THE CRANBERRY INDUSTRY 29 



Since it was discovered that the blunt-nosed leafhopper is the main carrier 

 of the false blossom disease, pyrethrum, especially pyrethrum dust, has become 

 by far the leading cranberry insecticide, especially in Plymouth County. 



Nicotine sulfate is now employed mainly against the spittle insect and the 

 fruit worm. Ten to fifteen years ago it was an important control for the 

 blackheaded fireworm, but pyrethrum has largely taken its place for this 

 purpose. 



The cranberry root grub is now treated largely with sodium cyanide. The 

 importance of this pest and its relatively great prevalence in Plymouth County 

 are shown by the fact that nearly six tons of the chemical were applied to the 

 cranberry bogs of the State in 1933, all but 323 pounds being used in Plymouth 

 County. 



CRANBERRY LABOR 



Information concerning the number of persons employed in the, cranberry 

 industry is often sought by the press and public organizations. This has not 

 been available heretofore. Table 15 summarizes the relevant data gathered 

 in the survey. As the industry employs a much larger number during the 

 harvesting season than at any other time, and as most of those employed in 

 other bog work are also engaged in picking the crop and preparing it for mar- 

 ket, it may be assumed that the sum of those who pick the berries and sort 

 them approaches the total employment. The table shows this sum for the 

 whole State to be 20,118. The 104 employees of the canners added to this 

 make a total for the industry in this State of 20,222 different persons employed 

 yearly. 



Table 15. — Number of Persons Employed by Massachusetts 

 Cranberry Growers as Reported in 1934 Survey* 



* Workers at packing houses of New England Cranberry Sales Company included. Fourteen 

 year-round and ninety temporary employees at the local cranberry canning plants not included. 



