P.D. 123 15 



seeds shall have affixed thereto in a conspicuous place information relating to 

 the purity of the seed, the germination of the seed, the weed content and the 

 noxious weed content. Vegetable seeds are required by law to be labeled with 

 information relating to the kind of seed and variety, and the name and address 

 of the person selling the seed must be indicated on the container. 



The Department of Agriculture has submitted an amendment to the present 

 seed law which is now befoi-e the legislature calling for information relative to 

 the germination of all vegetable seeds sold on cur Massachusetts markets. We 

 feel that the farmer and the backyard gardener is entitled to know something 

 about the seed that he buys. The farmer depends upon his crops for his liveli- 

 hood and the backyard gardener expects to reduce the family budget during 

 the summer months by using farm products from his own garden. Both of 

 these classes work long hours in taking proper care of their garden projects, 

 and they do it cheerfully and willingly with fond hope of a bountiful harvest 

 foremost in mind. The best advice that we can give to our farmer friends and 

 to all others who are purchasing seeds is to watch the label that is on the seed 

 container and read it carefully. We have every reason to feel that if the infor- 

 mation on the seed container is studied cai'efully that much of the poor seed 

 that is now used would never be purchased. It seems quite necessary that we 

 emphasize the fact that the price factor is not the most important considera- 

 tion that must be given to seeds. To be true, it is possible to buy low-priced 

 seeds, and for the most part we get what we pay for. It often becomes neces- 

 sary when seeds of low germination are planted to purchase additional seeds 

 and replant the entire garden. This method of farming is costly and is the 

 result of careless management and lack of foresight. 



REPORT OP THE DIVISION OF PLANT PEST CONTROL. 



The year 1937 proved to be as difficult for the nurserymen as any over a 

 long period. One of the most serious pests that we have to contend with in 

 eastern Massachusetts is the gypsy moth, and this year this insect was with 

 us in large numbers. Thousands of acres of v/oodland were stripped through 

 the ravages of this pest. Many of our Massachusetts nurseries are located 

 close to woodlands and naturally the gypsy m.oths in some instances swarmed 

 into the nurseries. We have tried to maintain a pest-free belt around these 

 nurseries, in order to assist the nurserymen in keeping their stock clean, but 

 this year the gypsies were prevalent in such large numbers, that this belt was 

 not 1009c effective. In order for us to maintain the standard that we have had 

 in past years, and to uphold the value of our certificates, it was necessary that 

 all nurseries be cleaned of gypsy egg masses before certificates could be 

 granted. This necessitated in carrying a force of inspectors well into October. 



We are attempting through the cooperation of the WPA office and the State 

 Department of Conservation, to carry on a control program whereby all oak 

 and birch trees, together with old apple trees and brush, be cleaned out for a 

 distance of 300 feet from all growing nursery stock. If this can be accomp- 

 lished, it is felt that the possibility of a serious reinfestation of the gypsy 

 moth would be greatly reduced. 



An inspection during the summer for scales, borers, and other insects pests 

 showed the nurseries to be in good condition. Very little stock was infested 

 to such a degree that it was necessary to be quarantined. A special crew was 

 maintained to inspect the stock for Japanese Beetles, and only one nursery 

 was found infested with this pest. 



The division cooperated with the United States Department of Agriculture 

 in inspecting for Japanese Beetles around the nurseries, and here a a n the 

 conditions were found to be satisfactory. This insect is probably established 

 in nearly every city and town in the Commonwealth, being especially numer- 

 ous in the city of Springfield whei'e the infestation was first discovered. Con- 

 siderable trapping and treating of the soil with arsenate of lead is be nx done 

 in that city in an effort to keep the beetle in check. At this time it can be said 

 that the Japanese Beetle is not present in large enough numbers to cause any 

 economic damage. A few infections of white pine blister rust were found in the 



