48 



wrote, in response to inquiry, that the presence of the larva? in one 

 end of the pods had caused the tissue there to die prematurely and 

 permitted the entrance of moisture, which naturally checked the fur- 

 ther development of the seeds, thus" corroborating the writer's views 

 on this subject. 



Two species of hymenopterous parasites have been reared from this 

 Chalcodermus Ennyomma clistoides Town., and Sigalphus sp. (See 

 Insect Life, Vol. VII, p. 280.) 



The holes left in the pods affected by this weevil, which form by 

 cracking or otherwise, leads also to secondary infestation by other 

 insects, including scavengers. Among these, reared during the past 

 year from cowpea, was Glover's grain moth (Batrachedra rileyi Wals.), 

 which has elsewhere been mentioned somewhat more in detail (Bui. 8, 

 n. s., pp. 32, 33) as attacking corn and cotton bolls injured by insects. 



REMEDIES. 



From what has been learned of the habits of the cowpea-pod weevil 

 it does not seem that it demands remedial treatment in cotton fields. 

 In fields of cowpea it would be difficult, although possible, to kill the 

 insects with an arsenical spray. This would necessarily have to be 

 applied by underspra}dng in order to reach the insects, and it is ex- 

 tremely doubtful if this would be profitable. It should be ascertained 

 when the insect normally develops in greatest numbers in the fall, and 

 this may lead to a partial solution of the problem. If it be found in 

 any stage in cowpea when the pods are picked for seed, and any other 

 species of seed weevil like Bruchus chinensis or B. quadrirnacvlatus are 

 also present, fumigation with bisulphid of carbon is indicated. If 

 otherwise, the plants, if badly injured, should be promptly and deeply 

 plowed under. As to infestation of beans, injury may be obviated by 

 not planting this crop in the immediate neighborhood of cowpea which 

 has been infested the previous year. It is unnecessary to state that it 

 would not be wisdom to spray affected beans just before picking, but 

 within a week or two of this time it could be done if the beans 

 were afterwards washed or a storm ensued, without an}^ danger what 

 ever to the consumer. In case a spray is used, arsenate of lead 

 combined with Bordeaux mixture is advised, according to directions 

 furnished in Farmers' Bulletin 127 (1903 ed., pp. 11-13). 



