607 



Mayne (R.). Organisation des mesures internationales de protection 

 entomologique. — Ann. Gcmhloiix, Brussels, xxviii, no. 10, October 

 1922, pp. 325-339. 



The author discusses the balance maintained by nature between 

 all forms of life and explains how man upsets that equilibrium by his 

 industries and by movements of plants and animals. Examples are 

 quoted of insects that have become very injurious owing to removal 

 from their natural habitat to a new one. There is urgent need for 

 international co-operation in the interests of free exchange between 

 nations without fear of the introduction of noxious pests or diseases. 

 Much has already been done on the lines of reform by individuals 

 and various inspection and other services in different countries, but 

 all these efforts need to be co-ordinated into an international organisa- 

 tion under a central control before there can be any far-reaching 

 benefit. The organisation of such a service is briefly outlined. 



As a preliminary preventive measure, the plant protection service 

 of each cormtry should draw up a list of all insect pests likely to be 

 introduced, with their geographical distribution. In cases where a 

 pest has already become established, prompt measures should be taken 

 for its eradication, or, if this is not possible, for its reduction to 

 reasonable numbers by rendering its environment less favourable, by 

 such means as the use of more resistant varieties of the plants that 

 it attacks, or the introduction from its original habitat of the natural 

 enemies that occur there. Some outstanding examples of the success 

 of this biological method of control are quoted. It is hoped that a 

 new international conference may be held, on the lines of the Phyto- 

 pathological Conference held at Rome in 1914 (which was unfortunately 

 nullified by the war) and that an mternational office for the protection 

 of plants may be definitely established. 



Miles (H. W.). The Apple Blossom Weevil. — //. Minist. Agric, 

 London, xxix, no. 7, October 1922, pp. 637-642, 3 figs. 



Anthonomns pomornm, L. (apple blossom weevil) was very destruc- 

 tive in 1919 and 1920 in England, and in view of the confusion existing 

 in the literature regarding its life-history and habits, a thorough study 

 of these was made. The weevils leave their winter quarters towards 

 the end of March and pierce the blossom buds of apples and pears, 

 of which they suck the juices. Mating occurs at this time, with 

 alternate periods of feeding aiid resting, until the buds reach the 

 cluster stage (generally about five weeks after the first appearance 

 of the weevils). Oviposition then takes place, the female piercing the 

 calyx and petals and depositing an egg in the anther lobes. After 

 8-13 days the eggs hatch, and the young larvae feed on the pollen 

 cells of the anthers. In about three weeks anthers, filaments and 

 styles are destroyed, and the petals dry and form dome-shaped 

 coverings under which the larvae live. These are known as " capped " 

 blossoms. Pupation, within the capped blossom, lasts for about a 

 week, the adult then cutting its way out. This happens in early or 

 late June according to the season. The weevil feeds on the young 

 leaves of the apple for three or four weeks before seeking winter 

 quarters in crevices of the trunks, among dead leaves, beneath hedges 

 or in the soil. Hibernating weevils are often found in munbers close 

 together in favourable situations. 



