April, '22j SCIENTIFIC notes 179 



Scientific Notes 



Crop Protection Institute Fellowships. In order to promote original research 

 relative to the fungicidal and insecticidal properties of sulphur and the effects of 

 sunlight, temperature and moisture on its action, the Crop Protection Institute 

 expects to offer two fellowships yielding an income of $2500.00 each. Training in 

 chemistry and plant physiology is a prerequisite, and candidates should have demon- 

 strated ability to undertake research efforts of a high type. Applications, accompa- 

 nied by reprints of scientific articles and letters of recommendations, should be made 

 immediately to the Crop Protection Institute, National Research Council, Washing- 

 ton, D. C. A statement explaining the purposes and scope of the projects and se- 

 lection of research laboratory may be obtained on application. 



W. C. O'Kane, 

 Chairman 

 Paul Moore, 

 Secretary 



Unusual Infestation of Bulb Mite in Greenhouse. Complaints were received 

 by the Pa. Bureau of Plant Industry from a florist at Malvern, Pa. that a heavy 

 infestation of earthworms was causing great damage to beds of Smilax {Asparagus 

 medeoloides) and "asparagus fern" {Asparagus plumosus) in his greenhouse during 

 the present season. Samples of plants examined showed a much-stunted condition 

 of the roots and a soft rot of the tubers with lesions which penetrated the outer skin 

 into the tender tissues of the apparently healthy roots. Sciarid larvae were present, 

 but close examination with the binoculars revealed the presence of numbers of large, 

 palecolored, sluggish mites, particularly about the crown of the plants, where they 

 were found in largest numbers by parting the fibers of the half decayed roots. Cavi- 

 ties in healthy roots which were hardly visible to the unaided eye were found in most 

 instances to contain several of these mites, apparently feeding on healthy tissues. 

 From balsam mounts made of specimens collected they were determined by Dr. 

 H. E. Ewing of the U. S. National Museum as Rhizoglyphus sp., apparently hyacinthi 

 Boisd. 



In that this mite has not been recorded as a pest of these hosts and that it is very 

 generally distributed in this greenhouse, causing a large reduction in the season's 

 cut, its possibilities as an important pest should not be overlooked. 



J. K. Primm, 



Oak Lane, Pa 



Notes on Orchestes rufipes. The work of this insect has been under my more or 

 less superficial observation near Salt Lake City, Utah, since 1914. However it was 

 only late in the fall of 1920 that I observed the adults issuing from mines in willow 

 leaves and completely devouring the green substance of infested willows. 



As soon as the leaves appeared on the same willows in the spring I found the adult 

 beetles destroying the young leaves and mating. Once a month during the summer 

 I have made notes in the same locality and found the adults always feeding and mating. 

 The attack was confined to Salix fendleriana and Populus angustifolia. Early in the 

 summer dark blotches appeared on the willow leaves suggesting that larvae were at 

 work. The poplar leaves were not similarly blotched and there were no larvae 

 in the willow blotches. Apparently the discolored area surrounding feeding punctures 

 was due to bacterial infection. 



