PKOCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD ENTOMOLOGICAL MEETING 4i7 



obtained from Pink Bollworms in cotton-seed obtained from the cotton 

 seed stores at Nawabganj (Cawnpur) in July 1918. The seed was kept 

 for observation in a dish and was frequently examined. Between 

 July and October only three Bethylid parasites were obtained and no 

 other parasites. The seed was then cut up and examined and was 

 found to contain no other insect excepting the Pink Bollworms. On a 

 former occasion in 1915 a parasite was sent by the Entomological 

 Assistant, United Provinces, Cawnpur {vide I. R. No. 893 ; 4th January 

 1915) and this was similar to. the three parasites bred last year from 

 cotton-seed obtained from the same locahty. This lends colour to 

 the supposition that the Bethylid parasite bred last year was actually 

 parasitic on the Pink Bollworm. But as far as Pusa is concerned, we 

 have not been able to obtain any Bethylid or Chalcidid parasite either 

 on the eggs, worms or the pupae of the Pink Bollworms. [Since thia 

 paper was read, one of us (T. B. F.) has obtained at Coimbatore a 

 Braconid which is apparently parasitic on P. gossypiella.] 



With the failure of the cotton crop in the Punjab, cotton was grown 

 at Pusa to make observations on the cotton pests, especially for the use 

 of the post-graduate students under training. From 1906 until 1911, 

 the varieties of cotton were mostly utilized for the despatch of parasites 

 to the Punjab whenever required. It was in the year 191:^ that regular 

 sowings of cotton were made and detailed observations started regarding 

 the bollworms E. fabia and E. insidana, as well as Platijedm gossypiella. 

 Since then, attempts have been made to gather information to elucidate 

 the following points : — 



(a) The life-history of the Bollworms. 



(6) Alternative food plants. 



(c) Distribution of the Bollworms throughout the year. 



{d) Parasites, the extent to which these are effectual in keeping 

 the bollworms in check, and the hfe-history oi' Microhracon 

 lefroyi. 



(e) To find the alternative hosts of Microhracon lefroyi so as to 

 breed them when they were not found on Earias, and to 

 facilitate collection and despatch of them whenever they 

 are required in any Province to restore or preserve the 

 balance between the Bollworms and this parasite. 



(/) The effect of mixed cropping on the incidence of Bollworms. 



{jg) The effect of cultural methods, i.e., thick and thin sowing, oa 

 the presence of the Bollworms. 

 VOL. II c 



