There is also danger that a new wheat thrips, described in 

 the Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. No. 3, or other 

 related spjecies, may become very plentiful and widely dif- 

 fused, and become first class pests of wheat and other grain 

 crops. The species in question, while preferring wheat, can 

 readily subsist and reproduce on several strong growing 

 grasses. These, indeed, seem to be the original food plants of 

 the species, and under primitive conditions the insect seems to 

 have been readily kept in check both by parasitic insects and 

 a lesser supply of succulent food after midsummer. This 

 thrips occurs in all parts of Kansas, and in some adjoining 

 territory. There are 4 to 5 generations a year. 



"Thrips were common ... appearing in swarms on 

 young wheat in early March, 1914. By the first of April the 

 larvae, now nearly grown, were cutting the shoots severely. 

 ... By the middle of May, when the wheat was heading, the 

 second brood of larvae readily infested the young heads, feed- 

 ing upon the stamens, pollen and pistils, and later attacking 

 the integument of the grain ... as soon as volunteer wheat 

 pushed up in early September the thrips were found in all 

 parts of the field. . . ," (p. 222). 



These insects, if numerous enough, can completely destroy 

 a grain field. The official means of control proposed are not 

 worth anything; and, if so, there is now the door open for 

 their unlimited increase. 



Burning of the stubble is suggested as being of value. 

 But the insect is then present in large numbers as pupae in the 

 ground, to emerge with the fall rains, similar as does the Hes- 



