260 



Formulae for poison baits are given ; one tliat gave ver}' gratifying 

 results in 1920 consists of bran 50 lb., sawdust in bulk equal to the 

 bran, white arsenic or Paris green 5 lb., salt 5 lb., and water 12 gals, 

 (approximately) . 



Mixing and spreading methods are described. 



Newman (L. J.). Descriptive Account of the Fruit-fly. — Western 

 Australia Dept. Agric, Perth, Bull. 48, 1916, 36 pp., numerous 

 figs. [Received 29th March 1921.] 



The life-history of, injury done by, and remedies against, Ceratitis 

 capitata are clearly described. As regards poison-baits, it was found 

 after many experiments that the odour of orange juice or essence is 

 the agent most attractive to the female fly. The formula is as 

 follows :— The juice of 1 doz. average-sized ripe oranges, 4 lb. molasses, 

 4-5 oz. lead arsenate paste (or 2-2| oz. powdered lead arsenate) and 

 sufficient water to make up 4 gals. Other citrus fruits may be used 

 when oranges are not obtainable. 



Newman (L. J.). Potato Insect Pests. — Western Australia Dept. 

 Agric, Perth. Bull. 72, 1920, pp. 7-27, 15 figs. TReceived 29th 

 March 1921.] 



The pests dealt with are PhtJiorimaea operciilella (potato moth), 

 the green potato aphis, Nysius vinitor (Rutherglen bug), cutworms 

 and looper caterpillars, and Heterodera radicicola (potato eelworm), 

 the injury done by them being described. 



In Western Australia P. operculella attacks potato, egg-plant, 

 tomato. Cape gooseberry, tobacco, Solanum sodomaeum (apple of 

 Sodom), and occasionally S. nigrum (nightshade). The last two are 

 becoming increasingly important food-plants of this moth, and should 

 be eradicated. P. operculella enjoys comparative freedom from natural 

 enemies, and so far no internal parasite of it has been found. The 

 life-cycle extends under laboratory conditions from 41-62 days in 

 ■summer to 92-125 in winter. These results render possible the occur- 

 rence of three or four generations in summer, and two in winter, though 

 imder field conditions the number may be less. The equable and mild 

 climate of Western Australia accounts for this metamorphosis being- 

 more rapid than that usually attributed to P. operculella. Fumigation 

 as a means of destroying all stages in stored tubers, has proved entirely 

 satisfactory. Either hydrocyanic acid gas or carbon bisulphide is 

 effective, but the latter is recommended on account of its practical 

 advantages. Complete farm sanitation and co-operative action are 

 essential if this pest is to be checked. 



Green potato aphis yields readil}^ to kerosene emulsion, tobacco 

 wash, resin and soda, Blackleaf 40, and other contact insecticides. 

 Nysius vinitor may be combated with any of the above contact sprays, 

 "but the best results are obtained with preventive means, including 

 farm sanitation, trap-fieaps, etc. Heterodera radicicola is extremely 

 difficult to eradicate when established. Remedial measures include 

 crop rotation, dressing with quicklime, the use of Kainit and potassium 

 sulphate manures, beetroot trap-crops, etc. 



