Orissicta’Gired isan fable 
MITES 
Cyclamen mite and broad mite are often found on the same plants at the same time. Broad mite 
could pass through a complete generation in 4 to 5 days at 70 to 80 degrees while the cyclanien 
mite will take 4 to 5 times longer. 
INJURY. Infested leaves become deformed, curl from the outside inward, and wrinkle so that pockets 
and pit-like depressions are formed. When the infestation is severe, the mites collect about the 
buds, causing them to blight. Oftentimes white varieties will show occasional red petals. 
CONTROL. Parathion dusts or sprays are more effective than bombs. Vapotone containing HETP has 
given good control. Sodium Selenate is effective when applied in liquid form '/4 gram per square 
foot after plants are well established. P40 used at the rate of 3 pounds per hundred square feet is 
another way to use sodium selenate. 
RED SPIDERS 
There are several species of red spiders that attack the chrysanthemum. They vary in color through 
yellow, orange and red. The body is oval in outline and bears eight well-developed legs. 
INJURY. Red spiders pierce the epidermis of the leaf and draw the liquid contents from the cells, 
causing the leaf to turn pale around the injured portion. They prefer to collect on the under 
surfaces of the leaves, which they cover with silken threads. 
CONTROL. Parathion or TEPP bombs are most effective and easiest to apply. HEPT or TEPP 
contained in insecticides such as Vapatone are by far the most effective on red spider. Moisture 
is detrimental to the development of the red spiders and frequent syringing washes them and 
their eggs off the plants. Sodium selenate is effective when applied in liquid form !/4 gram per 
square foot or P40 at 3 pounds per 100 sq. ft. after plants are well established; especially de- 
sirable for cloth house operators, will also control foliar nematodes. Systox emulsion used as a 
soil drench has also been found effective in mite and aphid control on outdoor plantings. Dithiono 
is another new material which looks promising. Plantfume 103 smoke generators and Fulex Para- 
thion Fumigators are simple to use and very ettective. The latest control is ARAMITE 15-W. 
SYMPHYLIDS 
Symphylids are small white creatures about '/g to % inches long. About 40-60 days are necessary 
for the completion of the life cycle. 
INJURY. Symphylids destroy the fine root hairs and small rootlets, thus stunting the plants and often 
killing them outright. 
CONTROL. If possible construct raised benches. Steam sterilization has given fair control. Dowfume G 
or Dow MC2 when properly applied will give good control. Lindane, a purified form of benzene 
hexachloride, has given good control of symphylids. Isotox (1.5% benzene hexachloride) applied 
at the rate of 5 pounds to 1000 square feet of soil will control this pest. The material should be 
mixed with the upper two inches of soil then watered in thoroughly. Parathion (15% wettable pow- 
der) used at the rate of 3 ounces in 30 gallons of water and applied to 100 sq. ft. of bed area 
has been effective. Several applications may be necessary for a complete clean-up. : 
SOWBUGS 
INJURY. Sowbugs often become so plentiful in the greenhouse that they eat the newly planted 
cuttings at the base. 
CONTROL. Any of the many poison baits will give partial control but a complete spraying with DDT 
under the benches has given excellent control. Deenate 50W will give complete control. 
Symphylid. Above, adult — 
below, eggs and young. 
j, 
Mite Injury Red Spider Injury 
66 
