Page 32 
NEW IMPROVED CERESAN 
As developed by D. B. Creager, formerly 
Research Plant Pathologist at Urbana, Ill. 
(and sec’y the Ill. Gladiolus Soc.), now sta- 
tioned at the Gladiolus Research Laboratory, 
Terra Ceia, Fla., to further study gladiolus 
bulb and plant diseases. After four year tests 
with thousands of bulbs and in conjunction ~ 
with tests by Michigan groups. 
These tests seem to indicate that it cleared 
off bulb diseases about 15 per cent better than 
did corrosive sublimate and without bloom 
delay and that in respect to bulblets, whereas 
corrosive sublimate reduced the production 
of healthy bulbs the new improved ceresan 
increased it about 100 per cent. 
Formula in small amount: 1 oz. new im- 
proved ceresan, 3 teaspoon Grasselli Spreader- 
Sticker, 3 gal. water. In larger amount, 4% 
-Ib., 5 tablespoon, 25 gal., respectively. . 
Mix the ceresan and spreader wetting agent 
first with paddle, avoiding hand contact while 
in this dangerous, concentrated form. Then 
add the water while stirring. 
Soak BULBS in thin cloth bags 15 minutes 
but not longer than 30 minutes, stirring oc- 
casionally. Soak BULBLETS 30 minutes. 
Plant same day treated else wash out in 
several water changes to stop the action and* 
spread out thinly to dry. When ready to 
make the postponed planting dip for a few 
seconds again. Replace solution after using 
three times. 
This treatment will not cure fusarium rots. 
Neither this treatment nor LYSOL is safe to 
use except on dormant bulbs and bulblets, so 
if bulbs have made appreciable root and sprout 
growth or if bulblets have been soaked for 
some time to partly germinate them, do not 
use this treatment. 
For many years we have had shocking tales 
from growers who used Lysol either too strong 
or too long or delayed planting too long with- 
out corrective measures or planted them in 
soil so wet the action of the formula was 
maintained or treated bulbs already starting 
root and top growth. So many amateurs use 
makeshift storage quarters too warm to keep 
bulbs dormant until planting time that they, 
especially, should study carefully the warn- 
ings in this article. 
We think the formulas described under this 
sub title are too hazardous for the average 
amateur grower to undertake. 
If the New Improved Ceresan and Gras- 
selli Spreader-Sticker cannot be purchased 
locally, both may be had from Vaughan’s Seed 
Store, 601 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, III. 
THE GLADIOLUS FANCIER’S 

NAPTHALENE FLAKES 
TARTAR EMETIC SPRAY 
For detailed articles on these subjects see 
our 1945 catalog, pages 31-32-33. If you do 
not have one we still have a supply and will 
mail one on request. We think enough pro- 
gress has been made in the study of DDT to | 
warrant its substitution for bulb and plant 
protection against thrips and other insects. 
DDT 
By Prof. E. I. McDaniel, 
Entomology Dept., Mich. State College 
“T)DT is a poison. Its effect on plants, 
animals or humans is not fully known. It is 
poisonous when taken into the body in suff- 
cient quantities and its effects on the body 
are cumulative. 
DDT dusts and DDT asa wettable powder 
are as safe to use as arsenical dusts and any 
arsenical spray. Home made dusts are un- 
satisfactory. DDT in oil solution or oil 
emulsion may be absorbed through the skin. 
Do not inhale the mist and do not let the 
spray remain on the skin or clothing. When 
using oil formulas use care respecting food 
and food cooking utensils, do not spray ani- 
mals and use mask or gauze over nose and 
mouth. Wear gloves and wash with soap and 
water. 
Among the garden pests controlled by 
DDT dust are thrips, leaf hoppers, plant 
bugs, mosquitoes, potato bugs, flea beetles 
and European corn borer. Weekly applica- 
tions of 3% DDT dust will safeguard gladi- 
olus and dahlias from insects. 
By M. D. Farrar, Research Entomologist, 
Section of Economic Entomology 
Ill. State Natural History Survey Div. 
A good article on use of DDT dust on dry 
bulbs in storage, in lieu of napthalene flakes, 
appears in the N. E. G. S. Dec. ’45 Gladiolus 
Magazine (obtainable as part of 1946 member- 
ship direct or through state affiliation). 
Mr. Farrar conducted experiments apply 
ing DDT dust varying from check to 10% 
strength to uncleaned, dry bulbs early in 
January, 1 oz. of dust to 40 Ibs. (1 bu.) of 
bulbs. The bulbs were stored over winter 
above 50 degrees F’., a temperature permitting 
the life cycle of thrips. All tests of 1% or 
more strength kept the bulbs free from thrips 
damage. 
These bulbs were again treated with DDT 
dust, using same formula two weeks before 
planting. Without any spraying of plants 
in the field, there was no injury to flowers 
from thrips. (We would consider 3 weeks 
before planting better to allow full life cycle 
in average May temperatures and to play 
safe against migration from other fields 
would suggest regular DDT spraying of the 
plants). | 
