August, '21] moznette: avocado insects 341 



from mid July until late September. The setting of a date for a single 

 application against either the third or fourth brood eggs would be im- 

 possible, therefore. 



The experimental studies, as reported here, are intended to form the 

 bapis of orchard spraying operations, during 1921. 



SOME INSECT PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE AVOCADO 



GROWERi 



By G. F. Moznette, Assistant Entomologist, Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Insect 

 Investigations, U. S. Department oj Agriculture 



In the present day development of horticulture in the Tropics, there 

 is no new fruit that is coming into prominence more rapidly or with 

 greater assurance of becoming the basis of a profitable industry than 

 the avocado, often erroneously called the "alligator pear." To many 

 this fruit is still unknown, but its reputation is being more widely es- 

 tablished each year. At the present time one may find avocados in 

 many of the fresh-fruit markets in our northern and western cities and 

 the fruit is fast becoming as well known as the grapefruit and pineap- 

 ple. Its unique character reduces to a minimum its competition with 

 other fruits, while its rich, nutlike flavor is almost universally enjoyed 

 among those who have known it long enough to become familiar with 

 its peculiar charm. 



At the present time there are probably several thousand acres of 

 bearing avocado groves in Florida and as many more acres in young 

 groves coming into bearing. Avocado growing also is coming into 

 prominence in southern California as well, where many choice varieties 

 are being planted in orchards. Avocado growing in Florida, how- 

 ever, was established a niunber of years prior to its introduction into 

 California, so that considerable more is known regarding the different 

 phases of the industry in Florida. 



With the growth Df the avocado industry various problems have con- 

 fronted the grower. Knowledge of the best methods of propagation, 

 varieties and location best suited to culture to insure success are only 

 successive steps in the production of a satisfactory crop of fruit. There 

 are still other phases and one of the important ones in connection with 

 successful avocado growing is the insect problem. Like citrus, the 

 avocado is an evergreen and hence is subject to the continual attacks 



'By permission of the Sec. of Agriculture. 



