74 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



eluded that cotton is the only food plant of the boll weevil. Notes are given <>n a 

 number of insects which have been mistaken for the boll weevil. 



During the investigation of this insect it was found that cotton-seed meal could not 

 be made to serve as food for the weevils and that it showed no power of attracting 

 them. Negative results were also obtained in testing the value of sweets as an attrac- 

 tion for the weevil. A detailed account is presented of the field work of the Divis- 

 ion of Entomology in the study of this pest and notes are given on the length of time 

 required by the insect to pass through its various stages. 



The average length of the generation of the cotton-boll weevils is believed to be 

 about 42 days. This makes it possible for 5 generations to develop between May 1 

 and December 1. In one test it was found that about 16 per cent of the beetles were 

 able to hibernate successfully. The influence of severe weather upon the weevil is 

 not so great as was at first supposed, but is nevertheless unfavorable to the insect. 



In controlling this pest, the authors believe "that the destruction of the stalks in 

 the early fall is the most effective method known of actually reducing the numbers 

 of the weevil." This method is, therefore, recommended as the most important one 

 for insuring success in cotton growing for the coming year. Some difference was 

 noted in the susceptibility of various cottons to weevil injury. The Egyptian cotton 

 was most severely injured, followed by Sea Island, Cuban tree cotton, and Kings 

 Improved. The relative amount of injury appears to depend somewhat upon the 

 hairiness of the stems. The hairs on the stems hinder the movements of the beetles. 



There appears to be no method of preventing the spread of the weevil to any lati- 

 tude where cotton can be grown, but the insect can probably be controlled more suc- 

 cessfully in the northern than in the southern portion of the cotton belt. Notes are 

 given on the fungus diseases and parasitic and predatory insect enemies of the weevil. 

 Recommendations already made by the Division of Entomology regarding the cul- 

 tural means of control are repeated. Spraying is considered futile. 



San Jose scale, E. R. Bennett (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Bui. 30, pp. 1-16, figs. 5). — 

 The author made use of an opportunity to take part in the spraying of 11,000 peach 

 and plum trees on a large fruit farm. The work was begun on March 10. The lime- 

 sulphur-salt wash is used in the proportion of 25 lbs. lime, 20 lbs. sulphur, and 15 

 lbs. salt to 50 gal. water. The author believes that whatever formula is adopted 

 the amount of lime should exceed that of sulphur. 



During the season's tests it was found sufficient to boil the materials for from 30 to 

 45 minutes. The lime-sulphur spray did not have any injurious effect upon the skin 

 of the workmen. A test was made of the Oregon formula, during which it appeared 

 that the copper sulphate did not increase the effect of the solution. In order to make 

 a thorough application of the lime-sulphur wash it is recommended that the trees 

 be previously pruned. The wash remained on the trees in a good coating for at 

 least 3 months. 



The cost of application was about (i cents per tree. The results were very effective 

 in the destruction of San Jose scale. Leaf curl was also largely prevented. 



The pernicious or San Jose scale insect in New Hampshire, C. M. Weed (New 

 Hampshire Sta. Bui. 109, pp. 73-83, figs. 3). — Brief notes are given on the distribution 

 of the San Jos6 scale in New Hampshire. Spraying experiments with undiluted 

 kerosene and lime-sulphur-salt wash gave unsatisfactory results. The insect was 

 apparently eradicated by treatment with calcothion. A copy is given of the nursery- 

 inspection law together with brief notes on the preparation of insecticides. 



Treatment of San Jose scale, J. H. Stewart (West Virginia Sta. Circ. of Infor- 

 mation 1, pp. 4)- — Brief notes on the use of mixtures and kerosene and crude oil with 

 water and also on the application of a lime-sulphur spray in controlling the San Jose 

 scale. 



The codling- moth, E. D. Ball ( Utah Sta. Bui. 87, pp. 104-145, pis. 7, fig. 1).— 

 The codling moth is considered to be the worst pest with which the fruit growers 



