P.D. 123 11 



The seasonal marketing chart was revised for more extensive distribution. 

 Marketing trips were conducted for student groups and talks given to other 

 groups, as Grange, WPA assemblies, university extension classes, nurses, 

 home economics students, lunch-room managers. The consumer program of 

 the first and second Poultry Industries Expositions were cooperated with and 

 consumer talks given. 



Exhibits at meetings of such organizations as the Mass. State Federation 

 of Women's Clubs, Family Information Center, Home Economics Asso. stressed 

 the importance of Massachusetts agriculture and her agricultural food pro- 

 ducts. 



During the year a division representative cooperated with welfare agencies 

 in the preparation of food budgets for more advantageous use of Massachu- 

 setts products. 



Special promotional efforts were made on behalf of the Mcintosh apple crop 

 and in publicity for the fish cooking schools. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF PLANT PEST CONTROL 



The Division of Plant Pest Control inspects stock growing in the nurseries 

 of the State and also stock brought in from other States, or stock imported 

 from other countries; thus, clean plants and trees for fruit growing and land- 

 scape work are assured. Our inspection of the nurseries this past year showed 

 that the stock was apparently free from scales and other pests, although there 

 was a decided increase in the number of gypsy egg masses fcoind in and around 

 the nurseries. Prior to 1900 there were very few nurseries in the State, and> 

 these were of small acreage. At the present time, however, we have over 300 

 that have been inspected and certified by this division. While most of these 

 are located in the eastern part of the State, there are also large nurseries in 

 central and western Massachusetts. 



The control of pests that may be injurioois to agricultural crops while grow- 

 ing or while in storage, is facilitated through advice and assistance given by 

 this division. We have had numerous complaints of infestations of termites, 

 buffalo bugs, and other household pests, and were able to recommend control 

 measures for these. Field surveys and investigations were made around the 

 nurseries and at various locations throughout the State for the Satin Moth; 

 Oriental Moth; Japanese Beetle; Cedar Rust, and other common pests. The 

 Japanese Beetle is increasing in numbers throughout the State, but it will 

 probably be several years before it is present in large enougBi numbers to 

 cause serious injury. If it should become prevalent in orchards it can readily 

 be controlled by the sprays that are now recommended for other fruit insects. 



The European Corn Borer continues to be one of our chief agricultural pests, 

 and it is now found to be in all parts of the Commonwealth. It is especially 

 serious to early sweet corn. Experiments are being carried on in an attempt 

 to find a spray that can be used for controlling this insect in the larva stage, 

 which will not be too expensive to the grower. At this time, however, the 

 best control seems to be covered by our law which requires that all corn stubble 

 be destroyed by December 1 and stalks destroyed by April 10. 



We have followed the same policy that has been in vogue the last few years; 

 namely, of summonsing in to hearings those parties that have not complied 

 with this law. It is very seldom that we have to bring a party in for a second 

 offence. 



The legislature made a small appropriation for this department to scout for 

 the Dutch Elm Disease. We were able to have four men in the field, and their 

 activities were confined largely to areas in the eastern part of the State and 

 along the Connecticut border, while several hundred suspicious specimens were 

 sent to Amherst for diagnosis; not one of them proved to be the dreaded di- 

 sease. The Dutch Elm Disease at this time is not known to be nearer the 

 Massachusetts border than Old Lyme, Connecticut. 



The Apiary Inspection work was continued on the lines similar to those the 

 department has followed the last few years, and because of the thoroug^h iti- 



