238 INSECTS AFFECTING TRUCK CROPS 



Injury. The adults feeding on plants opens the way for infection 

 by fungous diseases. The presence of the larvae on the roots or in 

 the stems is shown by the wilting of the plant. Both cucumbers 

 and melons are attacked. 



Control. Two tablespoonfuls of tobacco extract in one gallon 

 of water, poured about each plant at the rate of a cupful to each 

 hill, is excellent if done any time before the plant is seriously 

 weakened by the larvae. This, as applied, costs from forty to sixty 

 cents for each one hundred gallons. It should be done every 

 four or five days, at the first appearance of the beetles. The appli- 

 cation acts also as a stimulant for the plants. It is also advisable 

 to protect young cucumbers and melons as soon as up with inex- 

 pensive covers of cheesecloth placed over the plants in such a way 

 as to prevent the attacks of the adult beetles. These net covers 

 should be used as long as possible, that the plants may have a 

 good start. 



Some planters sow the seed in rows rather thickly, and thin 

 after the worst damage is over. The planting of an excess of seed, 

 afterward thinning, is common practice. Air-slaked lime dusted 

 on the young plants is excellent. This should be done while the 

 leaves are moist with dew, and should be repeated as often as the 

 dust is washed off. Arsenate of lead, four or five pounds to a 

 barrel of water, affords a good spray. All old vines should be 

 gathered and destroyed as soon as the crop is off the ground. 

 This also applies to all refuse. The beetles are thus deprived of 

 food and hibernating quarters, and this indirectly causes the 

 death of many. 



The above remedies are applicable to melons and cucumbers 

 as well as squashes and pumpkins. 



The Melon Louse (Aphis gossypii Glov.). The wingless form 

 of this louse is light yellowish or olive or even black in color. It 

 is about one-fifteenth of an inch long. It is found on the under 

 surface of leaves, which it causes to curl (Fig. 247). Tender- 

 growing shoots are favorite points of attack. Winged individuals 

 are developed whenever the lice are compelled, from lack of food 

 or removal of crop, to seek new feeding grounds. 



Control. Detect infested plants early and destroy them. 

 Spray under the surface of leaves with tobacco extract. Fumigate 

 with nicofume paper, using one sheet to a plant, in an enclosed 

 space. Or fumigate with bisulfid of carbon, using one teaspoonful 

 to each cubic foot of space, Plants may be enclosed within a 



