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MANGOLt). 



outbreaks of attack of the "Leaf-blister" Maggot, until the 26th of 

 July, when enquiries were sent me by Mr. A. G. Lucas regarding 

 attack to a large acreage of Mangolds near Berkhamsted, within 

 the last few days preceding, and which was stated to have "played 

 sad havoc with them," as indeed appeared from the state of the 

 specimens sent. The leaves were grown to a good size, but they 

 were much injured by the maggots, which were then leaving them in 

 numbers. 



The latest date of attack of which information was sent, was Aug. 

 18th, when notes were forwarded me from Cadwell Highfield, Louth, 

 Lincolnshire, by Mr. G. A. Browne, of "a most serious outbreak of 

 the Mangold Fly and maggot," and requesting early information as to 

 what could be done, as the crop looked as if it would be quite destroyed. 

 In this case the Mangold maggot was present, but the mischief was 

 increased by an accompanying visitation of Mangold Aphis, sometimes 

 known as Dolphin, Black Fly, or Plant Louse, which I found in great 

 numbers on the leaves sent me. 



Prevention and Remedies. — As in previous years, such small 

 amount of remedial treatment as was reported turned for its success on 

 pushing on the growth of attacked plants, so as to replace the destroyed 

 leafage as soon as possible. For this nitrate of soda appears to act 

 better than anything else, and in one case of early attack (in the 

 middle of June) the application of two dressings of nitrate of soda and 

 salt had a good effect. The plants were reported to be growing so well 

 that it did not appear to be necessary to put in more seed. 



The natural remedy of the rain was also reported as being very 

 beneficial. From Eomsey, Hants, on the 20th of Jane, it was noted : 

 — " Since the rain the Mangold plants first attacked by the maggot 

 are recovering nicely, and in our case I don't think the injury done 

 will be so very serious after all." 



From Louth, Lincolnshire, also it was noted after the attack 

 reported on the 18th of Aug., that there had been very nice rain, and 

 the writer's plants which had been dressed carefully with nitrate of 

 soda, and also had lime applied, were starting into vigorous growth. 

 In this case, as mentioned above, the attack was two-fold, both of the 

 blister maggot and of Mangold Plant Lice, and the lime was not used 

 as a stimulant, but to get rid of the Plant Lice. 



No new information has been sent in this season as to remedial 

 measures, only confirmation of the use of all treatment, whether of 

 previous good cultivation and manuring ; special dressings when the 

 attack is prevalent, in case there is sufficient rain to dissolve the 

 applications, and also the great serviceableness of rainy weather in 

 checking the infestation. Though we cannot command this remedy. 



