-7- 



2-spotted mites and their migration into trees. Drought conditions also may 

 have increased the severity of damage reSAilting from mite activity or other 

 possible causes. 



There is strong evidence, however, that 2-spotted mites are the real 

 culprits, I remarked in a Plymouth County orchard recently, "You have excell- 

 ent foliage. Apparently mites did not cause you any trouble," And the grower 

 replied, "I stopped them with two aramite sprays. Come over here i/diere there 

 are two poorly sprayed trees next the wall." We looked and there was the 

 evidence - typical leaf yellowing, brown spotting and a high population of 2-spots. 



It. 1b well known that Aramite gives some of its best results when applied 

 under hot, dry conditions against 2--spotted mite. 



Additional evidence is found in some of ovir best commercial orchards spray- 

 ed with air-blast outfits. Here we can find tree after tree with just two 

 areas of green, healthy foliage. 



And where are those green leaves? Close over or beside the sprayer as it 

 moved along between the trees . On those branohes - and only on them was the 

 coverage good enough to control 2-spotted mite* 



Certain insecticide-fungicide spray programs are favorable for 2-spotted 

 mite infestations. Repeated applications of DDT and methoxychlcr plus hot, 

 dry vreather, are almost sure to increase troubles with 2-spo'a. There are 

 observations indicating captan to have a similar effect. Many growers in 19^5 

 combined these materials in repeated applications. 



Lessons to Re m ember 



1, Be prepared for trouble with 2-spotted mite if using a program of 

 methoxychlcr, DDT and perhaps captan, 



2, Look for real trouble as the orchard ground cover dries up in late June, 

 July and August, 



3, You need the best material available, Aramite is preferred to malathion, 

 parathion or TEPP unless aphids also must be controlled or it is rainy. 

 Ovex at low concentrations, shows promise in a series of regular sprays « 



A newer material, chlorobenzilate , is comparable to or perhaps better than 

 Aramite and may well prove very useful in '56, The systemic, demeton 

 (Systox), may provide simplest and best control of both mites and aphids-- 

 Handle with Care I It is very toxic , 



k» Wstch low hanging leaves, foliage on water sprouts and spurs and in top 

 centers — 2-spotted mite infestations Btart here. 



^9 Coverage underneath must be complete j failures to control 2-spotted in 

 1955 can be braced more often to poor application than to material, A 

 big, powerful air-blast outfit poorly operated means just a gentle breeze 

 to 2-spots over most of the tree. 



