INSECTS AFFECTING THE CURRANT. 



93 



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

 ties. If 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 h 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 larvje, 

 which hatch in a few days, 

 and are illustrated at Fig. 72, 

 feed lapidly, often denuding 

 the bushes in a short time, 

 and, soon maturing, make a 

 cocoon, either upon dry sub- 

 stance near, or ui the ground. 

 In the latter part of June the 

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

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

 is beginning to ripen, aiul often strips the vines of leaves in a few 

 days, leaving the half-ripened fruit 

 only. 



Remedy. — Tlie best and most 

 effective remedy is paris green. 

 This is put in water at the rate ^, 

 of one pound to 150 gallons 1' 

 and applied with a spray pump < 

 as for codlin moth and other 

 insects on trees. Hellebore and 

 Pyrethrum powders are also 

 used. Planting a few Houghton 

 Seedbng gooseberry bushes among 

 the currants will aid in the de- 

 struction of the worms, as they 

 have a great liking for the tender 

 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, hut none that seriously endanger 

 the crop. 



fMPORTED Currant Borer (jEyerki tipu'iformis) burrows in 

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

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



