THE BLACK-CURRANT GALL-MITE. 7 



In 1901 some small bushes which were very badly infested 

 were treated with the following sprayfluid twice a week during 

 the migration season : Sulphur, 2 Ibs. ; soft soap, 25 Ibs. ; water, 

 50 gallons, made as follows : Mix the sulphur to a gruel with 

 water, the soft soap should be mixed with 5 gallons of boiling 

 water ; then add the two mixtures together and mix well, 

 after which add slowly sufficient water to make 50 gallons. 



The results obtained from the use of this sprayfluid are very 

 encouraging. The new buds which came out in 1901, were very 

 carefully examined until nearly the end of ths year, and on only 

 one bush were mites found in them, and only very few, the actual 

 numbers in the different buds examined in August, 1901, were : 

 12, 3, 7, 5, 3, 3, 12,3,7,7,6,5,3,12. In 1902 these same bushes 

 were under constant observation, but no mites were seen or any 

 indications of them. As these bushes were growing not far from 

 some infested bushes, they were sprayed during the migration 

 season as in the previous year. In 1903 they still remained 

 free from mites, and an examination of almost every bud on one 

 particular tree at the beginning of 1904, failed to discover either 

 mites or eggs, and all the trees were free of abnormal buds. 



I had hoped to be able to repeat these experiments upon a 

 larger scale before completing this Report, but the opportunity 

 has not presented itself ; I shall, however, do so later, in the 

 meantime I shall be very pleased to learn what success attends 

 anyone who may use the above fluid. 



Natural Enemies. In addition to those already mentioned 

 reference must be made to the larva of the Ladybird beetle, 

 Coccinella septempunc'.ata, L. 



During 1902 and 1903 I had a series of badly infested 

 cuttings under observation, and these were practically all cured 

 by keeping them artificially supplied with this beetle. The 

 1902 cuttings exhibited very few, and only slightly, abnormal 

 buds in the autumn, while in 1903, they seemed entirely free. 

 Unfortunately this species of Ladybird does not seem par- 

 ticularly fond of the Black Currant, but in my own mind, I have 

 little doubt but that a species could be found which, if bred in 

 sufficient numbers, would materially lessen and keep in check 

 this disease, and possibly might exterminate it. 



In conclusion, I am of opinion that, in spite of the success 

 which has so far attended the use of the soap and sulphur spray- 

 fluid, for a permanent remedy we must look to natural enemies 

 rather than artificial ones. There is no doubt that much may 

 be done by the fruit-grower himself, by burning present infested 

 stock and replacing it by guaranteed healthy stock. It must be 

 borne in mind that healthy cuttings are the exception, they are 

 difficult to obtain, and very conclusive evidence should be 

 demanded before purchasing. Once having obtained such, an 

 ever-w r atchful eye should be kept for the first signs of disease, 

 and the bushes so attacked should be taken up, saturated with 

 paraffin and burnt at once. 



