February, ’24] 
CORN BORER DISCUSSION 
157 
in Massachusetts it is two-brooded and has been taken in over one 
hundred plants, you can readily understand that recommendations will 
differ in the different localities. 
Mr. S. B. Fracker: I understand that propaganda is being put out 
by the Commissioner of Agriculture of Massachusetts indicating that 
there are probably two biological strains of the European Corn Borer 
and that one strain having two generations occurs in Massachusetts 
while the one in Ohio has only a single generation. 
I would like to inquire what the opinion of the entomologists who are 
closely associated with this insect, is in that respect and whether there 
is any evidence to indicate that the introduction of specimens into 
Ohio from the infested area near Boston would result in tw^o generations 
a year. 
Mr. L. O. Howard: I think Mr. Babcock answered that question 
as far as it can be answered, in his paper. I heard Mr. Caffrey say 
something about the receiving end of the parasite work. The members 
may be interested in knowing something concerning this work in Europe. 
A parasite laboratory was situated two years in the central part of France 
in the corn-growing region, but it was rather difficult of access to the 
principal seaport. Later it was moved to a section near Marseilles and 
is being conducted by Mr. W. R. Thompson, with a number of expert 
assistants. 
Mr. H. W. Babcock: May I answer Mr. Fracker’s question? We 
have no definite evidence at present that the difference in the number 
of generations in various localities signifies a biological strain. It seems 
at present to be the result of long years adaptation to general types of 
climate. We are contemplating, however, starting a project to investi¬ 
gate the influence upon the insect of a symbiotic interference so that we 
can determine whether or not there are persistent strains, regardless of 
the normal fluctuations of the climate within a restricted locality. As far 
as the seasonal history is concerned, the indications are that the northern 
part of the state cannot support more than one annual generation. Fur¬ 
ther south there is a very good chance for two generations, and in the 
northwestern part of the state is an area which has a type of climate 
permitting intense damage over several consecutive years. 
Mr. R. C. Treherne: Supplementing the remarks of Prof. Dean 
relative to the cooperation of officials investigating the European Corn 
Borer in the United States and Canada: It was a matter of great sur¬ 
prise to me to hear there was any question on this point, for the reason 
