CHAPTER XXX 



METHODS OF CONTROLLING INSECTS AND PLANT 



DISEASES 



GARDENERS and farmers find it necessary to keep up a constant 

 fight against insect enemies and plant diseases. It is estimated 

 that the annual loss due to insect pests of crops reaches the enor- 

 mous total of one and one-half billion dollars. Every producer of 

 crops stands his share of this enormous tax. It is better to fight 

 the enemies than to let them destroy the crops. Most of the 

 damage done by insects is preventable by spraying, or by some 



FIG. 292. 



FIG. 291. 



FIG. 291. Fifteen-spotted lady-beetle; FIG. 292. Quails and their relatives destroy 

 a, larva; b, pupa; d y, adult varieties. This many potato beetles and other insects. These 

 insect is very beneficial, destroying other birds should be protected. (Agriculture and 

 forms. (Insect Friends and Enemies.) Life.) 



other approved method of combating the pests. Birds and 

 beneficial insects if given an opportunity will help control insect 

 enemies (Figs. 291 and 292). 



Good farm management requires that the operator look 



ahead and know the probable effect of certain methods upon 



injurious insects. It is always safe to assume that the insects will 



appear in due season unless they are forestalled by proper man- 



27 417 



