208 INSECTS AFFECTING FIELD CROPS 



Southern Corn Root Worm, Bud Worm, or Drill Worm.* The 



larva of this beetle (Diabrotica 12-punctata Oliv.) is particularly 

 injurious to corn in the South. Plants are weakened and die from 

 its attack. There are probably three or four generations in the 

 southern states. Eggs are laid at the base of the plant and hatch 

 in a few days. The grubs at once burrow into the stalks, at the 

 surface of the ground or just below it. Even if an infected plant 

 does not die, it will not, in all probability, produce marketable ears. 



Control. Intelligent crop rotation and fall plowing are the 

 only practical remedies. In rotating crops, cotton may follow or 

 precede corn, as may most of the grasses and many vegetables. 

 Since this insect attacks curcubits, such as melons, squash, pump- 

 kins, and cucumbers, they should be kept out of such rotation. 

 It also attacks beans, and hence these should be prohibited in 

 any rotation plan. An excessive amount of seed in each hill would 

 probably insure the proper maturing of some of the stalks. Late 

 planting and the draining of bottom lands used for corn are 

 recommended. 



The Angoumois Grain Moth. This moth (Sitotroga cerealella 

 Oliv.) is about one-quarter of an inch long. It is brownish or buff 

 colored with fringed wings. Its grub is white and somewhat 

 smaller. The original infestation occurs in the field, where there 

 may be as many as three generations. These generations are 

 continued in the corn crib, granary, or seed-house. The larvae 

 in infested kernels are brought in with the harvested grain. 



Injury. In different parts of the country, notably in the South, 

 stored corn and other grains are infested with the larvae of this 

 moth. Its work is first made apparent by the appearance of tiny 

 holes in the kernels, and the entire contents of the kernel may be 

 destroyed, thus rendering it useless for seed or market. 



Control. -Corn with the husk on is not so liable to be attacked. 

 Hence, corn husked late in the season, after the advent of cold 

 weather, and stored in cribs will suffer but little. Corn and other 

 grains, however, stored in seed-rooms or in bins early in the season 

 may deteriorate during fall and winter, owing to the continued 

 work of this pest. Such grain should be watched, and upon the 

 first appearance of the pest or upon indications of its presence, 

 the grain should be fumigated twice, or, if necessary, three times, 

 at intervals of two weeks. Use six pounds of bisulfid of carbon 



* See page 218, under insects attacking truck crops; also page 217, rice 

 insects. 



