8 FIELD OBSERVATIONS OX SUGAR-CANE INSECTS. 



previous to our observations. This indicates that these insects 

 may possibly be controlled by flooding or excessive irrigation. 



Though these inferences are mainly, perhaps, of scientific interest, 

 they may at some time be useful in an economic way. More impor- 

 tant from the planter's point of view, however, is the evidence of 

 the uneven distribution of the principal insects which are injurious 

 to sugar cane. It seems that with reasonable caution in the ship- 

 ment of cane the spread of most species, at least, can be curtailed 

 if not altogether prevented. 



The number of species which were detected injuring cane is per- 

 haps surprising, and it is possible that still other species will be 

 discovered as the work progresses. Some of the species are appar- 

 ently of no great importance, though there is a possibility that the 

 weevil borer and the froghopper, wliich are now rare, may increase 

 in numbers and become formidable pests. The aphidid, also, which 

 is rather widely distributed, is to be regarded as an insect which 

 may be capable of considerable injury. 



Approved : 



James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



Washington, D. C, January 18, 1913. 



[Cir. 171] 



ADDITIONAL COPIES of this publication 

 -L\. may be procured from the Superintend- 

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