30 Farmers’ Bulletin 1262. 
green and other poisons was found to be very effective. The com- 
plication of the situation since the arrival of the boll weevil has 
caused a decided change of attitude toward the leafworm. This 
insect usually does not become abundant until late in the season; and 
unless the boll weevil is controlled, the cotton plants are not setting 
any bolls at that time. Consequently, the leafworm does not injure 
the crop and is really often beneficial, because it removes the food 
supply of the boll weevils. The use of calcium arsenate to control 
the boll weevil also prevents leafworm damage; thus such poisoned 
fields are not subject to injury until boll-weevil poisoning has been 
stopped. Then, the question of whether or not additional applications 
should be made to control the leafworm is to be determined entirely 
on the basis of the young fruit on the plants and the possibility of 
any of this fruit reaching maturity before frost if protected from 
damage. Under such conditions poisoning solely for the control of 
the leafworm is very seldom necessary or advisable. 
SUMMARY OF CONTROL MEASURES. 
The following is an outline of the practical methods of controlling 
the boll weevil described in detail in the preceding pages. These 
methods are based upon extensive study and much field experimenta- 
tion. They represent practically all that is known about combating 
the most important enemy of the cotton plant. They form a system 
composed of several parts. A cotton planter can insure success in 
proportion to the extent to which he combines the different essen- 
tial parts. 
(1) When possible practice early fall destruction of the cotton 
plants. 
(2) Destroy as many weevils as possible in hibernation by clean- 
ing up and burning over hibernation quarters. Also, clear land 
whenever possible to consolidate open areas and reduce fields sub- 
ject to early, heavy infestation. 
(3) If you are not poisoning, plant in the fields located in situa- 
tions where weevil damage will be minimized. If you are poison- 
ing, however, plant your fertile soil adjoining hibernation quarters 
and concentrate your efforts on thorough control of the weevils in 
these fields. 
(4) Prepare the land early and thoroughly in order to obtain an 
early crop. This means fall plowing and winter working of the land. 
(5) Determine the best distances between the rows and between 
the plants by experiments on local soils. Once this is determined 
make every effort to obtain a perfect stand at the desired spacing. 
(6) Insure an early crop by early planting of early maturing 
varieties and by fertilizing when necessary. 
