28 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO SUBTROPICAL FRUITS. 
NATURAL CONTROL. 
Rains. — The heavy summer rains that occur in Florida are directly 
responsible for the destruction of large numbers of this thrips. 
The author did not observe any natural enemies feeding on this 
thrips. However, as TripMejps insidiosus Say feeds quite commonly 
on HeliotJirips fasciatus in California, it will probably be found to 
attack the present species. 
ARTIFICIAL CONTROL. 
Where this insect becomes sufficiently abundant to cause injury 
to the mango and avocado, it can be controlled by careful spraying 
with a nicotine extract. Mr. Edward Simmons, at the subtropical 
gardens of the Bureau of Plant Industry, has controlled it during 
the last two years by spraying according to the following formula : 
Blackleaf tobacco extract gallon . . 1 
Whale-oil soap pound . . 1 
Water gallons . . 50 
First dissolve the soap in a quantity of water, then add the black- 
leaf tobacco extract and full amount of water and thoroughly mix. 
This spray should be applied to the trees at a good pressure, so as to 
thoroughly coat the surface and underside of the leaves. 
Another formula that will give equally good results is the following : 
Take 1 part of blackleaf tobacco extract containing 40 per cent 
nicotine solution to 1,500 to 2,000 parts of water and add 1 pound 
of whale-oil soap to every 50 gallons of the mixture and thoroughly 
spray the foliage. 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 
1. Broadway, W. E.— Government Gazette of Grenada, no. 139, 1898. 
The blight of cacao was reported as caused by an insect, but no name was used. 
2. Maxwell-Lefroy, H.— West Indian Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 175-180, 188-190, 
figs. 1-2, 1901. 
Account of injury to cacao by this thrips and remedies recommended. There was no description 
of the insect itself. 
3. Giard, A.— Bui. Soc. Ent. France, pp. 263-265, 1901. 
Original description of female of this thrips under name Physophus rubrocincta, an insect injurious 
to cacao in Guadeloupe, French West Indies. 
4. Elot, A. — Revue des Cultures Coloniales, Paris, pp. 358-361, 1901. 
Under the name Physophus rubrocinctus the author gives an economic account of this insect in 
Guadeloupe. 
5. Editorial.— West Indian Bulletin, vol. 2, pp. 288-289, 1902. 
Short article reviewing that of Elot on Physophus rubrocinctus. 
6. Fawcett, W— Bui. Bot. Dept. Jamaica, vol. 9, pt. 5, pp. 70-71, 1902. 
Editorial on the article by Maxwell-Lefroy on the cacao thrips. 
7. Anon. — Government Gazette of Grenada, December 31, 1902. 
Brief mention of the cacao thrips. 
8. Anon. — Agricultural News for West Indies, vol. 2, p. 66, 1903. 
Thrips on cacao. 
