reelings to Glad ey Cuenpuie 
The 1949 growing season in central lowa was one of the best; rainfall came well 
distributed and sufficient to make fine growth. With a near record corn crop produced 
in Iowa, the Gladioulus crop was likewise exceptional. Good rains (3.5 inches) during 
the first ten days of September came just right to make one of the best bulb crops we 
can remember. This was followed by a dry, warm October which was perfect for com- 
pleting growth of the bulbs, free of disease, and perfect conditions for harvest. There is 
nothing like good soil, just the right amount of moisture and plenty of sunshine to 
produce heavy, high crowned bulbs. Step forward folks, we have them this year. 
To arrive at the proper price for bulbs of many varieties is always a problem, We 
try to use the lowest quotations found in the better catalogues issued; if still too high 
we will meet the prices of reliable growers, so long as our stock lasts. Beyond this 
the differences in values received may be found in quality of bulbs, in overcount and 
extras. Perhaps the best way to find out is to place a trial order. 
CLASSIFICATION NOTE 
The North American Gladiolus Council classification places Glads in size divisions 
as follows: Miniature, 100 series; Small Glads, 200 series; Medium, 300 series; Large, 
400 series; Giant, 500 series. The color class is indicated by the last two digits. For ex- 
plantation see classified list published by the North American Gladiolus Council. Every 
Glad grower should have this list which is a key to information on the size and color 
classes of varieties. 
JOIN THE NORTH AMERICAN GLADIOLUS COUNCIL 
An international organization sending to its members quarterly size Bulletins with 
much information of interest; also the Annual Classification of Gladiolus Varieties. 
Subscriptions: members 0 ht cles oe ree eae ae cine Eee tae eee ee $1.50 per year 
Send to membership Secretary, Alfons Bazdorf, Lincoln Park, N. J. Join the lowa 
Gladiolus Society and receive “Glad Tidings.’ Send $1.50 to Sec. Wm. H. Collins, State 
House, Des Moines, lowa, and receive Glad Tidings, Bulletin of the N. Am. Gladiolus 
Council and Classification of Varieties. 
THRIPS CONTROL MADE EASY 
During the 1946 season we carried out experiments in the control of Thrips on 
bulbs and plants, using DDT in dust form. The first publication on results of controlling 
thrips in field plantings appeared in our article “Hello Dust, Good-bye Spray’’ in the 
Sept. (1946) Bulletin of the North American Gladiolus Council. We are now completely 
sold on the use of dust for its effectiveness, convenience and ease of application. We 
recommend using 5% strength of DDT dust, compounded from ‘“‘Deenate,”’ a 50% wet- 
table DDT powder, using a fine grade of talc as the diluent base. 5% DDT dust is now 
on the market in many places. 
Treat the bulbs soon after harvest while drying by blowing the dust over and 
through the trays of bulbs cr other containers. A small hand gun holding a pint or less 
of dust is most convenient for the purpose. Small lots of bulbs may be treated by placing 
bulbs and dust in large paper bags and shaking gently. Bulbs so treated will be protected 
against roving thrips since the insects will be killed as fast as they contact the dust. DDT 
residue will not injure the bulbs. Protecting the growing plants is best done by using the 
same 5% DDT dust, blowing it on the plants with a dust gun at weekly intervals. Keep it 
up until September if you want good late blooms. We have checked enough results to 
find this program is more efficient than tartar emetic sprays or other insecticides used 
in the past. DDT liquid sprays are also effective but the labor saving advantages of 
using dust will eventually result in most growers discarding the sprayers in favor of dust- 
ing machines. We have used a Root hand gun duster of a size holding about four pounds 
of dust, shoulder strap supported and with hand crank, covering one acre of Glads with 
dust in two hours. Warning: If you do much dusting you should provide yourself with 
a respirator or gas mask. Breathing much dust will cause headaches and possibly more 
serious troubles. 
DISEASE CONTROL ; 
We use and recommend ‘‘New Improved Ceresan’’ as a dip at planting time. If 
you grow many Glads or expect to continue growing them it is necessary to dip the 
bulbs in a disinfectant just before planting. Use | oz. of N. I. C. in 3 gals. of water and 
add 3 teaspoons of Dreft as a wetting agent, or a brand of Spread-Sticker. Do not use 
bare hands to mix concentrated N. I. C. First make a paste of the powder then add larger 
volume of water. Soak bulbs and bulblets for 30 minutes, then drain off the liquid and 
