PLANT MAGGOTS destroy roots 
of cabbages, kale, radishes, and 
broccoli. Other kinds feed on 
sprouting beans, corn, and peas. 
Plants such as cabbage on whose 
roots maggots are feeding appear 
stunted, and their leaves turn bluish 
green. These insects cannot be 
6 
controlled. after plants are infested. 
Preventive measures such. as treat- 
ing the seed with a mercury com- 
pound before planting may afford 
some protection. A 3-inch tar- 
paper disk (illustrated)—cut to the 
center so that it will fit snugly—if 
placed flat on the ground and 
fitted around each newly set plant, 
will afford protection. If maggots 
threaten the crop, a mercury treat- 
ment of calomel or corrosive subli- 
mate may be applied to the soil 
around the plants. Maggot injury 
to newly planted beans, corn, and 
melon seed: usually occurs during 
cool, wet periods when seed germi- 
nation is slowed down. Prepare a 
good seedbed and plant shallow 
during warm periods to promote 
rapid germination of the seed. 
Avoid breathing or getting into the mouth 
dusts containing mercury compounds; avoid 
storing them; and thoroughly clean all ves- 
sels used in mixing and handling poisonous 
compounds, 
