1910.] Grease-banding of Fruit Trees. 



549 



Experiments with Greases. 



During 1908, 1909, and the present year a series of trials 

 have been made with various greases to test their lasting 

 power. In 1908 and 1909 the experiments were entirely with 

 British greases. As none were really satisfactory for the 

 proper application of this process, they were temporarily dis- 

 carded, and experiments were made to frnd out if any of the 

 foreign greases used for this purpose keep "tacky" over a 

 greater length of time. 



In 1909-1910 German Moth glues, or Raupenleims, and 

 an American preparation called Tanglefoot were experimented 

 with. Some British greases were banded alongside the 

 German and American ones for comparison. 



The results are given in Table I. on the opposite page. 



The following is a summary of the results obtained with 

 black, white and yellow greases, and a grease of the bird- 

 lime type (Tanglefoot) : — 



A. Black or Moth Glues. — 1. These seem to have too smooth a 

 surface to hold light insects, unless put on in a very wide band. 



2. Do not seem to attract insects during the day to the same extent 

 as others. 



3. Notable absence of male Winter and Early Moths on these bands. 



4. Wingless females taken on a middle band of three on one tree. 

 Females were watched crossing the bands in two instances. 



5. Many insects seem to avoid these greases, but many caterpillars 

 were caught in them. 



6. Most last sticky 6 to 12 months. 



B. White and Yellow Greases. — 1. Many of these are not sufficiently 

 sticky to hold the females unless the bands are quite 8 inches wide. 

 Others with oils in them do so, however, at 6 inches or less, but these 

 ran down the trees. 



2. Attract insects to some extent during the day. 



3. Males attracted by both yellow and white. 



4. A few wingless females taken on upper bands, having crossed 

 while still sticky. 



5. Insects (males) undoubtedly caught in greater numbers by the> 

 light greases. 



6. Three months seems limit of "tackiness," most 1 to 2 months. 



C. Grease of Bird Lime Type. — 1. Surface very strong holding. 

 Bands 3 inches wide sufficient. Does not run. No harm caused by 

 changes in weather. 



2. Attracts insects during the day. 



3. Attracts males to same extent or more so than white or yellow 

 greases. 



4. No wingless females or weevils taken on upper band, except in 

 one instance (2 being found). 



