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eii iSeveral spots of several acres in extent were seen, and there 

 were several small spots. This same trouble is said to exist not 

 ouly m the eolonia of Sr. Bravo but also on other eolonias of 

 OentralJagiieyal and of Central Stewart. 



This plague constitutes by far the most acute problem among 

 those relating to insect injuries in sugar cane in the Island of 

 Ouba. It absolutely kills the cane, it is distributed over a wide 

 area, appears to be speading, and occurs on most excellent soils. 



It is- most assuredly worthy of further study to determine its 

 exact distribution, and to ascertain means of control. The 

 ill sect is one well known in many cane countries and there are 

 certain means known to assist in control but no direct remedy or 

 means of eradication. 



I would xespeotfully recommend that the following measures 

 . lie taken immediately : 



(1) That an entomological assistant be detailed to make a com- 

 plete survey of the fields about Central Jagiieyal and Stewart to as- 

 certain the distribution of this insect. 



(2) That experiments be made at Central Jagiieyal with the 

 view to determine if possible some poison with which to cover the cane 

 seed in order to prevent the attack of the mealy-bugs on the young 

 shoots. 



(3) That the Australian Lady-bird beetle (Cryptolaenus mont- 

 rauzieri) be introduced into Cuba and be disseminated in the fields to 

 assist in destroying this mealy-bug. 



(4) That the mealy-bug fungus (Aspergillus Flavus) be de- 

 veloped in large quantities and sprend in the infected fields to further 

 assist in the destruction of the mealy-bug. 



iGxtract from a letter to the Cuban Sugar Oane Corporation from the 

 Commission of Plant Sanitation, Sept. 14, 1916. 



In addition to the report that you already have, I will add the 

 following in regard to this "Disease" in cane, due to the mealy-bugs. 

 In cane attacked by these insects there is no remedy other than to 

 burn the affected fields, which of course is done only in extreme cases. 

 If a field has been abandoned because of this pest it should be plowed, 

 all the trash burned, and maintained free from weeds at least for a 

 period of two months. Cultivating every two weeks should keep down 

 the weeds and stir up the soil and expose the insects to the sun, a 

 proceeding which will prevent the insects from multiplying, and will 

 kill many. In planting cane, seed should be taken from the field in a 

 clean condition, before removing to another field, so as to avoid carry- 

 ing the insects about. The common ants contribute greatly to the 

 spread of the mealy-bugs, but with the care just described, they will 

 soon be exterminated. 



In case that the infected area is very extensive to treat in this 



