238 



New Method of Combating Phylloxera. — Queensland Agric. Jl, Brisbane, 

 V, no. 3, March 1916, p. 130. 



It is stated that experiments in the control of Phylloxera by 

 growing tomatoes in infested vineyards are now being carried out in 

 the Province of Lecce, Italy. This method was discovered by chance 

 by a farmer who planted tomatoes between the vines. The latter 

 soon showed vigorous growth ; the tomato plants, upon being 

 examined, were found to carry many dead insects upon the roots, 

 owing to the presence in them of a poisonous alkaloid. 



Jarvis (E.). Combating the Cane Beetle.^Queensland Agric. Jl, 

 Brisbane, v, no. 3, March 1916, pp. 169-170. 



The rainfall at Gordonvale on 11th and 12th December was followed 

 by a primary emergence of Lepidiota albohirta and L. frenchi. The 

 attractiveness of certain substances, including oils from plants allied 

 to the food-plants of L. albohirta, was tested, but no definite reaction 

 was observed. Laboratory experiments in this connection showed 

 that the beetles are influenced by the odours of cajeput oil, acetic 

 acid, carbolic acid, nitrobenzine, and especially oil of almonds. The 

 aerial movements of the adults are undoubtedly influenced by topo- 

 graphical conditions, the presence or position of feeding trees and the 

 mechanical condition of the soil. At the end of the month large 

 numbers of beetles were killed by a hot, dry spell, including many 

 females which had failed to oviposit. 



The Rice Case- Worm. — Tropical Agriculturist, Peradeniya, xlvi, no. 3, 

 March 1916, pp. 158-159. 



The rice case-worm is a serious pest of rice in Mysore during the 

 months of August, September and October, The plants, which are 

 then about one foot high, show white patches on the leaves, due to the 

 depredations of the larvae. The latter form protective cases from 

 pieces cut from the blade of the leaf. The larvae are adapted for 

 living in water and always drop into the water at the base of the plant 

 when disturbed. Pupation takes place within the larval case. There 

 are several generations annually. A suitable method of control 

 consists in placing a rag soaked in kerosene at the point at which the 

 water enters the field. A thin film will thus be formed over the surface 

 of the water, whereby the larvae will be destroyed. If the owners of 

 affected fields co-operate, the measure can be begun on the higher 

 ground and continued to that below. In this way, less kerosene will 

 be required and a large area will be freed from the pest. 



Mackie (D. B.). Destruction of the Tobacco Beetle {Lasioderma 

 serricorne.) — Tropical Agriculturist, Peradeniya, xlvi, no. 3, March 

 1916, pp. 170-171. 



The effect of reduced pressure on beetles infesting cigars was studied 

 by the author. Exposure for three hours at a pressure of 21\" caused 

 a distension of the insects and a lowered vitality, but on the return of 

 normal conditions they again became active. In the second experi- 

 ment insects were subjected to 27^" vacuum, after which carbon 



