8 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



agents in checking this pest. The most efficient species is the 

 recently discovered and newly characterized Prospaltella 

 perniciosi Tower, a form which is widely distributed in certain 

 sections of the State, at least. In spite of the abundance of these 

 natural enemies we believe that, as a rule, fruit growers must con- 

 tinue to rely upon the application of lime-sulphur washes for the 

 control of this scale insect. 



Field studies of red bug injury have shown that in the Hudson 

 val ey, at least, the lined red bug, Lygidea mendax Reut. , is 

 the species responsible for most of the damage to the fruit. Orchard 

 experience indicates that a nicotine preparation, such as black 

 leaf 40, is one of the most effective sprays. It is probable that in 

 the case of badly infested trees, a special application of nicotine 

 and soap must be made somewhat later than it would be safe to 

 use the lime-sulphur wash at winter strength. 



The pear thrips continues to be a serious pest of the grower in 

 the Hudson valley, appearing here and there in a most erratic 

 manner and injuring Seckle and Bartlett trees, in particular. 

 Observations show that orchards practically free from the pest 

 one season may be seriously affected the next. A detailed account 

 of this insect is given in the report for 191 2. In at least one instance 

 pear midge injury, supplementing the damage caused by the thrips, 

 resulted in an almost total loss of the crop. 



The pear psylla has continued its rdle as a serious enemy of the 

 grower, being particularly abundant and injurious in certain extensive 

 orchards in the vicinity of Milton and Marlborough. The practical 

 value of late spring applications of a lime-sulphur wash for the 

 control of this insect was demonstrated earlier, and observations in 

 the above-mentioned orchards showed the necessity of carefully 

 eliminating artificial shelters such as stone walls, brush heaps and 

 even check trees if the best results are to be secured. 



The banded grape bug, Paracalocoris scrupeus Say, 

 noticed in detail in the report for 19 13, has continued its injurious 

 work. Through the cooperation of Mr L. F. Strickland of the State 

 Department of Agriculture, a series of nymphs were received and 

 detailed descriptions of the early stages are included in this report. 



Gipsy moth. One of the worst infestations of the gipsy moth 

 yet discovered in this State, was located last spring, through the 

 cooperation of Mr F. A. Bartlett, at Mount Kisco. The infestation 

 was of several years' standing and a few egg masses were found at a 

 considerable distance from the center of the 1 colony. Prompt and 



