78 



ANNUAL REPORT 1919 AND 1920 



lected. In shape and color this red spider is similar to all red spiders generally, 

 and is scientifically known as Teiran^chus ^othersi, McG. This spider rs to be 

 found infesting a number of plants in Florida, among which is camphor, and has 

 particularly adapted itself to the avocado. It may be distinguished somewhat 

 from other red spiders in that it confines its depredations to the upper surface of 

 the foliage entirely. It is usually from the latter part of October until April 

 that the greatest damage is caused to the avocado by this pest. Orchards heavily 

 infested in a short time appear as if scorched by fire. The foliage attacked turns 

 brown and drops prematurely. Frequently there is a heavy denudation and the 

 trees so attacked generally bear less fruit. 



A species of the thrips which attacks the avocado during the blossoming 

 period is scientifically known as Franf^liniella cephalica Crawford. It is a close 

 relative to the citrus blossom thrips, from which it differs in that it is much lighter 

 in color. The species is known to occur in Mexico and has but recently been 

 reported in this country. It is present in southern Florida, where it lives on many 

 species of plants during their blossoming time. As soon as the avocados commence 

 to bloom, this thrips makes its appearance. It deposits its eggs in great numbers 

 in the bloom spikelets and other parts of the stems supporting the bloom. It also 

 attacks the tender new growth flushing out from the blossom cluster, and deposits 

 its eggs in the veins of the tender leaves. The thrips often so severely attacks 

 bloom as to seriously weaken the stems which bear the fruits. Where injury is 

 extensive to bloom it may seriously interfere with the setting of the fruit. The 

 adults and young also feed on the blossom parts within the flower. 



METHOD OF GRAFTING AND TOP-WORKING THE AVOCADO 



S. W. FUNK, CHARTER OAK, CALIF. 



Mr. PresidenU Ladies and Centlemen: 



The accompanying diagram shows different methods of making cambium 

 connections in grafting without splitting and injuring the wood. 



Fig. 1. is an end view showing incision '*A" through the outer bark to 

 accommodate the scion or twig "A" which is cut to approximately fit. Also 

 showing twig "A" inserted. Also incision "B" to accommodate twig "B". 



Fig. 2 is a side view showing twigs "A" and "B" inserted and also incisions 

 *'A" and "B" for their respective twigs. 



Fig. 3 shows a splice graft where the stock is quite small. The dark spot 

 represents a little of the wax which is put on the bark hot, to which one end of 

 the cloth is stuck, serving to hold the twig and stock together to begin wrapping. 

 This is a very efl^ective method where the stock is small and where twigs can be 

 obtained practically the size of the stock. 



THE WRAPPING CLOTH AND HOW TO WRAP AJSfD PUT ON THE WAX 



Old muslin strong enough to wrap tightly is the best. Next best is cheap 

 muslin. Cut into strips about three-quarters of an inch wide and long enough to 

 wrap the twig tightly to the stock. Beginning about one-half inch below the 

 twig, wrap even with the top of the stub of the stock. The most convenient way 

 is to put a little of the hot wax on the bark and stick one end of the cloth to it and 

 begin wrapping, and when all the string is used except a couple of inches put a 

 little of the wax on the cloth and stick it fast, then wax the cloth thoroughly, 

 and down on to the stock. Wax top of stub well and up on the twig about half 

 an inch. Put a little wax on top of the twig. 



