28 P.D. 123 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF PLANT PEST CONTROL 



(This division became the Division of Plant Pest Control and Fairs effective 



November 3, 1939) 



The duties in the Division of Plant Pest Control which are chiefly regulatory 

 in their nature, are especially involved with the inspection of nursery and 

 garden pests; the control of the white pine blister rust and apiary inspection. 

 The greater part of eight months is consumed with the inspection of the stock 

 growing in the nurseries. This past season light infestations of the European 

 Pine Shoot Moth were found on Mugho and Scotch pines. The infested shoots 

 were removed and burned. Several years ago this insect was quite prevalent, 

 but in recent years it has been almost absent from the nurseries. The same 

 holds true for the white pine blister rust in the nurseries. This is due to the 

 vigorous campaign carried on against this disease, both by eliminating dis- 

 eased trees and the removal of the alternate host for a distance of 1500 feet 

 from nursery five-leafed pines. 



A careful inspection was made for San Jose and Oystershell scale, and 

 where infested plants were found they were destroyed or quarantined. When 

 quarantined it is required that the infested plants be treated before being 

 offered for sale. The amount of scale found, however, was almost negligible. 



The Japanese Beetle is firmly established in Massachusetts and has been 

 known to be in Springfield for more than ten years. Thousands of beetles 

 are collected there each summer, but as yet, no appreciable damage has been 

 noticed. This insect has been found in two nurseries, but only in small num- 

 bers. The quarantine covering the area infested by this insect is rapidly 

 increasing and this should eliminate some of the inconveniences encountered 

 in making shipments from Massachusetts. The nurseries were considerably 

 freer of gypsy moths than for several years, and for this reason our inspec- 

 tions were completed and certificates granted to 328 nurseries at an early 

 date. A great deal of time has been spent in recent years in cleaning the 

 property surrounding the nurseries of various pests. The benefits of this 

 work are shown in the lack of infestations in the nurseries and a decided 

 advantage is obtained by being able to issue certificates in time for fall use. 



The European Corn Borer continues to be a serious pest to farmers and 

 market gardeners who desire to raise corn. The infestation in certain areas 

 was lighter than in previous years, while in other areas it was more pro- 

 nounced. Probably in the State as a whole it remains about the same as in 

 the past few years. There is no question but what the European Corn Borer 

 law is instrumental in keeping the insect in check, but because of the large 

 variety of plants infested by this pest, additional control measures should 

 be practiced. In the case of sweet corn, it is suggested that the cultural 

 control be augmented by spraying — using nicotine or Derris sprays. The 

 Division is continuing the practice of bringing violators of the European 

 Corn Borer law into a hearing where the benefits are explained and a feeling 

 of cooperation assured. 



Last winter a check up was made to determine the area infested by the 

 Oriental Moth. This insect was brought into Massachusetts 35 years ago, 

 and a check up in 1930 showed that it had spread approximately 25 miles 

 north of Boston and about the same distance south, while its spread inland 

 had been only a few miles. The recent survey showed that the spread had 

 been very slight in the last 10 years. The insect seems to be more prevalent 

 in the section of Revere whei*e an occasional report is received of both Norway 

 Maples and fruit trees being stripped. 



The area infected with the Dutch Elm Disease has increased slightly during 

 the past year, and has brought the disease to a point in New York State only 

 three miles from the Massachusetts border. Hundreds of dead and weak 

 elms within the State have been removed, thereby eliminating many breeding 

 places for the Bark Beetle which is responsible for the spreading of the 

 disease. It is almost a foregoing conclusion that it will be only a short time 

 before the Dutch Elm Disease is reported in Massachusetts. 



