INSECTS OF THE STRAWBERRY 181 



Strawberry Weevil. — In many parts of the country the 

 weevil when abundant destroys from 50 to 60 per cent, of 

 the crop each year. The insect is intermittent in its attack 

 and will be numerous for several years then suddenly disap- 

 pear and will cause no more trouble for some time, finally 

 reappearing again. 



The adult insects hibernate over winter under rubbish 

 near the strawberry bed. In the spring they appear and after 

 feeding for a short time lay their eggs in the unopened flower 

 buds. In about a week the little grubs hatch and begin at 

 once to eat the buds thus destroying them entirely. When 

 the insects are numerous they often feed upon the foliage. 



The best means of control for this insect is by practising 

 clean culture. 



In addition to the insects mentioned there are several 

 more, but they rarely ever become troublesome. 



SPRAYING OUTLINE FOR THE STRAWBERRY. 



Number of spray. Time to spray. Spray materials. 



First When growth begins 4-^-50 Bordeaux mixture. 



Second After picking of fruit 4^i-50 Bordeaux mixture. 



Also cut and burn all 

 leaves on some windy 

 day before spraying. 



At the first appearance of the leaf roller spray with 2 

 pounds arsenate of lead to 50 gallons of water. This spray 

 should be repeated every week if necessary until the fruit is 

 about half-grown. 



REVIEW QUESTIONS. 



1. Where were the first good varieties of strawberries developed? Why? 



2. Why should the strawberry be propagated by runners instead of seed? 



3. Why is an old strawberry bed unprofitable? What is meant by 

 renewal? 



4. Is the soil for the strawberry important? What determines the best 

 type of soil to select? 



5. When is the best time to plant the strawberry? Why? 



6. What regulates the depth to which a plant can be set? 



7. Name the four systems of planting the strawberry. 



8. What is the difference between the single and the double hedge row 

 system; the hill and the matted row system? 



9. What system is the most economical? Why? 



