556 



scarce in Barbados until the present season, when it appeared in large 

 numbers in several locahties. The larva, beside feeding on Guinea 

 grass, attacks also Para grass. The eggs are deposited in masses on 

 the under side of the leaf, close to the midrib. The larva hatches in 

 about five days, and feeds on the leaf. Pupation occurs in about 20 

 days in a cocoon partly enclosed by the leaf. The adult emerges after 

 five days. The insect appears to be well controlled by natural enemies. 

 If a serious outbreak occurs, the grass crop should be cut when most 

 of the cocoons are formed, in order to prevent further oviposition. 

 Any larvae of the second brood which may survive, can be destroyed 

 by an application of Paris green. Blackbirds, turkeys, guineafowls, 

 and domestic fowls are useful enemies of this insect. 



FcsTEE (S. W.). Combination Spraying Experiment for the Control of 

 Mildew and Leaf-Hoppers on Grape Vines.— MthJy. Bull. State 

 Cormniss. Horde, Sacramento, Cal., iv, nos. 5 and 6, May and 

 June 1915, pp. 250-253. 



Experiments for the control of mildew and leaf-hoppers were con- 

 ducted in Fresno county, Cal. Spraying was performed soon after 

 tlowering, at a time when nymphs were abundant, but when no notice- 

 able injury had been caused by mildew. As a result it was found that 

 a spray consisting of 24 lb. atomic sulphur paste, 1 pt. Black Leaf 40, 

 21b. fish glue, and 200 U.S. gals, water was most satisfactory. Only 

 one application was necessary. The bunches of grapes were noticeable 

 at harvest time for the uniformity in the size of the fruit and the absence 

 of mildew. The cost of treatment was less than £1 per acre. A 

 combination of whale oil soap and nicotine (12 to 16 lb. soap, 1 pt. 

 Black Leaf 40, 200 U.S. gals, water) gave satisfactory results in con- 

 trolling vine-hoppers, all nymphs present at the time of apph cation 

 being killed. 



Brock (A. A.). The Misuse of the Distillate Oil Mechanical Mixture. 



— Mthly.BuH .State Commiss.Hortic, Sacramento, Cal. iv, nos. 5 

 and 6, May and June 1915, p. 274. 



A distillate oil mixture used for spraying apricots in Ventura county 

 w^as made up according to the following formula : 200 U.S. gals, 

 water, 7 lb. caustic soda (95 percent.), 12 U.S. gals, distillate (28° Be.). 

 Examination after spraying showed that in some cases one side of a 

 tree had been left almost untouched ; in others, where newly-planted 

 trees had been sprayed, as much material had been used as for older 

 trees. Several young trees were killed entirely and the branches of 

 older trees were frequently destroyed. Where the spray material 

 had been used on citrus trees and palms, much injury resvdted. The 

 destruction of the trees could be attributed to want of frequent agitation 

 of the mixture and the consequent application of almost pure distillate. 

 The material should be agitated for from 5 to 10 minutes before 

 beginning to spray. For non-deciduous trees, the strength of the 

 spray should be reduced. 



