I 



The Bollworm or Corn Ear worm. 9 



Fourth^ since green corn is preferred as food, it is possible to 

 utilize this to some extent as a trap to protect cotton and other crops. 



It has been found that by modifying slightly the usual farm 

 practices much can be done toward lessening bollworm or corn ear- 

 worm injury. Fortunately these modifications are such as to increase 

 crop production, regardless of the presence of this insect. Another 

 important point is that some of the recommendations for controlling 

 this insect are equally applicable, irrespective of the crop grown. 



FALL AND WINTER PLOWING. 



Probably the most important single step in controlling the boll- 

 worm consists of thorough breaking of the land in which the worms 

 have buried themselves for the winter, at some time during tlie late 

 fall or winter months. Particular attention should bo paid in this 

 respect to the crops which are known to have bollworms developing 

 during the late fall months. The practice of fall and winter plow- 

 ing, aside from bollworm control, is desirable because it conserves 

 moisture, puts the ground in better condition for planting, and en- 

 ables the farmer to plant at the proper time the following spring. 



It has been found that the breaking up of the cells in which the 

 insect is spending the winter results in the destruction of practically 

 every pupa through the action of cold and moisture. Since the cells 

 of the wintering brood are formed at from 4 to 6 inches beneath the 

 surface, it is important that the plowing be deep enough to reach 

 them. It is desirable to plow or deeply disk the fence rows and other 

 places where bollworms may have fed on various plants. This is 

 also beneficial in destroying eggs of grasshoppers and hibernating 

 places of chinch bugs and other destructive insects. 



CONTROL ON CORN. 



CULTURAL METHODS. 



In addition to the employment of fall and winter plowing, the 

 injury to corn can be reduced somewhat by planting as early in the 

 spring as is compatible with getting the ground into good condition. 

 The corn should be as nearly uniform in age as possible and every 

 effort should be made to hasten growth and maturity. Keeping the 

 crop free from weeds and grass during the growing season not only 

 tends to increase the yield but also destroys hiding places of the 

 moths. 



POISONING COBN. 



Unfortunately no very satisfactory method of poisoning the worms 

 on corn has been devised. As many as 50 per cent may be destroyed, 

 but the remainder will gain entrance to the ears and produce the 



