INSECTS AFFECTING THE CURRANT. 



93 



field for experiment in this line in the production of new varie- 

 ties. It a variety equally productive, of an improved quality, 

 can be produced by hybridization or otherwise, the originator can 

 make considerable money out of it. 



INSECTS. The Currant 

 Worm (Nematus ventricosus) 

 is shown in Fig. 70, a being 

 the male, and b the female, 

 both enlarged to twice their 

 natural size. This is the 

 most destructive insect that 

 attacks the Currant. The fe- 

 male lays its eggs upon the 

 veins of the under side of leaf 

 (as shown in Fig. 71). Soon 

 after they unfold the larvaB, 

 which hatch in a few days, 

 and are illustrated at Fig. 72, 

 feed rapidly, often denuding 

 the bushes in a short time, 

 and, soon maturing, make a 

 cocoon, either upon dry sub- 

 stance near, or in the ground. 

 In the latter part of June the 

 fly (Fig. 70, 6,) escapes from the cocoon and lays more eggs, 

 which hatch out, and the second brood appears just as the fruit 

 i.s beginning to ripen, and often strips the vines of leaves in a few 

 days, leaving the half-ripened fruit 

 only. 



Remedy. The best and safest 

 remedy is Pyrethrum powder, ap- 

 plied just at night. It is a sure 

 remedy, and is harmless, while 

 hellebore, so often recommended, 

 although nearly as effective, is 

 very poisonous, and cannot be used 

 with safety when the fruit is ripen- 

 ing. Planting a few H ought on 

 Seedling gooseberry bushes among 

 the currants will aid in the de- 

 struction of the worms, as they 

 have a great liking for the tender Fi "- 71 - 



leaves of this gooseberry, and the first brood will be found al- 

 most entirely upon them. A few other insects are injurious to 

 the Currant and gooseberry, but none that seriously endanger 

 the crop. 



IMPORTED CURRANT BORER (sEyeria tipuliformis) burrows in 



the interior of the stems, so weakening them that they cannot 



ustaiii the weight of the fruit. Fig. 73 shows the female moth, 



