572 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



An enemy of alfalfa, K. Gavoty {Frog. Agr. et VU. {Ed. L'Est), 22 {1001), No. 

 2S, ]ip. 44-46). — The author reports serious injury to alfalfa from the attacks of Colas- 

 pidema alrmn. The larvse ajipear in April, and when occurring in large numbers 

 cause almost total destruction of the alfalfa. Numerous experiments with different 

 insecticide materials were made without great success. These experiments included 

 the use of sulphate of iron in the proportion of 500 gm. to 100 liters of water, kero- 

 sene emulsion, Bordeaux mixture, tobacco decoction, and sulphur. These remedies 

 proved to be rather expensive and were too ineffective to be recommended for fur- 

 ther use. 



The Hessian fly; its ravages in New York in 1901, I. P. Roberts, M. V. 

 Slixgerland, and J. L. Stoxe {New York Cornell Sta. Bnl. 194, pj>- 237-260, figs. 6). — 

 A general discussion is given of the occurrence and injurious attacks of the Hessian 

 fly in New York during the season of 1901. Detailed notes are given on the relative 

 abundance and injurious action of the insect in various localities. Cooperative experi- 

 ments were carried out by several farmers of the State for the purpose of determining 

 the most suitable varieties of wheat for growth in their locality. Some differences 

 were noted in the resistant power of different varieties of wheat to attacks of the 

 Hessian fly. It appears from these experiments and from the observations of others 

 that varieties which prove highly resistant in one State or one locality may not be 

 resistant when planted in another locality. It is believed that the Hessian fly causes 

 more injury on dry poor land than on moist well-drained rich soils, and that thick 

 seeding and vigorous growth assist in warding off the attack of the fly. The most 

 resistant varieties, according to the experiments of the authors, are Dawson Golden 

 Chaff, Prosperity, No. 8, Democrat, Red Russian, and White Chaff Mediterranean. 

 Notes are given on the appearance, haliits, and life history of this insect. It is not 

 considered possible to give a date which will be a safe guide for sowing wheat in New- 

 York for any series of years. In general, however, wheat sown after Seiitember 20 

 is less injured by the Hessian fl)- than that which is sown earlier. Attention is called 

 to the desirability of cooperation among the farmers, and of thorough tilling of the 

 soil, together with the use of trap crops. 



The Hessian fly in Ontario, W. Lochhead {Ontario Agr. Col. and Ex})t. Farm 

 Bui. 116, pp. 16, figs. 10). — A brief historical account is given of the Hessian fly in 

 Ontario, and the losses caused by its depredations. The insect is described in its 

 various stages, and brief notes are given on its life history. There are 2 broods a 

 year in Ontario, and the eggs are ordinarily laid during the last week of August and 

 the first week of September. Occasionally, however, the eggs are deposite<l as late 

 as September 20. Brief notes are presented on the natural enemies of the Hessian 

 fly and on the various insects which are most frequently uustaken for this pest. 

 A list of the common food plants is also given. In a discussion of remedies against 

 the Hessian fly, reference is made to the naethods which are in common use in com- 

 bating this insect. It is suggested that fall wheat should be sown in Ontario about 

 the middle of September. It is urged that special care should be exercised in the 

 preparation of the seed bed before sowing. Where summer fallowing is not excluded 

 by considerations of economy this method of preparation yields the best results in 

 the preparation of the soil for wheat. Attention is also called to the desirability of 

 planting trap crops and burning stubble and refuse. In order that any methods 

 against this insect may be generally successful it is necessary to secure cooi:)eration 

 of all farmers in any given locality. 



Biological and. economic notes on the boUworm, G. del Glercio {Nuove 

 Eelaz. R. Staz. Ent. Agr., 1. ser., 1900, No. 3, pp. 143-159, figs. 6) .—The author describes 

 the species in all stages and gives notes on its habits and life history. A number 

 of the host plants for this species in Italy are enumerated, the most important of 

 which are said to be tobacco, hemp, cotton, tomato, and pepper. Corn is also 

 attacked, but this crop is not so important in Italy as in the United States. A brief 

 account is given of the natural enemies of the bollworm and of the remedies which 



