COTTON BOLL-WORM 223 



million dollars through the ravages of this pest" (U. S. Farmers' 

 Bulletin 735). 



Control. Destruction of weeds in the winter, and spraying or 

 destroying beds of violets where the mites occur if such beds are 

 near cotton, are recommended. Wide spacing of cotton plants and 

 pulverizing the surface of the ground which renders migration 

 difficult are advised. Spraying compounds which have been found 

 efficient when applied to weeds and other plants are as follows : 



(a) One pound arsenite of soda in twenty gallons of water. 

 This is very effective, but it is a deadly poison, and care should be 

 taken that animals do not have access to poisoned plants. 



(6) One ounce of cyanide of 

 potassium in two gallons of water. 

 This is also a deadly poison. 



(c) One gallon of flour paste in 

 twelve gallons of water. 



Whatever spray is employed, 

 there should be two applications, 

 with an interval of seven or eight 

 days between them. Figure 235 

 illustrates a convenient spraying 

 outfit for treating weeds. 



The Cotton Worm. The moth 

 producing this worm (Alabama ar- 

 gillacea Hubn.) is migratory. Win- 

 tering in the most southern districts 



it moves northward in the Spring. It Dearly all leaves, squares and bolls have 



\ been shed. (McGregor, U. S. Bu. Ent.) 



is an interesting fact that it has of 



recent years been found in states far north of the cotton belt. The 

 caterpillar feeds upon the cotton leaves. The pupal stage is 

 passed upon the leaf. The insect passes the winter in the adult 

 condition. There are several broods. 



Control. Dust the leaves of cotton in the early morning with 

 powdered arsenate of lead. 



Cotton Boll-worm. The caterpillar of this moth (Helioihis 

 obsoleta Fab.) eats both leaves and boll. It has several broods. 

 It also attacks tomatoes and corn. (See page 210 for full discussion.) 



Control. Late fall plowing, early spring planting, and crop 

 rotation are recommended. Dusting leaves with powdered arse- 

 nate of lead when the young larvae first appear is also advised. 

 (See page 210, under corn insects.) 



