128 JOURNAL OF ECOXOMIC EXTOMOLOGY [Vol. 4 



There are no doubt some bulb diseases that the mites are in no way 

 responsible for, but from my observations in these inspections, I 

 would conclude that the mites were, in addition to their own direct 

 injury, responsible for injurious diseases; and that fungi and bac- 

 teria were often ''secondary intruders." 



This conclusion is supported by George Massee of England in a 

 recent publication. He says of the Bulb Mite — "There was at one 

 time some difference of opinion as to whether the mite was the primary 

 cause of injury to bulbs infested Avith it. It was thought that the 

 injury might be due in the first instance to some error of treatment, 

 and that the mites w^ere simply feeding on the more or less decayed 

 portions. It has, however, been definitely proved by Michael that 

 the mites are the primary cause of injury, and that indeed they prefer 

 sound bulbs. . . . The mites are very minute. They are yellow- 

 ish white in color with just a suffusion of pink, the legs and rostrum 

 are red." 



Erwin F. Smith, pathologist of the Bureau of Plant Industry, 

 Washington, D. C, reporting on specimens of bulbs sent him, says, 

 after noting the presence of fungus and bacteria, — "All the bulbs, 

 however, are badly infested with mites, . . . which very probably 

 are responsible for the trouble, not only by direct injur}', but bj' afford- 

 ing an entrance for fungi and bacteria." 



Dr. Howard in his report on the same specimens says, "These 

 mites burrow into living healthy bulbs, and thus give entrance to destruc- 

 tive diseases. They are verj^ difficult to control, and your best plan 

 will be to destroy the entire lot. Those which you sent are very 

 badly infested. Importers should require mite-freedom certificates 

 from European growers." 



If w^e should act upon Dr. Howard's advice it would put an end 

 to the bulb trade. 



Soma help might come from treating the bulbs, as by fumigation, 

 and the growers might treat the soil, but the pest is everywhere, even 

 in our home-grown onions, — possibl}^ potatoes and other roots and 

 tubers. 



Mr. Engle: I have examined a great number of foreign bulbs, 

 and never found one consignment in which there were not mites. I 

 would like to know what action is going to be taken regarding this 

 bulb question. If, as suggested by Dr. Howard, these bulbs are 

 destroyed, it will put an end to foreign importation. 



Professor Summers: Is it not fair to assume that this mite would 

 prove injurious in this country, and that any action we might taka 

 now in destroying the bulbs would be simply useless? Will it not 

 establish itself in this country anywaj'? 



