150 



TWENTY-NINTH FRUIT-GROWERS' CONVENTION. 



presence of Comys fusca, parasite of the scale. From 20 to 75 per cent 

 of the scales were invariably found parasitized. The increase of this 

 scale may be attributed to the cold, damp spring months, which would 

 have no influence on the scale, but would prove fatal to the delicate 

 chalcid fly. 



The black scale {Lecanium olese) in deciduous orchards is on the 

 decrease, partly due to the work of Rhizobius ventralis and Tomo- 

 cera californica, both enemies of this scale. In nearly every orchard 

 can be found quantities of these parasites. The African parasite, 

 Scutellista cyanea, can be found in good numbers here and there, 

 especially in localities where more or less orange, olive, and other 

 evergreen shrubbery exists adjacent to the deciduous trees. It will be 

 a greater task to keep this parasite in the deciduous orchards, owing to 

 the existence of but one yearly brood of scale. From the citrus dis- 

 tricts come encouraging reports of the good work the African parasite 

 is doing in eradicating this pest. 



Among the armored scales, those that lie loosely beneath a true scale, 

 we find the greedy scale (Aspidiotus rapax), red scale {A. auranti), 

 pear diaspis (Diaspis pyricola), and the purple scale {Myiilaspis citri- 

 cola) the most numerous and the most destructive. The greedy scale 

 can be found on all kinds of trees and shrubbery, and seems to thrive 

 best where plenty of shade exists, which is very noticeable on umbrella 

 trees with heavy tops. The red scale, according to reports, seems to be 

 rather at a standstill, and in some localities it is claimed to be kept in 

 check by the golden chalcid (Aspidiotophagus citrinus). The pear dias- 

 pis is present in a few sections only, but owing to its habit of getting 

 under moss, lichens, and loose bark, it is a very difficult scale to combat, 

 either by artificial means or by natural enemies. The purple scale is also 

 found in a few districts and is being vigorously fought by fumigation 

 and spraying. Other species, like Aspidiotus citrinus and A. pernicio- 

 sus, are not numerous and are not considered dangerous, although 

 reported from several localities at intervals. These species are kept in 

 check by natural enemies, and the expense of fumigation and spraying 

 is saved. 



Codling-Moth (Carpocapsa pomonella). — As far as I can learn, this 

 pest has been more abundant than usual this season. One cause for 

 this I am certain is the neglect of the grower to gather up fallen w.ormy 

 fruit. This pest should be easily controlled if, as reported, the experi- 

 ments in Pajaro Valley successfully reduced the pest from 50 per cent 

 loss to but 5 or 10 per cent loss. What we want is a parasite, and I 

 understand that one has been found in Europe. 



Cankerworms {Alsophila pometaria). — This pest was again present in 

 numbers in several counties. The ill success with the paris green spray 



