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pink bollworm [Pectinophora gossypiella] have not yet appeared in 

 the country, and strict quarantine measures in respsct of imported 

 seed are taken by the Government. 



The cotton pests dealt with include Agrotis ypsilon and other cut- 

 worms ; Aphis gossypii, Glov. ; Prodenia litura, F., which in South Africa 

 also feeds on sunflowers ; Laphygma exigua, Hbn. , on many food- 

 plants and chiefly in lawns ; the bollworms, Heliothis {Chloridea) 

 obsoleta, F., Earias insulana, Boisd., and Diparopsis castanea, Hmps., 

 which last is known in S. Africa as the Sudan bollworm and is abun- 

 dant throughout the greater part of the country, as much as 60 per 

 cent, of the bolls being damaged in some localities ; and the cotton 

 stainers, Dysdercus superstitiosus and Oxycarenus albidipennis. Minor 

 pests that are not likely to require remedial measures include a Nema- 

 tode, Heterodem radicicola ; the beetles, Strophosomus amplicollis, 

 Pachnoda carmelita and P. impressa ; the mealy-bugs, Pseudococcus 

 Jilamentosus and P. virgatus ; and the scales, Saissetia oleae and 

 Pulvinaria jacksoni. 



Brain (C. K.). Pernicious Scale. — Union S. Africa Dept. Agric, 

 Pretoria, Local Ser. no. 61, 17th July 1918, 4 pp., 2 figs. [Received 

 3rd June 1919.] 



A popixlar account is given of Aspidiotus perniciosus, which was 

 introduced into South Africa about twelve years ago and has spread to 

 various centres in the Transvaal, Orange Free State and Natal. Around 

 Pretoria it has spread rapidly, the mode of transmission apparently 

 being chiefly on the feet of birds. It is noticed that trees growing in 

 fowl-runs are very liable to infestation, birds, particularly doves, 

 being attracted by the poultry food. The large beetles that appear 

 when fruit is ripening also greatly assist the spread of the scale on 

 fruit-trees. The usual sprays of miscible oil or lime-sulphur wash are 

 recommended. Government regulations are now in force prohibiting 

 the removal of woody plants from an infested property without per- 

 mission from the Department of Agriculture [see this Review, Ser. A, 

 V, p. 543]. 



ScHLUPp W. F.j. Potato Tuber Moth.— C/nion S. Africa Dept. Agric, 

 Pretoria, Press Circ. no. 46, 23rd November 1918, 2 pp. [Received 

 3rd June 1919.] 



The bulk of the information contained in this circular has already 

 been noticed [see this Review, Ser. A, vi, p. 360]. It is pointed out 

 that after deep ploughing, planting in ridges is not wise from the 

 standpoint of control of the potato tuber moth [Phthorimaea operculella]. 

 Deep planting and harrowing the ground level after planting is much 

 to be preferred. The use of the ridging plough at the first cultivation 

 is also objectionable ; the earthing up should be a gradual process, a 

 little soil being added to the tops of the ridges at each cultivation. 

 About the middle of the growing period the ridging plough should be 

 used. The time of danger is always the latter part of the season and 

 all efforts should be directed towards having a good soil covering at 

 that period. 



(C577) b2 



