4G1 



H. A. B. The Sweet Potato Weevil. — Agric. News, Barbados, xiv, 

 no. 339, 24th April 1915, p. 138, 1 fig. 



Cylus formicarius {the sweet potato weevil) is distributed throughout 

 the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, having been reported 

 from India, Africa, United States, Jamaica, the Bahamas, etc. The 

 weevil deposits its cgga in the thickest vines near their base, and in 

 the roots, when exposed at the surface. The life-cycle occupies 30 

 days, several generations being produced durmg the season. Potatoes 

 should not be planted on the same land for two successive crops ; 

 slips for planting should not be taken from fields infested with either 

 this weevil or the scarabee {Euscepes hatatae). 



Ware (Lt.-Col. F. C. W.). Locusts in Baluchistan. — Agric. Jl. of 

 India, Calcutta, x, 2, April 1915, pp. 159-166, 2 plates, 1 map. 



Locusts appear in Baluchistan at intervals of every few years, / 



always arriving after years of good rainfall, and entering the province 

 from the Persian side. Investigations have shown that the swarms 

 start from the Great Kirman Desert. The Baluchistan species, Schis- 

 tocerca (Acridium) peregrina, closely resembles aciis Cyrtacanthacris 

 septemfasciata {A. purpiiriferum), of South Africa, in its habits. Obser- 

 vations in the latter country have shown that the periodic plagues 

 radiate from the Kalahari Desert and that the eggs can retain their 

 vitality for some years, but require moisture and a temperature of 90° 

 to hatch out. In the Chagai District, eggs are invariably deposited 

 in soft, damp soil. It seems probable that, of the parent swarm 

 which leaves the Kirman Desert, some individuals return to lay 

 eggs and to start the cycle afresh. Under suitable conditions, 

 the young locusts hatch in 10-12 days. They feed on the nearest 

 vegetation, undergo several moults, and attain maturity in six 

 weeks. The sw^arm takes to a flight when a strong wind is blowing 

 in a favourable direction. The appearance of yellow locusts indicate 

 that the flight is about to deposit eggs and it should, if possible, be 

 kept under observation. The collection of eggs may be induced by 

 the ofler of a suitable reward. Ploughing exposes the eggs to the sun 

 and so destroy, their vitality. Sodium arsenite mixed w'ith molasses, 

 sprayed on to vegetation in front of a moving swarm has been found 

 invaluable. in Africa. Shallow trenches, into which young locusts 

 can be driven and killed, are useful. Bushes, under which the swarm 

 rests at night, can be burned. The disadvantage of mechanical 

 destruction is that it involves the employment of a large body of men, 

 if appreciable results are to be obtained. 



Foster (8. W.) & Jones (P. R.). The Life History and Habits of the 

 Pear Thrips in California. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C. 

 Bull., no. 173, 13th April 1915, 52 pp., U figs., 5 plates, 

 13 tables. 

 Taeniothrips pyri (the pear thrips) has also been reported from New 

 York State, Pennsylvania, Baltimore and England. Since its dis- 

 covery in the San Francisco Bay region, in 190-4, the insect has rapidly 

 become one of the most important pests of California, and has caused 



