21 



Time of application of spray. 



The most important consideration in spraying is the time of the 

 application. The time of application for the codling moth should 

 depend entirely upon the stage of the insect, as the greatest efficiency 

 is obtained b}^ sprajdng just when the larvae are entering the fruit or 

 immediately before. The spra34ngs may be designated as "earh'" 

 and "late." The early sprayings are directed against the first genera- 

 tion of the codling moth. Two of these sprayings are advised, one a 

 few days after the blossoms have fallen and before the calyx closes, 

 and the other two weeks to a month later, when the larvae are entering 

 the fruit. In cases of bad infestation, when the preventive measures 

 have been neglected, another spraying may be added. In the West 

 the evidence goes to show that the spraying immediately after the 

 blossoms fall is not so effective as it is in the East. Some are of the 

 opinion that it should be dispensed with; but in view of our lack of 

 knowledge on this point, the writer does not think that the evidence 

 at hand fulh^ justifies discouraging this spraying in the West. 



The later sprayings are directed against the larvas of the second 

 generation when they are entering the fruit. The time this genera- 

 tion enters the fruit varies with the locality and the seasons in the 

 same locality, but it is easily found by watching the fruit for the first 

 new entrance holes; or spraying may be commenced about twenty-one 

 days after the date when the largest number of larva? of the first 

 generation are ready to spin their cocoons. The larva? of the second 

 generation usuall}'^ begin to enter the last week in July, and the 

 majority enter in August, while a few enter in September. The 

 number of sprayings to be made against this second generation 

 depends upon the efficiency of the preventive measures and the early 

 sprajdngs. Two sprayings are usually sufficient; but if infestation is 

 bad, three should be made. The quantity of lime used in the last 

 spraying should be reduced to the minimum required, as the lime on 

 the ripe fruit reduces its market value. 



Light showers have but little effect in washing away the spray, but 

 a continued rain or a heav}^ shower makes it necessary to repeat the 

 spraying. The lead arsenate is less affected by rain than the other 

 compounds. 



The young larvae are killed by the poison they eat before they have 

 entered the fruit. They get it in the calyx, on the sides of the fruit, 

 or on the leaves. Recent work tends to show that a great many get 

 the poison by nibbling the poisoned leaves. 



BANDING. 



The use of bands to trap the full-grown larva? of this insect was the 

 only remedial measure of value before the use of arsenical sprays was 



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