May, 1937] Agricultural Research in N. H., 1936 17 



Insect Record 



Four unusual insect problems arose during the year, report W. C. 

 O'Kane and J. G. Conklin. 



In order to secure important information as to possible carriers of 

 the Dutch elm disease in New Hampshire, investigations were begun 

 as to the presence of the beetles that might carry the disease. In co- 

 operation with the State Division of Insect Suppression trap logs were 

 placed in seventy-two localities. These logs were examined in detail 

 and a record was made of insects found in the logs. No specimens of 

 the European elm bark beetle were recovered. In two localities a na- 

 tive bark beetle was found. Various elm insects were recovered. It is 

 planned to continue and extend this work the coming season. 



In the spring of 1936 extensive defoliation of blueberries took place 

 in southern New Hampshire. The insect was identified as the blue- 

 beriy spanworm, Itame inceptaria. This pest was recorded only once 

 before in New Hampshire, in 1886. The present outbreak was serious 

 and resulted in substantial destruction of the blueberry crop over large 

 areas. Studies were made as to the life history of the insect, concern- 

 ing which little is known. 



An outbreak of the so-called Surinam roach, Pycnoscelus surina- 

 mensis, occurred in a greenhouse which raises large quantities of roses. 

 The outbreak was severe and resulted in destruction of several thou- 

 sand plants. This roach burrows in the ground and remains hidden 

 during the day. At night it comes out and strips the plants, including 

 the epidermis from the stems. Application of arsenical sprays gave no 

 control, but the department succeeded in securing a high degree of 

 control by application of a special nicotine spray to the soil. 



The past summer delphinium plants in the southern part of New 

 Hampshire were seriously injured by the so-called broad mite, Tar- 

 sonemus latus, which has not hitherto been reported from the state. 

 Leaves of plants attacked are twisted and deformed. Flower buds are 

 stunted. Heavy applications of sulphur dust were found to be the best 

 remedial measure. {Hatch Fund) 



Heat Requirements for Brooding Chicks 



Following the indications from the previous year's work that insula- 

 tion in the brooder house in either walls, ceiling or floors produced no 

 appreciable improvement in operating characteristics of the brooders, 

 attention this year was directed toward the conditions close to the 

 brooder unit. The constant presence for the past two years of a ring 

 of moisture in the litter just outside the edge of the brooder indicates 

 that this is the dew point and therefore, the outer extremity of the area 

 where temperature is to be controlled. 



Extensions 12 inches wide were made of plywood and attached to 

 the outer edge of each brooder with an additional curtain at this point, 

 thereby increasing the cubic contents, floor area and outer rim protec- 

 tion for each brooder. Temperature variations under the brooder were 

 thus considerably reduced, for the most part being held within a 10° 

 F. range. 



