6 Farm Insects observed in the Aherystwtjtii Area 



Swedes in two instances, in each case the margins of the fields being 

 aft'ected, but no serious outbreak followed the unusual abundance of 1914. 

 In 1916 a number of the larvae of P. bras.sicae were present upon 

 Swedes near Crosswood at the end of July, ami ujxju Cabbage in gardens 

 during September, and the parasite above mentioned was again in 

 evidence, especially about Aberystwyth. 



Flea Beetles. 



I received fifty complaints of damage to root crops by Flea Beetles 

 and investigated a large number of these. 



Two species are present, Haltica nemorum and H. olemcea. The 

 former is generally the more abundant and at times is locally predomi- 

 nant, but usually both are present, and often in about equal proportions. 

 These pests appear to be always present, and only await the advent 

 of the needful crop and weather conditions in order to multiply and 

 work havoc. Dry weather and sunshine are essential to these beetles 

 and heavy rain either ends, or very much limits their ravages. 



Young root crops on dry slopes, hillsides and banks are usually 

 the worst damaged, but I have seen considerable harm done in low 

 fields as well. 



Should adverse conditions delay growth the damage done is generally 

 aggravated, the continuance of conditions favouring the pests may 

 result in the first sowing of seeds failing entirely, while even a second 

 may be damaged. 



It is notable that comparatively few complaints are heard from 

 farms where lime and basic slag are regularly used. On many farms 

 it is usual to give a dressing of quick lime prior to sowing the root crop. 



During July, 1915, I noted a slight attack on mangolds. The 

 situation was high and sunny, and it was evident that the Swedes having 

 made a very vigorous growth, the beetles had migrated to the contiguous 

 rows of mangolds, of which, how^ever, only the two nearest rows were 

 affected. In 191(), mangolds were severely attacked, and in a number 

 of instances the crop was considerably reduced. In one case roots 

 had not been grown upon the field within local memory, two crops of 

 oats having followed an old rough pasture, prior to the root crop. 

 Damage continued in this field up to mid July, and included succes- 

 sively mangolds, swedes and turnips. Pol//gonian persicaria was a 

 common weed in this field (and often abounds in mountain root fields) 

 and was also badly riddled by the beetles. 



Soaking seed in paraffin has proved of benefit. One farmer broad- 



