INSECTS AND DISEASES 



INSECTS 



There are in certain sections a great many- 

 insects which trouble sweet corn. Some of 

 the most common will be given here. 



Bill Bugs. These insects belong to the 

 genus Sphenophorus,and generally are brown 

 or black in color, sometimes being grayish, 

 about one-quarter to one-half inch in length. 

 The wing covers are generally thick and 

 hard, and somewhat rigid and punctured. 



During the day the bug hides in the soil 

 at the base of the corn plant. Later, it 

 bores small, round holes in the stem, result- 

 ing in killing the plant. They are very 

 common in old sod, especially where bulb- 

 rooted grasses and sedges are common. 

 However, the length of time during which 

 these insects are injurious is usually very 

 short; and by delaying planting, the new 

 shoots may escape the attack. Fall plowing 

 is a great aid in controlling the insect. 



Root Louse. There are several insects 

 which attack the root of sweet corn, the 

 root louse being perhaps the most common. 

 The louse is greatly aided by the ant, 



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