2l6 



CROP PRODUCTION 



most promising methods of preventing both these 

 diseases is that of planting rust-resisting varieties, 

 many of which are now known. 



Two distinct species of Smut 

 fungi attack wheat heads — the 

 Bunt or Foul-smeUing Smut and 

 the Loose Smut. The Bunt in- 

 fests only the wheat kernels, so 

 that it does not show as conspicu- 

 ously in the heads as the Loose 

 Smut, which infests both kernels 

 and chaff. Both of these diseases 

 are common in North America and 

 often cause the loss of millions of 

 dollars a year. 



Hessian Fly 



The Hessian Fly is the most de- 

 structive special insect enemy of 

 the wheat crop, though at times 

 greater damage may be done by 

 the Chinch Bugs and Army-Worms 

 which attack other grains in addition to wheat. Good 

 authorities estimate that the average annual loss of 

 wheat due to the Hessian Fly is ten per cent, or about 

 40,000,000 bushels. Of course the damage at times is 

 much greater than this in certain regions where the crop 

 maybe reduced one-half or more, if not completely ruined. 

 It occurs practically throughout the principal wheat re- 

 gions of the United States. It is called the Hessian 

 Fly because it is supposed that it was first brought to 

 America by the Hessian soldiers during the Revolution. 



Hessian Fly 



I. Infested plant 2. Eggs on leaf 



