132 PRACTICAL CORN CULTURE 



leaves, husks and tassels of the plant. There seems to be a 

 partnership existing between the corn root louse and the com- 

 mon field ant. The ant places the young of the aphis on 

 the roots of the corn plant and for this service it feeds on a 

 liquid known as honeydew, which exudes from the body of 

 the louse. 



Remedy: Thorough cultivation, by checking the work 

 of the ants has a wonderful effect in lessening the number 



THE CORN EOOT LOUSE 



Aphis maidiradicis (female) 



of the lice. If the ants are working much around the hills 

 we harrow the young corn. Where furrow openers are used 

 the harrowing pulls loose dirt around the hills and effectu- 

 ally checks the work of the ants until after the next rain. 

 Rotation, however, is a standard practical method of check- 

 ing the injury although it cannot be said to eradicate this 

 pest. 



As the ants winter in old cornfields, with the eggs of the 



