INSECT PESTS OF CIGAR-TYPE TOBACCOS 39 
While grasshoppers are found in greatest abundance in unculti- 
vated grassland, sufficient numbers may emerge inside tobacco shade 
fields to necessitate control measures. ‘This is frequently the case even 
when the soil has been well plowed and harrowed during the preceding 
winter. 
Control is accomplished most easily and economically when the in- 
sects are small and before the tobacco plants have attained much 
erowth. One of the most effective and cheapest means of controlling 
grasshoppers is the use of poisoned-bran bait such as the following: 
Wile atta oisaa eee = FE, caper oe ae ta Ye Se Se ee 50 pounds 
J EAE CHS SPER SUEY 0 cP ei ea ee Epnee e205 = a0 
Cheap sirup, or preferably blackstrap molasses___—______~ 3 quarts 
Water to moisten. 
% 
seb 
hist stig = ga e a 
Figure 45.—Applying poisoned bait between the rows of tobacco plants for the 
control of grasshoppers. Care must be exercised to avoid scattering any of 
the mixture on the plants, otherwise serious burning of the foliage will result. 
The bran and paris green should be mixed thoroughly in the dry 
state, after which the water and sirup should be added. Small quan- 
tities of the bait may be prepared in a large tub, and larger quantities 
can be mixed in containers of greater capacity. The mixture should be 
damp but not wet. Persons mixing the bait should observe all precau- 
tionary measures regarding the handling of paris green and should not 
breathe excessive quantities of the dry material. 
The poisoned bait should be scattered thinly over the infested shade 
fields at the rate of about 10 pounds, dry weight, per acre. If the 
tobacco is newly set, the bait may be broadcast over the land without 
detriment to the plants, provided it is scattered evenly. If the plants 
have begun to grow, the mixture should be applied in the space 
between the rows (fig. 45). It will cause burning if it is thrown onto 
the foliage of large plants. To obtain the greatest benefit from the 
