32 



did not differ very much from that of 1913 in reference to changes of 

 temperature and moisture, except that the hatching period of the 

 summer moths was prolonged. The use of large cages was not always 

 successful ; disease, chiefly due to Boirytis, greatly reduced the numbers 

 of the larvae and the growth of the vines was generally late and irregular. 

 The small cages suspended to the vine props in the rows were found 

 much more practical, and afford the only means by which the vine- 

 grower can keep a watch for the appearance of the moths and the 

 moment of their maximum flight in his vineyard, in order to apply 

 treatment. In addition to a few Arachnids and some fungi (chiefly 

 Boirytis), the larvae and adults of CoccineUa l-jmnciata were effective 

 in destroving the vine-moth larvae. A 2 per cent, nicotine solution 

 gave good results in some localities, though it produced scorching in 

 almost all cases. The first treatment must be applied, if possible, 

 before the flowers open, to avoid injury to them. Tobacco extract 

 (2 per cent.) gave good results against the second generation, preventing 

 the passage of the larvae from one grape to another. The most 

 effective remedy against the larvae of the first generation is lead 

 arsenate mixed with Bordeaux mixture in the proportion of 1 per cent., 

 but owing to its poisonous properties (which absolutely preclude its 

 employment against the second generation), its use is advised with 

 hesitation, more particularly as a 2 per cent, solution of tobacco extract, 

 mixed with sodium carbonate or Bordeaux mixture, gives good 

 results when sprayed at the proper time with powerful jet pumps. 

 Two years experience proves that to obtain good results with 2 per 

 cent, tobacco extract, two sprayings are required against both th« 

 first and second generation, one shortly after the adults begin to 

 emerge and the second during the period of maximum flight. A 

 mistake in regard to the date, or faulty apparatus, is responsible for 

 failure. Though tobacco extract is recommended, it is pointed out 

 that it is at present very costly and its nicotine content is variable and 

 may result in scorching. Cleaning the branches in wdnter, removing 

 the tips of the canes (used as vine-props), and destroying the stubble 

 between the rows, greatly reduced infestation. Eags attached at the 

 points of bifurcation of the branches were effective in collecting the 

 pupae, and the substitution of stone and ferro-concrete supports, 

 connected by galvanised iron wire, for wooden props, always gave 

 excellent results. 



Topi (M.). Tobacco Juice for the Treatment of the Vine -Moths, Poly- 

 chrosis hotrana and Conchylis ambiguella, in Piedmont.- Int.ernaL 

 Rev. Science & Practice Agric, Mthly. Bull. Agric. Intell. <& PI. 

 Bis., Rome, vii, no. G, June 1916, pp. 908-910. [Abstract from 

 Rendiconti Sedute R. Accad. Lincei, Classe Scienze Fisiche, Mat«- 

 matiche e Naturali, Rome,Sei'. 5, 5th March 1916, pp. 349-353.] 

 [Received lOth November 1916.] 



In some tests with a 2 per cent, tobacco juice solution, the first 

 application was made on the 21st July and the second on the 28th July, 

 1915. At the time of the first application the eggs of both Clysia 

 ambiguella and Polychrosis hotrana were abundant on the grapes. 

 Unhatched eggs were still very numerous at the time of the second 

 treatment. On the 25th August counts were made of the injured 



