24 



spring to attack the buds of the grape, as stated. In the Northern 

 States Shngerland's studies have shown but one generation of the 

 insect each year. In the South two or more generations annually are 

 supposed to occur, but definite evidence on this point is wanting. 



The flea-beetle is native to North America, and occurs very generally 

 throughout the eastern half of the United States, its western limits 

 being Minnesota, eastern Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Its natural 

 food is undoubtedly the wild grape, though numerous other plants are 

 fed upon, as plum, apple, pear, quince, blue or water beech (Carpinus), 

 elm, etc. 



Treatment. 



In vineyards which are regularly sprayed with arsenicals and Bor- 

 deaux mixture the flea-beetle will be effectively kept in check. The 

 first application for the berry moth before the blossoms open, together 

 with the application made after the blossoms fall, will destroy the 

 larvae, since these feed almost exclusively on the upper surface of the 

 leaves. The insects thrive best in neglected vineyards, and may 

 become quite abundant and destructive locally. Where it is desired 

 to treat for this insect only, the vines should be thoroughly sprayed 

 with an arsenical just as the buds are beginning to swell, or some- 

 what earlier. A close lookout must be kept for the first signs of the 

 beetles, and the poison must be applied immediately. The delay of a 

 day or so may mean the loss of the buds, and hence of the fruit crop. 

 In the small home vineyard it will be practicable to search out the 

 beetles and remove them by hand, doing the work in the morning 

 when they are less agile. As stated, the destruction of the larvae 

 when feeding on the foliage later will be very easily accomplished by 

 spraying with arsenicals. 



It will also be quite practicable, as stated by Doctor Howard, to jar 

 the beetles from the vines on canvas frames placed beneath, which 

 should be kept saturated with kerosene. 



ROSE-CHAFER. 



About the time of blooming of the grape in the spring the rose- 

 chafer {Macrodactylus suhsjnnosus Fabricius) may suddenly put in 

 an appearance, often in enormous numbers, the long, spiny-legged, 

 awkward, brownish beetles literally covering the plants, feeding at 

 first upon the blossoms, but later attacking the young fruit and foliage, 

 the leaves being eaten bare, except the larger veins (see fig. 9). This 

 insect is a very general feeder; it attacks practically all fruits — e. g., 

 apples, plums, cherries, peaches, etc. — as well as various vegetables, 

 grains, and grasses. Many ornamental plants, such as Spiraea, Deut- 

 zia, and roses, are attacked, and its injuries to the last-mentioned 

 have led to the use of the common name of "rose-chafer" or "rose- 

 bug," though it is perhaps now most commonly complained of from 

 its injuries to grapes and other fruits. When abundant, the beetles 

 may do serious injury in vineyards, quite destroying the blossom 

 clusters or the newly set fruit. Berries not actually devoured are 

 often so marked by the beetles that they become misshapen and crack 

 as they grow, the seeds often protruding. After 3 or 4 weeks of ieedinp; 

 the beetles may disappear almost as suddenly as they came. 



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