414 



Report of the Commission on the Root-borer and the Brown Hardback 

 of the Sugar-cane in Barbados. -Barbados, 1919, 40 pp. 

 [Received 29th June 1921.] 



This report has been largely compiled from the evidence of 28 

 growers of sugar-cane, whose statements are reproduced verbatim, 

 and from previous publications. A map shows the distribution of 

 Diaprcpes ahhreviatus, L. (root-borer of sugar-cane) and of Lachno- 

 stcrna [Phyialus) smithi, and accounts are given of the life-history 

 and habits of these two beetles [R. A.E., A, ii, 531 ; vii, 414, etc.]. 



A number of recommendations have been drawn up by the 

 Commission, many of which have been advocated in previous years 

 [R.A.E., A, i, 98; iv, 10; v, 365, etc.]. The value of agricultural 

 methods, and particularly of resting the land and of rotation of crops, 

 was emphasised by the majority of the witnesses. Collection of 

 beetles should be made every day or every other day as long as any 

 are to be found ; this will ensure their capture before oviposition. 



The Scoliid parasite, Tiphia /)ara//t'/a, should be encouraged wherever 

 it occurs and should be distributed in those districts where it does not 

 exist, as its numbers are insufficient, without artificial assistance, 

 for the control of L. smithi [R.A.E., A, ix, 145]. 



Cassava and peas are suggested as trap crops to be planted around 

 sugar-cane fields ; from these the insects can be collected at night by 

 means of lanterns. The split ends of the leaves of sugar-cane, 

 containing eggs of D. ahhreviatus, should be cut off and the ends 

 destroj^ed. Poultry and pigs should be utilised for the destruction 

 of L. smithi ; the presence of toads and lizards, which destroy both 

 pests, should be encouraged, cement water-cisterns being built for 

 the former, and the mongoose, which has largely contributed to the 

 disappearance of these enemies, should be exterminated. 



Lees (A. H.). Apple Blossom Weevil. — Ann. Rept. Agyic. & Hortic. 

 Res. Sta., Long Ashton, Bristol, 1920, pp. 71-73. [Received 

 30th June 192L] 



The apple blossom weevil [Anthonomus ponioriini] caused serious 

 damage to the apple crop in 1920. Investigations are now in progress 

 with a view to ascertaining some means of satisfactory control for 

 this pest. Preventive measures to be tested inchide lime sprays and 

 trapping. 



Lees (A. H.) & Peren (G. S.). Spraying Trial for Control of Logan 



Beetle. — Ann. Rept. Agric. & Hortic. Res. Sta., Long Ashton, 

 Bristol, 1920, pp. 74-77. [Received 30t]i June 1921.] 



Byturus tomentosiis is one of the most serious pests of loganberries. 

 The beetles hibernate in the ground and appear a week or two before 

 the first flowers of the plants. As soon as the flowers open, eggs are 

 laid in them, and the resulting larvae bore into the receptacle of 

 the fruit. The direct and indirect damage causes loss of size, shape 

 and weight. 



During 1920 the plants were sprayed when about two-fifths of the 

 blossoms were out, and again when about four-fifths were out, the dates 

 of application being 19th and 27th May. The spray consisted of 6 lb. 

 lead arsenate, 10 lb. soft soap, and 100 gals, water, applied at a pressure 

 of 125 lb. per square inch. 



