18 BULLETIN S43, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Additional experiments are necessary with arsenate of lead and 

 arsenite of lime, alone and in combination with Bordeaux mixture. 

 NICOTINE SULPHATE INEFFECTIVE. 



In another series of experiments larva? about one-fourth grown 

 were sprayed with nicotine sulphate at the rate of 1 ounce to 2, 4, and 

 6 gallons of water, respectively. The larvae apparently were pro- 

 tected by their spines and the applications were in all cases abso- 

 lutely ineffective. The only noticeable effect was that the larva? ap- 

 peared somewhat stupefied for a brief interval. 



COOPERATION. 



In the control of this pest, as with so many others which are dif- 

 ficult to destroy, combined effort on the part of the bean growers 

 of the community is essential to success. Whatever can be done in 

 cooperation to lessen the numbers of this insect in one season is felt 

 the next season and if it were rigidly continued would mean the 

 eventual saving of the crop. 



SUMMARY OF CONTROL MEASURES. 



In the light of our present knowledge the best methods of con- 

 trolling the bean ladybird may be summarized as follows: 



(1) For small gardens and similar areas hand pick the over- 

 wintered beetles as soon as possible after they emerge from hiberna- 

 tion. 



(2) Brush the larva?, or young, from the plants during hot, dry 

 weather. 



(3) Spray with arsenite of zinc, at the rate of 1 pound to 40 or 

 If pounds to 50 gallons of water, or with arsenate of lead 1 or 2 

 pounds (powder) to 50 gallons of water. 



(4) Clean up the fields by removing dead grasses, weeds, and other 

 possible hibernating quarters during the fall or winter months, and 

 destroy them by burning, or by simply burning over the fields when 

 this practice can be safely followed. 



(5) Early and late planting should be practiced. No specific time 

 can be indicated for this that would apply to the entire region which 

 the insect inhabits, and it is more satisfactory for the growers to work 

 out this problem for themselves. 



(6) In the case of large areas of beans, close inspection is strongly 

 recommended. Infestation usually begins in small, localized areas, 

 and if these infested spots are located and prompt measures, as indi- 

 cated in the preceding paragraphs, are taken to destroy the insects. 

 a general infestation can be prevented. 



GENERAL SUMMARY. 

 The bean ladybird is a serious pest on beans of all kinds, includ- 

 ing the soy bean, in Colorado, Xew Mexico, Arizona, and western 

 Texas. It frequently destroys entire crops and the conservative es- 

 timate of the annual losses incurred is placed at 10 per cent of the 

 crop. This insect feeds normally on the leaves, and attacks also the 

 young pods and occasionally eats into the blossoms. The beetles feed 



