CHAPTER XI 

 IXSECTS ATTACKIXG THE PECAN 



During the early days of the industry it was the impression 

 that the pecan was free from serious maladies and that a 

 regular spraying schedule would become necessary only in 

 the very remote future. Lenient nursery inspection laws and 

 the almost phenomenally rapid development of the industry 

 produced most favorable conditions for a dissemination of 

 both insects and diseases, since nursery stock and budding 

 and grafting wood were bought, sold, and exchanged with 

 little thought of scattering pests which would, in later j^ears, 

 demand serious attention. Several million pounds of pecans 

 have been imported from Mexico each year without inspection 

 and many pests have been introduced. 



The pecan is probably attacked by fewer serious insect pests 

 than almost any of the common orchard fruits; nevertheless, 

 some of the most serious must be combatted or the crops of nuts 

 will be greatly reduced, and in many cases the trees severely 

 injured. In order to combat these insects successfully it is 

 necessary to know" their characteristics, complete life history, 

 and feeding habits. By recognizing and destroying a pest 

 in its incipient stage a great saving in a year's crop of pecans 

 may be accomplished, and a general spread of the insect 

 prevented. 



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