222 



PESTS OF GARDEN AND FIELD CROPS 



these insects have strong, sucking beaks, which they insert through 

 the protecting leaves of the young boll. On the outside a close ex- 

 amination will reveal small punctures. Within, the evidence of attack 

 is usually a failure of some or all of the seeds 

 to mature, a shriveling of some parts, or a 

 staining of the Unt. Frequently the injury re- 

 sults in complete destruction of the boll. 



Most plant bugs attacking cotton reach 

 greatest abundance in August or September. 

 They hibernate as adults, largely in old plants, 

 rubbish, and similar shelter. 



Remedial measures include destruction of 

 weeds in the spring, to deprive the overwin- 

 tering bugs of food ; early planting, to mature 

 the cotton before the adults are out in greatest 

 abundance ; and the burning of old stalks and 

 rubbish early in the fall. Hand picking may be necessary where a 

 species is present in overwhelming numbers. 



Cotton Sharpshooters {JassidxE) 



Small active insects are found on cotton in the latter part of the 

 season, making tiny punctures in the bolls. They are variously marked 

 and colored, and, examined closely, appear to have abnormally large 

 heads shaped hke a broad V, widest where it joins the body. Coming 

 late in the season, their work does not do appreciable damage, and no 

 remedial measures are necessary. In the early part of summer they are 

 to be found on the young foliage of trees. 



Fig. 277. — TheCot- 

 ton-stainer, Dys- 

 dercus suturellus. 

 Original. 



Plant Lice attacking Wheat Heads 



Two closely related species of plant lice, Macrosiphum granaria Buck 

 and Macrosiphum cerealis Kalt., often are found on wheat and occa- 

 sionally become so abundant on the growing heads that the grain is 

 stunted and the yield reduced. Both species are yellowish green in 

 color, have long black antennae and slender, black honey tubes. The 



