1 6 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1904. 



THE WOOLLY APHIS (AMERICAN BLIGHT). 



Schizoneura lanigera, Hausm. 



There is a marked increase of this insect in all the Midland 

 Counties, infection being spread, to a large extent, by the apathy 

 of certain individuals and their utter neglect of old infested trees. 

 It is exceedingly discouraging to those who do endeavour to 

 keep their orchards clean, that such a state of things should be 

 allowable. Often the presence of a single, badly infested tree, 

 is a source of danger and loss to a whole district. 



THE HOP APHIS. 



Phorodon humuli, Schrank. 



Hops in Worcestershire have rarely, if ever, been attacked 

 with such virulency by this pest as during 1904. On all hands 

 growers complain that this aphid has occasioned such serious 

 damage, that the yield this year will be less than any years since 

 1882. 



At the end of July various correspondents reported the 

 crops in a wretched condition, and the severe attacks of this 

 pest and continued washing had left the bine in an exhausted 

 condition. 



THE APPLE APHIS. 



Aphis mali, Fabr. 



This insect has decidedly gained ground during the past year, 

 very largely due to neglect or spraying too late to be of much 

 service. 



Spraying with so ft soap and water alone is very serviceable, 

 but a mixture consisting of 2-J- Ibs. of soft soap, 3^ gallons of 

 water, and 3 gills of paraffin, is recommended. The paraffin 

 should be added whilst the soft soap and water are still boiling. 

 Before using add I2j gallons of soft water. 



THE ROSE APHIS. 



Siphonophora rosae, Reaumur. 



The Rose Aphis has proved a source of considerable annoy- 

 ance to rose growers throughout the Midlands during 1904. 



Early in the year a short report was sent out, recommending 

 growers to give their plants a weekly spray with soft-soap and 

 water, or where badly attacked, with soft-soap and quassia 

 chips, and from replies received it is satisfactory to learn, that 

 wherever this treatment has been systematically carried out, 

 clean plants have, with few exceptions, been maintained. 



Lady-bird larvae and the adult beetles should be encouraged, 

 as well as the larvae of the Lacewing Flies (Chrysopidae) and 

 Hovering Flies (Syrfhidae), all ot which feed upon these pests. 



