CONTROL OF INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE GRAI-K l.'JOl 



a poison bait consisting of from one to two gallons of cheap stock 

 molasses and six pounds of arsenate of lead in 100 gallons of 

 water. Care should be exercised to apply this material so as to 

 avoid rains, for the molasses greatly decreases the adhesion of 

 the arsenate of lead. A second spraying should be made about one 

 week later, using bordeaux mixture (4-4-50) and three pounds 

 of arsenate of lead. This second spraying answers a twofold 

 purpo.-e : 



1. It replaces any poison of the first spray that may be washed 

 off by rains. 



2. It seems to repel migrating beetles which would otherwise 

 deposit their eggs. 



THE GRAPEVINE FLEA-BEETLE 



When the buds of the grapes arc swelling, trim, shining steel- 

 blue beetles often make their ap- 

 pearance on the vines and feed upon 

 the tender buds. These beetles are 

 very active and, upon the approach 

 of enemies, leap to the ground, 

 where they lie motionless for a 

 short time. This habit of jumping 

 has given them the name of flea- 

 beetle, but in many localities they 

 are called " steely " beetles, owing 

 to their color. This insect is known 

 to science as HaUica chalybea 

 llliger. The feeding by these in- 

 sects (Fig. 440) usually kills all 

 buds attacked, which means the loss 

 of the fruit that normally would 

 have developed from these buds. 

 Vines, however, are seldom killed 

 by this feeding. The new buds 

 which later develop produce foliage 

 and shoots, but practically no fruit. 



FIG. 441. EGGS OF GRAPE- 

 VINE FLEA-BEETLE ON GRAPE 

 CANE. ( Enlarged. ) 



Feeding occurs during the 



warmer days of May and June, and mating is frequent. 



