994 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



inhabits the scales about the leaf buds and later causes a brown and sickly appear- 

 ance in The leaf. 



In combating this disease the author has had good results from the use of a mix- 

 ture <•< >ntaining 2 per cent of soap and 1 per cent of a strong decoction of tobacco. In 

 other experiments a 3 per cent solution of potassium permanganate and a 4 per cent 

 solution of lysol or a mixture of soap and carbolic acid proved effective. It is recom- 

 mended, however, that in a case of serious infestation the badly diseased vines be 

 removed and destroyed and the others thoroughly treated. 



Strawberry crown girdler, Edith M. Patch (Maine Sta. Bui. 123, pp. 205-230, 

 pis. 4). — Complaints were made in a number of instances of large numbers of Otio- 

 rhynchus ovatus in houses, where they became a general nuisance. The insect appeared 

 to be migrating or seeking a place for hibernation. They occurred in large numbers 

 during the last part of June and the first part of July. 



The larvae of this insect were found feeding on the roots of Poa serolina, but in great- 

 est numbers on strawberries. In one locality 200 larvaa and pupae were dug up in 3 

 sq. ft. of infested strawberry bed. The beetles also feed on apples, cauliflower, red 

 clovers, lawn grass, elm leaves, cotton-wood leaves, and various other plants. Little 

 hope can be entertained of controlling them by the use of arsenate of lead and other 

 arsenicals, and it is too difficult to apply the insecticides so as to destroy any large 

 number « >i them. Camphor gum and sulphur were tried as repellents in keeping the 

 beetles out of houses, but without success. 



Notes are also given on a number of insects observed during the year, especially 

 tussock moth, red-humped caterpillars, stalk borer, cherry tortrix, rose chafer, car- 

 pet beetle, wireworms, brown-tail moth, and nematode worms. 



Caterpillars on oaks, C. W. Woodworth (California Sta. Circ. IS, pp. 4). — The 

 live oaks in the vicinity of California Bay are seriously attacked by caterpillars, par- 

 ticularly Phryganidia californica and tent caterpillars belonging to the genus Alalaco- 

 soma. Phryganidia californica occurs only in California and istheonly representative 

 of its family in America. It lays its eggs on the underside of the leaves of live oaks. 



This pest may be combated by spraying with Paris green at the rate of 1 lb. per 2 

 gal. of water. The time for spraying is when the moths are seen in large numbers 

 about the trees, for the reason that the eggs hatch soon afterwards. In the case of tall 

 trees ladders will be necessary in order to apply the spray to the topmost branches. 

 About 6 species of the genus Malacosoma, commonly known as tent caterpillars, 

 attack the live oak, but also feed on other trees. They can best be controlled by 

 destruction in the spring while they are still in their nests. 



Dust and liquid spraying, C. P. Close (Delaware Sta. Bui. 72, pp. 23).— The 

 advantages of dust spraying are that the necessary apparatus is quite simple and 

 inexpensive, the bulk of prepared material is small, and the material is more agree- 

 able to handle than when in a wet form. The chief disadvantages are the impossi- 

 bility of using the material during high wind or in the middle of the day. 



Various methods are given for preparing and mixing dust sprays. The author 

 tried a mixture containing lime, pulverized copper sulphite, Paris green, and sulphur. 

 The best time for using dust insecticides is early in the morning of quiet days. The 

 dust spray adheres to foliage almost as well as liquid sprays. A detailed account 

 was given of the results obtained from the use of dust sprays, particularly in the 

 treatment of apple trees for codling moth. The effectiveness of dust and liquid 

 sprays for this purpose appeared to be nearly equal, the variation in the number of 

 wormy apples being too small to indicate any decided advantage in favor of either 

 method. 



The author recommends the use of a liquid spraying outfit on level land where 

 water is readily available. If, however, water is scarce and the ground on which 

 the orchard is planted very uneven it may be a simpler and less expensive matter to 

 spray by means of the dust method. 





