APPLE IXSKdTS 169 



Jose scale with much effectiveness, especially in its southern 

 range. Some of these can be transferred from tree to tree and 

 it is in the range of possibilities, with more careful study, that 

 artificial cultures can be made and distri})uted and yield results 

 of practical value in the control of this scale. No harm can come 

 from such introduction of natural enemies or diseases, and the 

 time will doubtless eventually come, as it appan^ntly has in some 

 localities in California especially, when these enemies and 

 diseases, together with man's vigorous warfare, will rob this 

 insect of most of its present terrors, making it a much less 

 dangerous orchard pest. 



Remedial ineasures. 



Its minute size rendering it difficult to detect unless very 

 numerous, the ease and rapidity with which it may be dis- 

 tributed on nursery stock or cuttings, its marvelous fecundity 

 enabling a few scales to soon re-infest a whole tree and the skill 

 required to hit all the tiny scales with a spray, make the San 

 Jose scale one of the most difficult insect pests to successfully 

 control. Extermination is practically impossible except on 

 limited areas where the infested plants can be destroyed root 

 and branch, and then a new infestation may occur at any time if 

 more plants are set. The destruction of infested trees is advis- 

 able in a very young orchard where only a few trees are involved, 

 so as to put off as long as possible the general infestation, which 

 will usually follow sooner or later. In older bearing orchards 

 many fruit growers have succeeded in getting the pest under 

 thorough control without the loss of a tree, but it means a big 

 and continuous fight by a man determined to win. 



Fruit growers should become familiar with the appearance 

 of the scale from dead specimens readily obtained from infested 

 localities. The pest can be combated more easil}^ and effectively 

 while it is in hibernation as half-grown scales on dormant trees. 

 In starting new orchards get certified, fumigated stock from 

 reliable sources, carefully examine each tree, and then thoroughly 



