14 BULLETIN 1035, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGKICULTUEE. 



CULTURAL METHODS IN THE GROVE. 



Clean culture does not play an important part in the control, as 

 this species does not infest weeds or plants in or about avocado 

 groves. Orchards mulched in various ways in southern Florida 

 were found to be less infested with the red spider as a rule than those 

 where clean culture was practiced. The avocado seems to thrive 

 better where mulching is practiced and the moisture is conserved. 

 Red spiders generally like dry conditions such as are afforded in 



Fig. 10. — Spraying in an avocado grove with spray yiiu, using the fan or big fog spray. 



groves where clean culture is followed. This is especially evidenced 

 in seasons of drought during the year. 



One factor which influences greatly the abundance and appearance 

 of the red spider in a grove is the vitality of the trees. Nothing is to 

 be gained by allowing trees to suffer from want of proper attention 

 in the way of mulching, plant foods, and culture. Wliere growers are 

 in doubt about the proper procedure to use in caring for their avocado 

 trees, they should get in touch with either the Plant Introduction 

 Garden maintained by the United States Bureau of Plant Industry 

 at Miami. Fia., or their particular county agent. 



