336 



Only three species of mealy-bugs were taken on Citrus trees. From 

 one, which resembled Pseudococcus citri, Paraleptomastix abnormis 

 was reared. From the other two, two species of primary parasites, 

 Leptomastix sp. , and Anagrus sp. , were brought to Cahfornia and hberated 

 on Pseudococcus citri, P. gahani and P. maritimus. No parasites 

 however were reared, though Leptomastix sp. oviposited on P. gahani. 

 Pseudococcus aurilanatus, the golden mealy-bug, is becoming a pest of 

 Norfolk Island pines [Araucaria excelsa] in Cahfornia. In South 

 AustraUa the chief factor in its control is the Coccinelhd, Cryptolaemus 

 nwntrouzieri, which is already of assistance in controlhng Cahfornia 

 mealy-bugs. The internal -parEisites Pachijneuron sp., Tetracnemus sp. 

 and a small Encyrtid were introduced, but it is too early for results 

 to be judged. A moth closely resembling Eublemma cocciphaga, pre- 

 daceous on Pseudococcus acaciae, did not attack Pseudococcus citri. A 

 small Encyrtid from Pseudococcus albizziae has also not found a suitable 

 host among the Cahfornian mealy-bugs. The Coccinellid, Rhizobius 

 plebeius, predaceous on P. acaciae, was not successfully reared ; but 

 another species, Midas pygmaeus, which was introduced from the 

 same material, breeds readily on Pseudococcus citri and seems a 

 promising addition to the imported enemies of mealy-bugs. 



NiCHOLLS (H. M.). The Codlin Moth and the Powdery Mildew. — 



Tasmayiia Dept. Agric. c& Stock, Hobart, Bull. 77, 1918, 9 pp., 

 4 figs. [Received 2nd June 1920.] 



The codhng moth, Cydia {Carpocapsa ) pornonella, which was intro- 

 duced from Cahfornia, has usually only one, or at most two, generations 

 a year in Tasmania. The second generation only occurs in very hot 

 seasons, but a look-out should be kept for it, for if it is neglected, the 

 number of moths will greatly increase in the following year. There 

 are no other unusual featm'es of the hfe-history, which is described at 

 length. The insect should be easily controlled with lead arsenate 

 sprays (1 lb. of the powder or 2 lb. of the paste to 50 gallons of water). 

 The first spray, apphed just before the calyx closes, is the most im- 

 portant. It should be followed by a second three weeks later, and a 

 third a month after that. A fom'th spray about the end of January 

 should be appHed if there is any danger of a second brood. All these 

 sprays may be combined with fungicides. The fact that in TasdSania 

 the moths do not lay their eggs for several weeks after the calyx spray 

 is apphed does not prevent its efficacy, as the poison is retained in 

 the calyx almost indefinitely, if properly driven into the cavity. 

 Bandaging the tree-trunks with sacking to trap the caterpillars is a 

 useful supplementary measure, but worse than useless unless the 

 bandages are carefuUy attended to in the autumn. Infested trees 

 should be kept clear of loose bark and other shelter where the insects 

 can hide. The further the caterpillars have to travel for shelter the 

 more they are exposed to natural enemies which, in Tasmania, include 

 beetles, Ichneumonids, Tachinids and birds. . Poultry in an orchard 

 will pick up many caterpillars. The spread of the codhng moth is 

 greatly aided by the use of cases that have held infested fruit, and this 

 should be avoided. The moth occurs on various fruit trees, but the 

 treatment in all cases is the same. 



