547 



Raspberry Canes diseased. — Gardeners' Chronicle, London, Ivii, no. 1485, 

 12th June 1915, p. 336, 1 fig. 



Raspberry canes have been found infected by Incurvaria {Lam- 

 fronia) rubiella (the raspberry moth). As the larvae pass the winter 

 in the ground at the roots of the plants, it is ad\'isable to remove old 

 stakes and the soil at the roots and to spread soot, lime and ashes 

 round the base of the canes. After a bad attack, the canes should be 

 cut back and the affected parts burned. Smearing the lower parts 

 of the canes with soft soap during March is also recommended. 



Cameron (A. E.). Potato Spraying and Dusting in New Jersey, U.S.A. 



— Bull. Entom. Research, London, vi, 1st Jime 1915, pp. 1-21, 

 2 figs., 3 plates, 7 tables. 



Experiments with various fungicides and insecticides carried out 

 in New Jersey were intended to demonstrate the means by which a 

 larger yield of potato tubers per acre might be procured by the employ- 

 ment of scientific methods of spraying and dusting. The following 

 insects were present in the fields under treatment -.—Epitrix cucumeris, 

 E. fuscula, Epicauta vittata, a few aphids (Rhopalosiphum solani), and 

 the Colorado beetle {Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Bordeaux mixture 

 proved to be an excellent fungicide and also an effective insecticide 

 when arsenate of lead was added. Both Colorado and flea-beetles 

 were better controlled by the Bordeaux-lead arsenate mixture than 

 by any other insecticide used. The mixture acts as a plant stimulant 

 by maintaining the green colour of the leaves for a longer period. 

 Thoroughness of application and repetition of treatment at least once 

 in every 10 days are necessary. Care in the preparation of the mixture 

 is advised. Sufficient lime must be used to ensure that all the copper 

 sulphate is changed to the hydrated form, otherwise scorching of the 

 leaves may ensue. The use of the mixture may increase the value 

 of the yield of tubers from £3 to £5 per acre. Various proprietary 

 mixtures proved less economical and less efficient than the home-made 

 article. Sulphur did not realise expectations as a crop stimulant. 

 Concurrent experiments carried out in field and laboratory led to the 

 discovery of a special insecticide for the flea-beetle. It was composed 

 of pyrethrum infusion, gelatin or soap, and lead arsenate. Further 

 experiments in this direction are necessary. The fenestration of the 

 leaves by the flea-beetle reduces the assimilating surface and renders 

 the tissue more susceptible to the attacks of fungi. A Braconid 

 parasite {Perilitus epilricis) of the flea-beetle was reared from the 

 adult. Its behaviour in relation to its host was observed. No figures 

 were obtained of the percentage of parasitism, but it is considered 

 that the Hymenopteron is practically a neghgible factor in control. 



Green (E. E.). On a new Species of Lecanium from Northern Nigeria. 



— Bull. Entom. Research, London, vi, 1st June 1915, p. 43, 1 fig. 



A description is given of Lecanium catori, sp. n., found on kola-nut 

 pods in Kabba Province, Nigeria. The same pods were also infested 

 with Stictococcus sjostedti. 



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