336 Bush-Fruits 



may also be injured in appearance at least, by a black fungus which 

 grows on the honey-dew secreted by the lice. 



As the season advances the lice tend to disappear as a result of 

 the attacks of their predaceous and parasitic enemies. Those which 

 survive give birth to true males and females at the approach of cold 

 weather. The females deposit shining black, cucumber-shaped eggs, 

 which winter over, on twigs toward the end of October. 



Control. Plant-lice are easily killed by contact insecticides, such 

 as kerosene emulsion, soap solutions or tobacco extracts, if they can 

 be reached. The trouble is that the curled leaves protect them 

 from the spray. Success depends on applying the remedy thoroughly 

 and promptly, before the leaves become much curled. In the home- 

 garden handpicking may be simpler. 

 Reference. 



Geneva, N. Y., Expt. Sta. Bull. 139. 



THE SAN JOSE SCALE 



Aspidiosus pernidosus, Comstock 



Although better known as an orchard insect, the San Jose scale is 

 frequently found on currant and gooseberry. It is supposed to be a 

 native of China, becoming first known in the United States at San 

 Jose, California, about 1870. It was first discovered in the East in 

 Virginia in 1893, but later observations indicate that it was at that 

 time already widely spread throughout the eastern states. It was 

 first described by Professor Comstock in 1880. Since that time more 

 literature and legislation have been brought against it than toward 

 any other plant enemy known to man. The insect is a near relative 

 of the oyster-shell bark-louse. It appears on the plant or fruit as a 

 round, gray scale about the size of the head of an ordinary pin. 

 In the center is a dark nipple, surrounded by a yellowish ring. These 

 are the larger scales which cover the full-grown females. The smaller 

 scales are nearly black, with a central gray dot surrounded by a black 

 depressed ring, bordered by a grayish ring. These smaller scales 

 are thought to be the only ones which live over winter. The young 

 are tiny, bright yellow little insects having six legs and able to crawl 

 about readily. They soon find a place to suit their fancy, settle 



