The Bean Beetle. 



[JUNE. 



common lime, or of ground lime, are not so useful as is a dressing 

 of 2j tons of common lime. It should be noted also that the 

 results obtained from certain plots show that lime may be even 

 more effectual on the second than on the first turnip crop which 

 follows its application. Lime probably does not check the disease 

 to the greatest extent till many years afterwards. Judicious 

 applications of heavier dressings of gas lime, where this is easily 

 procured, may be very useful, and this is probably best applied 

 to the hay stubble, on which it should be carefully spread and 

 be exposed for at least two months before being ploughed in. 



The Bean Beetle {Bruchus rufimanus) is similar in appearance 

 and habits to the Pea Beetle (B. pisi), in regard to which a 

 note appeared in this Journal for July, 

 •The Bean Beetle. 1904 (p. 225). 



As in the case of the pea beetle, its 

 presence is harmful, because it interferes with and may prevent 

 germination, while the consumption of the stores of food laid 

 up for the use and proper development of the future plant 

 frequently causes the resulting plants to be weakly. 



Life History. — The beetles after pairing lay their eggs on 

 the very young pods in the field. Out of the egg hatches a 

 white, wrinkled grub, which bores into the nearest bean and 

 nourishes itself till full grown on the reserve matter of the seed. 

 When full grown the grub becomes a pupa inside the bean, and 

 in the spring (sometimes earlier) the beetles emerge. The 

 round hole shows the place of emergence ; in beans that still 

 contain the beetle a little round patch on the skin or coat of 

 the bean marks the place where the beetle lies. 



Remedial Measures. — r. Nothing can be done against this 

 beetle in the fields, but beans containing the beetle should not 

 be sown, as the insects will issue, pair, and lay on the new crop. 

 Those that have emerged before sowing fly to the plants for 

 their egg laying. 



2. If the beans are placed in a closed jar, the beetles will 

 come out and die without harming the seeds further. The 

 beans can then be sown in the next season, but those with 



