524 



imbibed juices contaminated with ingested earthy matter. When 

 emerging from a detached egg which has fallen on the soil the larva 

 is helpless and cannot reach its host. 



In 1917-18, about 20 per cent, of the eggs of these parasites were 

 destroj^ed by mites. These Rhizoglyphids are supposed to utilise the 

 Coleopterous larvae for transport purposes and not to feed on them 

 until decomposition has set in. The author has, however, seen them 

 devour a fully grown larva of C. tasmaniensis that had been unable 

 to spin a complete cocoon. An unknown fungus has been observed 

 enveloping the eggs and very young larvae of Campsomeris, and 

 about 5 per cent, of the eggs were destroyed in the insectary by 

 bacterial disease during October and November. 



The early stages of the hyperparasite, Macrosiagon cucullata, Macl., 

 a Coleopterous parasite of Campsomeris spp., have already been noticed 

 [i?.^.£:., A, X, p. 477]. 



Froggatt (J. L.). The, Banana Beetle Borer. — Queensland Agric. Jl., 

 Brisbane, xviii, pt. 1, July 1922, pp. 48-49. 



After extended observations in the field, it is apparent that the 

 banana beetle borer [Cosmopolites sordidus] is increasing and spreading, 

 particularly in plantations where control measures have been neglected 

 or insufficiently carried out. In laying out a plantation it should be 

 certain that the source from which the suckers are being obtained is 

 not infested, and the plantation should not be made adjacent to 

 infested areas. Where this has already been done, precautions should 

 be taken to prevent the weevil spreading, by laying corm baits between 

 the two areas. Whenever practicable, infested stools should be dug 

 out and destroyed and baits laid on the sites of the stools to prevent 

 migration. The presence of this borer, after the egg stage, is readily 

 detected by the larval tunnels, and the leaves of suckers show an 

 unhealthy appearance. A brief description of all stages of this weevil 

 is given. 



Anstead (R. D.) & Ballard (E.). Mosquito Blight o£ leo..— Planters' 

 Chron., Coimbatore, xvii, nos. 30 & 31, 29th July & 5th August 

 1922, pp. 443-447 & 453-455. 



The intensity of mosquito blight [Helopeltis] of tea is still increasing 

 in Southern India. As it is an indication of unhealthiness, the bush 

 and not the insect should be treated, the factors affecting its vigour 

 being climate, drainage and malnutrition. The latter is largely due 

 to loss of original top soil and consequent removal of available plant 

 food and soil bacteria. 



Reference is made to the summary of the researches by Carpenter 

 and Andrews on the connection between the proportion of available 

 potash to available phosphoric acid in the soil and the incidence of 

 the pest [R.A.E., A, x, 395]. A scheme of experiments to test the 

 effect of appljnng continual small doses of potash under various 

 conditions combined with drainage and hme is outlined. Similar 

 experiments have been made in Assam, where it has been found that 

 results do not appear until after two or three years. Spraying as a 

 general principle is both uneconomical and impracticable under the 

 conditions obtaining in South Indian estates, except in special cases. 

 Hand catching is recommended where it is done systematically. 



