12 



field of which this insect often causes the appearance described 

 as "white blast" or "silver top." This species is also an 

 important greenhouse pest. 



Control. — Clean culture is an important step in the control 

 of this pest when injuring onions. As soon as the onions are 

 harvested all tops and refuse matter should be destroyed by 

 burning, thus preventing thousands of these insects from hiber- 

 nating. Burning over the edges of the fields is also of benefit 

 in reducing their numbers. When injuring plants in gardens, 

 spray thoroughly with nicotine sulphate (see page 6). 



Flea Beetles. 



The small, dark colored "flea beetles," so called from their 

 habit of leaping when disturbed, eat small, round holes in the 

 leaves of turnips, radishes, cabbages, potatoes, tomatoes and 

 many other crops. The different species vary from one- 

 twentieth to one-quarter of an inch in length. They are most 

 injurious in spring, at which time young seedlings are often 

 attacked by large numbers of this pest and quickly destroyed. 

 The potato flea beetle, Epitrix ciicumeris Harris, is one of the 

 most destructive species, feeding on the foliage of potatoes, 

 tomatoes, cabbages, cucumbers, beans, squashes, etc. The 

 turnip flea beetle, PhyUotreta vittata Fab., is another very 

 common species, injuring vegetable crops. Several other flea 

 beetles are often found injuring garden plants, but all may be 

 controlled in the same manner. 



Control. — Spray infested plants, as soon as these pests 

 appear, with arsenate of lead (see page 4) or Bordeaux mix- 

 ture (4-4-50), which acts as a deterrent. In either case the 

 spray should be thoroughly applied to both the upper and 

 under surfaces of the leaves. Repeat as often as necessary. 



Blister Beetles. 

 The black blister beetle, Epicauta pennsyhanica DeG., the 

 ash-gray blister beetle, Macrohasis unicolor Kirby, and the 

 margined blister beetle, Epicauta marginata Fab., are the most 

 common species in Massachusetts. All are slender, blackish, 

 cylindrical, soft-bodied insects about one-half an inch in length. 



