252 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



nate food plants and the identity of certain confused forms. This 

 Las involved an enormous amount of ^YO^k, and decisive results are 

 about to be reached. 



In addition to the apple insects mentioned above, a considerable 

 number of other species which live in apple orchards have been 

 studied, but most of these are of lesser economic importance in the 

 general run of seasons. As it often happens. hoAvever, that one of 

 these minor pests becomes for a season or more very injurious, it is 

 necessary that the bureau should anticipate such outbreaks by secur- 

 ing thorough biological information. 



GRAPE INSECTS. 



The GEAPE-BEimT ]\roTii. Vineyards Avere selected in several widely 

 separated sections of the northern Ohio grape belt to serve as object 

 lessons for vineyardists and to give them personal instructions in 

 spraying effectively. It has been vshown that the grape-berry moth 

 can be controlled by two applications of arsenate of lead in spray 

 form, leaving the fruit practically free from residue at picking time. 

 In certain cases a single application has been sufficient, but here 

 there Avere no surrounding badly infested vineyards. This indicates 

 that eventually a single spray in general Avill keep the pest in check. 



The GRAPE MEALYBUG. FuU life-history studies of this insect haA^e 

 been finished. Fumigation with cyanic! of soda and with sulphur 

 fumes has been satisfactory in the dormant season at night, but 

 sulphur is considered the better. January has been found to be the 

 best time for this Avork. Spraying has proved less effective than 

 fumigation. A campaign of education among grape groAvers has 

 been begun to secure their cooperation in restricting the spread of 

 the pest on picking boxes and in other Avays. 



The GRAPE Phylloxera. In collaboration Avith the Bureau of Soils 

 of this department, a survey of Fresno County has been made to de- 

 termine the influence of the physical nature of soils on the degree of 

 infestation of vineyards by the Phylloxera. Interesting and valu- 

 able facts have been ascertained. Investigations have been made 

 concerning the best methods of disinfecting grape propagating stock 

 destined for shipment. 



The GRAPE SPHINX MOTH. An interesting instance of the value of 

 entomological knoAA'ledge occurred Avhen this insect appeared in num- 

 bers in Tulare County during the fiscal year, over some TOO acres of 

 vineyards. The bureau's agent cooperated Avith the vineyardists, and, 

 at an outlay of about $12,000 for labor, spraying materials, and ma- 

 chinery, the grape crop, valued at $180,000, Avas saA'ed. 



A number of other grape insects have been studied and ncAV biolog- 

 ical data ascertained. 



NUT INSECTS. 



Pecan insects. Special attention has been given to the use of 

 insecticides in pecan orchards in Georgia and Florida. Arsenicals 

 are being tried in the form of dusts and sprays, and another season's 

 work should shoAv conclusively the comparatiA'e merits of these two 

 methods. In Texas, the bureau has been especially interested in the 

 native pecan groAes along river bottoms and elscAvhere. In these 



