128 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



after the bulk of the eggs had been laid upon them, thus protecting 

 the main crop, planted later. 



The enrichment of the soil, the preparation of a good seed bed, 

 and the use of good seed, so as to secure a vigorous growing crop, 

 are all of the greatest importance in overcoming injury by the 

 Hessian fly. After the crop is once attacked, no truly remedial 

 measures are known except to apply liberally some quick-acting 

 fertilizer which will cause the plants to tiller freely and give them 

 sufficient vigor to withstand the winter and thus increase the 

 healthy stems the next spring. 



Though none are exempt from attack, those varieties of wheat 

 " with large, coarse, strong straw are less liable to injury than 

 weak-strawed and slow-growing varieties." * In New York in 

 many localities in 1901 a wheat called Dawson's Golden Chaff was 

 found to be but little injured, where others were nearly destroyed. 

 However, in Canada, where this variety originated, it is as seriously 

 injured as other kinds, and may become so in New York. Bearded 

 Red Wheat No. 8 was also found to be a very resistant variety, as 

 were Prosperity, Democrat, Red Russian, and White Chaff Medi- 

 terranean. It should be remembered, however, that none of 

 these are invariably " fly-proof," and that though under certain 

 conditions they may be but little injured, in other localities and 

 under less favorable circumstances they may be injured as much 

 as any other sorts. 



Among other conclusions Professor Roberts* and his colleagues 

 state that the fly " injures wheat more on dryish and poor land 

 than on moist but well-drained, rich soils." Also, " that the soil 

 must be so well fitted and so fertile that a strong, healthy growth 

 will be secured in the fall, though the sowing of the seed be delayed 

 ten to fifteen days beyond the usual time. Such preparation of 

 the soil will also help the wheat to recover from any winter injury. 

 Thick seeding and vigorous growth also tend to ward off the fly." 

 " Much stress should be laid on the proper fitting of the land for 

 wheat. Plowing should be done early at least six weeks before 



* Cornell University Agr. Exp. Sta., Bulletin 194: The Hessian Fly, I. P. 

 Roberts, M. V. Slingerland, and J. L. Stone. 



