14 FARMERS BULLETIN 872. 



While some are averse to using poisons on crops of this kind, 

 no injurious effects are likely to occur, especially if the applications 

 are discontinued some time before picking begins. The early treat- 

 ments are most effective, as at this time the worms are not feeding 

 within the large tomatoes and are thus most easily reached. 



CORN AS A TRAP CROP TO PROTECT TOMATOES. 



The principle of trapping described for the protection of cotton 

 can be utilized in controlling the bollworm on tomatoes. It is ad- 

 visable, however, to modify it somewhat. As the moths deposit eggs 

 on the plants during a considerable period, it is desirable to have 

 corn in silk and tassel from the time the fruit begins to set on the 

 tomatoes until harvesting is over. It is advisable to use small areas 

 immediately adjacent to tomato patches and plant portions of these 

 at two- week intervals, thus bringing a succession of plants into silk- 

 ing during the fruiting period of the tomato. If a large acreage is 

 in tomatoes, it is advisable to plant a few strips of com through the 

 field in addition to those on the margins. As the ears become suffi- 

 ciently mature for roasting they should be gathered to prevent the 

 escape of the worms. If these worms are allowed to leave the ears 

 in the fields, they will produce moths which in turn may cause an 

 infestation of the tomatoes. Either field corn or sweet corn may be 

 used as a trap croj) under these conditions. 



CAKE OF INFESTED FRUIT. 



The poison treatment should be supplemented by picking and de- 

 stroying all wormy tomatoes. These should not be left in the field, 

 as the worms will emerge from them and return to the plants or 

 j)roduce moths which will multiply greatly the number of the worms 

 later in the season. 



CONTROL ON TOBACCO. 



A number of authorities state that where the false budworm' is 

 injurious to tobacco, notably in Georgia and Florida, damage can be 

 prevented largel}^ though at a considerable expense, by sifting by 

 hand into the bud a mixture of powdered arsenate of lead and corn 

 meal. One pound of the poison is used to 75 pounds of corn meal ^ 

 and applications to shade tobacco are made twice a week. No doubt 

 com can be utilized as a trap crop to some extent as recommended 

 for the protection of tomatoes. 



1 A local name for the bollworm, Chloridea vhnolcta Fnh. 



2 Extensive experiments have been made with many carriers, but none of them have 

 given satisfactory results except the corn meal. 



