1348 



The Vegetable Industbt is New Yobk State 



Fig. 404.- 

 asparagc 



» Spotted 

 Beetle 



agus, often in great numbers. In a few days thev hatch 

 and the grubs begin at once to feed on the tender plants. In ten 

 to fourteen days the grubs complete their growth and go down 

 into the earth where they change to pupae in~dirt-covered cocoons. 

 In about one week the beetles emerge, thus completing the life 

 history. Two and perhaps three broods appear in a season in 

 New York State. 



The other asparagus beetle is known as the 

 twelve-spotted species and does not seem to be 

 as destructive as the former. The chief 

 damage by this species is done by the over- 

 wintering beetles feeding in early spring on 

 the young and edible asparagus shoots. The 

 beetles and grubs that appear later seem to 

 feed entirely on the berries of the asparagus 

 plant. 



Control. On small beds of asparagus the 

 beetles may be hand-picked. Destroy all 

 volunteer plants about the beds in order to force the beetles to 

 lay their egg, n the shoots that are being cut daily and sent to 

 market. Spray the asparagus plants after the cutting season is 

 over with arsenate of lead. 2% pounds to 50 gallons of water. In 

 order to make the poison stick to the tiny branches of the 

 asparagus it would be well to dissolve 2 or 3 pounds of hard soap 

 in the mixture. 



POTATO FLEA BEETLE 



The potato flea beetle (Epitrix cu- 



cumeris 1 is a small insect about one- 

 twelfth of an inch long with a black 

 body and dull yellow legs. Its hind 

 -- which are unusually stout enable 

 this small bettle to jump suddenly 

 when disturbed, like a flea : hence the 

 name -flea beetle.'" It attacks toma- 

 toes, egg plants, turnips and radishes Fig. 405.— Two Common Po- 



as well as potatoes. TATO Flea Beetles. Epi- 



, trtx Cucumeris 



ine adult beetles pass the winter Una Hudsonias (b) 



bidden beneath rubbish or under leaves, and appear during 



