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SEABROOK NURSERIES GLADIOLUS 
CONTROL OF THRIP 
Do not throw Thrip infested bulbs away. Treat with Napthalene Flakes or a 
disinfectant. This insect can be carried on clothing, from one field to another by 
birds, high winds or in bouquets. Many a bulb is perfectly clean when planted, 
yet in some manner contracts Thrip before season is over. 
Thrip are black and cream, 1-16 inch long and live in the folded gladiolus 
leaves. Sometimes they can be detected by the silvery sheen on leaves, although 
many times discovery is too late and the buds do not open, as the insect has ex¬ 
tracted all juice from them previously. 
When plants are about four inches tall and thrip is found, it is best to use a 
solution of the following as a weekly spray. One rounded tablespoon of Paris 
green, two pounds of brown sugar and three gallons of water well mixed. If a 
stronger solution is desired, which is harmless, use two tablespoons of Paris 
green instead of one, to the same mixture. Some have substituted cheap molasses 
in place of brown sugar, which is good. The solution must get into the folded 
leaves to be effective. 
If discovery is made too late, it is best to cut tops off, about six inches from 
ground and burn them, allow bulbs to stay in ground until digging time. The above 
spray can be used on remaining stalk to kill anything which might be left. 
Dig, clean and dry bulbs in usual manner. Place thoroughly dry bulbs in 
boxes, heavy paper bags or receptacles. Sprinkle Napthalene Flakes at the rate 
of 1 pound to 1000 bulbs or 1 ounce to 100 conns over bulbs. Immediately cover 
receptacles with heavy paper or tie heavy paper bags at top to confine fumes. 
Keep bulbs at temperature of about 60 degrees for three weeks. Then shake off 
flakes and store bulbs in dry place, uncovered, at 40-50 degrees for winter. 
Bichloride of Mercury can be used to disinfect in proportion of 1 ounce to 8 
gallons of water, or 10-5 grain tablets to gallon water, or if only a small amount 
of bulbs use 1-5 grain tablet to 1 pint water, soaking bulbs in solution for 3 hours. 
If many varieties to soak at same time, place them in sugar, salt or net bags, 
labelling each variety, using little wood labels. A waterproof pencil can be used 
on the labels for marking. 
Pass this information along to your neighbors and friends who are lovers of 
gladiolus that they, too, may help destroy this pest. 
NAPTHALENE FLAKES, 2 POUND PACKAGE, 50 CENTS 
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