999 



FRUIT INSECTS 



The adult is about J inch in length and light brownish in 

 color. The winter is passed in the egg stage. The eggs are 

 doubtless inserted in the bark of the smaller branches ; they 

 hatch during the blossoming period. The pale-colored nymphs 

 at first feed on the tender opening leaves, but attack the fruit 

 as soon as it sets. After the first molt they take on a greenish 

 color, which makes them very inconspicuous as they rest 

 on the leaves or young fruits. They pass through five im- 

 mature stages, becoming mature 

 about the middle of June. Most of 

 the injury is done towards the last 

 of May while the fruits are still quite 

 small. A single nymph may visit 

 many pears, puncturing each one 

 several times. The tissue surround- 

 ing the puncture hardens, becomes 

 gritty, and the growth of the fruit 

 at that point is retarded, causing a 

 depression in the surface. The loca- 

 tion of the puncture is usually in- 

 dicated by a break in the skin, from 

 which protrudes a small yellowish granular mass. Badly 

 punctured fruits are often considerably undersized. 



Control, — The newly hatched nymphs are tender, delicate 

 creatures and may be easily killed by a thorough application 

 of " Black Leaf 40 " tobacco extract, f pint in 100 gallons of 

 water, adding three or four pounds of soap to make the liquid 

 stick and spread better. This application should be made 

 about the time the petals are falling. In some cases it may be 

 necessary to repeat the treatment a few days later. 



Fig. 203. — Mature pear 

 showing the result of injury 

 by the false tarnished plant- 

 bug. 



Reference 

 N. Y. (Geneva) Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 368. 1913. 



