544 SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



Prices are highest for the best grades of cigar wrappers, 

 the farmer frequently receiving for such tobacco 40 cents 

 to one dollar or more per pound, and the finished wrappers 

 after proper treatment in the factory seUing for several 

 dollars per pound. However, by no means all of the crop 

 of shade-grown tobacco consists of high-grade wrappers. 



The coarser and heavier the type or grade of tobacco, 

 the lower, as a rule, is the price. The price of tobacco 

 has fluctuated widely in recent years. 



Enemies 



535. Diseases. — A number of diseases attack the 

 tobacco plant. Among them are wilt and the mosaic 

 disease. Rotation of crops and disinfection of the seed- 

 beds are the most common methods of combating the 

 diseases of tobacco. 



536. Insect enemies. — Among the insect enemies of 

 this plant are the tobacco worm (Fig. 222), the budworm, 

 cut-worms, and wire-worms. The nematode worm attacks 

 the roots of tobacco plants. The methods of combating 

 this pest, including rotations, are discussed in paragraph 

 385. 



For the Southern tobacco worm {Protoparce Carolina) 

 dusting or spraying with Paris green in very dilute form 

 is employed. In addition, the plants must be " wormed " 

 every few days; that is, examined for the purpose of 

 killing any insects and eggs that may be found. 



Paris green, diluted with some dry material, is dusted on the 

 buds or young leaves as a means of destroying the budworms. 



Cut-worms are combated by the use of poisoned bait placed 

 in the field before the plants are set. 



