594 



The Black Currant Gall-Mite. [Jan., 



had been done. The fewer the applications, the greater the 

 number of mites. 



(c) Spraying with Soft Soap and Sulphur. — Row 7 was sprayed 

 twice with the above mentioned sprayfluid. When the 

 bushes were examined in October a fairly large number of 

 big buds were noticed ; there were, however, nothing like so 

 many as in the previous February ; roughly estimated, I should 

 think about one-third the number. In many of these buds 

 twelve to twenty adult mites were present, many im.mature 

 specimens, and a few eggs. The result of examining eighty-six 

 suspected buds showed an average of four adults, nine immature 

 mites, and three eggs per bud. 



These experiments were continued during 1906, one part of 

 lime being used to two of sulphur. Further, many fruit-growers 

 in different parts of the country took up the matter and gave 

 this method a trial. It is not necessary to detail here all of 

 the results individually. Throughout they proved completely 

 successful, and the two following may be taken as typical 

 replies to an inquiry as to the results : — 



" The plantation was one badly infested with ' big bud,' and 

 the lime and sulphur has effectually eradicated the mite." 



" Thanks to the lime and sulphur treatment, our bushes are 

 now mite-free. The cuttings enclosed will bear out our state- 

 ment." 



(iii) Natural Enemies. — As in the case of other species of 

 Eriophyes, there are associated with this species mites of other 

 families as well as various insects. The following have been 

 met with :— Species of Tetranychus, Tyroglyphus, Tarsonemus, 

 Bryobia and Sejus (E.J.L., op. cit.), Oribatidce, Actineda (C.W., 

 op. cit.) which possibly feeds upon the Efiophyes, Thrips, and 

 the larva of a dipterous fly, which last Mr. Warburton {op. 

 cit., p. 375) states feeds upon the mites, larvae of the lacewing 

 fly {Chrysopa, sp.), also a species of hover fly {Syrphus, sp.) 

 (R.N., op. cit., p. 9). 



In addition to these, reference must be made to the larva of 

 the ladybird beetle {Coccinella septempunctata, L.). 



During 1902 and 1903 I had a series of badly infested cut- 

 tings under observation, and these were practically all cured by 

 keeping them artificially supplied with this beetle. The 1902 



