P.D. 123 13 



been with us for some time. We are familiar with their appearance, the 

 manner in which they work and in most cases know effective and economical 

 means of control. 



The day of total eradication of nursery pests except in rare instances, is 

 beyond any possibility. The problem is one of pest suppression to a point 

 where the plants can be maintained in the nurseries in a healthy state and 

 delivered to the purchaser in as clean condition as is consistent with reason, 

 in these days of wide spread pest prevalence. No inspector can be expected 

 to be 100 per cent perfect in his detection of insect pests and plant diseases. 

 Even if susceptible plants are sold in a clean and healthy condition, a certain 

 responsibility devolves upon the purchaser in maintaining them in this condi- 

 tion. Otherwise, they will soon fall heir to the pests which attack plants 

 and suffer accordingly. 



The field inspection of the nurseries was carried on with a force of ten men 

 during July and August. The inspection showed that the stock was in very 

 good condition and apparently free from scale. Except in the southern part 

 of Massachusetts — especially Cape Cod, the gypsy egg masses were fewer 

 this year than for several previous seasons. The property surrounding the 

 nurseries was especially free from pests, so that very few notices to clean up 

 had to be served on the owners. 



Considerable time was spent scouting for the Satin Moth. This is a 

 European insect and, in this country, has confined its feeding to willow and 

 poplar trees. About ninety additional towns were added to those already 

 known to be infested, so that at the present time the area includes all of 

 Eastern Massachusetts and as far west as Worcester. The infested towns 

 have been quarantined, and the shipping of willows and poplars out of the 

 area prohibited. 



During the past winter and spring, a very careful survey was made to 

 determine the exact area infested by the Oriental Hag Moth. This insect 

 was brought into Massachusetts from Japan in 1906 and, although at the 

 present time it infests only a small area, the Division believes that it is 

 advisable to keep in very close touch with the pest. The scouting showed 

 that the insect had spread very little during the past season and that the 

 light infestation in Nahant and Saugus could be easily cleaned up. This 

 clean-up was accomplished, so that the northern limit is now in Revere. The 

 Oriental Hag Moth can be controlled by spraying the infested stock during 

 August, using arsenate of lead at the rate of 3 lbs. to 50 gallons of water. 



Two importations of nursery stock from France were found infested with 

 foreign insects not established in this country. Such cases clearly show the 

 advisability of thoroughly inspecting each importation. A large number of 

 inspections were made of stock entering Massachusetts from other States as 

 well as shipments consigned to points outside of the State. Most of the 

 stock coming into the State was in good condition, although one shipment 

 of oak trees from Ohio was found to be infested with borers. The infested 

 trees were destroyed. 



An inspection of five-leaved pines in the nurseries showed that there is a 

 small amount of blister rust present. In order to furnish further protection 

 to the five-leaved pines, in the nurseries where any considerable number are 

 raised, the Division removed all black currants for a distance of one mile. 



European Corn Borer. 



This insect furnishes one of our major problems. Three years ago the 

 Legislature passed a bill which made it compulsory for all corn stubble in 

 the area infested by the corn borer, to be plowed by the first of December. 

 This measure tends to destroy such borers as would winter over in the stubble. 

 The fact that the msect has not spread in Massachusetts for the past three 

 years, can be perhaps accounted for by this law. A few violators were sum- 

 moned into court last year for failure to comply with the law, but no penal- 

 ties administered. 



This fall the Division has had eleven inspectors in the field and the area 

 thoroughly canvassed. It is hoped that the regulations will be carried out 



