THE BOLL- WEEVIL PROBLEM. 29 



crops. In the management of these crops considerable labor is 

 required at exactly the same time usually considered proper for 

 the hand picking of weevils and infested squares. It became evident 

 in the work in northern Louisiana that only a very marked benefit 

 from square picking would offset the use of the labor for that work 

 when other operations were requiring attention. As no special benefit 

 followed the picking, there is no basis for recommending the practice, 

 at least where the conditions are similar to those in northern 

 Louisiana. It is possible that in some other regions, where the con- 

 ditions are different, it may be profitable at times to pick the weevils 

 and squares, but this can be determined only by experiments runnino- 

 through a series of years, as were those in Texas and Louisiana. 



It has not been found that mechanical collectors, many of which 

 have been tested, are of any practical value. The most effective 

 mechanical device known is the so-called hoop-and-bag, by means 

 of which the number of weevils taken by each laborer is greatly 

 increased. It was found, however, that this method caused con- 

 siderable injury to the plants in the breaking of the lateral roots, 

 bringing about shedding and stunted growth. 



One point to be considered in this connection is that the occupa- 

 tion of the labor in hand picking may sometimes tend to increase 

 its interest in the crop and improve its morale. This should be 

 given consideration, especially in regions recently invaded by the 

 weevil where the loss of the labor has frequently been much more 

 important than the direct damage caused by the insect. At the 

 same time the planter should not overlook the fact that insistence 

 on square picldng may actually disturb the labor and tend to drive 

 it away. For example, the planters in northeastern Louisiana who 

 attempt to foUow the practice have had difficulty in preventing their 

 negroes from going to plantations where that arduous labor is not 

 performed. 



The following extract from the "Cooperative Extension Work in 

 Agriculture and Home Economics" (S. R. S. Doc. 36, Ext. S.) gives 

 the views of the Demonstration Service of the department concern- 

 ing the hand picking of weevils and punctured squares: 



In case it is evident that a large number of weevils have been overwintered, it may- 

 be advisable to hand pick the early appearing weevils. 



Persistent picking and destruction of all punctiu-ed squares both from the field and 

 on the ground at least once each week for not less than a month, beginning when the 

 infested squares fu'st begin to drop, is frequently highly advisable. This is a practice 

 of varying importance, depending upon the cheapness with which the work can be 

 done and other factors. It is not usually advisable to continue picking up squares 

 when there occurs very hot and dry weather during June and July, but in case of con- 

 tinued rains or on low, moist soils it offers practically the only hope of controlling 

 infestation. To accomplish material results, the importance of thoroughness and 

 beginning in time can not be overemphasized. Thorough, intensive cultivation 

 should in no event be neglected. 



