1932] 
SERVICE AND REGULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS 79 
spikkel itself. In one case of delayed examination the nemas were found 4 inches 
below the spikkel. 
In addition to the examination of the leaf, the bulb itself may be inspected in 
the manner described below for the warehouse examination. In the case of recent 
infestation reaching the bulb from infested soil, there are cases in which the 
eelworms are found in the leaves but can not be discovered in the bulbs. On the 
other hand, in the case of bulbs which the grower has attempted to treat the 
previous summer, there appear to be instances in which there are a few surviving 
nematodes in the bulb without showing leaf symptoms, and the presence of such 
infestation may not be discovered until the time of the warehouse examination. 
In other instances, such plants, although without spikkels, can be detected 
because of being stunted, or showing yellow streaks, or because the leaves are 
sickle-shaped. 
Field sanitation. — Narcissus inspectors, in addition to being responsible for 
seeing that interstate shipments are free from infestation, are also representatives 
of the State in pest suppression on the grower's premises. 
The issuance of the Federal narcissus-bulb quarantine is based on vigorous and 
pressing representations to the United States Department of Agriculture by the 
various State nursery inspectors and practically all the commercial interests 
involved that every effort is being and will be made to eliminate eelworm and bulb- 
fly infestation from the narcissus plantings of the United States so far as possible. 
Direct sanitation on the premises concerned, treatment of the planting stock, and 
all local eradication methods must be carried out under the laws of the State 
concerned, as the United States Department of Agriculture does not have direct 
jurisdiction as to such suppression. If the States concerned should fail to carry 
out such suppressive measures under their authority, the Federal department 
would be compelled to consider the withdrawal of protection of their plantings 
from outside infestation. 
Suggestions as to field sanitation methods are given in the concluding section of 
Circular B. P. Q. — 337 and should be carefully studied. 
STORAGE INSPECTION 
Purposes. — The purposes of warehouse inspection are to detect the presence of 
the greater bulb fly (Merodon equestris) and to check on nematode infestation in 
blocks in which such infestation was not found in the field. 
Inspection for greater bulb fly. — This fly usually works in the center of the bulb 
and destroys the inner leaves and flower stalk. Its presence is discovered by 
determining the firmness of the bulb through pressure. Bulbs may become soft 
on account of the presence of various insect pests, mites, or diseases. An experi- 
enced inspector can often determine by the feel of the bulb whether any softness or 
tendency to yield to pressure is due to fly infestation. An examination of the 
basal plate is also of value as it is often possible to find the point of entrance and 
the breathing hole of the fly larva. Scrape off any injured or diseased area to 
discover such point of entrance. 
In some areas greater bulb flies are so generally distributed that infestation is 
assumed and all bulbs fumigated as a routine measure. Occasionally in such 
areas a grower insists on sufficient inspection to show the presence of narcissus 
flies, but in the districts concerned fly infestation can usually be readily dis- 
covered on inspection. 
Inspection for eelworms in stored bulbs. — In examining stored narcissus bulbs for 
eelworm infestation, hold the neck of the bulb between the thumb and the index 
finger, and apply pressure in order to determine firmness of the bulb. Holding 
one bulb in each hand will aid in comparing firmness. If the bulb feels softer 
than the average of the variety, cut off the tip of the neck of the bulb. However, 
the inspector should be conservative in cutting bulbs. He should be careful to 
cut only the tip just below the discoloration of the dormant leaf tissue and not 
slice down lower on the neck unless some of the leaves or rings show discoloration. 
Care should also be taken not to cut an excessive number. If some of the rings 
are off-color, the specimen should be examined microscopically for nematode 
unless the condition is clearly caused by some mechanical injury or neck rot. 
The six inner rings of a narcissus bulb, as a rule, represent this year's new 
growth. It is desirable to record the position of the ring found infested, as that 
information may prove of value in tracing the source of infestation in new plant- 
ings, as well as in determining whether presoaking is necessary when treatment 
is given. Such presoaking is especially desirable where the infestation is in the 
outer scales. 
