246 



INSECTS AFFECTING TRUCK CROPS 



edges with dark blue. The thorax is red. The beetle is quite 



active and shifts its position around the stem when disturbed. 



The larva or grub is one- 

 third of an inch long, 

 grayish or olive hi color, 

 with a shining black head. 

 The winter is passed in the 

 adult stage. The beetle 

 emerges about the time 

 that the asparagus shoots 

 are ready for cutting. 

 Later, eggs are laid on 

 these shoots and on the 

 older stems of the plant. 



Injury. The young 

 shoots and leafy tips of 

 the asparagus are attacked 

 by both larva and adult 

 (Fig. 253). The shoots 

 are rendered unfit for use, 

 and the injury to the tips 

 weakens the plants. 



Control. Where this 

 pest is injurious, one may 

 obtain some relief by 

 allowing a few stalks 

 to grow up in the early 

 spring and then poisoning 

 them with Paris green or 

 ar senate of lead. Air- 

 slaked lime dusted on the 



larvae will kill them. Shoots should be frequently cut for table 



or market. 



INSECTS INJURING CELERY, PARSNIPS, CARROTS 



The tarnished plant bug attacks plants of this group (see page 

 84). The celery tree hopper attacks celery. Remedies for this 

 insect are similar to those given for the grape-vine leaf-hopper 

 (see page 164). Besides the three insects treated under this head, 

 others affecting these crops are the parsnip web-worm and the 

 parsnip leaf miner. 



FIG. 253. The asparagus beetle and injury 

 caused thereby. (U. S. Bu. Ent.) 



