REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST I917 9 



in the western part of the State than was the case two years ago, due, 

 probably, to the work of natural enemies. 



Red bugs. Injuries by these two pests are becoming increasingly 

 apparent here and there in the State and fruit growers are suffering 

 considerable losses from the work of these bugs. The fact that 

 there are two species, both of which may occur in the orchard, 

 one being abundant a little earlier than the other, complicates control 

 measures, since recommendations of value in the case of the earlier 

 species are of comparatively little service if the infestation is largely 

 due to the later and lacking expert examination it is usually 

 impossible to determine the troublesome form until the damage 

 has been caused. 



San Jose scale. This pest is relatively much less abundant than 

 in earlier years, this being particularly true in the Hudson valley. 

 Observations and reports from all sections of the State indicate a 

 generally satisfactory control where there is thorough spraying with 

 the lime sulphur wash at winter strength and in some localities 

 there is little or no damage even in unsprayed orchards. The 

 work of parasites, first brought to attention a few years ago, con- 

 tinues and it is probable that these minute insects are not unimportant 

 factors in bringing about this gratifying condition. 



Pear thrips. The situation with respect to this insect remains 

 nearly unchanged. It is sporadically abundant and destructive 

 here and there in pear-growing sections, especially in the Hudson 

 valley, and despite efforts of fruit growers there is likely to be con- 

 siderable loss before the seriousness of the infestation is appreciated. 



Pear psylla. There has been considerable pear psylla in Hudson 

 valley orchards due, in some cases at least, to the delayed dormant 

 spray not being held until practically all the eggs have been deposited. 

 This pest, like the pear thrips, can be controlled to best advantage 

 only by applications given within rather closely defined time limits 

 and many growers experience difficulties in recognizing the periods 

 when work of this kind can be done to the best advantage. 



Gipsy moth. An examination of the region formerly infested shows 

 a very gratifying condition in that no living insects in any stage 

 have been found within two years and the thorough spraying and 

 other work prosecuted in this attempt to exterminate the insect 

 augurs well for the successful completion of a difficult and costly, 

 though economical, undertaking. 



Grass and grain pests. The cold weather and copious rains of 

 last spring were unfavorable to the development of sufficient grass- 

 hoppers to cause serious damage and in most sections these insects 



