulsion, 1 part of stock to 6 or 7 of water, was found to control these bugs. 

 Great numbers of thrips observed on the under side of mango leaves are thought 

 to have been the indirect source of injury through their punctures being en- 

 trance points for the spores which produce anthracnose. The formula 1 pt. of 

 crude carbolic acid (100 per cent crude), ^ lb. of whale oil or common laundry 

 soap, and 1 qt. of water, proved very effective in desti-oying ants' nests. 



Some observations concerning' injurious insects, Sofie Rostrup (Tidsskr. 

 Landbr. Planteavl, 16 {1909), No. 2, pp. 283-302, figs. 6).— This article treats of 



