70 
Insects and Their Control 
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 cyclamen 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 infesta- 
tion is severe, the mites collect about the buds, caus- 
ing them to blight. Oftentimes white varieties will 
show occassional red petals. 
CONTROL. Parathion dusts or sprays are more effec- 
tive than bombs. Vapotone containing HETP has 
given good control. Sodium Selenate is effective 
when applied in liquid form one-quarter gram per 
sq. ft. after plants are well established. P40 used 
at the rate of 3 pounds per 100 sq. ft. is another 
way to use Sodium Selenate. Systox used as a soil 
drench has been found effective in mite control, 
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 
8 well-developed legs. 
INJURY. Red spiders pierce the epidermis of the 
leaf and draw the liquid contents from the cells, caus- 
ing 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 effec- 
tive 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 spider, and frequent 
syringing washes them and their eggs off the plants. 
Sodium Selenate is effective when applied in liquid 
Mite Injury 
‘Red Spider Injury 
form one-quarter gram per sq. ft. or P40 at 3 pounds 
per 100 sq. ft. after plants are well established; 
especially desirable 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. Plant- 
fume 103 smoke generators and Fulex Parathion 
Fumigators are simple to use and very effective. 
The latest control is ARAMITE 15-W. Dithio is much 
safer than other insecticides when used on open 
flowers. 
Symphylids 
Symphylids are small white creatures about one- 
eighth to three-sixteenth 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. Complete control can be obtained with 
Lindane applied to the soil. Lindane can be applied 
to the surface of the soil either as a dust or as a 
wettable powder in a convenient amount of water. 
Application can be made when plants are in the 
bed, but best results are obtained if the insecticide 
is worked into the soil prior to planting. Use 
Lindane 25W at the rate of 6 ounces per 1000 sq. 
ft, or 1% Lindane dust at the rate of 10 pounds per 
1000 sq. ft. 
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 
