210 



PESTS OF GARDEN AND FIELD CROPS 



The most important means of control is a thorough cleaning up of 

 the cotton fields as soon as the crop is. gathered, together with destruc- 

 tion of all stalks, dead bolls, and crop remnants. At this time the 

 existing adult beetles are not yet ready to hibernate, and there are 

 many grubs and pupae in the field that would later become beetles, 

 coming out at the normal time of hibernation. These immature 

 stages are thus destroyed, and the adults, left with no cotton plants 



to feed on, are for the most part starved, 

 or are unable to get to suitable places to 

 spend the winter. In destroying the stalks 

 it is best to plow them out, leaving a row 

 now and then, at once raking th^ loose 

 plants to the standing row and burning 

 the entire lot. 



Early in the season, when it is seen 

 that squares are being badly punctured, 

 and are dropping off in large numbers, a 

 chain drag may be drawn between the 

 rows so as to draw the squares into the 

 middles, where they will get the full force 

 of the sun. Most of the grubs within will 

 be killed by the heat. 



It is possible to poison a large percent- 

 age of the adult weevils by applying powdered arsenate of lead to 

 the squares with a blower or powder gun, making the first applica- 

 tion as soon as squares begin to form, and repeating as necessary. 



Any practice that will help to get the cotton planted and matured 

 early will greatly help to avoid serious injury, because the cotton 

 will then be well along before the weevils have become numerous. 

 Thus, winter plowing, early spring planting, and the use of early ma- 

 turing varieties, together with frequent cultivation in the growing 

 season, are advisable. By this means the plants are stimulated 

 to quick, vigorous growth, and escape serious attack at the period 

 when they are more susceptible to injury. 



Fig. 262. — Pupa of the Cot- 

 ton Boll Weevil. Enlarged 

 and natural size. Original. 



