FIELD CROP INSECTS 



253 



more, the development of the late broods which furnish the 

 majority of the weevils which hibernate is effectually pre- 

 vented. The removal of the plants also facilitates winter 

 plowing, which aids in producing an early crop the next 

 year. Many experiments of the experience of practical 

 planters have shown that the destruction of the stalks in 

 the fall is of primary importance in the control of the 

 weevil, particularly upon bottom lands. The defoliation of 

 the plants by the cotton worms (page 257), secures much 



FIG. 187. Chain cultivator for use in drawing weevil-infested squares 

 to center of row. (After Hunter, U. S. Dept. Agr.) 



the same result as the destruction of the stalks, by remov- 

 ing the food-supply of the weevil. Therefore, when the 

 worms appear in weevil-injured fields late in the season, 

 planters should not poison the worms, for they will aid in pre- 

 venting the increase of weevils, and no further crop can be 

 secured. 



Injury may be largely avoided by making an early crop 

 before the weevils have become sufficiently abundant to 

 do serious damage. Everything possible should, therefore, 

 be done to hasten early maturity. Land should be plowed 

 in winter and a good seed bed prepared. Plant as early as 



