116 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



Apple Root-Blight.— The Woolly Aphis is like the 

 Grape Phylloxera in producing a root form also. The 

 attack of this insect on the roots of the apple make wart- 

 like excrescences, in the crevices of which are contained 

 minute, yellow lice, often accompanied with larger 

 winged ones of a black color, having their bodies covered 

 with white, cotton-like matter. The wounds made upon 

 the root by these insects produce an increased flow of sap 



ah c d 



Fig. 17 — Saperda Candida, a, Larva from side ; b, from 

 above, c, Female beetle, d, Pupa. All enlarged 

 one-third. Chittenden, Div. Ent. U. S. Dept. Agri. 

 Cir. 32. 



to the spot affected, and these morbid enlargements are 

 the result. Nursery trees affected should have their roots 

 soaked in soapsuds before planting. Trees affected in the 

 fruit garden may have their roots partly bared, and a 

 liberal application of charcoal dust, ashes, or soapsuds, 

 poured upon the warty excrescences. Their presence 

 gives the affected trees a yellow, unhealthy appearance. 

 The application of carbon bisulphide to the ground 

 around the roots is probably the best remedy known. 

 Tobacco ground fine and placed on the ground and then 

 well wet with water is excellent. But if the tree is 



