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CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



Mealy Bugs. Closely allied to the scales are the mealy bugs 

 (species of dactylopius), soft and of a pale pink color, generally cov- 

 ered with a whitish mealy powder, hence the name. The common 

 species is found in nearly every greenhouse in the world, and in 

 California climate lives in the open air on many kinds of plants, and 

 has at various times proved quite troublesome. Unless checked by 



Frosty scale (Eulecanium pruinosan). 



natural enemies, the mealy bugs multiply very rapidly, and mass 

 themselves in the corners of the leaves. The plants turn black from 

 the fungus growth growing on the honeydew, and the bush presents 

 the same appearance as a scale-infested plant. With the aid of a 

 magnifier the appearance of the mealy bugs, as different from scales 

 can be readily recognized. 



Physokermes scale on cherry. 



Remedies for Scale Insects. Though most of the scale insects 

 are attacked by parasitic and predaceous insects, as already stated, 

 these natural agencies have generally not proved rapid enough to 

 cope with the increase of the scales, and insecticides have to be 

 employed to save the fruit and trees. There is a vast number of 

 these washes, many of which will do good work if thoroughly 

 applied, which is usually the secret of success. A few which have 

 proved of special value will be given herewith : 



