26 



FARMERS BULLETIN 890. 



expense. The little parasites are so inconspicuous that they seldom 

 are seen, but often their work is very effective. All the measures 

 which are recommended for the control of the various pests, except 

 the use of poisons, will serve to favor parasite attack, which will 

 go on without other effort by the ])lantcr. 



INSECT VISITORS OF COTTON. 



Many of the wasps and bees that visit cotton are there only for 

 nectar or pollen and incidentally they serve to fertilize the plants. 

 It is thus that most of our plants are fertilized. The nectar attracts 



Fig. 3^.— a "shanishooter," Oncometopia later- 

 alis: Adult at loft; nymph, or young, at 

 right. Croat ly oiihirgod. (Sanderson.) 



Fig. 35.— a "sharp- 

 shooter," Aulacizes 

 irrorata: Adult. 

 Greatly enlarged. 

 (Sanderson.) 



multitudes of insects which hiixc nothing to do with cotton otherwise. 

 When weeds are allowed to grow and nourish pests and are suddenly 

 cut or destroyed, one may expect a large increase of insects on cotton, 

 many of which will be injurious. The weeds must not he allowed 

 to grow. 



SUMMARY OF CONTROL MEASURES. 



In summary of the preceding paragraphs a single system may ])e 

 devised for cotton-insect control. 



BEST MEASURES FOR THE EARLY SPRING. 



1. Keep down weed growth around the farm. 



2. Plow in the winter to break up the winter cells in the ground. 

 ,3. When necessary set out poisoned baits to trap^ cutworms, grass- 

 hoppers, May beetles, etc. 



4. Plant as early as it .can be done safely and yet avoid killing 

 frosts. Plant the variety wliich is found to be the best producer 

 in your own locality, and which has the qualities of rapid and prolific 

 fruiting. 



5. Space the rows in accordance with local experience 



6. Cultivate frequently, but not deeply. 



