309 



of Popillia jdpotiica being carried from infested territory on farm 

 produce especially green or sweet maize. Accordingly Quarantine 

 Order number 35 was published prohibiting inter-State movements of 

 green, sweet or sugar maize from the infested districts, to take effect 

 from 1st June 1919, and it was shortly after supplemented by a similar 

 measure for movements in the State of New Jersey itself. The re- 

 presentative of the Federal Horticultural Board was responsible for 

 both quarantines, the details of which were the same. Information .Was 

 obtained from every farmer in the quarantined area as to the maize 

 being grown, and its intended disposal. Farms within the quarantined 

 area, but well outside the known limits of infestation, received certificates 

 allowing unrestricted shipment, until revoked, or up to 15th August, 

 by which time the spread of the beetle would be known. Farms 

 within the probable limits of infestation, but not yet infested, received 

 similar certificates up to 25th July. In each case these certificates 

 were extended as the circumstances warranted. The third group 

 included all infested farms. No general certificates were issued, but 

 actual inspection and certification of every package of maize was 

 required before it could be moved from the farm. 



The experience of inspection showed that the ears that concealed 

 the beetle were only those that had a loose husk or one that had been 

 damaged or deformed. Normal ears do not af?ord any concealment. 

 In 23,000 baskets of maize only seventy-seven beetles were found but 

 if the rapid increase of the insect is considered, this abundantly justifies 

 the quarantine. The examination of other farm products, however, 

 showed that they all favour the dispersal of the beetles, and a revised 

 quarantine measure is now being drawn up, designed adequately to 

 cover. all phases of the situation. 



Peterson (A.). A Preliminary Report on the Use of Sodium Cyanide 

 for the Control of the Peach-Tree Borer (Sa)minoidea exitio.sa, 

 Say). — Jl. Econ. Entom.. Concord, N.H.. xiii. no. 2. April 1920, 

 pp. 201-207. 



The results are given of two years study of the response of the peach 

 tree borer, Aegeria {Sanninoidea) exitiosa, Say, and of peach trees to 

 sodium cyanide. The problem is complicated by the close relation of 

 such factors as the size and position of the larvae, the age and condition 

 of the tree, the time and method of application, the penetrative and 

 lasting quality of the poison in the soil, and the physical and chemical 

 properties of the soil, particularly its temperature and water holding 

 capacity. , 



The granulated or liquid sodium cyanide is placed two or three 

 inches deep in the soil and covered with a mound six to ten inches liigh. 

 One ounce treatments of sodium cyanide will kill 75 to 90 per cent, of 

 the larvae in five- to ten-year-old trees. The granulated poison is as 

 efficient as the hquid, and easier to apply. An ap])lication of less than 

 one ounce does not produce a practical control, and trees are liable to 

 injury with a larger quantity. The time of application is im})ortant. 

 Strong trees of five to ten years of age are not injured by one ounce 

 treatments when the applications were made in May, June, September 

 or October. Healthy trees two to four years of age were not injured 

 by half-ounce treatments. 



