96 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS. 



NOTES ON THE FRUIT-TREE BARK-BEETLE AND OTHER BORERS 

 AFFECTING FRUIT TREES. 



Since the publication of Circular No. 29, second series, on the fruit- 

 tree bark-beetle (Scolytus rugulosus Katz.), a few notes have been gath- 

 ered from correspondence and from personal observation which will be 

 here recorded. 



These notes corroborate statements made in the circular in regard to 

 the parent beetles choosing diseased trees by preference for oviposition, 

 as also statements that beetles will attack healthy trees, add some new 

 food plants to the known list already published, and demonstrate the 

 efficacy of kerosene when rubbed upon infested trunks and branches 

 as a remedy for the beetles. Certain other facts are also mentioned. 



Certain other fruit-tree borers have also come under observation and 

 will be briefly mentioned. 





THE FRUIT-TREE BARK-BEETLE. 

 (Scolytus rugulosus Ratz.) 



May 16, 1898, Prof. E. A. Popenoe wrote from Topeka, Kans., that in 

 a search for trees attacked by this species in different portions of 

 Kansas many rows of trees were examined, and in nearly every tree 

 affected the top was blighted or a stump remained whence a blighted 

 branch had been cut. Beetles were also noticed in pear trees whose 

 leaves were colored so as to indicate ill health and were found to be 

 also diseased at the root below the budding point. Many of the dis- 

 eased trees showed the beetles just beginning work, precluding the 

 possibility of the appearance of disease resulting from the beetle attack. 

 The conclusion was reached that the diseased trees were preferred by 

 the Scolytus as a place of oviposition. In a few trees, however, the 

 beetles were found at work where there was no sign whatever of ill 

 health in the tree attacked, thus corroborating statements of like nature 

 previously made by the writer. 



Mr. Ernest Walker, of Clemson College, S. C, wrote May 18 that 

 this species was doing damage on Prunus simini and Japanese plums. 



Mr. J. C. Andrus, Manchester, Scott County, 111., stated in a letter 

 dated May 15 that in his experience this species attacks mountain ash 

 and Juneberry (Amelanchier canadensis), both new food plants for this 

 country, and the lutter unrecorded. 



In response to inquiry in regard to remedies, Mr. C. C. Beals, of New 

 London, Howard County, Ind., wrote under date of August 23 that this 

 insect made its appearance at that place about the middle of July, 

 peppering the bark of the cherry trees with holes and running about 

 over the bark. In two or three days after the first noticed appearance 

 a tree was sprayed with kerosene, but this had no apparent effect.. 

 The kerosene was then rubbed upon the trunk and larger branches 



