CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
33 ? 
ing on the roots, and the beetles are effective carriers of 
the dreaded bacterial disease known as “cucurbit wilt.” 
The beetles appear in April or May, and feed on the 
young plants as soon as they are up. Egg laying begins 
promptly and the larvae feed on the stems, many of them 
entering when the plants are greatly weakened if not 
killed. When cold weather approaches, the beetles seek 
shelter in which to hibernate. 
FIG. 82 . POWER SPRAYER FOR CUCURBITS 
Poisons alone are not effective controls since it is de- 
sired to keep the beetles entirely away from the plants, 
if possible, to prevent the production of larvae and the 
spread of the bacterial wilt. Dusting with arsenate of 
lead and land plaster, 1 pound to 20, has proved effica- 
cious in Ohio, as has spraying with calcium arsenate, 
1 ounce, hydrated lime, 1 ounce, and water, 1 gallon. 
Various tobacco dusts are also used. Covering the hills 
with mosquito netting will protect the plants when small. 
If the plants are started under glass and set in the field 
when four weeks old, the danger of loss will not be so great. 
