THE PLUM CURCULIO 



217 



The adult insect is a moth with transparent wings (Fig. 146). 

 She lays her eggs on the bark of the tree near the ground, and the 

 larvae when hatched eat inward, killing or injuring the tree. 



One remedy is to keep the adult from laying her eggs on the 

 trees by banding them with tar paper, veneer wood or other mater- 

 ial (Fig. 147). Another remedy is to dig out worms and kill them 

 with a knife or wire. To do this it is well to remove the soil for 

 several inches below the surface. In a few days the larvae may be 

 located by their borings. 

 Para-dichloro-benzene 

 spread on bare soil two 

 inches away from trunks, 

 in fall, and then covered 

 with soil, will kill the bor- 

 ers in 5 or 6 weeks. This 

 is safe for trees 6 years old. 

 Use one ounce per tree. 

 (See Farmers' Bulletin 

 1246). Soil should be 60 de- 

 grees F. or warmer. 



The plum curculio is the 

 worst enemy of the fruit 

 itself. This little beetle 

 lays eggs on the surface of 

 the fruit when it is about 

 the size of the garden pea. 

 The young, hatch and eat 

 their way into the fruit at 

 a wound made by the 

 adult. The larva feeds on 

 the flesh of the fruit, 

 chiefly near the stone. 

 This causes much fruit to 

 fall. This should be picked 

 up, as by pigs. Larvae soon crawl into the soil. Chickens and birds 

 may catch some. Frequent tillage for five weeks after this will 

 destroy many and prevent their second brood. Winter hiding 

 places should be destroyed by plowing under rubbish and burning 

 borders. 



As the adults lay their eggs cheifly in the morning twilight they 



Fig. 146. — The peach tree borer: (1) female 

 moth at rest; (2) male moth; (3) larva, or grub, 

 feeding in burrow; (4) cocoon; (5) cocoon with 

 pupa emerging; (6) empty pupal case protruding 

 from a burrow. (Ohio Station.) 



