CONTROL OF THE JAPANESE BEETLE ON FRUIT AND SHADE TREES 6 



such large numbers as to cover the fruit completely and ruin it 

 (figs. 6 and 7). The riper fruit is attacked first by the beetles, 

 and when the infestation is relatively light the damage may be 

 confined to such fruits. 



HOW TO PROTECT THE TREES FROM INJURY 



It is possible to protect the foliage and the fruit of many of these 

 trees by maintaining a deposit of spray residue on all portions subject 

 to attack, during the period when the beetles are flying. The spray 

 residue largely repels the beetle and prevents excessive feeding, the 

 protection being obtained primarily by making the tree nonattrac- 

 tive rather than by poisoning the beetle. 



Diseased and poorly nourished trees are more susceptible to attack 

 than those in a healthy condition. It is practically impossible to 



Figure 3. — Injury by the Japanese beetle to the foliage of Norway maple. 



prevent the beetles from becoming established in orchards where 

 brown rot and similar diseases are present. Orchards should be 

 protected from plant diseases and insect pests other than the Japa- 

 nese beetle by the regular spraying recommended for the various 

 localities. 



Timeliness and thoroughness in the application of the repellent 

 sprays are very important. As a general rule, and especially in locali- 

 ties where the beetles are very numerous, the first sprays should be 

 applied when the beetles begin to appear in the vicinity, before they 

 become established on the plants. In localities where the infestation 

 is not so dense, the first application may be delayed until the beetles 

 begin to appear on the plants to be protected. In the heavily infested 



