555 



GupPY (P. L.). The Syrphid Fly. — De'pt. Agric, Trinidad and Tobago, 

 Port-of-Spain. Circ. no. 2, May 1915, 2 pp., 1 fig. 

 This circular contains notes for the guidance of planters in dealing 

 with supplies of eggs and adults of the Syrphid fly [Salpingogaster 

 nigra] parasite of the sugar-cane froghopper {Tomaspis saccharina), 

 forwarded for colonising purposes. Eggs are sent out in small tins 

 with holes punched in the lids. One or two grass roots are placed in 

 the tins. Usually from two to five froghopper nymphs in froth are on 

 the roots, and in this froth are the eggs ; about 30 to 100 eggs are 

 sent in each tin. The roots should not be removed from the tin 

 until they are placed on sugar-cane roots, where froghopper nymphs 

 are most numerous. Adult Syrphids are sent in glass tubes. Eggs 

 should be dealt with as soon after receipt as possible, as they hatch 

 quickly. 



Insect Notes; the Difficulties of Plant Quarantine. — Agric. News, 

 Barbados, xlv, no. 341, 22nd May 1915, pp. 170-171. 



Attempts to prevent the introduction of new insect pests are made 

 upon two main lines ; one deals especially with pests of staple crops, 

 having only general regard to insects attacking minor crops and 

 ornamental plants, while the other has for its object the interception 

 and destruction of every pest of all crops and plants. In California, 

 where quarantine regulations are perhaps more comprehensive than 

 elsewhere, inspection does not extend to material forwarded by post 

 [see this Review, Ser. A, iii, p. 120]. In the Lesser Antilles, attempts 

 are made to prevent the entrance of pests of the principal crops. Thus 

 in all islands where cotton is grown, the importation of cotton seed 

 from localities in which the cotton boll weevil [Anthonomus grandis] 

 occurs is prohibited. This precaution would also be useful in the case 

 of the pink boll worm [Gelechia gossypiella]. Cotton seed imported 

 for extraction of oil is fumigated for protection against cotton stainers. 

 Scale-insects, froghoppers [Tomaspis] and giant moth borers [Castnia 

 liens] of sugar-cane have been made the subject of special legislation. 

 The existing methods of fumigation are imperfect. Mealy-bugs, soil- 

 inhabiting larvae, etc., are protected to a considerable extent by the 

 soil surrounding the roots of the host plants. Sulphur dioxide can 

 only penetrate a distance of 3 inches into cotton seed, but it is possible 

 that fumigation in a partial vacuum may increase the efficiency of 

 this treatment. Inspection of baggage of every description by trained 

 entomologists is desirable, but this involves an expense which is beyond 

 the means of small commimities. 



Insect Votes.— Agric. News, Barbados, xiv, no. 342, 5th June 1915, 

 pp. 186-187. 

 The insect enemies of maize in the West Indies are Laphygma 

 fruaiperda (corn ear worm) and Chloridea {Heliothis) ohsoleta (cotton 

 boll worm). It is probable that with the extension of maize cultivation, 

 the above-mentioned pests will rapidly increase, unless suitable methods 

 ol control are used [see this Review, Ser. A, iii, p. 449]. Efforts should 

 be made to prevent the introduction into the West Indies of Gelechia 

 gossypiella, Saunders (pink boll worm). This has become a serious 

 pest m Hawaii. Mods repanda, F. (Guinea grass moth) has been 



