11 



utilize one of these parasitic plants in the control of the insect. 

 The fungus in question, Sphserostilbe coccopJiUa, is cosmopolitan in 

 its distribution, infestin<!; many diaspine scale insects, and in Floritla 

 and the territory adjacent to the Gulf it is quite generally present on 

 scales in orchards and on shade and forest trees. Its abundance 

 and effectiveness, however, de})end upon certain weather condi- 

 tions, and therefore vary considera])ly. 



CONTROL MEASURES. 



As has been already stated, the San Jose scale, in the absence of 

 {)roper treatment, will quickly bring about the death of most plants 

 of economic importance. Its discovery, therefore, whether in 

 orchards or on prized fiaiit trees and other plants in the yard, should 

 call for ])ronipt steps to eflect its control. It has been amply demon- 

 strated that the scale may be very successfully controlled, and 



Fir,. 7.--Asj)i(rn)lijihnguf! cilriniif:. a hyinonoplorous parasilo of IhR San Jose Sfale. (iroatly (>nlarK<'<l. 



( From Howard. ) 



practically its presence merely icupiires one thorough treatment 

 during the dormant period each year. On account of the general 

 distribution of the pest, extermination is in most cases out of the 

 question. 



Where plants are thoroughly incrusted, with consequent death of 

 branches and stunting of growth, it will generally be advisable to 

 dig out the trees at once and replace with new ones. Previous to 

 spraying infested trees, the dead and weakened wood should be 

 pnmed out, which will simi)lify the work of spraying and will hasten 

 the formation of new sound wood. 



There are several scale washes which may be employed in the 

 control of the insect, and the one should be selected wliich can be 

 most conveniently used and whicli is economical under the circum- 

 stances. Thus, for spraying on a large scale the orchardist could 

 pi'operly afford expenditures for the construction of cooking outfits 



[Cir. V2i\ 



