ENTOMOLOGY. <)77 



The Hessian fly in 1902-3, II. Garman {Kentucky Sla. Bid. 11 J, j)j). 211-324).— 

 A scries of \vlifat plats was sown at different stages, beginning September 15 and 

 ending Novemlier 10. On September 22, 3 plats were sown for the purpose of test- 

 ing insecticides. One of these plats was not treated, while the other 2 were divided 

 into equal parts and treated with dilute kerosene emulsion, Paris green and lime, 

 Bordeaux mixture, and lime dust, respectively. 



In the spring it was found that many culms had been destroyed entirely and the 

 earlier sowings gave evidence of the greater injury. The plat treated with Bordeaux 

 mixturo showed only 19 per cent of infested plants, while later in the spring the 

 percentage of infestation was increased to 43. At harvest time it was found that the 

 effect of late planting was not entirely obliterated. The iate-sowu plats seemed to 

 be less vigorous than those which were planted earlier. The results in yield of 

 grain were in favor of treated plats planted September 22. Among the plats which 

 were untreated the one which was planted October 6 gave the best yield. The 

 earl}--sown wheat was harder than the late-sown wheat. A test was made of the 

 germinating jiower of seed wheat from early and late plantings. 



It appeared from this test that the time of planting had little effect upon the 

 germination of the seed. A careful investigation was made to determine whether 

 the Hessian fly infested rye, and no case of infestation could be found, even in the 

 vicinity of the most extensively infested wheat fields. Under especially favorable 

 conditions it seems probable that there may be even more than 3 broods in parts of 

 Kentucky between the time of planting and harvesting wheat. Notes are given on 

 the habits and life history of this insect. 



In applying insecticide treatment for Hessian fly the results of the author's exper- 

 iments indicate that considerable benefit may be obtained, but that this benefit may 

 nut be enough to overcome the expense of the apiilication. No treatment is required 

 in the fall, i>rovided the wheat is sown between October 6 and 15. When the insect 

 attacks the wheat in the spring, however, it appears desirable to apply a cheap 

 inse(;ticide, such as kerosene emulsion (4 times) or Bordeaux nuxture. 



The harlequin cabbage bug, F. Sherman, Jr. {North Carolina Dept. Agr., Ent. 

 Circ. 6% pp. 7, Jig. 1). — Notes are given on the habits, life history, and means of com- 

 bating this pest. The author recommends the use of trap croi^s, hand-picking of 

 insects, late planting, and clean culture. 



Some experiences with lime, sulphur, and salt washes. Two coninion 

 scale insects, C. O. Houcuiton {Dekavare 8la. Bid. 64, pp. 33-48, ph. 3). — A test 

 was made with boiled and unboiled lime-sulphur-salt washes in 2 localities in the 

 State. Several fonnulas were used in the preparation of the washes. When the 

 wash was made without l)oiling it was prejiared according to the following formula: 

 Lime 10 lbs., sulphur 5 lbs., caustic soda 1} lbs., water 15 gal. This wash gave good 

 results, but on the whole was not as satisfactory as the lime-sulphur-salt wash in 

 experiments at Newark. 



In experiments at Felton, Elberta peach trees 6 to 7 years old were sprayed just 

 before the buds opened. No injury was done to the trees and practically no differ- 

 ence was observed in the results pnxluced by the boiled and unboiled mixtures. It is 

 recoujuiended that the mixture be ap])lied warm, since the best strength is obtained 

 at that time. The wash is immediately cooled upon being broken up into fine par- 

 ticles by the nozzle and does not come in contact with the tree in a warm condition. 

 If allowed lo stand for a few hours, however, the solution becomes considerably 

 weakened and the formation of yellow sliver-like crystals takes place. 



A test was also made to determine the proper length of the period of boiling. This 

 period has varied in different experiments from 40 minutes to 4 hours or more. As 

 a result of the autlior's experiments it was concluded that nearly all of the sulphur 

 can l)e dissolved within 15 minutes, and a ^leriod of 15 to 30 minutes is reconnnended 

 as giving as good results as a longer period of boiling. The author also recommended 

 that not too much copper sulphate be added to the lime-suli)hur wash. 



