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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY— BULLETIN No. 104.'

L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau.

• THE FIG MOTH.

F. II. CIHTTEXDEX, S< . I).,
In Cliurge of Triuck ( 'r<>j> and Stored Product Tijpcci hwestigdtions.

REPORT OX THE FIG MOTH IX MlRli;

BY

E. G. SMYTH,

JC/itomoIoijical AsmtoCTlt,

IssiED NbVEMBEB 4, 1911.

\\ ASIIIMITDN:

r-'VKRNMKNT I'K I N II \ I ; OfrPICK,

1911.

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate

Fig. 1.— Smyrna Fig from New York City, Showing Injury by hg Moth
(Ephestia cautella). (Original.)

Fig. 2.— Dried Figs Infested with Fig-Moth Larv/e, Showing Holes Bored
Through Skins, Abundant Excreta Adhering to Figs, and Single Larva
at Right. (Original.)

U. S. DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE,

BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY— BULLETIN No. 104.

L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau.

THE FIG MOTH.

F. H. CHITTENDEN, Sc. D.,

In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations.

REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IX SMYRNA

E. G. SMYTH,

Entomological Assistant.

Issued November 45 1911.

w LSHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1011.

BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY.

L. O. Howard, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau.
C. L. Marlatt, Entomologist and Acting Chief in Absence of Chief.
R. S. Clifton, Executive Assistant.
W. F. Tastet, Chief Clerk.

F. H. Chittenden, in charge of truck crop and stored product insect investigations.

A. D. Hopkins, in charge of forest insect investigations.

W. D. Hunter, in charge of southern field crop insect investigations.

F. M. Webster, in charge of cereal and forage insect investigations.

A. L. Quaintance, in charge of deciduous fruit insect investigations.

E. F. Phillips, in charge of bee culture.

D. M. Rogers, in charge of preventing spread of moths, field work.

Roi.la P. Currie. in charge of editorial work.

Mabel Colcord, in charge of library.

Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations.
F. H. Chittenden, in charge.

H. M. Russell, C. H. Popenoe, Wm. B. Parker, H. O. Marsh, E. G. Smyth,0

Thos. H. Jones, M. M. High, Fred A. Johnston, entomological assistants.
I. J. Condit, collaborator in California.
P. T. Cole, collaborator in tidewater Virginia.
W. X. Ord, collaborator in Oregon.
Marion T. Van Horn, pre pa rat or.

° Transferred to cereal and forage insect investigations, Mar. 15, 1911.
2

LETTER OE TRANSMITTAL

United States Department of Agriculture,

Bureau of Entomology,
Washington, D. C, August 2, 1911.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript of a
bulletin dealing with the fig moth. It consists of two papers, the
first, entitled "The Fig Moth," by Dr. F. H. Chittenden, in charge
of truck-crop and stored-product insect investigations, and the sec-
ond, entitled "Report on the Fig Moth in Smyrna," by Mr. E. G.
Smyth, entomological assistant.

While the fig moth has been known in this country as a pest since
1897, at which time a short preliminary paper was published in
regard to it in Bulletin Xo. 8. new series, of this bureau, it was not
until 1908 that the insect attracted any great attention. It had by
that time invaded mills of various kinds, including rice mills in the
Southern States, and in these situations it is now quite a serious pest.
In 1909 and 1910 thousands of dollars worth of figs were condemned
by the Bureau of Chemistry under the law regulating the sale of
adulterated or deleterious foods and drugs. This led the Importers
and dealers in Smyrna figs to request an investigation of the matter
by the United States Department of Agriculture.

In pursuance of your directions Mr. E. G. Smyth visited Smyrna
in Asia Minor to investigate the local conditions under which this
important industry is carried on. and his report is embodied in the
second paper of this bulletin. The work upon which the first paper
is based was conducted by Dr. Chittenden in person, ami this portion
of the bulletin gives a very full general account of the insect.

The life history and food habits of the fig moth, as it occurs in the
District of Columbia, where the weather in midsummer is not ma-
terially cooler than in Smyrna, have been thoroughly worked out,
while the recommendations as to remedies are based upon actual
experiments.

Particularly valuable among the remedies suggested would be the
treatment of figs in specially prepared fumigatories located a short
distance from the '•khans" or buildings in which the figs arc stored

3

4 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

It has been tound that bisulphid of carbon in a high temperature,
ranging between 90° F. and 100° F., will kill practically all fig moths
with an exposure of 24 hours, even with less of the fumigant than
is usually advised.

I recommend the publication of these papers as Bulletin No. 104
of the Bureau of Entomology at the earliest possible moment, since
tliere is urgent demand for this information on the part of merchants
and growers interested in the culture, shipment, and sale of Smyrna
figs.

Respectfully, L. O. Howard,

Chief of Bureau.
Hon. James Wilson,

Secretary of Agriculture.

CONTEXTS.

Page.

The fig moth (Ephestia cautella Walk. F. If. Chittenden . . 9

Introduction 9

Description of the species 10

Characters of the moth 10

Technical description of the moth 11

Distribution 11

Description of the earlier stages 11

The egg 11

The newly hatched larva 12

The full-grown larva 12

The cocoon and pupa 13

Literature and history of the species in Europe 13

History of the species in America 14

List of food materials 19

Inspection of Smyrna figs in the Bureau of Entomology 21

Inspection of samples of figs from the Dried Fruit Association 25

Average infestation of figs entering the port of Xew York 28

Life-history notes on the fig moth 2S

Oviposition 28

The transformation to pupa 29

The life cycle 29

Natural enemies 30

Methods of control 32

Preventives 33

Heat as a remedy 34

Methods of packing figs as a protection against insect attack 35

Experiments with fumigants at a high temperature 36

Bisulpbid oi carbon

Hydrocyanic-acid gas 37

Summary 38

Bibliographical list 39

Report on the fig moth in Smyrna E.G. Smyth . . 41

Sources of infestal ion 41

Occurrence of larvae in the orchard 42

Egge on figs on the trees 42

Mollis in the orchard 43

< )\ iposition on figs drying <>n the "aerghi " 44

Percentage of infestation on the "serghj '* 45

infestation in fig depots 46

Infestation in freight cars 46

Infestation in bazaars in Smyrna 47

Infestation in the "khans" 47

Infestation in Bteamers during ocean transit 4S

The principal source <<i infestation 45

5

6 CONTENTS.

Report on the fig moth in Smyrna — Continued. Page.

Methods of control 49

Destruction of the earlier broods of the moth 49

Protection of drying figs 50

Excluding moths from fig "depots " 50

Destruction of eggs on figs 50

Discontinuing the retention of figs inland 51

Elimination of larvae in the khans 52

Experiments in the khans 53

Destruction of larvae by vacuum treatment 53

Ridding figs of larvae by steam 54

Scalding figs in hot water to kill larvae 55

Apparatus for sterilizing with hot air 59

Success of hot-air treatment in killing larvae 62

Practicability of sterilizing all figs in Smyrna 63

Summary of preventive measures 65

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PLATES.

Page.

Plate I. Fig. 1. — Smyrna fig from New York City, showing injury by the fig
moth (Ephestia cautella). Fig. 2.— Dried figs infested by fig-moth

larvae Frontispiece.

II. Pile of figs in fig depot, one of the primary places of infestation 32

III. Fig. 1. — Figs packed by string method. Fig. 2. — Some of same figs

to illustrate larval infestation 36

IV. Package of Smyrna figs, packed in Turkey for American trade, accord-

ing to layer method 3G

V. Fig. 1. — Extensive fig orchards in valley of Caystrus River, Asia
Minor. Fig. 2. — Typical Smyrna fig orchard in Meander Valley,
Asia Minor 42

VI. Fig. 1. — The crude form of "serghi" employed in most orchards for
drying figs. Fig. 2. — Near view of figs drying on "serghi/' Nazli,
Asia Minor 44

VII. Fig. 1. — "Serghi" of reeds laid in long rows, used in large orchards.
Fig. 2. — Uruk girls spreading figs on "serghi" to dry, Tchifte

Kaive, Asia Minor 44

VIII. Fig. 1. — Team of water buffalo, with driver and Turkish cart, often
used for carrying figs. Fig. 2. — Figs arriving at a "depot," brought
from orchard on horseback by peasant who grew them, Tchifte
Kaive, Asia Minor 46

IX. Fig. 1. — Figs of different grades being mixed in "depot" of interior,
and resacked for shipment to Smyrna. Fig. 2. — Camel caravan
conveying figs from a "depot " to railroad station in interior of Asia

M inor 46

X. Fig. 1. — Closed railroad car or "wagon," used in transporting figs
from interior of Asia Minor to Smyrna. Fig. 2. — An indoor fig
bazaar at Smyrna 48

XI. Fig. 1. — Pile of refuse figs in a Smyrna "khan." Fig. 2. — Crook

women grading the refuse figs in a Smyrna "khan " 48

XII. Fig. 1. — Large "paciale" of natural (dried) figs, ready to sack for
export, in a fig'"khan" in Smyrna. Fig. 2.— Natural (dried) tigs
being watered and mixed 48

XIII. Fig. 1. — Thousands of bags of natural (dried) figs in a Smyrna "khan"

for export to America. Fig. 2. — Skeleton cases of Smyrna layer
figs bound for America in hold of Mediterranean steamer at Genoa.

XIV. Fig. 1. — A hand vacuum machine lor extracting air from jars of t

and its operator. Fig. 2.— Oven for sterilization of tigs by dry

heat .

XV. Fig. 1. Strain disinfecting closet . Fig. 2.- Interior of steam disin-
fecting closet 52

7

8 ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.
Plate XVI. Fig. 1. — Copper boilers and galvanized strainers used for steriliz-
ing figs in a Smyrna "khan." Fig. 2.— Interior of oven for dry-
ing trays of figs which have been sterilized by boiling, used in
a fig "khan" in Smyrna 56

TEXT FIGURES.

Fig. 1. The fig moth (Ephestia cautella): Adult, larva, and details 10

2 . The Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia huehniella) : Larva 10

3. Hadrobracon hebetor, a parasite of the fig moth: Adult female and

antenna of male 31

4. Omorgafrumentaria, a parasite of the fig moth: Adult 31

THE FIG MOTH

By F. II. Chittenden, Sc. I).,
In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigation*.

INTRODUCTION.

Prominent among the many species of insects which are being
constantly shipped to this country from abroad is the fig moth
(Ephestia cautetta Walk.). Since 1908 this species has attracted
much attention by its occurrence in various edibles in different por-
tions of the United State-, as well as in the milk of Texas and Louisi-
ana. It has been concerned, with other insects, in considerable dam-
age to rice, and reports are available of similar injury to flour and
corn meal and other mill product-, cotton seed, various other dried
seeds and fruits, and other stored food-.

In the late fall of the year 1909, however, the species attained
unusual prominence from the fact that the Bureau of Chemistry,
working in pursuance of legislation on the pure food and drug
law. seized numerous consignments and cargoes of figs in Xew York.
Philadelphia, Boston, and some other large cities. This brought to
light the fact that a very large portion of imported tig-, especially
such as are shipped from Smyrna, which port ships about 90 per cent
of its total output to the United 'States, is found to be badly infested
when reaching America. The dried figs in the market are frequently
found to contain from 15 to 50 per cent and even higher percent
of infested fruit. These estimates, chiefly by the Bureau of Chem-
istry, are based partly on the pre>ence of the insect, but largely on
that of its excreta. The gravity of the situation became such in 1909
and 1910 that thousands of dollar-' worth of fig- were condemned,
leading the dealers in Smyrna figs to request an investigation of the
matter by the United State- Department of Agriculture.

In accordance with the Secretary'- direction, the following account
of the fig moth has been drawn up. including a report, by Mr. K. (i.
Smyth, on the occurrence of the insect in what i- perhaps it< native
home — Smyrna. Turkey in Asia. The writer's article deals pri-
marily with the insect a.- a pest in stored products in America.

9

10

THE FIG MOTH.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES.

Before proceeding to the description of the fig moth it should be
stated that according to recent classification it belongs to the lepidop-
terous family Pyralidae and subfamily Phycitinae. Some writers
give this subfamily full family rank and therefore call it Phycitidse.

As to nomenclature, the species is now recognized as Ephestia
cautella Walk., with the following synonyms: cahiritella Zell., pas-
sidella Barr., and desuetella Walk.

CHARACTERS OF THE MOTH.

This moth looks suspiciously like the congeneric Ephestia kueh-
niella Zell., the Mediterranean flour moth, and like E. elutella Hiibn.,
as will be noticed by reference to the illustration (fig. 1), being of

Fig. 1. — The fig moth (Ephestia cautella) : a, Moth with
expanded wings ; u, denuded wings, showing venation ; c,
larva, full grown, dorsal view ; 0, two egg masses, a, b, c,
About 4 times natural size; d, more enlarged. (Original.)

Fig. 2. — The Mediterrane-
an flour moth (Ephes-
tia kuehniella) : Larva,
dorsal view. (Author's
illustration.)

a similar gray color, but it may be readily known from the former
by the strong subdorsal line of the cilia of the hind-wings. The
markings of the fore-wings are much more suffused than in the other
two species, and the line across the basal third is whitish, more nearly
straight, and bordered by a prominent, dark, suffused band. In the
others this line is irregularly dentate or zigzag. The color of the
fore-wings varies, some individuals being fawn color with scarcely
any dark markings, while Ohio and District of Columbia series are
considerably darker than either kuehniella or elutella and in some
cases are very strongly suffused with reddish scales.

The following technical description of the moth is copied from
Barrett : 3 °

a Numerals in superior type refer to corresponding numbers in the bibliographical list,
p. 39.

DESCRIPTION OF EARLIER STAG 11

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES.

Fore-wings narrow, especially at the base, costa less arched than in the preced-
ing species [ficulella I'arr.J. Costal lai>i»et with a broad tuft of scales. Fore-
wings pale fuscous with a yellowish tinge, scales large and coarse, and easily
rubbed off. First transverse line at one-third the length of the wing, fuscous,
ill-defined, straight, and very slightly oblique. Second line parallel with the
hind margin, pale, faintly edged with fuscous, often nearly obsolete. Usual
two dots on the disc oblique, fuscous, hardly discernible, cilia yellowish-
fuscous. Hind-wings white, with scattered fuscous scales, and a faint brown
margin, cilia white. Male with one ochreous tuft at the base. Head, antennae,
palpi, thorax and abdomen yellowish fuscous. Antenna? simple beyond the thick
basal joint.

The wing expanse is from 14 to 20 millimeters.

DISTRIBUTION.

Like other species of the genu>. the fig moth is supposedly of Asiatic
origin. Judging from its abundance in Turkey in Asia that coun-
try would seem to he what Packard terms the in.-ect's "metropolis; "
in other words, its original or acquired locality of greater abun-
dance. However that may be. it is now. judging by published and
office records, as well distributed as perhaps any of the Phyciticke
with the exception of the Indian-meal moth (Plodia interpunctella
Hiibn.). which is more nearly omnivorous in habit, and. therefore,
more nearly universal in occurrence.

The known distribution includes Ceylon: Egypt; Smyrna. Turkey
in Asia: China: Cochin China: Japan: Siberia: England: south-cen-
tral and southern Europe; Venezuela; Guayaquil, Ecuador: Jamaica
and Trinidad. British West Indies. In North America it is known in
the following localities: Montreal. Canada: Milton. Mass.; New
York. X. Y.: Washington, D. C: Milwaukee. Wis.; Calla. Ohio;
Hershey. Pa.: Guthrie. Okla.: Wichita. Kans.; Miami, Fla.: Xew
Orleans. Morse, and Lake Arthur. La.: Galveston, Dallas. Sherman.
San Antonio. Xew Braunfels, Fort Worth. Wichita Fa IK. Beaumont,
Houston. McKinney, and YA Campo. Tex.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EARLIER STAGES.

The egg. — The q^ is whitish when first laid but turn- after a few
days to ochreous and. just before hatching, often, in parts, t<» orange.
In form it is oval, sometime- approaching oblong-oval, often with a
distinct nipple at one extremity. Its surface i> subopaque, strongly
rugose; the longitudinal ruga1 are coarse, short, arranged in rather
irregular alternating rows of about 24 and. with the transverse
smaller ruga', give a somewhat reticulated appearance. The smaller
rugae are fine and cilia-like, radiating from the longitudinal one-.

12 THE FIG MOTH.

The egg is subject to considerable variation in form. Measure-
ments of five eggs showed the following average :

Length, 0.33-0.38mm. ; width, 0.22-0.32mm.

Two groups of eggs are shown, highly magnified, at fig. 1, d.

The newly hatched larva. — The larva when first hatched is deli-
cate, white in color, sparsely hairy, and is about a millimeter long,
being about six times as long as wide when contracted. It is widest
at the head, which is light brown. The eyes are small and nearly
black. The first thoracic segment is nearly as wide as the head, per-
ceptibly darker than the remaining segments, which are clear white
and less than four-fifths as wide as the head. The legs are long, par-
ticularly the thoracic ones.

The full-grown larca. — The full-grown larva or caterpillar is of
nearly the same form as that of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephes-
tia kuehniella (see fig. 2.), and faintly marked individuals would
easily be mistaken for that species. It differs chiefly in its smaller
size, being a third smaller than the flour-moth larva, in its darker
color, and in its more prominent piliferous dots, which, with the pink
or flesh tints which are arranged longitudinally along the dorsum,
give it a distinctly striated appearance.

DESCRIPTION.

The full-grown larva is cylindrical, about six times as long as wide, generally
of similar form to E. kuehniella. Ground color dirty whitish, very pale
greenish, or very light buff, with an overlay of rather dull pinkish tints arranged
in more or less definite longitudinal rows on the dorsal surface. Surface very
finely granulate. Head about half the greatest width of the body, ochraceous
or cinnamon rufous in color, darkening toward the mouthparts. Thoracic plate
(cervical shield) of similar form to that of kuehniella but faintly tinged with
blackish anteriorly and much darker, nearly black posteriorly. Piliferous dots
or warts, and particularly the other markings, nearly as in kuehniella, but all
dots of darker color, nearly black, larger, and more conspicuous. Ventrolateral
and ventral rows quite conspicuous, the four pairs of rows presenting, with the
banded pink coloring of the dorsal surface, a distinctly striated appearance.
Posterior fold of abdominal segments not noticeably smaller than anterior.

Length, 9.5-12.5 mm. ; width, 6.2 mm. In appearance more robust than
E. kuehniella when contracted and when at rest, and more slender when ex-
tended. A larva 10 mm. in length will extend to 12.5 mm. and contract to
S.5 mm.

The larva is illustrated in figure 1 at c, about four times natural
size, and that of E. kuehniella is reproduced in figure 2 for com-
parison.

The larva exhibits much the same variation in color as does that
of E. kuehniella, the quality of food playing no perceptible part in
regulating or even indicating the hue. The ground color ranges
from whitish to yellowish and greenish, with flesh tints arranged
longitudinally, somewhat like stripes, along the dorsal surface.

LITERATURE AND HISTORY IN EUBOPE. 13

In some individuals the flesh tints are almost wanting; in others
they are so marked as to give the impression of a body color of pink
and even purplish. Individuals reared from the interior of English
walnuts, where they were concealed from the light, were as a rule
lighter in color than those that had fed, in a more exposed position,
upon flaxseed, and the latter were also more strongly marked with
flesh color.

The cocoon and pupa. — The cocoon of the fig moth varies accord-
ing to its location. The specimens that " spun up " in corn meal and
were covered with particles of the meal varied from 10 to 20 mm.
in length, outside measurement, but were only about 6 mm. in
length, inside measurements. Cocoons " spun up " without the cover-
ing measured from 10 to 12 mm. in length and were 3.5 mm. wide.
Inside the}r are lined wTith exceedingly fine, delicate white silk.

The pupa, as would naturally be expected, resembles closely that
of E. kwhniella, but is of a lighter color and smaller, measuring
between 7 and 8 mm. in length, and is about four times as long as
wide.

LITERATURE AND HISTORY OF THE SPECIES IN EUROPE.

This species was first described by Francis Walker in 18G3,la and
later redescribed by Zeller in 1867,2 from two examples from. Cairo,
Egypt, as Ephestia caMritella. It was subsequently redescribed in
1875 by Barrett,5 who called it E. passulella from its occurrence in
the so-called Corinthian raisins or currants (" Passuhv corintMacoe ").
This is a fruit of a small variety or species of grape, in this country
universally called " currants." To distinguish it from other species
that infest dried fruits the writer suggested calling it, after the
later Latin name, the dried-currant moth.

Walker and Zeller in their descriptions say nothing of the habits
of this moth, and Barrett said only that it was "locally common in
currant warehouses " in London and that it fed upon dried currants.
He observed, however, that it had the singular hovering flight,
common to the Indian-meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) and Ephes-
tia elutella, that it was " exceedingly active and lively, flying freely
in the afternoon," and that "the air often seemed alive with these
insects." In 1882 William Buckler4 made some study of the habits
of the species, which he fed upon the %* locust bean " of commerce,
describing the eggs, larva, pupa, and cocoon. During the same year.
and in the same periodical."' Mr. George T. Porritt published a
supplementary note expressing the opinion that the species is double
brooded, and mentioned dried figs as a food material. To this the
same writer added the observation that the Larvae remained in their

Tho small figures refer to corresponding figures in the bibliographical list, p. 39.

14 THE FIG MOTH.

cocoons during the winter and changed to pupae, without feeding, in
the spring.6 Again in this same publication Mr. Edw. A. Atmore7
gave an interesting account of the occurrence of this species and
E. ficulella in a cargo of " decorticated cotton cake " from Galveston,
Tex. This cargo had become wet and heated on the voyage and when
the ship arrived at King's Lynn, England, and the hatchways were
opened, a cloud of the moths flew out, " settling on everything and
everybody near." Owing to the superabundant heat induced by the
wetting of the cakes the moths had issued prematurely. When ex-
posed to the cold of February they were benumbed and fell upon
their backs. In 1885 Mr. E. L. Ragonot 8 furnished some new locali-
ties for the species and in 1890 Mr. Richard South,9 in a paper on
British Lepidoptera, republished Barrett's description, bringing to-
gether the bibliography and known distribution with a plate figure
of the adult. During 1891 Mr. W. T. Pearce 10 wrote a short note on
this species, stating that " the larva forms silk-lined passages through
dried currants and may be found in almost any case of them; there
appears to be a constant succession of broods throughout the year."
He also mentioned the occurrence of a small black ichneumon para-
site. In 1895 Mr. Edward Meyrick, in his Handbook of British
Lepidoptera,12 furnished a brief description of the moth, with distri-
bution.

HISTOKY OF THE SPECIES IN AMERICA.

The first record of the injurious occurrence of this moth in Amer-
ican literature was made by the writer in 1897 13 and appeared in the
form of a short preliminary paper entitled, "A storehouse moth new
to the United States, with notes on other species." An account was
given of the observed occurrences of the species in America, to-
gether with brief descriptive and other notes and illustration of the
eggs, larva, moth, and wing venation.

The first recognition of the moth in this country, however, dates
back to 1881, when, as previously stated, the species was observed
in England in cotton cake from Galveston, Tex. Of course there
is here the possibility that the cotton cake became infested en route,
but it is more probable that the material was already infested before
shipment.

"When we consider the wide distribution and omnivorous habits of
this species in America at the present time, there is little doubt that
it was introduced many years before the first recorded date, 1884; and
it also seems likely, considering its abundance, that it has to a certain
extent replaced Ephestia elutella if we assume that the latter was
introduced at a much earlier date, as seems probable.

During September and October, 1893, moths were issuing freely
and flying about cases of cacao beans exhibited by Jamaica and Vene-

HISTORY IN AMERICA. 15

zuela at the Columbian Exposition, where the species was first observed
by the writer. There were hundreds of bags and open boxes and jare
of cacao beans exhibited by most of the tropical and semitropical

countries, many of which were more or less affected by the larva of
this insect. It seem- probable that this species has been introduced
wherever cacao-bean cultivation thrives and wherever chocolate is
manufactured, judging by the fact that so many exhibits showed signs
of infestation.

At the same exposition it was found. to have bred in dried gallnuts,
labeled ;* gobaishi," exhibited by Japan.

In October, 1895, a lot of flaxseed meal that was badly infected
with the larva of this moth, was received from Calla. Ohio. The
meal was transferred to a jar and as the larva? worked toward the
-ides it could be seen that they were present in great numbers, and it
was necessary to add fresh meal in order to keep them supplied with
sufficient food. Long after the larva? of Plodia irderpunetella, which
were present in vivaria under similar conditions, had for the most
part left their food in search of places for pupation, these caterpillars
were still active, although kept in a very cool room at an average
temperature of about 60° F. Upon moving the jar an explanation
of this was offered. The bottom and sides of the jar, a thick glass
fruit t; can " in this case, were quite warm.

In December of the same year specimens of this insect in different
stages were received from the Atlanta exposition in cacao beans from
Venezuela, South America, and from Jamaica and Trinidad. British
West Indies, and in tonka bean> (Dipteryx odorata) from Guayaquil.
Ecuador. During this and following months in 189G several pounds
of English walnuts more or less affected by the larva were obtained
by the writer from various local merchants and street venders. In
some lots nearly every nut had been ruined by the caterpillars. Their
presence is manifested by the lighter weight of the nut and its stem
end usually shows a small hole or two that has been used either for
entrance or exit, and a few particles of webbed-up excrement will
sometimes be found accumulated at this point. If such a walnut be
opened, its interior, if it be badly infested, will be found rilled with
larval excrement, the particles composing the mass being united by

webbing.

The writer has also reared the species from pecan nuts and has
seen specimens reared from peanuts.

Figs purchased of street vender- in different parts of the city at
about this time were found to be very generally affected by this
specie-.

The following June (1896) the Bureau of Chemistry transmitted
specimens of the larvae in a sample of pearl hominy purchased in open
market in this city. The larva' were - -pun up " in the same manner

16 THE FIG MOTH.

as are those of Ephestia kuehniella, the cocoon thus formed looking
much like that of the flour moth. June 6 the first moth issued, and
at the same time larvae were discovered at work in an open bottle of
corn meal standing on the writer's office desk. The meal had been
used for observations on other insects and it had not been necessary
to keep it covered. A moth of this species had escaped from an open
box of nuts, laid its eggs in the meal, and this was the result. Subse-
quently moths were reared in great numbers, this accidental evidence
of the cereal-feeding habit of the species proving more satisfactory
than a purely artificial experiment would have been.

During July a larva, from the same source as the ones found in the
corn meal, was discovered at work in a small box of duplicate speci-
mens of moths of its own species. It had ruined seven specimens by
eating away their abdomens and in some cases a portion of the wings.
In the rearing jars evidence of this same habit had previously been
noticed.

Other stray larvae were found breeding in the berries of asparagus,
which they appeared to relish as much as any other food material.
Moths also bred from stored corn at this time in two instances.

November 12, 1896, the late Dr. James Fletcher sent specimens of
the larvae breeding in linseed meal received from Montreal, Canada.

On June 2, 1898, Mr. J. L. Sheppard, Charleston, S. C, sent speci-
mens of the larva in its Avebs in cleaned or white rice, with informa-
tion that nothing injures the sale of their domestic rice as do these
larvae. During the previous year they appeared in rice toward the
last of the summer, many of them at that time being quite large and
measuring upward of half an inch in length.

September 21 of the same year Mr. Frank Bates, an entomologist,
residing at South Braintree, Mass., wrote that the larvae do much
damage to chocolate unless great precautions are taken, and that he
had known the owner of a chocolate company at Milton, Mass., to
order several tons of chocolate shells, so-called, valued at about $200
a ton, to be thrown into the furnace and destroyed, as he would not
risk any depreciation of his goods. He had occasionally seen " shells "
in bulk at small grocery stores almost matted together by the silken
threads thrown out by these larvae, so that a mass as large as a man's
head could be lifted from the barrel and the larvae would be seen
crawling out of the mass. " This," he writes, " gives us the evident
warning never to purchase cocoa shells except those done up in pound
cartons." Our correspondent stated that he never employed for his
personal use any manufactured chocolate except that manufactured
by one firm, which he knew to be of the best quality, since the owner
did not permit any shells to be sold in bulk.

During 1907 Mr. Perry D. Preston, Isthmian Canal Commission,
Canal Zone, Isthmus of Panama, wrote from Empire, sending speci-

HISTORY IX AMERICA. 17

mens of Spanish bean or chick-pea imported from Spam, where they
are known as u garbanzos," showing ' ijury by this species. Novem-
ber 23, Mr. P. J. Wester, Miami, Kla., sent larvae in the seed of
Cecropia palmata. From this lot the first larva transformed to pupa

December 7, and the adult issued December 27, or in 20 days; this

being an exceptionally long period for the pupal stage. An adult
issued January 4. 1908. This sending is of peculiar interest inas-
much as it points to a possible wild food plant, and to the fact that
in a tropical climate like that of Miami. Flu., the moth- may issue
throughout the winter. December 4. a larva of this species was
ceived from an unknown locality in China in the fruit of the jujube
tree (Zizyphus jujuba).

During 1908 this species was received in the larval condition in
flour and meal from Sherman. Tex., sent by Mr. D. K. McMillan, and
through the Bureau of Plant Industry in peanuts from Saigon.
Cochin China.

In 1909 this insect was received from many sources. Larvae were
collected in a number of large cities and milling town-, in Texas and
Louisiana by Mr. McMillan. The records of the bureau also show
that on June 15 it was concerned with other insects in damaging rice
to the extent of many thousands of dollars a year at Xew Orleans.
La. June 19 it was reported by Prof. Harper Dean as common
in meal from San Antonio. Tex. June 21 it was received in flour
from a mill in San Antonio. Tex. Later it was received in flour and
other mill stuff from different mills in San Antonio and Xew Braun-
fels. Tex. It was present in cottonseed mills at Galveston. Tex., and
in rice in a rice mill at Morse, La. In July it was collected by Mr.
McMillan in flour at Fort Worth and Wichita Falls. Tex., in cotton-
seed meal from Guthrie. Okla., and in flour from Wichita. Kan-..
where it was troublesome in bakeries. Specimens were also received.
July 19. from Hershey, Pa., where it was injurious to dried currant-.

October 9 Mr. W. P. Beattie furnished specimens in >eed peanuts
from Africa. In November and December Mr. McMillan furnished
larvae in broken rice from Beaumont. Tex., in various dried seeds
and grain- from Houston, Tex., and from screenings taken from a
rice mill at Lake Arthur, La.: in a lot of broken rice called "brewers'
stock n the insect occurred in great numbers, badly infesting the
material. In one case nearly 1(H) sacks of screenings in one mill were
badly affected."

The above records refer chiefly to the occurrence of this spe
in rice mills, although there are some record- also of occurrence in
flour mill-, e. g.. in Dallas and McKinney, Tex., and of injury to
dried fruits, etc.

"In some of tl - other Insects were present, such as th«' rust-rod flour

{TriboUum navale Fab.) and tin' lesser grain borer {Rhisopertka domimi*

6794°— Bull. 104—11 2

18 THE FIG MOTH.

Beginning with October 14, 1909, the bureau received during the
month, almost daily, samples of Smyrna figs infested by this species
from New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. These were fur-
nished by the Bureau of Chemistry by request, and were in most
cases in Smyrna figs seized by that bureau because of " worminess " a
or because they consisted " in whole or in part of a filthy, decomposed,
or putrid animal or vegetable substance, or any portion of an animal
unfit for food." One sample of infested Cartrevas figs was received.

From the same source this insect was also received in shelled
peanuts and dried apples from Boston, Mass.

During 1910 a milling company at Crowley, La., sent this larva
in rice, bran, and cottonseed meal, with complaint that it occurred
in immense numbers and apparently did trouble by working in the
sacks. During November and December of that year samples of this
insect and its work were received from Mr. E. G. Smyth, collected by
him at Smyrna, Turkey in Asia.

During January and February, 1911, numbers of samples of figs
were examined which showed the presence of this species either as
dead larvae or excreta. A few living larvae were seen.

In writing of the occurrence of this species in Texas and Louisiana
Mr. McMillan says that in his experience it is frequently found in
mills, warehouses, dock sheds, feed stores, groceries, and other places
where ground foodstuffs are kept. It was observed in small numbers
in drug stores and in kitchen closets and cupboards. While the
moths were seen in nearly all the flour mills visited in Texas, the
larvae were not found in excessive numbers, and the millers did not
complain of serious trouble. Slight accumulations of webbed ma-
terial had to be removed at times from some mill spouts, but no case
has been reported of choking up as with Eyliestia kuehniella; in fact
few millers have made any observations upon this species or dis-
tinguished it from other flour and meal moths. He stated further:

It seems to prefer the coarser and sweeter ground products to flour, and the
moths are more frequently found in bran and middlings, and around the spouts
carrying these materials, than associated with straight flour. Among substances
most commonly infested may be listed cottonseed meal, rice bran and polish, mill
chop and middlings, wheat flour and bran, com meal and corn bran or hulls,
oatmeal, flaxseed meal, and occasionally breakfast cereals in private houses
and groceries.

Larvae have been less frequently seen than adults, though their webs in small
masses mingled with food materials and excrement are often abundant when
they have been allowed to accumulate undisturbed for some time. In a feed
and grain warehouse at Galveston, Tex., the top and outside tiers of bags hold-

a In some instances a parasite, probably Limnerium ephestiw Ashm., and a few speci-
mens of other species of insects, accompanied the samples. Chief among these latter
were the saw-toothed grain beetle (Silvanus surinamensis L. ), one of the sap-beetles
(Carpophilus hemipterits L.), a scavenger which attacks neglected fruits, two species of
ants, and the mite Carpoglyphus passularum Hering.

LIST OF POOD MAI BBIALS. 19

ing rice bran were covered in places with a thin layer of webs and many
cocoons *were seen around the edges of sacks and in folds of the cloth. The
larvae had not penetrated more than half an inch into the contents. In a flour
mill here several partly filled barrels of old com bran had been infested for
some time, and the surface material was covered by a layer of hulls and
matted webs about 2 inches thick, beneath which the larvae did not seem to
penetrate. They were also found on bags of cottonseed meal and rice bran on
one of the wharves and in the cracks between the planks at one of the docks
at New Orleans, La., where they were feeding on the cottonseed meal held by
cotton lint.

The adults have been frequently seen mating or at rest in any convenient
position upon sacks and in other situations in mills and elsewhere. Adults at
rest have the front edges of the wings curved slightly inward and the wings in
general held closely around the body instead of spread slightly and flattened
upon their resting place as with Ephestia kuehniella and especially Pl<><lUi
interpunctella. The moth is rather slow in flight. It remains at rest practically
continuously during the day unless disturbed, but has often been seen flying in
dark parts of buildings and at evening.

LIST OF FOOD MATERIALS.

In time, as observers become familiarized with this moth, it will
doubtless be found to have nearly the same omnivorous tastes as the
Indian-meal moth. The following list of its observed food materials
is appended :

Cacao beans or chocolate nuts (Tlieobroma cacao) ; prepared choco-
late ; tonka beans (Dipteryx odorata) ; English walnuts, or, more
properly speaking, Persian walnuts (Juglans regia) ; pecans; pea-
nuts or ground nuts (Arachis hypogcea) : figs; chick-pea (Cicer arie-
tinum) ; wheat flour; rice and rice preparations and bran; Indian
corn and corn meal and other preparations; hominy; oatmeal; cotton
seed and meal and cotton-oil cakes; asparagus berries: evaporated
and dried apples; linseed or flaxseed meal; Corinthian currants (Vitis
corinthiacw) ; the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba; the fruit of <
palmata; "locust beans" of commerce; wild gallnuts; and dried
insects.

Taken all in all, it seemed at one time that it was as an enemy of
chocolate that this species was most entitled to serious consideration.

Cacao beans are injured seriously. The beans are often badly dam-
aged and webbed together with silk and covered with excrement and
other detritus. Again, a bean may have no visible signs of insect
work upon it other than the presence of a little hole, sometimes nearly
closed with silk, but such infested seeds are invariblv lighter in
weight and when opened are found to be tilled with more or less
webbed-up excrementitious matter which can not be otherwise than
deleterious when taken as food into the human system. Great quan-
tities of cacao beans are consumed in the form of confectionery and
in cake, ice cream, and soda water, and in the beverages called cocoa

20 THE FIG MOTH.

and chocolate. Even if we could ignore the unwholesomeness of
eating or drinking substances containing the ordure and dead bodies
of insects, the thought of using such materials in our food and bev-
erages is repulsive, and yet the writer was credibly informed in
1893 that infested cacao beans were used not only for such purposes,
but that when infested they brought precisely the same price per
pound as the clean article and were not considered by the manufac-
turers in any degree inferior for their uses.

The fresh beans have an agreeable, nutty, slightly bitter flavor, but
insect-infested nuts are more bitter and sometimes have a decidedly
disagreeable taste, and there is at least a suspicion that the bitterness
of the cheaper forms of so-called pure chocolate, sold in compressed
cakes and in powder form, may be due largely to the work of the
Ephestia larvae and the possible decomposition that would be induced
from their attack.

It will be readily noticed by perusal of the earlier records of the
occurrence of the fig moth in the United States that there was ap-
parent fondness shown for material containing an abundance of oily
matter, such as various nuts, cotton seed, flaxseed, and the products
of Indian corn, in all of which it bred freely. It was a matter of
some surprise, therefore, to find later that it bred quite as freely on
rice, which contains little oil}7 matter, as also to learn that it had
already established itself as a rice pest in the Gulf States. Doubtless
in time it will be found to feed upon most if not all of the cereals,
if we except such as unhulled oats and rye, the hulls of which are
difficult to penetrate unless first attacked by some other insect.

It is still early to predict the future of this moth as a pest in the
United States. Perhaps in the course of time it may be introduced
from the Gulf region northward, but in spite of appearances which
indicate that it is perfectly capable of becoming exceedingly trouble-
some, it is doubtful if it will ever become so serious a pest as is the
Mediterranean flour moth. It is practically established in the South,
but its increase in the North is problematical.

Some remark should be made in regard to the injury accomplished
by this insect to figs. The main injury is accomplished before the
figs reach America, the principal damage being effected en route
from the orchards to our American ports. Examination in this
office of many samples of imported figs furnished by the Bureau of
Chemistry seldom showed the larvae or " worms " in any number and
few were alive ; but in badly infested samples the excreta were very
much in evidence and it is due more to the presence of the excreta
and " worm holes " than to the presence of the " worms " themselves
that the figs are deemed unwholesome or, more technically, wormy,
filthy, and unfit for human consumption. Samples of such infested
figs are shown in Plate I.

INSPECTION OF SMYRNA PIGS TN BTTBEATJ. 21

Figs as prepared and exposed for sale in the Northern United
States are seldom injured to any great extent after a nival. It is
doubtful if a second generation is ever produced, except in useless
material. There is, however, always the possibility that the larvae
which are brought over here in consignments of dried figs, fruits,
and other dry vegetable products may the following spring infest
other food products, such as cereals, nuts, the seeds of cotton, flax, and
others, which may be stored in the same buildings.

INSPECTION OF SMYRNA FIGS IN THE BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY.

During the year 1909, from September to January, many samples
of figs — 243 to be exact — were examined in the Bureau of Chemistry.
Small lots from these samples, containing in most cases a few dead
insects and in many cases excreta, were referred to the Bureau
of Entomology, but with such small lots it was not possible to get
any very valuable data from an entomological standpoint. During
1910. however, examination was made of a fair lot of samples, 30
in all, some purchased in open market, some furnished by Mr. E. G.
Smyth, who sent or brought them direct from Smyrna, Asia Minor,
including both sterilized and unsterilized figs, and a lot of " tapnets ?'
and other bagged figs from Xew York, as also some samples fur-
nished by the Dried Fruit Association of Xew York City, and
one particularly bad sample furnished by the Bureau of Chem-
istry. These were all carefully examined by the writer from the
standpoint of actual injury by insects, and the following is his report
and summan7. This in turn is followed by a report made by the Bu-
reau of Chemistry on the seizures of figs made in '1909 in Xew York
City (see p. 28).

Chttn. No. 588.

Packages of figs sold in Washington, D. C, labeled " Smyrna layer figs. Turkey
brand, packed in Turkey, prepared with glucose, packed and guaranteed
by Van Dyke & Catrevas, New York and Smyrna. Turkey, under U. S. A.
Serial No. 14902."

Sample i, purchased of a Greek fruit dealer, December -21. 1910,
on being opened showed that the figs had evidently been washed.
Of the 11 figs, which were all of fair flavor except for slight acidity,
there was evidence of attack by a single larva of the tig moth, its
work being apparent on 3 figs. One parasitic cocoon and a trace oi
excreta were present on the 3 figs which were not quite perfect.

Sampled, from same Greek, December 5, L910, showed no evidence
of insect attack, but one fig was considerably soured.

Sample ->'. from same Greek, December .">, ID 10, contained a single
dead larva.

22 THE FIG MOTH.

Samples 4, 5, 6, 7, £, 9, and 10, the last three examined in February,
1911, were perfectly sound as regards the presence of either insects
or evidence of their work.

Chttn. No. 1185. Unsterilized Smyrna Figs.

Sample 11. — Sent by E. G. Smyth from Grand Hotel Hnck, Smyrna (Asia
Minor), labeled "Pulled figs, not sterilized, packed September 16, 1910."
Packed tightly and carefully in a thick box 8| inches long, 3$ inches wide,
and 2 inches high. When received at Washington, D. C, November 5, 1910,
one end of the packing box had become loose.

From the sides of this mass of figs, which came out entire, every-
thing looked clean, but on removing and examining each individual
fig — 30 in all — every one contained more or less excreta, much of
which, however, could be readily brushed off.

There was no evidence of living insects at this time or later, when
examined March 8, 1911.

Chttn. No. 1186. Smyrna Figs Sterilized by Dry Heat (233° F.).

Sample 12. — Grand Hotel Hnck, Smyrna (Asia Minor), labeled "Figs steri-
lized in oven by dry heat, September 20, 1910 ; time 20 minutes ; average
temperature 112° C. (233.5° F.) ; shipped October 14 by E. G. Smyth;"
received in the Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D. C, November 5.

The figs were all separated and showed the effects of sterilization
by dry heat in their bleached color. A careful but not microscopic
examination was made of every fig, 40 in all, with the result that
on looking over all of them a second time only one fig was found to be
in any way unfit for human consumption. This single fig showed a
hole on the side through which a larva had escaped, and the usual
amount of excreta for one larva Avas contained therein.

Chttn. No. 1195. Layer Figs Scalded at 212° F.

Sample IS.— Labeled by E. G. Smyth "Figs scalded in hot water at 100° C.
(212° F.) for 16 seconds, water containing 2\ per cent salt and some glucose."

Careful examination in February, 1911, of this sample, which was
packed under Mr. Smyth's direction, September 2, 1910, showed
absolutely no signs of infestation by insects, but the figs were un-
pleasantly sticky and adhered to the box.

Chttn. No. 1187. Unsterilized Pulled Smyrna Figs.

Sample l). — Grand Hotel Hnck, Smyrna (Asia Minor), labeled by E. G.
Smyth " Pulled figs, not sterilized, packed September 16, 1910 ; " received
in the Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D. C, November 5. Oblong box,
identical with No. 1185, as tightly closed as possible, containing 30 figs.

On opening this box on day of receipt 4 nearly grown larvae were
seen resting on one side between the layers of figs. Further search
in taking the figs from the box and transferring them to a rearing

INSPECTION OF SMYRNA FIGS IN BUREAU. 23

jar showed the presence of 10 dead larvae in all. A very large per-
centage of the figs was so much tainted with the excreta that they
were not edible and would not pass an ordinary examination.

Chttn. No. 1188. Figs Sterilized by Immersion at 215.3° F.

sum pic LI. — Labeled by E. G. Smyth " Pulled figs, immersed 10 seconds in water
at 102° C. (215.5° F.) before being packed" Water contained 2\ per cent
salt. Shipped from Smyrna, Asia Minor. September 10, 1010; arrived
at Bureau of Entomology November 5. 1910.

The immersion seems to have been somewhat unsatisfactory, judg-
ing by this lot. in that out of 30 figs in all. 24 would readily pass
muster, while the other 6 were "wormy." Unfortunately for the
success of this experiment. 2 larvae were found, one living and one
apparently dying. The figs did noj present a good appearance when
received, being extremely moist and sticky.

Chttx. No. 1189. Figs Sterilized by Water. 215.5° F.

Sample 16. — Labeled by E. G Smyth " Pulled figs " immersed 10 seconds in
water at 102° C (215.5° F.) before being packed. The water contained 21
per cent salt, evidently sea water. Shipped on Smyrna truck September
16, 1910; received at Washington, I). C. November 5. 1910.

The figs, though damp and moist, were practically uninfested.
At one end a very slight indication of insect injury was observed.
Number of figs 30; taste excellent, but stickiness rather undesirable.
In this case, upon removing the cover the figs presented a beautiful
appearance.

Chttx. No. 1190. Figs Sterilized in Hot Water at 212' F.

Sample 17. — A 5-pound lot of layer figs labeled " Figs scalded in hot water." at
100° C. (212° F.) for 10 seconds, water containing 2\ per cent salt, and
some glucose, from Smyrna, Turkey in Asia. September IT. I910j packed
under observation of K. <;. Smyth. Received December IT. and opened
December 20. 1910, at Washington. D. C.

Careful examination of this lot of figs by the writer showed thai
about one dozen, chiefly from one end. had a more or less pronounced
acid odor. In every case there was also more or less acid tasjte.
Where the fig was dark from fungus infection the acid flavor was
pronounced, especially to one who had eaten an entire tig. The
writer and Mr. Smyth detected this more readily than several other-.
With the exception of the finding of a few badly spoiled tins, which
might have been readily picked out by the consumer, and a single
larva (which had very evidently crawled into a crack in the box), the
process of sterilization was successful and had not caused souring.
It had certainly entirely prevented infestation by the larvae. This
sample would pas.- as prime fruit.

24 THE FIG MOTH.

Chttn. No. 1191. Locoum Figs.

Sample 18. — A package of " Locoum " figs in a wooden box seized by the
Bureau of Chemistry on account of the presence of " worms," was re-
ceived at the Bureau of Entomology February 1, 1911, and carefully ex-
amined for iusect injury.

Of the 75 figs examined, 20 showed more or less insect injury,
but no insects whatever were present. Of this number the majority,
to the number of 16, showed injury more or less plainly on the out-
side, some containing worm holes penetrating to the interior, others
simply small holes which did not penetrate and which contained
only slight excreta on the interior. Four figs only showed decided
evidences of excreta in the interior. The remainder were sound so
far as insect attack was concerned, but it wTas noticeable that G of
these figs were badly soured.

To summarize, out of the entire 75, 10 figs were not edible — 1 on
account of insect excreta in the interior, 6 on account of sourness —
while the remainder were not sufficiently injured to be rejected by
the average consumer. Nevertheless, since the top layer was w7orst
affected, the box when first opened presented a bad appearance. As
usual, injury was most pronounced at one end, at the end where
examination began.

Chttn. No. 1192. Loose Figs Sterilized in Steam Closet at 239° F.

Sample 19. — A wooden box of loose figs sent by Mr. Smyth from Smyrna,
October 6, 3910, sterilized in a steam closet at 115° C. (239° F.) for 10
minutes ; examined in the Bureau of Entomology by the writer.

This package contained 75 figs, of which 59 were perfectly sound,
showing no positive evidence of insect attack. One w^as sound but
with slight excreta and with one dried pupal skin on the exterior;
11 were spoiled, mostly with excreta internally; 1 was spciled with
1 dead and dry larva and excreta and another was spoiled with a
wormhole and excreta internally ; 2 otherwise badly spoiled figs
had excreta internally.

Chttn. No. 1193. Duplicate of No. 1192. Containing 60 Figs; Exposure 30

Minutes.

Sample 20. — Of these 51 were sound, 6 showed excreta internally,
while 3 were spoiled from other causes. The figs containing excreta
in both lots were in most cases split, giving ready access to the insects.

INSPECTION OF SAMPLES OF FIGS. 25

INSPECTION OF SAMPLES OF FIGS FROM THE DRIED FRUIT

ASSOCIATION.

Chttn. No. 1194.

Sample 21. — In a lot of samples of figs labeled " rejected and ordered reex-
ported or destroyed," submitted by Mr. L. B, Parsons, president of the
Dried Fruit Association, New York City, and Mr. Davis. Bureau of Trade
Relations, 507 Union Trust Building, and kindly furnished for examination
to tbe writer in January, 1911, the following report is made:

Sample 22. — Labeled "C. A. A., 722 Laselle brand,, fancy Locoum
figs," packed in a box 7J by 8J inches and 2 inches deep. Five out
of 25 of the figs of the upper layer, upon removal, showed slight evi-
dence of excreta of the fig moth. A few particles, of course, could
be seen on some of the other figs. No insects were found on this layer
and no wormholes.

Sample 23. — Labeled " C. A., 36 Laselle brand, fancy Smyrna
layer figs," showed on the upper layer 2 wormholes in one fig, 1 dead
specimen of Carpophilus hemipterus L., and 1 living larva of S'd-
vanus surinamensis L. No other infestation was apparent from this
examination.

Both samples, judging from external layers, were otherwise in ex-
cellent condition.

Sample 24- — Labeled "London brand or extra choice natural fig
for manufacturing." This contained evidences of attack by 3 larval
fig moths.

Sample 25. — Labeled " Sterling brand or good average for manu-
facturing." This did not show evidence of insect attack by careful
examination.

Sample 26— "N. Y. 23,702:'— A large box of figs bearing this num-
ber, submitted by the Bureau of Chemistry for examination, labeled
"London layer figs, carefully selected," containing between 10 and L2
pounds, was received and examined February 13, 1911.

Without pulling all of the figs apart, a good estimate was given
of their condition. There was external evidence of fig worms in the
shape of large "wormholes," on 3 figs on the upper layer. At oppo-
site ends on the lower layers injury was much more noticeable than
on the upper layers — something unusual. At least 50 per cent of the
figs contained more or less excreta, of which about 35 per cent con-
tained a sufficient amount to cause their rejection by any fastidious
would-be purchaser or consumer. Without opening all of the tigs,
there were estimated to be at least 30 larvae or fig worms, all full
grown and dead, with the exception of two which were living. The
figs were, moreover, not as clean as desirable, containing small bits

26 THE FIG MOTH.

of hair and of matting and some insect webbing. Some figs were
also badly soured, some were lightly covered with dirt and mold, and
altogether the boxful presented a filthy appearance.

Chttn. No. 119G. Mixed Figs Sterilized by Dry Heat at 190.5° F.

Sample 21. — Labeled by E. G. Smyth " Figs sterilized in oven by dry heat Sep-
tember 21, 1910, subjected to 5 minutes average temperature 88° C.
(190|° F.), Smyrna, Turkey in Asia." Received at Washington, D. C,
November 5, 1910.

Examination showed absolute freedom from insects and even from
excreta. Kept> in nearly air-tight jars, the figs retained their flavor
without acidity until March 8, 1911, when the record was closed.
The flavor of these figs, although they were rather dry, was better
than that of some of the best layer figs sterilized by hot water.

Chttn. No. 1197. Locoum Figs Sterilized by Dry Heat at 225° F.

Sample 28. — Labeled " Grand Hotel Huck, Locoum figs sterilized in oven by dry
heat, September 20, 1910; 15 minutes, average temperature 107° C.
(225° F.), packed by E. G. Smyth," examined March 8, 1911; contents,
24 figs.

Six figs showed excreta mostly in the " eye " end and with some
slight amount of loose excreta, which was removed almost immedi-
ately upon shaking. The remainder of the figs was sound, and
although kept in a dry heated atmosphere they were of excellent
flavor, although somewhat dry.

N. Y. 23782, 23139, 22758 and 22760, Portugal Tapnets.

/Samples Nos. 29, 30, 31. — From the Bureau of Chemistry were re-
ceded the above samples of Portugal " tapnets " or bagged figs with-
held because of infestation by what may be properly called the fig
mite (Carpoglyphus passularum Hering). The species was identified
by Mr. Nathan Banks, of this bureau, who stated that it is a com-
mon species found on dried fruit the world over, that it is not the
cause of the souring of the figs, and in no way injurious to the con-
sumer. There can be no doubt that this decision gives these forms
of mites the same status as those found in other stored foods such as
flour, meal, and other cereals and in old sugar and cheese. In fact,
the latter commodity is seldom free from these microscopic creatures,
which have never been held to be in any way injurious to human life.
No less than 516 bags of such figs were seized and held in New York
City, but were finally released.

INSPECTION OF SAMPLES OF FIGS.
Summary.

27

Sample.

Lot
number.

Number

of
insects
dead.

Number

of
insects
living.

Percent-
age of
excreta.

Percent-
age of

infesta-
tion.

Source of samples.

!

588

1

0

27

10

Layer figs purchase* 1 in ofx-n market.

2

588

0

0

0

0

Do.

3

588

588

1
0

0
0

0
0

10
0

Do.

4

Do.

5

588

0

0

o

0

Do.

6

588

0

0

0

0

Do.

7

588

0

0

0

0

Do.

8

588

0

0

0

0

Do.

9

588

0

0

0

0

Do.

10

588

0

0

0

0

Do.

11

1185

0

0

100

25

Unsterilized "pulled" figs.

12

1186

0

0

2.5

2.5

"Locoum;" sterilized by dry heat, 233.5°
F.; 20 minutes.

13

1195

0

0

0

0

Sterilized by hot water, 212° F.; 10 sec-
onds.

14

1187

10

0

75

25

Unsterilized Smvrna figs.

15

1188

2

0

20

Sterilized bv immersion at 215.50° F.; 10

seconds.

16........

1189

0

0

0

0

Sterilized as in No. 15.

17

1190

1

0

0

1-

"Locoum;" sterilized by immersion at
212° F.; 10 seconds.

18

1191

0

0

26

26

Condemned for "worminess."

19

1192

2

0

21

10

Sterilized at 239° F. steam; 10 minutes.

20

1193

0

0

10

5

Do.

21

1194

0

0

Slight.

0

Condemned by Bureau of Chemistry.

22

1194

1

1

0

0

Do.

23

1194

3

0

Slight.

5

Do.

24

1194

0

0

0

0

Do.

25

N.Y.,23,
702.

28

2

50

25

Do.

26

1196

0

0

0

0

Sterilized bv dry heat : 190.5° F.; 5 minutes.

27

1197...

0

0

25

(«)

Sterilized by dry heat; 225° F.; 15 min-

utes.

28

N.Y.,23,

(6)

(h)

(a)

Portugal tapnets withheld bv Bureau of

782; 23,

Chemistry.

139; 22,

758; 22,

760.

29

(h)

(b)

25

(a)

Do.

30

(6)

(b)

25

(a)

Do.

a All edible.

b Microscopic mites.

In the above summary it should be noted that the percentage of
excreta is no indication of what may be considered the percentage
of infestation, since the excreta become loose and adhere slightly to
uninfested figs. It will be noted that samples 1 to 10, purchased
in open market, were free from insect injury except in two cum1-.

In the case of sterilized figs there was. as a rule, a considerable
difference from the unsterilized figs from the same source. It is
obvious, as Mr. Smyth informs me, that the heat in many cases was
not applied sufficiently high, and was not continued long enough to
entirely penetrate such large masses as 5 or 6 pounds of Layer figs.
Of the 30 samples examined. Nos. 1 and •>. each containing L0 per
cent of infestation, Xos. 11. 14, and 25, each containing 2.~> per cent
of infestation, and Xo. 18, containing 26 per cent, not one could be
pronounced inedible, and it will be noticed that Xos. 27 to 30, al-
though containing a considerable percentage of excreta and micro-
scopic mites, were also considered edible. No. L185 would be pro-
nounced unfit for human food on casual examination, but in reality.

28 THE FIG MOTH.

when shaken and slightly brushed, these figs came out in first-class
condition and were pronounced of exceptionally fine flavor.

In no case could it be positively said that the heating processes,
whether dry, wet, or by steam methods, had caused souring, although
one case of figs which had been sterilized was examined and some
slight acidity noticed on the figs, probably existent before treatment
by heat.

AVERAGE INFESTATION OF SMYRNA FIGS ENTERING THE PORT

OF NEW YORK.

Per cent.

Average of 4 samples arriving during September 24. 05

Average of 54 samples arriving during October 25. 14

Average of 115 samples arriving during November 27. 36

Average of 51 samples arriving during December 30. 99

Average of 19 samples arriving during January 3S. 17

The above averages include injury to figs attributed to the larvae
of Ephestia cautella* but more particularly to their excreta, and are
taken from records carefully computed in 1909 and 1910 in the
Bureau of Chemistry, and submitted by Dr. F. L. Dunlap. As pre-
viously stated, a total of 243 samples in all was examined in that
bureau.

These figures show what had previously been deduced by the
writer from experience with other related species, namely, that the
early figs are least infested and that the latest figs introduced into
this country from abroad are more infested than the earlier ones.

LIFE-HISTORY NOTES ON THE FIG MOTH.

The fig moth in America, so far as we can at present learn% is
practically confined as a pest to rice, flour, and other mills, and to
warehouses and storage rooms, and the notes which have been made
in regard to its life history are solely from the standpoint of its life
as an indoor pest. The results of experiments show very little differ-
ence between the life history of the fig moth and that of the Indian-
meal moth — very similar species, nearly identical in size and
habits.

OVIPOSITION.

All of the eggs that have come under observation were deposited
singly and loosely, being readily detached by a slight touch.

Three females were selected for the determination of the number
of eggs that might be laid. The first, although full-bodied, had
evidently already begun egg-laying, since she yielded only 132 eggs
by oviposition and dissection. The second deposited, in round num-
bers, 165 eggs and upon dissection yielded 115 more and contained

THE LIFE CYCLE. 29

135 undeveloped eggs, a total of 415. The third, which was taken in
copula at the time, laid by actual count ;>.">7 eggs, and 7 fully de-
veloped eggs were added by dissection, in all 364.

Eggs that were laid during the night of July 13 were found to
have hatched on the morning of July 17, giving a period for the
egg state of not more than 3J days. The temperature of the room in
which this experiment was conducted at this time ranged from 83°
to 88° F., during the last night running down to 73° F.

THE TRANSFORMATION TO PUPA.

The larva or caterpiller, when it has attained maturity, has the
same habits as those of E. kuehniella and Plodia interpunctella-, of
crawling about for a long time in search of a place for transformation
to pupa. If anything it spins more web than even Plodia at this time.

Several full-grown caterpillers were isolated for observation of the
period of pupation with the unlooked-for result that several indi-
viduals transformed to pupa during the daytime. One of these
transformed at 1 p. m. and another at 4 p. m., July 13, a third at 8
a. m. the following day, and a fourth at 2 p m.

1. Pupated July 13, 4 p. in. ; adult found July 22, 3 p. ro. ; 9 days.

2. Pupa found July 14, 8 a. m. ; adult found July 22, 3 p.m.; 8+ days.

3. Pupated July 14, 8 a. in. ; adult found July 22, 3 p. m.; 8+ days.

4. Pupated July 14, after 5 p. m. ; adult found July 23, 9 a. ni. ; 8| days.

5. Pupated July 15, about 5 a. m. ; adult found July 24. 8.30 a. m. : 9 days.

The average temperature was about 83° F.

Other individuals that were under observation transformed as
follows :

No. 6, in 16 days in early May ; No. 7, in 24 days in October, cool weather ;
No. 8, in November, warmer weather, 19 days.

We thus have a pupal period of from about 8 days to :24 days.

July 14, at 8 a. m., a pupa was noticed in the act of shedding its
larval skin. By a few peculiar movements the skin was worked
farther and farther down until the abdomen was entirely exposed.
The entire operation under favorable conditions would not consume
more than about 3 or 4 minutes, judging from the rapidity with
which the abdominal segments were freed.

THE LIFE CYCLE.

A number of moths was confined with flaxseed meal April 14 and
the first adult was found to have emerged June 1, or in 48 days from
the presumptive time of the deposition of the tirst eggs. A week
elapsed before the appearance of another moth, when S issued.

Moths were reared from corn meal a- follows: Parents confined in
a jar June 23; Larvse began leaving the meal July 20; new brood
began to issue July 29, or in 36 days from the time the eggs were sup-

30 THE FIG MOTH.

posedly laid. The temperature during this period had been by no
means as high as in the minimum-period experiments with Plodia
interpunctella, but during the last 2 weeks the thermometer had
registered above 80° F. most of the time, ranging from 73° to 89°,
with an average of about 82° F.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the minimum period of
the life cycle in midsummer in the Middle Atlantic region of the
United States is about 5 weeks and the periods in late autumn and
spring 7 weeks. The species hibernates in the larval and the moth
states and does not breed out to any extent during the colder months,
but occasionally adults emerge in superheated rooms.

The egg state, it has been shown, may last no longer than 3J days,
although in cool weather this period may be protracted into 2 weeks.
Deducting the minimum periods of egg and pupa from the 36 days
covered by the entire life cycle in midsummer we would have left
13 clays for the midsummer larval period. From this may be deduced
the following: Egg period, 3^ to 14 days; larval period, 13 to 30
days; pupal period, 8^ to 24 days; life cycle, 36 to 48 days.

The period of the hibernating larva has not been observed, but
from analogy it appears certain that this period will vary greatly,
some individuals remaining as larvae months longer than others,
irrespective of heat, moisture, or other conditions.

If the insect should happen to be breeding in a large mass of rice
or corn meal, it could develop at the same rate as the Mediterranean
flour moth, producing as many as six generations per annum, but in
figs, walnuts, and similar material, where no great amount of arti-
ficial heat could be engendered, no more than four generations are
probably produced in the average storehouse temperature. In our
colder climates, where the species might be temporarily introduced,
perhaps no more than three, or even two, generations would be
produced.

NATURAL ENEMIES.

Two species of parasites which have received previous notice 13
have been observed by the writer, in addition to a mite, preying upon
this moth. Undoubtedly it has many other natural enemies.

Hadrobracon hebetor Say. — On many occasions the little braconid
Hadrobracon hebetor Say, which is now a well-known parasite of
Ephestia huehniella and Plodia interpunctella, was reared from the
larva? of this moth in walnuts, cacao beans, and other food materials.
It was found in abundance at Smyrna attacking its host in figs. This
species is illustrated in figure 3.

Omorga frumentaria Rond. (fig. 4.), also a parasite of grain and
meal-feeding moths, was reared at this office from E. cautella. In
one instance where the parasite was found in large numbers in a jar

NATURAL ENEMIES.

31

111 which its host was breeding, the eggs of the parasite must !.
been thrust through the cloth covering of the jar, which contained

only fresh material, and
there had been no ex-
posure of its contents
and no other manner
for the parasites to have
obtained access to this
jar. Particulars in re-
gard to this are fur-
nished in an early pub-
lication of this bureau/'
Pediculoidt s ventrico-
sus Newp. — The third
count of eg^s laid bv
this moth, related on a
preceding page, was pro-
ductive of an unexpected
result in establishing the mite Pediculoides ventricosus as an egg
parasite. In a glass tube in which a copulating pair of the moths

Fig. 3. — Hadrobracon hebetot% a parasite of the fig moth :
Adult female : antenna of mal<> at left. Greatly en-
larged. (Author's illustration.)

Fig. 4. — Omorga frumentariOj a parasite of the tii: moth.

larged. (Original.)

total view. GreaUj en-

Was confined, about a -core of mites of this species was found, some
attacking and -licking out the contents of the eggs, while numer-

" Bui. 8, n. s.. Bureau of Entomology, t\ s. Dept Agriculture, p. 41.

32 THE FIG MOTH.

ous moth eggshells and the full, rounded abdomens of all but one
or two of the mites attested to their having made similar meals.
Their bodies were almost identical in size with the eggs, from which
they were only distinguished with a lens, and it is fairly certain that
they were the progeny of a single adult that might have become at-
tached to one or the other of the parent moths.

METHODS OF CONTROL.

The methods for controlling the fig moth in its occurrence in flour
mills are the same as advised for the eradication of the Mediter-
ranean flour moth, in which case we depend chiefly upon hydrocyanic-
acid gas. In the case of smaller inclosures, where bisulphid of carbon
is generally preferred, this can be used more readily and with about
the same effect.

Preliminary work has been done in the fumigation of rice mills
infested by the fig moth and other species of insects, which indicates
that, owing to the more open structures where rice milling is in opera-
tion and the difficulty of closing the many apertures in these mills,
fumigation is not always practicable.

A small series of useful experiments was recently conducted by
Mr. D. K. McMillan and by Mr. M. M. High, while working under
the writer's direction in Texas in the fumigation of rice mills.

Both hydrocyanic-acid gas and bisulphid of carbon were success-
fully employed after the mills or portions of them had been made as
tight as could be done economically.

Carbon bisulphid was used upon adults and larvae, chiefly of
beetles, in rice bran and other materials in tight flour barrels at the
rate of 5 pounds to 1,000 cubic feet of air space and 10 pounds to
1,000 cubic feet, each for 12 hours and 24 hours. Adults were killed
in all four cases and larvae in all cases except with the 5 pounds for
12 hours, where some insects crawled up to the top of the barrel and
did not get the effect of the gas.

In fumigating mills at Fort Worth and at Dallas, Tex., Ephestia
cautella occurred in each mill in small numbers.

Cyanid of potash was used in three mills at the rate of 10 ounces
to 1,000 cubic feet as the weakest dosage. Adults were all killed
and no living larvse were to be found after careful search and
thorough airing of material.

In a series of experiments in a fumigating room at Beaumont,
Tex., the species occurred in sacks of rice bran and polished rice.
With the dosage of 10 ounces of cyanid of soda to 1,000 cubic feet
for 12 hours, adults and larvae of this species were all killed and
consequently with heavier dosages for a longer time.

The effect of cyanid upon the eggs could not be observed, owing to
inability to find them.

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate II.

PREVENTIVES. 33

Directions for fumigating mills and other structures by the hydro-
cyanic-acid gas process are furnished in Circular Xo. 112 of the
Bureau of Entomology, and instructions for the use of bisulphid of
carbon as a fumigant are discussed in Farmers' Bulletin Xo. 145,
both of which publications may be obtained on application to the
Secretary of Agriculture.

While fumigation is not at present practicable in most of the
'• khans " of the fig-packing companies of Smyrna because of the im-
possibility of making them sufficiently tight for the purpose, there are
still chances of ultimate success. For the perfect success of any
form of fumigation of insects affecting stored products it is highly
desirable that the buildings or other inclosures in which the material
is stored be made perfectly air-tight. Under these conditions the
minimum amount of bisulphid of carbon or other fumigant and the
minimum exposure can be employed. "Whatever fumigant is used,
at least 24 hours' exposure is desirable, and in many cases 48 hours —
particularly if the buildings are not quite air-tight — are necessary,
especially in comparatively low temperatures. In preparing this
paper for publication it occurred to the writer that perhaps, every-
thing considered, the most simple means of fumigating, that is, with
bisulphid of carbon, would be the best for treatment of fig-packing
houses. The writer has exchanged opinions on this topic with three
fig experts and as many entomologists, and they have all agreed that
this should be a good method if employed by erecting special fumi-
gating houses, to be made air-tight and placed at some distance, say.
about 25 yards, from the main building. While it would be better to
have these buildings constructed of concrete, they can be built of wood
and lined both inside and out with stucco or cement. This would
not only render them more nearly air-tight, but would, moreover,
serve as an additional precaution against fire. It remains to be deter-
mined what amount of bisulphid of carbon would be the best for use
in such buildings.

Efforts have been made to free the figs of " worms " by vacuum
treatment, but with indifferent success. With layer figs in boxes it is
not practicable.

We must, therefore, look for preventives and other more or less
direct remedies. From the report on this insect made by Mr. E.
G. Smyth, entomological assistant, engaged in stored-producl insect
investigations from August to November, 1010. in Smyrna, Turkey
in Asia, the followng lines of treatment are suggested:

PREVENTIVES.

The principal time of infestation is while the figs are on the ground
drying in the sun, and later, when piled in the iiu* depots (PL IT),
before shipment to Smyrna from the interior, where the ii<rs are
C»T0-1°— Bull. 104—11 3

34 THE FIG MOTH.

chiefly grown; but the original infestation is due to carelessness in
permitting the unmarketable figs of the June crop to remain in the
field and serve as a breeding place for the pest. If this source of
infestation could be removed by the complete destruction of the June
crop, it seems probable, from present knowledge of the insect's habits,
that in the course of time injur}?- by this moth could be reduced to a
minimum, since other opportunities for infestation are slight and
not worthy of consideration. The framing of a regulation for the
destruction of the June fig crop is advisable, and its enforcement
should be attempted. In case of failure in the enforcement of such a
regulation, the next step would be to protect the figs at night, while
they are drying on the frames called " serghi,'' with a covering of
cloth of a mesh sufficiently fine or of proper texture to prevent ovi-
position. This should be followed by the exclusion of the moths from
the fig depots, where figs are heaped in piles, as shown in Plate II,
by closely screening the doors, windows, and other openings, so as to
make them moth-proof. After the figs are placed in goat's-hair bags
infestation from this point onward practically ceases, so far as egg
laying is concerned.

The pernicious practice of some growers and middlemen, of holding
figs in the interior, could be stopped by stringent action by those
most interested, and thus another cause of infestation would be
eliminated.

HEAT AS A REMEDY.

The impracticability of other direct methods of treatment led to
experiment with the simplest means of destruction of insects in stored
products, viz, the application of heat, by steam, hot water, and hot
air. Preliminary experiments were made along this line and should
be continued by the packers to ascertain the length of time in differ-
ent temperatures, pressures, and exposures to produce the best effect.

Figs scalded in early September had not shown indication of
souring to late in December, while if exposed too long at the boiling
point figs, it is claimed, acidify. It would seem that boiling is one
of the best direct remedies that could be used, since a large propor-
tion of the packers boil the figs intended for their own consumption,
thus destroying between 80 and 100 per cent of the " worms " without
additional expense in manipulation. By the use of dry heat the loss
of time incident to the employment of the wet method, for drying-
after treatment, is eliminated, and there is less tendency to souring.
Furthermore, the color, texture, and appearance are les's affected when
dry heat is employed. Already an experimental plant for the appli-
cation of dry heat, called " sterilization," has been installed in a large
"khan" of Smyrna, and admirable success has been obtained in the
destruction of the fig " worms." The dry process, however, possesses

PACKING FIGS FOR PROTK< "I I< i£ AGAINST ENSECTS. 35

a disadvantage in that it does not remove filth and possible germs on
the figs as in the case of boiling.

Progressive packers are willing to install a system of sterilization.
providing that such be ordered by the Turkish Government and im-
posed equally upon all packers.

The value of the insect enemies of the fig moth as a factor in the
control of the insect in figs imported from Smyrna is doubtful, since,
although as many as 50 per cent of the larva? may be parasitized, this
does not prevent the larva^ from working in the figs until maturity.

METHODS OF PACKING FIGS AS A PROTECTION AGAINST INSECT

ATTACK.

The following notes have been made in the course of the examina-
tion, during the winter of 1010-11. of figs packed according to dif-
ferent proces-e-.

All in all. the figs purchased in the open market, packed in small
boxes, were less infested than those packed in the large 5-crown or
G-crown boxe- shipped from Smyrna direct. The worst-infested
figs examined were the string figs, which are. moreover, very dry
and inferior in appearance. (See Plate III.) They make particu-
larly easy the entrance of insects from the time they are shipped until
the time they are purchased by the consumer, especially when kept in
a warm temperature, as is frequently the case. After a while they
lose much of the characteristic fig flavor.

The figs packed in layers (PL III) and sterilized by immersion in
hot water, especially if they are submitted to a temperature of 100°
C. or a little above, equivalent to 212 c F.. for a sufficient length of
time to kill all the insects, become sticky and adhere so tightly in some
cases that it is with difficulty that they can be removed from the boxes :
and. moreover, the individual figs become agglutinated, so that in
separating them they tear in the middle and do not separate properly.

The "Loeoum" and pulled figs, everything considered, especially
where subjected to dry heat, are not. as a rule, quite so much subject
to damage a- arc the layer figs. and. moreover, keep their flavor de-
cidedly better.

Samples of the best layer figs which had been treated by hot water
were tested in comparison with " Loeoum " figj of apparently not 90
good quality, and out of 1-1 pei>ons who tested these for flavor 13
were decidedly in favor of the " Loeoum " and pnlled figs as possess-
ing the best flavor. Only one person was undecided. Enough glu-
cose is used in the layer figs which were treated with hot water to
impart to these a somewhat sickeningly sweet taste, A little more
glucose would give them the flavor of a confection rather than that
oi a fruit.

36 THE FIG MOTH.

EXPERIMENTS WITH FUMIGANTS AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE.

[By F. H. Chittenden and Thos. H. Jones.]

On May 18, 1911, the first good opportunity to test one of the fumi-
gating gases against " worms " in figs was afforded. The desire was
to have a high temperature, similar to that of Smyrna, and to make
a test to determine if the insects could be destroyed at a profit in a
short exposure. These experiments were conducted at Washington,
D. C.

BISULPHID OF CARBON.

Since the majority of the fig-moth larvae were dead and had been
replaced in many instances by the Indian-meal moth {Plod la inter-
punctella Hiibn.) during spring, figs infested by this latter species
were used. The bisulphid of carbon was used at the rate of 1-|- pounds
to 1,000 cubic feet of air space, and the figs were placed in a specially
prepared and very nearly air-tight fumigating box at 4.30 p. m. At
this time the temperature was 90° F. When removed 21 hours later
the temperature was exactly 100° F. The mean temperature was
estimated at 96° F.

The figs were very thoroughly infested with the Indian-meal moth,
there being an abundance of moths and larvae. All were dead when
examined on the morning of May 20. It is therefore safe to say that
the fig moth can be destroyed in figs in an inclosure made sufficiently
air tight, in a temperature between 90° and 100° F., which is apt to
be encountered at Smyrna, and in a building especially constructed
for this purpose, using 1^ pounds of bisulphid of carbon to 1,000
cubic feet of air space. There is no necessity for a longer exposure
if the building is nearly air-tight, as in this case. The odor of bisul-
phid of carbon was quite perceptible when the insects were removed
from the fumigatorium and was even perceptible in another room,
to which the insects were removed, when opened the next morning.
Up to June 3 no evidence of eggs hatching could be observed. The
mass of figs fumigated was very carefully examined and no trace of
young larva3 or eggs could be found. Eggshells, however, were seen
and one nearly mature larva was still living, being incased in an un-
usually strong, somewhat leathery cocoon, placed tightly between two
figs. With the amount of figs used in the experiment, this might be
considered a perfect fumigation, since a single moth could not pro-
create and reproduce its kind.

It should be said that the Indian-meal moth (Plodia interpunc-
tella Hiibn.) is of about the same size as the fig moth in all its stages.0
Therefore there would be practically no difference in the resistant
power of the two species against any gas which might be employed.

c It has already been recorded that these two species have been observed in coitu, but
the resulting eggs were not fertile.

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate III.

Fig- 1.— Figs Packed by String Method. Reduced. 'Original.)

Fig. 2.— Some of Same Figs as Shown Above, to Illustrate Larval Infestation.

Reduced. ^Original.)

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agi

Plate IV.

EXPERIMENTS WITH FUMIGATION. 37

The fig moths, as has been stated in other portions of this bulletin.
usually soon die out in America and are replaced in this country in
the same material by the Indian-meal moth, which is more hardy and
more nearly omnivorous.

HYDROCYANIC- ACID GAS.

Experiment No. 1. — June 23, at 4.05 p m., in a recorded tempera-
ture of 94° an experiment was made in the hope that the temperature
would continue or increase, as frequently happens in the District of
Columbia. In this experiment, which was conducted under the
writers' personal supervision, Messrs. Duckett and O'Neill assisted.
June 24, Mr. O'Neill made count of the insects after removal from
the fumigator at 4.05 p. m. It will be seen that this was the usual
24-hour exposure. The proportions used were 6 ounces of sodium
cyanid and 6 ounces of sulphuric acid to 1,000 cubic feet of air space.
Owing to atmospheric conditions probably the exact temperatures and
other conditions were not recorded, but the minimum was not lower
than 80°, which would give a mean temperature of about 85°F.
This experiment was conducted chiefly for the purpose of testing the
results on the Indian-meal moth (Plodia interpuncteUd) . Large
numbers of these Avere in dried figs, packed as closely as possible.
The result was that only (30 per cent were killed, showing that a
relatively heavier dosage is necessary to kill this insect than is the
case with bisulphid of carbon.0

Experiment No. 2. — Owing to the failure of the first hydrocyanic-
acid gas fumigation experiment, undertaken June 23, a second ex-
periment was found necessary. This was started at 3.45 p. m., June 27,
and the same formula, 10 ounces of potassium cyanid and 10 ounces
of sulphuric acid to 1,000 cubic feet, was used. The temperature
during this period was 92° at the beginning, the lowest temperature
recorded, between G and 8, being 80°, when the fumigation was com-
pleted. The mean temperature was about 85° F. Exposure was as
before, exactly 24 hours being the time. The Indian-meal moth larvae
and adults in figs were all killed. The same was true of their occur-
rence in meal. The granary weevil was completely destroyed, and the
same is also true of the lesser grain borer and the saw-toothed grain
beetle. Only one species of insect survived: Four living adults of
the Tribolivm confusum^ the confused flour beetle, in meal were not
killed. It would be difficult to determine the percentage in this case.'

"Of other Insects treated at this time, speeimens of the lesser grain borer [RhtzoperthQ
dominica Fab.) were all destroyed, furnishing additional testimony of the weak resistant

power of this spoeies to both Liases.

6 The larva* and moths of the Mediterranean Hour moth {BphesHa kiicliniclla Zell. t
were also all killed, and the same was the ease with the Indian meal moth in meal. The
saw-toothed grain beetles {Silvanus 8urinamensis L.) were all destroyed, but of the
granary weevil (Calandra granaria L.) only 82.5 per cent were destroyed, in the ease
of the rust -red Hour beetle (Tribolitim minilc Fab.) three larva* were living. The
four-spotted bean weevil {BruChuS [Pachymertu] quadrimOCUlatu* Fab.) was destroyed.

38 THE FIG MOTH.

SUMMARY.

To summarize the measures for the eradication of the fig moth
in imported figs we may reduce them to the following methods of
prevention and destruction:

(1) Prompt disposal or destruction of the useless June fig crop.

(2) Covering the figs at night while on the " serghi."

(3) Closely screening the fig u depots " in the interior.

(4) Prompt delivery of the figs to the " khans " after gathering.

(5) Destruction of the "worms" in the "khans" by "steriliza-
tion," i. e., by hot water, dry heat, or steam.

(6) Fumigation by means of carbon bisulphid in special fumiga-
tion structures, made as nearly gas-tight as possible.

(7) Fumigation by means of hydrocj'anic-acid gas,

(8) Construction of the "khans" in the future so that they can
be made gas-tight for the purpose of fumigating.

(9) Enactment of special regulations or legislation to secure the
enforcement of the suggestions made.

(10) Clean methods of handling and storing at all times and
in all places.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL LIST.

1. Walker, Francis. — Bist of the specimens of lepidopterous inserts in the

collection of the British Museum, pt 27, 1863.

Original description as Pempelia cautella, from Ceylon.

2. Zelleb, P. C. — Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung, p. 384, 1867.

Description as Ephestia cahiritella from two examples from Cairo, Egypt.

• 3. Barrett, C. a. — Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, vol. 11, p. 271, May. 1875.
Iiedescribed as new under the name of Ephestia passulella ; in dried "cur-
rants."

4. Buckler, Wm. — Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, vol. 19. pp. 104-106,

October, 1882.

Reared from eggs placed on " locust bean of commerce." Description of eggs,
larva, and pupa.

5. Porritt, G. T. — Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, vol. 10, p. 142, November,

1882.

Feeding on dried figs ; said to be partially double brooded.

6. Porritt, G. T. — Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, vol. 20, p. 41, July, 1883.

Larvae stated to winter in cocoons and transform to pupa? in spring.

7. Atmore, Edw. A. — Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, vol. 20, pp. 258, 259,

April, 1884.

Introduction at King's Lynn, England, in cottonseed-oil cake from Galves-
ton, Tex.

8. Bagonot, E. L. — Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, vol. 22, p. 24, July. 1885.

Short note on distribution and hibernation.

9. South, R.— The Entomologist, vol. 23, pp. 304-305, October, 1890.

Description (from Barrett); distribution; bibliography ; larva "feeding on
cottonseed-oil cake."

10. Pearce, AY. T.— The Entomologist, vol. 24, p. IS, January, 1891.

Brief mention of the occurrence of the larva in dried currants and of the
presence of a small black ichneumon parasite.

11. Riley, C. V.— Insect Life, vol. 6, p. 221, February 28, 1894.

Mentioned as Ephestia sp., found breeding in cacao beans ut the World's
Columbian Exposition in 1893.

12. Meyrick, Edw. — Handbook of British Lepidoptera, p. 373, London and

Now York, 1895.

Description, distribution, and brief notes.

13. Chittenden, F. H. — Rtil. 8, ii. s.. Division of Entomology, v. s. Department

of Agriculture, pp. 7-9, tig. 1, 1S97.

Identification of this species from both North and South America : food habits:
brief descriptions of larva and moth ; original figures of eggs, larva, and moth.

14. Chittenden, F. II. — Bui. 8, n. s.. Division of Entomology, V. S. Department

of Agriculture, pp. ^ 13, flg. L0, 1897.

Record of the rearing oi the parasites Hadrobracon hebetor and Omotya fru-
mentaria from this species, with illustration of former.

15. Holland. W. J.— The Moth Book. p. 414, tig. Now York. L903.

A one-page account, Including remarks on inspection ami quarantine tor pre-
venting the Introduction oi Foreign insect pests,

39 •

40 THE FIG MOTH.

16. Lefroy, H. M— Indian Insect Pests, p. 256. Calcutta, 1906.

Common in India in flour and meal. Brief mention as E. cahiritella.

17. Chittenden, F. H. — An insect likely to be mistaken for the flour moth. The

American Miller, July 1, 1909, p. 545.

A short popular article, with illustration.

18. Lefroy, H. M., and Howlett, F. M. — Indian Insect Life, pp. 512, 513, fig.

340, 1909.

Feeds in rice and wheat flour in India and has been reared from tamarind
seeds. Moth, larva, pupa, and work figured. Short note.

REPORT OX THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

By E. G. Smyth, Entomological Assistant.

In accordance with orders received from the Secretary of Agricul-
ture, contained in a letter of authority dated July 1. 1910. and under
specific instructions from Dr. F. H. Chittenden, contained in a letter
of June 30, the writer sailed from Xew York on July 9 for Smyrna.
Turkey in Asia, to investigate the problem of eliminating the fig
moth (Ephestia cautella Walk.) and other insects injurious to dried

figs.

SOURCES OF INFESTATION.

As in the solution of all similar problems of how to avoid injury
from insect attack, before definite remedies could be prescribed it
was necessary to determine the exact source of infestation. There
are seven distinct periods in the preparation of Smyrna figs for mar-
ket, before their receipt at Xew York, when infestation by moths
is possible: (1) While the fruit is on the tree; (2) while drying on
the ground; (3) in the fig "depots" of interior Asia Minor: (1) in
the freight cars en route to Smyrna; (5) in the bazaars in Smyrna:
(6) in the packing houses or '; khans '?a of Smyrna; and (7) in the
steamers during shipment to America. All previously noted habits
of the same moth in this country, where it occurs only in buildings
or places where dried fruits or food materials are stored, pointed to
the packing houses as the most probable source of infestation, it being
a matter of common knowledge that in them conditions of uncleanli-
ness are so bad that the moths, if once established, would breed
generation after generation unmolested.

When the writer reached Smyrna. August 5, it was found that the
fig export season had scarcely begun and figs were not yet arriving
from the villages, so the interior of Asia Minor was visited Halt*
of the month of August was spent in the Meander Valley < PI. Y.
fig. 2), which furnishes about 90 per cent of the dried tig- ^( Smyrna,
and in immediate proximity to the trees, where every condition sur-
rounding the maturing and dropping of the fruit could be noted.

"A Turkish ami Syrian word a caravansary or unfurnished inn; used in Smyrna to

designate a packing house, because caravansaries are often used for Ag packing.

41

42 REPORT OK THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

OCCURRENCE OF LARViE IN THE ORCHARD.

If the larvae, or " worms," come from the orchard, as held by the
packers in Smyrna, and are in the figs when gathered, the same
degree of infestation should be found on the ripening fruit on the
tree as in the dried fruit in the market, which is seldom less than
15 per cent and often more than 50 per cent. But this is not the
case, On rare occasions only were larvae found in the ripe fruit on
the tree.

In an orchard at Kara Bounar, August 18, many figs were picked
from the trees and broken open, and a few found to contain young
larva?. Figs were ripening in numbers and shriveling on the trees,
and some had dropped and been gathered and spread on " serghi " °
at one side of the orchard to dry. A small percentage of these was
also found infested. The larva? were quite young, most of them less
than two weeks old. Their presence was usually indicated by a silk
webbing at the eye of the fig. In no case was the skin of the fig
injured by the larva, nor was there other evidence of its presence
within the fig.

In an orchard at Nazli many figs were broken open from the trees,
but very feAv were found wormy. Those placed in jars, however,
later turned out to be often quite wormy, as though eggs or very
young larva? had been present in them when they were picked.
Larva? found were of the usual pink color, and occurred, as a rule,
one, and very seldom more than two, in a fig.

A smaller larva, the young of a nitidulid beetle, Carpophihis
hemipterus L., sometimes occurred in small colonies of from 3 to 7
individuals at the open or eye end of figs on the trees or drying on
the " serghi." These occurred usually in split or injured figs, and
their presence never accompanied that of Ephestia larva? in a fig.

Repeated attempts to find larva? in figs on the trees in the large
orchards at Tchifte Kaive were unsuccessful. The conclusion was
that, while figs are sometimes attacked by the larva? of the fig moth
before they fall from the tree, it is the exception rather than the
rule. The percentage of figs thus attacked is very small, the larger
part of the infestation taking place later, while the figs are drying
on the " serghi " or are piled in the fig depots.

EGGS ON FIGS ON THE TREES.

It was evident that the " worms " were not present in any number
in the figs when they dropped from the trees. But as they were
known to appear in the figs a week or two after their dropping, and
to be present in numbers when the figs arrived in Smyrna from the

a Beds of reeds or other suitable plants laid upon the ground to protect figs from eon-
tact with the soil while drying.

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate V.

Fig. 1 .—Extensive Fig Orchards in Valley of Caystrus River, Asia Minor. The
Fig Moth is Abundant Over this Area. 'Original.)

■ig. 2.— Typical Smyrna Fig Orchard in Meander Valley, Asia Minor, whence
Come the Best Figs for Export. This is the Real Home of the Fig Moth.
'Original.)

MOTHS FX THE ORCHARD. 43

interior, there seemed a possibility that the eggs were laid before the
figs dropped from the trees. To determine if this were the case,
hundreds of ripe or ripening figs on the trees were examined, but no
eggs were found.

The first search for eggs in an orchard was made at Xazli, Asia
Minor, on August 8. The fruit was just ripening and none had
begun to shrivel or dry. The figs we're closely examined, but no
sign of Ephestia eggs was found. Ten days later a similar search
for the eggs was made in an orchard at Kara Bounar, and. although
the figs were much riper than previously and many were shriveling
and dropping to the ground, the examination was fruitless of results.
Both the outside of the skin and the interior of the eye of many figs
were examined, but nothing having the appearance of fig-moth eggs
was discovered. On the following day at Xazli figs were again
examined in the orchard where observations Avere made on August 8.
Still no eggs were revealed, even by the use of strong hand lenses.

Many attempts were made to find eggs on figs on the trees in an
orchard at Tchifte Kaive. between August 21 and 2G. A great many
figs were cut open and the scales about the eye examined one by one,
but no eggs were revealed. Several times, while examining figs,
small, white, globular objects were found adhering to the skin. These,
superficially, resembled the eggs of Ephestia, but when put under a
good lens proved to be secretions of honey from the substance of the
fig that had hardened on the outside.

MOTHS IN THE ORCHARD.

While search was being made for eggs in the orchard at Xazli a
careful watch was kept for adults. The bark of trees was inspected,
and debris and trash piles about the orchard were disturbed with a
hope of arousing the moths. At Kara Bounar. August 18, reeds
upon which the figs were drying were fruitlessly turned over in
search of moths. The same was done on a later visit to Xazli. and
vegetation in a vineyard closely adjoining a fig orchard was well
shaken, but no moths were aroused.

When it became too dark to see, trees were examined by use of
electric bull's-eye lamps. Chrysopid adults were thus revealed in
numbers, flying about the foliage, and had the fig moths been present
they would without doubt have been revealed by the light.

All efforts to locate moths about the trees, either in daylight or by
the use of bull's-eye lamps, having failed, it was decided to climb a
fig tree with an ordinary lantern and lie in wait for the appearance
of the moths among the branches or foliage. This was done on
August 25 in an orchard at Tchifte Kaive. Tn an hour's vigilance
two moths were attracted to the light and a third seen living among
the foliage. Such a scarcity of moths could not account for the

44 REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.,

wholesale infestation of dried figs, even in the event that the eggs
had escaped detection. The only possible conclusion was that less
than 10 per cent, and probably less than 5 per cent, of infestation of
dried figs originates while the fruit is on the tree.

OVIPOSITION ON FIGS DRYING ON THE " SERGHI."

The first fig-moth adults seen in the interior of Asia Minor were
at Xazli on August 19. A careful search had been made for them
by day and in the early evening throughout the orchard with no
success. About 7 o'clock, while watching the "serghi" (see PI. VI,
figs. 1, 2), a few moths were noticed fluttering over the drying figs.
They increased in abundance, and by 7.30 p. m. were hovering over
the beds of figs by dozens. It was impossible to determine from what
source they came. They showed a particular fondness for crawling
down among the reeds beneath, as though to reach the figs from the
underside. They were evidently all of one species, Ephestia cau-
tella, although they varied somewhat in size.

Moths were observed the following evening in another orchard
where the figs were laid on the bare ground to dry, in place of upon
beds of reeds. It was expected that the moths would prove less
abundant in this case, there being no reeds present or other shelter
in which they could hide by day. The lack of shelter, however, made
little difference, for at dark they began to gather over the figs as on
the preceding night, and quite as abundantly. A few were noticed
as they approached the figs, flying close to the ground. Evidently
the moths have no particular hiding place in which to pass the day,
but simply secrete themselves about rubbish or foliage near the
ground.

Observations of the moths ovipositing on figs on the " serghi " were
made during a week's stay, August 21 to 27, at Tchifte Kaive, Asia
Minor. The " serghi " used in this orchard were sufficient in area
to accommodate the drying of large quantities of figs. They were
composed of reeds taken from near the Meander stream and laid in
]ong rows, 3 feet wide and half as far apart. (See PI. VII, figs.
1, 2.) Observations were easily made along any of these beds from
the alleyways between. As observed on previous occasions, the moths
began to appear at about 7 o'clock and increased in abundance up to
8 or 8.30 p. m. As late at 10.30 p. m. they were found still active,
and doubtless continued ovipositing until well toward morning.
Lanterns were employed to observe the moths, which seemed un-
usually abundant at this place. Occasional moths were attracted to
the lanterns, but usually they avoided the light. They were quick in
their movements and hard to capture.

No individual was seen depositing eggs, for upon alighting the
moth invariably crawled quickly to the underside of the fig, and if

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate VI

Fig. 1.— The Crude Form of "Serghi" Employed in Most Orchards for Drying
Figs. Fruit is Exposed to the Sun from 2 to 5 Days. (Original.

Fig. 2. -Near View of Figs Drying on the "Serghi," Nazli, Asia Minor, August
19, 1910. Thirty-five per cent of the Figs Become Infested on the
"Serghi." ^Original.)

45

disturbed would take wing. The moths varied greatly in size, some
having twice the wing expanse of others. The smaller individual-
seemed to predominate. The small ones were less distinctly marked
than the larger ones, although all were of one species.

A few moths, after being left a short time in a cyanid bottle and
partially stupefied, were taken out and put into glass jars with tig.-.
They soon revived, and by morning each individual so confined had
laid a large number of eggs. The eggs were laid indifferently on the
-kin of the fig or on the sides of the jars, and mam' had dropped to
the bottom of the jars. Eggs were usually deposited in the creases or
furrows in the skin of the fig or on wounds or injured parts where
the larvae would find little difficulty in entering the fruit. They were
never seen to be deposited within the eye or aperture of the fig.

PERCENTAGE OF INFESTATION ON THE " SERGHI."

The figs are gathered night and morning as they drop from the
trees, and the large number of moths attracted to the " serghi " may
be explained by the absence of figs on the ground in the orchard.
as well as by the strong fragrance emitted by so many figs piled to-
gether. Figs remain from two to five days on the ground drying,
fully exposed to the sun. Xo precaution is taken to cover or protect
them at night, so that they are exposed as many nights to the ravages
of the moths.

A count was made at Tchifte Kaive. August 26. to determine the
percentage of figs that become infested on the ;; serghi.*' Figs that
had laid exposed for one night, two nights, and three nights were
examined, 200 being counted from each lot. The number of eggs on
each fig was not recorded, the presence of a single egg causing a fig
to be considered as infested. The following degrees of infestation
were found :

Exposure.

Number of
figs.

Infested
figs.

Uninl

Nights.

Per cent.

Percent.

1

100

°7

78

1

100

31

69

9

100

41

59

2

100

36

64

3

100

42

58

3

100

47

53

From these data it is apparent that in an exposure of one night
29 per cent of the tig- become infested, in two night- "W, per cent,
and in three nights 4U per cent The average infestation for all figs
not remaining over three nights on the "serghi n i> therefore about
37 per cent.

46 KEPOKT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

INFESTATION IN TIG " DEPOTS."

As the figs are gathered from the u serghi " they are transported,
(see PL VIII, figs. 1, 2) in goat's-hair bags or woven willow bas-
kets strapped on the backs of horses or camels, to the villages, where
they are dumped into large piles in buildings known as fig " depots."
Here the different grades are mixed and resacked into other goat's-
hair bags (see PI. IX, fig. 1), and later loaded onto camels (PL IX,
fig. 2) to be carried to the railroad station for shipment to Smyrna.
The figs are brought to the '; depots " in large quantities, and con-
siderable forces of men and women are required to handle them. It
is stated by the Turks, Avho have charge of the figs at this period of
their manipulation and who look after their transportation to
Smyrna until they are turned over to the commission men at the
bazaars, that the figs never remain in these " depots " for more than
48 hours, and seldom longer than a single night. It would seem from
this that the opportunity of infestation in the " depots " is neces-
sarily small.

At about sundown August 24 a fig " depot " located at Tchifte
Kaive was entered with the hope of determining whether or not the
moths occurred there as abundantly as they did over the " serghi."
Lanterns were used, and at about 6.30 p. m., at least 30 minutes
before the appearance of the moths out of doors, they began to be
active, and by 7 o'clock were fluttering in large numbers over the
piles of figs and depositing eggs.

The moths are not present in these " depots " early in August be-
fore the figs have entered them. A large number of " depots " in
the different villages was inspected early in August before dried
figs had begun to enter them, and no sign of living Ephestia in either
pupal or adult stages could be detected by the minutest examination
of the dust and cobwebs in dark corners of the buildings. Unques-
tionably the moths are attracted into the " depots " by the odor of
the first figs that enter. Finding the building to afford good shelter
from heat, wind, and too much light, and furnished a fresh supply
of figs each day from the orchards, they doubtless remain inside until
the end of the season, increasing each day in abundance as new indi-
viduals enter from the outside. The moths are more abundant in
the " depots " than outside over the " serghi," and it is astonishing
that a single fig passing through the " depots" should escape infesta-
tion. If the figs were to remain for any length of time in the " de-
pots," the amount of infestation resulting from so great an abun-
dance of moths would prove almost startling.

INFESTATION IN FREIGHT CARS.

After leaving the " depots " the figs are tightly inclosed in goat's-
hair bags until they reach Smyrna, and there is little chance for fur-

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture

Plate VIII

^

Fig. 1.— Team of Water Buffalo and Driver and Turkish Cart, Often Used for
Carrying Figs. (Original.)

Fig. 2.-Figs Arriving at a "Depot." Brought from Orchard on Horseback by
Peasant who Grew them. Tchifte Kaive, Asia Minor. ^Original.

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agricultur

Plate IX,

Fig. 1„— Figs of Different Grades being Mixed in ••Depot" of Interior, and

Resacked for Shipment to Smyrna.

In these buildings much damage occurs from fig moths. Tchifte Kaive. Asia Minor.
August 24, 1910. (Original.)

"IP -toP

WM)

■Bfflr " i

•

Fig. 2.— Camel Caravan Conveying Figs from a •"Depot"' to Railroad Station in
Interior of Asia Minor.

At this stage from 50 to 7"> per cent of the tigs are infested with eggs or larva, many of which
are destroyed by tight packing and rough handling'. ' (Original.)

INFESTATION IN THE

khans/' 47

ther infestation by moths until they are again exposed in the " khans "
of Smyrna. The railroad carries them in both open and closed cars,
known as "wagons." (See PI. X, fig. 1.) During the month of
August a large number of these cars was inspected for evidences of
the fig moth, either in the egg, larval, pupal, or adult stage-: but
nothing was discovered which would lead one to believe that the
freight cars are in any way responsible for the infestation of the
crop. Many cars, however, were found to be very dirty, and Dr.
Yenidunia, director general of agriculture, requested the railroad
authorities to have all wagons, or cars, intended for the shipment of
figs from the interior to Smyrna thoroughly disinfected with chlorid
of lime and water before using.

On August 26, after the issuance of this order by the railroad
officials, a wagon was inspected at Tchifte Kaive and found to have
been sterilized and to to be in every respect clean. A loaded car of
figs was also examined and several of the bags disturbed, but no fig
moths were seen. The bags of figs remain in these wagons but a short
time, never longer than 48 hours, and are unloaded as soon as they
reach Smyrna.

INFESTATION IN BAZAARS IN SMYRNA.

After their arrival in Smyrna the bags of figs remain only a few
hours in the bazaars, before being carried to the u khans M and
dumped. On several occasions during the month of October close
inspection was made of the interiors of closed fig bazaars in Smyrna
and of conditions surrounding the bags of figs in the. open bazaars
in the streets. Debris and dust about dark corners were disturbed
and empty sacks, strewn about the ground, were turned over or
shaken, but the number of moths aroused in this way was of no
consequence. Few moths were present in or about these bazaars,
and they were accidental. The bags, furthermore, are well covered
at the top at night with cloth or paper, so that the chances are very
slight of the figs having eggs laid upon them during their brief stay
at the bazaars. (See PL X, fig. 2.) Bags of figs are not emptied at
the bazaars and seldom remain there over ^4 hours. Occasionally
larva1 were sees, crawling over .the bags, but these had come from the
figs within and had not hatched from eggs laid in the bazaars.

Visits were twice made to bazaars in the evening during October
and search made with lanterns, but only a few straggling moths were
seen. These could not account for any infestation of the fig>.

INFESTATION IN THE " KHANS."

Beginning as early as August 6, before their cleaning and white-
Washing began, the "khans" in Smyrna were often and repeatedly

examined for traces of the fig moth in the larval, pupal, or adult

48 KEPOKT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYKNA.

forms. No living pupae were found at any time before October,
those seen later having resulted from the same year's supply of
larvae. Empty cocoons were found in abundance in some of the
" khans " before their cleaning, but these could have no possible bear-
ing on the infestation of the coming crop.

During August and early September the figs as they reach the
" khans " are apparently free from " worms," yet if many are broken
open and examined they will be found to contain young larvae. In
October conditions are different. About piles of refuse figs many
full-grown larvae may be seen crawling up the walls. (See PI. XI,
figs 1, 2.) This is not due to the fact that larvae are more abundant
in October, but that the figs have remained so long inland that the
larvae have matured and are leaving the figs to pupate. A small
percentage pupates within the figs, and the adults may even issue in
October in the " khans," but these moths do not cause the infestation
of the crop, and are too few in number and issue too late to do any
damage.

The first adult seen in a " khan " was on August 31. A single in-
dividual was found and its presence was purely accidental. Later
than the middle of September adults were occasionally seen about
the "khans," but in very small numbers. They were as often seen
in screened " khans " as in open ones, showing that they had largely
issued from figs which came into the " khans " since the first of the
season.

On different occasions piles of figs in the " khans " were watched
by night with lanterns and in no case were more than 4 or 5 adults
seen in an evening. TThen we compare this with the hundreds of
moths seen flying over piles of figs in " depots " of the interior there
can be little question where infestation begins.

INFESTATION IN STEAMERS DURING OCEAN TRANSIT.

Further opportunity for infestation occurs while the figs are en
route to America. To determine positively if they are attacked at
this period a large consignment of figs was accompanied from
Smyrna to New York, frequent observations being made. No
Ephestia adults were seen in the hold at any time, but larvae were
commonly observed that had escaped from the boxes of figs, during
shipment. (See PL XIII, fig. 2.) No larvae were seen about the
bags of " naturals," or unpacked figs. In fact, figs shipped in bags
are generally so badly crushed and macerated that no larvae can sur-
vive in them. (See PI. XII, fig. 1, and PI. XIII, fig. 1.)

THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF INFESTATION.

To summarize, infestation of the figs begins in or near the orchards
in the interior of Asia Minor, before the dried fruit has reached

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate X.

Fig. 1.— Closed Railroad Car, or "Wagon," Used in Transporting Figs from the
Interior of Asia Minor to Smyrna.

No infestation by tig moths is possible in these cars, owing to the perfect closing of the goat's-

hair bags. (Original.)

Fig. 2.— An Indoor Fig Bazaar at Smyrna.

Figs are not exposed to moth attack in the bazaars, owing to the sacks being well closed.

(Original. |

1

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate XI.

Fig. 1.— Pile of Refuse Figs in a Smyrna '"Khan."
On the walls above these figs fig-moth larvse congregate in large numbers. (Original.)

Fig. 2.— Greek Women Grading the Refuse Figs in a Smyrna "Khan.'
All grades, however filthy and wormy, are exported for use as Eood. (Original.)

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomo.ogy, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate XII.

3

^M

■ »

1 ' M"

■ '&t'^-j

^ 1

L

Fig. 1.— Large "Paciale" of Natural Dried1 Figs Ready to Sack for Export, in
a Fig "Khan"' in Smyrna.

These figs art- shipped in jute bags, and the larva- that remain in them are destroyed in transit

to America. (Original.)

Fig. 2.— Natural iDried^ Figs Being Watered and Mixed, Showing Method of
Handling with Wooden Scoops Operated by Men in Bare Feet.

The salt water causes the laryse to leave the figs and crawl up the walls, (Origin)

I

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate XIII.

Fig. 1 .—Thousands of Bags of Natural 'Dried) Figs in a Smyrna "Khan"' Intended
for Export to America to be Made Into ••Strawberry'- and Fig Jam.

Larvae smother in these bags and do not escape from the figs. (Original.)

Fig. 2.— Skeleton Cases of Smyrna Layer Figs Bound for America in Hold of
Mediterranean Steamer at Genoa.

Larvae escape from the cases and pupate in the hold, hut adults developing from them perish
before the next year's figs are shipped. (Original!)

DESTRUCTION OF THE EARLIER BROODS. 49

Smyrna to be packed. Out of 100 worm-infested figs, the larvae in
possibly 5 to 10 per cent of them might be traced to the tree, while
the other 90 to 95 per cent of larva? develop from eggs laid either
while the figs are on the "serghi" or in the fig "depots" of the
villages. The number of larva? originating from eggs laid while the
figs are in freight cars en route to Smyrna, in the packing " khans "
of Smyrna, or in the holds of steamers en route to America, is in-
considerable.

METHODS OF CONTROL.

The real source of infestation determined, the question arises as
to the best means of avoiding it. Spraying with insecticides or fumi-
gating the trees by using tents is too expensive for the average
peasant and would be, furthermore, of little use where so small a
percentage of infestation occurs on the tree, unless these methods
could be employed at a time when they would kill the first genera- ,
tion of the insect, which is confined exclusively to the orchard.
Efforts must be directed to some means of destroying the adults that
cause the infestation, or of reducing their numbers by a systematic
attack upon the larva? or pupa? from which they mature — i. e., by
reduction of the early stages of the earlier broods of the moth in
the orchard.

DESTRUCTION OF THE EARLIER BROODS OF THE MOTH.

Upon questioning a number of Turkish peasants at Tchifte Kaive
it was learned that there is an earlier crop of figs produced by the
majority of trees in the latter part of May and largely throughout
June. These figs are rather larger than the drying figs that later
appear on the same trees, but are insipid and much more watery,
and, therefore, useless for drying purposes. Being of little export
value, few. if any, of them ever reach Smyrna, so that such as are
not used by the peasant for his own consumption are allowed to re-
main in the orchard and spoil on the ground. These figs are reported
to be very "wormy;" in fact the Turkish word applied to the early
crop, which to the merchants is known as the June crop, is a term
meaning "wormy figs." There can be little doubt that the June
crop of figs furnishes sustenance for the early broods of the fig moth,
and is responsible for the myriads of moths which later appear to
infest the valuable export crop ripening in August and September.
How many generations of the moth breed in the June crop of fig> it
is impossible to say. but probably at least two.

It is of great importance that rigid regulations be enforced upon
the peasants for the quick disposal or destruction of the June figs as
they drop from the trees in order to diminish so far as possible
0704°— Hull. 104—11 i

50 BEPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

the number of moths which breed from them. Whether or not these
figs can be put to any other use than simply being eaten raw by the
peasants is yet to be learned, but if so it would be of great value and
an effectual means of reducing infestation to the autumn or export
crop.

PROTECTION OF DRYING FIGS.

Covering the figs at night, while they are drying on the " serghi,"
would very much reduce their "worminess." A practical way of
doing this would be to adopt frames for the drying as used in Cali-
fornia, which could be stacked one over the other each evening.
Where this is found too expensive, a covering of cloth of mesh close
enough to prevent oviposition, spread over the figs each evening and
held down with weights, would do much to exclude the moths and
thus prevent the deposition of eggs on the figs. But even this simple
treatment, in order to give results, should be uniformly applied by
all growers. The effect of such a treatment would be to divert the
moths to the orchard ; but their consequent scattering, and the much
greater time that would be required for them to deposit eggs upon
the same number of figs on the trees, would result in a marked diminu-
tion of the damage.

EXCLUDING MOTHS FROM FIG " DEPOTS."

As a special precaution against infestation of figs in the " depots,"
the latter were ordered by the director general of agriculture to
be thoroughly disinfected throughout with chlorid of lime and
whitewashed before any figs should enter them, as required in the
packing " khans " of Smyrna. Measures of precaution such as these
for the destruction of eggs and cocoons already in the " depots " are
practically useless, as the buildings bear no living traces of the
moths at the beginning of the season, and as practically no moths
are brought in with the figs, the majority must enter by night through
the open doors and windows. A careful screening of these and
closing of all stray openings about the roof and under the gables
in July or the early part of August, before the figs have entered,
would exclude practically all moths from the fig "depots" and
very considerably reduce the amount of infestation to figs.

DESTRUCTION OF EGGS ON FIGS.

Even with close adherence to the precautions advised above,
namely, the covering of figs on the " serghi " and careful screening
of the " depots," many figs will become infested with eggs before
they leave the " depots," for the moths will find access to the fruit
while on the tree, or while on the ground in the orchard before being

DISCONTINUING RETENTION OF FIGS INLAND.

51

gathered. The only way to insure figs against some infestation is
to destroy the eggs present on them before sacking them for ship-
ment to Smyrna. An experiment was made to determine the tem-
perature and length of exposure (boiling in salt water) necessary
to kill the eggs.

From figs that had been exposed from one to three days on "serghi,"
at Tchifte Kaive, August 24, a large number was chosen bearing
Ephestia eggs adhering to the skins. These were boiled, in small
lots, in water containing 2.5 per cent of salt, for the following lengths
of time at different temperatures:

Lot.

Exposure.

Temperature.

Lot.

Exposure. Temperature.

1

2
3

4

30 seconds.

...do

...do

...do

°C.
70
80
90
100

"F.
158
176

194

212

•c.

5 1 minute . . 70

6 ...do 80

7 :...do 90

8 ...do 100

°F.
158
176
194
212

After taking them from the water they were hung in large-meshed
bags to dry in the wind and sun. When examined August 25, the
eggs in lots 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 had entirely collapsed, and were par-
tially collapsed or at least dented in lots 2 and 5. The eggs in lot 1
were apparently unharmed by the heat, but two days later were
discolored perceptibly, and showed no signs of vitality. By Sep-
tember 3 larva? were working in almost every lot of figs experimented
upon, but these had undoubtedly hatched and entered the figs previous
to the boiling, as they were too old to have come from eggs present
on the outside of the figs when they were boiled. The conclusion
is that boiling the figs in water containing 2J per cent salt for an
exposure to exceed 30 seconds and temperature to exceed 80° C.
(176° F.) will kill all eggs on the outside of the fig, but will not kill
larvae within the fig, even though the temperature is increased 20° C.
(36° F.).

DISCONTINUING THE RETENTION OF FIGS INLAND.

Between the fig " depot" of the interior and the packing " khan M
of Smyrna measures of precaution against worm infestation are
unnecessary, as the moths have no access to the figs while they
are in the goafs-hair bags. Promptness in delivery to the packers
is the all-important thing to be observed at this period of the fig's
handling. Two weeks' delay brings most disastrous results. During
this time the worms which have hatched from eggs laid on the
"serghi" or in the "depots" are doing their worst damage and
are growing rapidly to a size that renders their presence in the figs
most offensive. Moreover, the physical condition of the tig is in-
jured by delay in shipment to Smyrna.

52 REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

After inquiry, the writer is convinced that the railroad is able
to transport the fig crop direct to Smyrna as promptly as it comes to
the villages from the orchards, and that the packers in Smyrna are
quite as able to handle it as fast as it can be turned over to them.
From our point of view there is no reason, therefore, why figs should
be detained in the interior unventilated in the bags, or in piles in
the fig " depots " exposed to moths, flies, and other sources of con-
tamination. A week's time is more than sufficient for the figs to
reach the packer after they have been gathered from the " serghi."
Observations show that most of the crop is held in the interior some
time after harvesting, in many cases more than a month. The object
of this is to bring better prices to the growers and the middlemen, at
the expense of the packers, and to correspondingly increase the reve-
nues to the local Government, regardless of what the consequences
may be to the product or to the consumer.

The practice of "holding" the figs by the producers and middle-
men is of recent origin, and apparently is growing. So long as the
responsible parties realize large profits from such a practice, as they
undoubtedly do, it is not likely to be discontinued, except by stringent
action on the part of those who consume the figs and are forced to pay
highly for the injuries done. The packers are in no position to con-
trol the suppl}T, and can do nothing better than to take whatever figs
they can get from the peasants and their representatives, at such time
and price as offers, charging a correspondingly higher price for the
packed figs. Americans may expect in the future to pay a higher
price for figs inferior to those now imported, unless some decisive
action is taken to stop this unwarranted retention of the crop inland.

ELIMINATION OF LARViE IN THE "KHANS."

The Smyrna " khan " is not responsible for the wormy condition of
figs. But as the packer is responsible for the fig reaching the con-
sumer, he also must be held accountable for the condition in which
it reaches the consumer. If the fig is laden with " worms," he must
rid it of these before it can be imposed upon the public as a sanitary
article of diet. The experiments conducted in the " khans " were
undertaken with the hope of discovering a means by which the
packers could profitably furnish the American importers with sani-
tary figs, free from fig " worms " or other insect pests.

In contemplating a means of eradicating larva? from figs in the
" khans" considerable dependence was placed upon the method used
in this country for freeing flour mills of the related Mediterranean
flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) , viz, by hydrocyanic-acid gas fumi-
gation. After examining the "khans" several reasons were found
why the fumigation method could not be used: (1) Whatever venti-
lation openings occur near the roofs in these buildings are not

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate XIV.

Fig. 1 .—A Hand Vacuum Machine for Extracting
Air from Jars of Figs, and Its Operator.

Larvae do not survive in jars <>i tigs so treated. I Original, i

Fig. 2.— Oven for Sterilizing Figs by Dry Heat, with Loading Frave Extracted;
Employed in a •"Khan'" in Smyrna.

By subjection to dry heal a very large proportion of larvse in the Bgs is destroyed. (Original.)

Bui. 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate XV.

Fig. 1 .—Steam Disinfecting Closet, with Loading Frame Extracted, which could
be Easily Adapted for Sterilization of Figs and Destruction of Fig-moth
Larv/e. (Original.)

Fig. 2.— Interior of Steam Disinfecting Closet with Ends Open and Load-
ing Frame Extracted, Showing Arrangement of Pifes Within. ^Original

ELIMINATION OF LARV^ IN KHANS." 53

furnished with glass and are often so large that it is impossible to
make them air-tight; (2) the supply of figs in a "khan" does not
remain, but passes through in a very short time, usually a day or two,
which would necessitate fumigating several times a week. This
would be too expensive a process, as well as impracticable, because it
would endanger the occupancy of the building the following day.
The proportion of air space in a " khan " to the amount of figs to be
treated would make fumigation totally impracticable (Pis. XII, fig.
2, and XIII, fig. 1), and the packers are emphatically opposed to sub-
jecting their wares to the action of such deadly fumes as those of
hydrocyanic acid.

EXPERIMENTS IX THE " KHANS."

The simplest possible treatment for the destruction of foreign
life in any article of food, viz, subjection to heat, suggests itself as
more economical and easier to apply than any other method. Ex-
periments were made using three distinct methods of application,
i. e., by steam, hot water, and hot air. The results obtained by using
any of these do not vary greatly, though the details of the applica-
tion, the required temperatures and lengths of exposure, and the
drying where water is used, necessarily differ much. Experiments
were also made using a vacuum treatment.

In conducting experiments for the eradication of fig-moth larvae
by various methods the writer was extended many courtesies by
packers of figs in Smyrna, some of whom had been using the same
methods with practical results for some time, and had apparatus in
their establishments for the purpose. In one case an expensive steril-
izing^mtfit was installed for the special purpose of making ex-
periments to determine the practicability of subjecting figs to special
treatment to kill the " worms." Among Smyrna fig packers, who
seemed particularly interested in this phase of the fig industry and
to whom the writer is indebted for material assistance in perform-
ing the experiments, may be mentioned Mr. John Manola, Mr. Aram
Hamparzum, and the manager of his "khan." Mr. Vedova; Messrs.
A. Reggio and sons, and Mr. S. A. Stassinopulo.

DESTRUCTION OF LARV.E BY VACUUM TREATMENT.

Attempts were made to free the figs of " worms" by subjection to
vacuum, but with little success. An experiment was performed on
September 2G, in a "khan" in Smyrna, to determine whether vacuum
treatment could be successfully applied to layer figs in boxes to kill
the larvae present. A number of Larvae, found crawling Up the waM
above a pile of refuse figs, was inclosed in a tig jar, and put into a

54 EEPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYKNA.

vacuum machine, and the air extracted from the jar. (See PL XIV,
fig. 1.) A day later the larvae were alive and apparently healthy,
but were quite inactive. On September 30 they were still alive and
healthy, but seemed able to moA^e only the fore part of the body,
and that very feebly, spinning silk about them in apparent effort
to make cocoons. When examined on October 8 they were in the
same positions they had had a week previously; but by this time
they showed almost no movement, at least no more than feeble
agitation of the head, in evident discomfort. They had shrunken
from their former size, and some had spun abundant silk; but none
of them retained sufficient energy to spin a cocoon. They looked very
sick, but were all living. By October 21 they were still more
shrunken, and a few of them quite lifeless, though the majority
showed by their color that they were not dead.

From the experiment it is plain that larvae, though they might
survive, would not continue to feed and to do damage if the vacuum
were sustained about them. The application of a vacuum treatment
to figs in boxes, however, would prove quite useless, since the larvae
would immediately revive and become active when brought back into
the air. To render the larvae inactive and thus innocuous, the vacuum
must be long sustained, which is possible only by putting all figs in
glass jars — a very expensive process.

KIDDING FIGS OF LARVAE BY STEAM.

Experiments were made, October 6, to determine whether larva?
may be killed by subjection of infested figs to steam in confinement in
a large steam disinfecting closet used in a Smyrna hospital for steril-
izing clothing. The closet was tubular in form and horizontal, both
ends opening to allow the entrance of one loading cage filled with
clothing, while the other was being extracted at the opposite end for
reloading. (See PL XV, figs. 1, 2.) The loading cages ran on rails
on frames at each end of the closet, adjustable to similar rails inside.
The steam was applied from an adjoining boiler, the pressure being
allowed to reach about 10 pounds, at which point the temperature of
the steam was 115° C. (240° F.).

A number of "natural" (dried) figs that showed traces of the
presence of larva? within them was introduced into the centers of two
25-pound jute bags of figs. The first bag was allowed to remain in
the steam closet under full pressure of steam for 10 minutes, the
second for 30 minutes.

When the first bag of figs was examined following the steaming
the larva? were found dead in all infested figs within 3 inches of the
surface of the bag. Of 18 larva? taken from figs at or near the center

ELIMINATION OF LARVAE IX

55

only 3 were dead. Five more, that were stupefied, slowly recovered.
In the bag exposed 30 minutes all larva? near the surface were dead.
Of 15 larvae taken from figs at the center of the bag 13 were dead, or
so badly injured that they did not revive, and the other 2 were sickly
The following table gives percentages of larvae killed by the -team
at center of bag:

Temperature.

Exposure Number
in of

minutes, larvae.

After scalding.

Per cent
killed.

°C.

°F.

Living.

Dead.

115

115

239
239

10 1 18
30 15

15
2

3
13

17

87

When the bags of figs were taken from the steam closet they were
badly soaked with water, those portions not dumped remaining wet
for hours and the figs remaining very sticky and disagreeable.

Samples of figs scalded by steam were sent, about October 20, to
Washington. At the time of sending, those scalded for 10 minutes
were almost dry. while those scalded for 30 minutes were still damp.
Examined by the writer in Washington, two months later, the figs
were nicely sugar-coated; but it was noticed that all broken or injured
figs, as well as mam7 that were uninjured, were badly soured.

The conclusion is drawn that it is practically impossible to suc-
cessful!}7 sterilize figs by steam while in bags. The presence of so
many soured figs among those experimented upon seems to make the
practical use of steam doubtful, however well this destroys the larva?.
Artificial drying of the figs following their scalding would probably
prevent the souring. Steam has an advantage over hot air in de-
stroying larva? in that a very short time is required to apply it and
to raise the temperature to the degree desired. In addition, steam
has more penetrative power than hot air, and hence requires shorter
exposure of the figs.

94 AIDING FIGS IN HOT WATER TO KILL LARV.L:.

The most extensive experiments were made with hot water. One
fig-packing establishment in Smyrna has in operation apparatus for
the sterilization of figs by boiling water, and good results were ob-
tained from experiments made there in killing the larvae. (See PI.
XYI, figs. 1, 2.) The required exposure is much shorter than for
either steam or dry heat, and the subsequent drying easy. By this
process a large percentage of the "worms" in figs can be destroyed
without the additional expense in manipulation of much 0V6T a
shilling (•_!.') cents) per hundredweight, and if done on a large scale

56

REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

the cost can be reduced. This estimate is based upon figures fur-
nished by a packer who uses the process.

In the first experiment the exposure of the figs in the boiling water
was very much undertimed. A number of figs infested with larvae,
selected from a pile of refuse and "hordas"a in a "khan," was im-
mersed in boiling salt water (2.5 per cent solution, containing also
some glucose) at 100° C. (212° F.) for short periods at varying tem-
peratures, then put into jars and watched to determine what would
later breed from them. The following table gives the temperatures
and lengths of exposure and the number of larvae that emerged at
intervals of a week or more :

Temperature, lengths of exposure, and number of larvcc that emerged from
scalded figs at intervals of a week or more.

Tempera-
ture.

Number
of figs.

Number of larvrc present.

Per cent
killed.

Exposure.

Sept.
15.

Sept.
20.

Sept.
26.

Sept.
30.

Oct.
8.

Oct.

28.

° C.
100
90
80
70
100
100
Check.

Seconds.
10
10
10
10
5
1
Check.

10
11
11
8
9
9
7

1
7
2
5
12
3
3

2
10
7
6
17
7
5

3

11

7
7

19
8
6

4

13
7
7
19
10
9

60
0
0
0
0
0
0

2

1

"2"

1

3
2
3
5

1
2

Since the number of larvae present in the figs before boiling was
plainly variable, the only conclusion reached by this experiment is
that an exposure of 10 seconds in water at 100° C. (212° F.), while
it may reduce the number of larvae in the figs somewhat, is quite
insufficient to kill all of them, and that exposures for shorter periods
or at lower temperatures than that are practically useless.

In another experiment figs similarly infested with larvae were im-
mersed in water containing 2^ per cent of salt and a small amount of
glucose, boiling at 100° C. (212° F.) for 20, 25, and 30 second periods.
But these exposures, likewise, proved insufficient. Those scalded for
20 and 25 seconds, when broken open after the immersion, were found
still to contain living larvae. In the figs boiled 30 seconds that were
broken open immediately the larvae were apparently all dead.

a Figs which have failed to mature on the trees, and which consequently contain no sugar,
being dry, hard, and flavorless.

il, 104, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Plate XVI

Fig. 1.— Copper Boilers and Galvanized Strainers
Used for Sterilizing Figs in a Smyrna •'Khan.-'
The Percentage of Living Larv/e in the Figs is
much Reduced by Scalding. (Original.)

Fig. 2.— Interior of Oven for Drying Trays of Figs which have been
Sterilized by Boiling, Used in a Fig "Khan" in Smyrna. Original.^

ELIMINATION OF LARV^ IN " KHANS."

57

The following table shows the number of fig-moth larva? that
later developed from figs boiled in this experiment :

Temper-
ature.

Immer-
sion.

Number
of figs.

Immediate effect.

Larva?

present

Oct. 28,

1910.

Per cent
killed.

° C.
100
100
100
100
100
100

Seconds.
20
20
25
25
30
30

18
18
17
17
14
14

Larvse living

do

11

«8

7

10
o5

10

39
56
59
41
64
29

Mostly living

do

Mostly dead

do

a Omorga.

Examination of the figs immediately following the immersion
would seem to show that a much larger percentage of the larvae is
killed by an exposure of 30 seconds in the water than by shorter
exposures, though the number of larva? breeding from figs scalded
for 30 seconds does not lead to the same conclusion. The percentages
killed can not be accurate, since in figuring them it is assumed that
each fig contained a single larva, when in fact the number of larvae
in a fig is variable. Plainly an exposure of 30 seconds of infested
figs in boiling water is not sufficient to kill all larva? within the figs.
Unfortunately, this fact was not established by the emergence of
larva? from the boiled figs until the season was too far advanced
to make further experiments allowing longer exposures in the hot
water.

If larva? were not killed in figs immersed for 30 seconds in boiling
water it was because the heat did not penetrate to the interior of
the fig in that length of time, for contact with water at boiling
temperature causes immediate death to any larva. To determine
how many seconds or minutes are required after immersion for the
interior of the fig to rise to the temperature of the water, the bulb
of a high-temperature thermometer was inserted to the center of
3 large figs successively, which were immersed in water at 100 ('.
(212° F.) and the temperatures recorded every half minute. The
fir>t fig was immersed in a large sterilizing kettle at a "khan" and
the temperatures recorded for only 7] minutes. The others were
immersed in a small vessel of boiling water in the laboratory and
the temperatures recorded for periods of M5 minutes.

58

EEPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

The following table gives the rate of rise in temperature of the
interior of the three figs and the resultant average rise. The average
for periods of over 7^ minutes is taken from two figs only :

Temperature readings.

Average tempera-
ture.

Rate of

increase
in tem-

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

Centi-
grade.

Fahren-
heit.

perature.

Minutes.

°C.

°C.

°C.

o

o

°C.

2

45
50

201

27

20J

28

28i
35

83
95

\2"

1

55

41

39*

45£

113

18

1*

60

53

49"

54

129

16

2

65

63

57

611

143

14

2*

, 70

71*

63i.

68i

155

12

3"

74

77i

69

73i

164*.

9*

3A

78

82£

74

78*

172|

81

4"

81 i

86J

77|

82

1791

6f

4*

84i

89 \

811

85

185

si

5

86"

92

831

871

188f

3-1

5|

87

94

861

89

192

2\

6

88

90

88-£

90§

195

2

6J

89

971

90i
91|

92£

1971

lj

7"

90

98J

93*.

200

li

72"

91

99i

93J

94.V

202

1

8
8J

100
100*

94?
95 1

97i
98

207

208J
209§
211

ii"

li
ii

i

9

101

96|
97|

98f

99|
100

92

101 8

io2

1012

98J

212

10£

11

102-J

99

1004

213

i

I02g

99|
100

iooI

2131

I

11*

102§

1011

214*.

12

1021
103

100-1-
100|
101i

101 i
1011
102J

101ft

215

I

i

12*

1011

215-J-

13"

103|

102g-

216

i

13£
14

103 1

102f

216}

1
1

i

103£

102£
102|

216|

14*

15

103§

217

103|

102i

103

2171

i

15£
16

103f

102§

103J

217J
2172

i

103.1.

102J

103i

i

a At immersion.

Since the rise of temperature was variable in the three figs, to reach
more nearly the exact rate of rise an average was taken of recorded
temperatures from all. Thus, for the interior temperature to reach
90° C. required in the first fig 7 minutes, in the second 5 minutes,
and in the third 6J minutes. For the interior of the average fig to
reach 90°. therefore, would require about 6 minutes.

That 100° C. is necessary to cause immediate death to larvae does
not mean that figs must be boiled 10 minutes to kill the larvse in
them. Larvse will as surely succumb to a temperature of 90° C, if
sustained for a longer period, as to 100° C. in a short period. The
accumulative heat at lower temperatures of the fig up to the point
where the " required " temperature is reached has a decided devitaliz-
ing effect upon the larva. In boiling figs, larvae will perish some
time before an interior temperature of 100° in the figs is reached.
Therefore it must be learned by further experiment what tempera-
tures below 100° C., sustained for what lengths of time, will prove

ELIMINATION OF LARVvE IN " KHANS. 59

fatal to larvae before it can be stated exactly how long fiirs mu.-t be
boiled to kill the larva4 inside of them.

Many packers complain that figs which have been boiled in hot
water soiir in a few weeks. If this he true, it is because the figs are
boiled too long, i. e., longer than is necessary to kill the insects.
Figs scalded by the writer in early September had up to December
20 shown no indication of souring.

The experiments that were made to determine the exact effect upon
figs of boiling them to kill insect larvae were performed in one of the
larger " khans " in Smyrna. Two 5-pound boxes of layer figs, one of
"4-crown" and one of " 7-crown," and another box of "Locoum"
figs were boiled and packed in the presence of the writer. Three
identical boxes of figs that were not boiled were also packed the same
da}' for use in " checking " the experiment, and all were shipped to
Washington, D. C, for later observation and comparison. The figs
were scalded in a 2.5 per cent salt solution at a temperature of exactly
100° C. (212° F.) (taken by a high-temperature thermometer) for 10
seconds, then drained and put into a screen-bottomed drying tray and
immediately carried into the packing room. When first taken from
the hot water they had apparently absorbed a small amount, making
the skin semitranslucent. Packing began exactly 5 minutes after the
scalding. By this time all excess moisture on the outside had evap-
orated except that held in the cracks and folds of the skin. Ten min-
utes later the remaining moisture had also evaporated. At this stage
the figs differed from those not scalded in that the skin was quite
translucent, as though retaining a small amount of moisture, and in
being rather less sticky and far softer and more flexible, and easier to
pack into layers.

When the boxes of scalded figs were opened up the following
January and February in Washington they were in prime condi-
tion and noticeably free from attack of larvae. The only objections
to them were their stickiness and a very slight flavor of acidity
noticeable in some figs. In spite of these objections they were cleaner
and much preferable to the figs not boiled.

Some packers contend that boiled figs are darker in color and.
therefore, less desirable; but so long as the tigs are not injured in
quality by the boiling, it is reasonable to believe that their freedom
from " worms " will more than compensate the loss in color. Almost
all packers boil the figs intended for their own consumption, hut
strangely can not afford to boil those intended [or sale, or find reasons
not to do so.

APPARATUS FOR STEBUJHNG WITH HOT AIK.

Dry heat has proved to have advantages over the hot-water method.
The time wasted in the subsequent drying of the figs is eliminated.

60 REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

and there is less tendency for the fruit to acidify, as occasionally
occurs when it has been boiled. The color, too, is if anything less
affected by dry heat ; though this is difficult to determine positively,
as experiments were made with a different lot of figs from those
boiled, and under different conditions. The disadvantage of the
dry-heat process as compared with hot water is the much greater
exposure required, since time is an important item in the figuring.
It is also more difficult to maintain a uniform temperature. Another
respect in which the dry process is inferior is that it does not remove
filth and destroy microbes on the outside of the fig, as does boiling.

At a large khan in Smyrna has been installed an oven, heated by
gas, for experimental work in the destruction of fig-moth larvae in
figs. The dimensions of the oven are 2 by 2 meters by 3 meters long.
Both ends open out, and are furnished with double doors that swing
vertically. Passing through the oven is a track of two rails 1J meters
apart, on which run two iron loading frames on wheels. The capacity
of each frame is about 4 to 5^ tons, depending on whether the figs are
loaded in sacks or in the woven baskets piled one above the other.
The object of having two frames is that one may be reloaded while
the other is within the closed oven and the figs are being sterilized.
The oven is made of sheet iron 4 mm. thick. The doors are covered
outside with sheet asbestos, with an air-space If inches in depth be-
tween it and the sheet iron. The sides and top are covered with
white planking three-fourths of an inch thick set out from the sheet
iron, with intervening air spaces of depths of 6J and 4J inches respec-
tively at sides and top. The object of the air spaces is to prevent
burning of the wood and radiation and loss of heat. Paper put into
these air spaces, with asbestos next the iron, would still further con-
serve the heat. The oven is heated by gas, which is furnished by a
large series of burners on a sliding frame that passes under the oven.
Two thermometers are inserted in one of the doors, by which the
interior heat may be determined and regulated. The entire cost of
the oven was about £400, and the cost of the gas is about £3 for each
10 hours of use.

Considerable loss of heat accompanies each opening of the doors
and insertion or extraction of the loaded frames. To ascertain the
extent of this loss and the relative length of time required for the
heat to again rise to a point sufficient to kill larvae, a loaded frame was
inserted in the oven and a tabulated record made of the temperatures,
taken at intervals of every quarter or half minute during its exposure
of 10 minutes and an additional period after its extraction.

The following figures give the temperatures of the interior of
the oven before and during the introduction of the figs, and the

ELIMINATION OF LARV^ IN " KHANS."

61

time required for the temperature to rise after the figs are re-
moved :

Temperature.

Rise( + )or
drop (-)
each half
minute.

Doors opened . . .
Figs introduced .

Doors closed

Figs in oven

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Doors opened .
Figs removed .
Doors closed . .
Oven emptv . .

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

Do

11.50 a. m
11.501....
11.501....

U.50a

11.51

11.51*

11.52

11.521

11.53

11.53*

11.54

11.54*

11.55

11.55*

11.56

11.561....

11.57

11.571....

11.58

11.581....

11.59

11.59*....
12.00 noon
12.00* p.m

12.01

12.0U....
12.011....
12.0lf....

12.02

12.021....
12.02*....
12.02*....

12.03

12.03V....

12.04

12.04*....

12.05

12.05*....

12.06

12.06*....

12.07

12.07*....

12.08

12.08*....

12.09

12.09*....

12.10

12.104

12.11.....
12.11*....

132
120
110
100
97
95

m

100

102

103

104

105

106

106J

107*

108i

109

109*

110*

llli

112

94

92

92

94

97
100
104
108
HI*
117*
121*
125
128
130J
132
133*
135"
136
137
138
1381
139.1
140
1401
14i».
140|

F.
270
248
230
212
207
203
202
203
205
208
212
215
217
219
221
222*
224"
225*
227
228*
2295
231

232 i

233 \
201"
1971
197*
201
206*
212
219
226
232
243
251
257
2tV2
266
269*
2721
275"
277
279
280*
282
283
284

285

285J

-40

-23

- 4

- 1

+ 1

+ 2

+ 3

+ 4

+ 3

+ 2

+ 2

+ 2

+ 1*

+ ij

+ li

x\\

+ n

+ n

+ il

+ H

-32*

- 3*

+ 9

+ 12*

+ 13

+ 11

+ 8

+ 6

+ 5

+ 4

+ 3*

+ 3

+ 2*

+ 2

- 2

+ l|

+ H

+ 1

+ 1

+ i

1}

The results of the experiment are more variable than constant.
The temperature dropped +0° F. daring the first opening of the
doors, and 28° more after the doors wore closed, duo no doubt to the
heat required to bring the frame and figs up to the temperature of the
oven. During the second opening of the oven the temperature
dropped 36°, and rose immediately, as no more figs were introduced,
hence no heat absorbed, after the doors were closed. From the mini-
mum heat, 202° F., to the maximum heat, 233.5° F.. the temperature
of the loaded oven rose 31.5° in S minutes. The temperature of the
empty oven rose 85.5° in the same Length of time, or from 197.5° to
283° F.

62

REPORT ON" THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

The following table gives some idea' of the comparative time re-
quired for the temperature to rise in the loaded and empty ovens:

Tempera-
ture when
doors
closed.

Minimum
tempera-
ture.

Maximum
tempera-
ture.

Average
tempera-
ture in 10
minutes.

Total rise

in 10
minutes.

Average
rise per
minute.

Average
rise, mini-
mum to
maximum.

Loaded.
Empty.

110° C

230° F

92° C

197i°F....

94i°C.
202° F..
92° C...
197£° F

112°C

233i° F....
140f°C...
285£° F....

103* ° C.
2198 F..
127^° C.
260i° F.

2°C...
3J° F.,
48f° C
87|° F

re.

**" c.

8A° F

2i°C.
48F.
4T9o° C
8ft° F.

To establish definite laws for the working of the oven upon this
experiment would be dangerous. If the rise in temperature of the
loaded oven were uniformly 4° F. per minute after the minimum had
been reached, the conclusion would be that in order to maintain the
temperature of the oven it must be allowed to rise 68° between re-
loadings, which is the amount of heat lost during and following the
reloading. If the total rise in temperature of the loaded oven is only
3.5° in the first 10 minutes, then the figs must remain in the oven at
least 16 minutes longer in order for the oven to regain, at a rate of
4° per minute, the other 64.5° of the 68° lost. This would require a
total exposure of the figs of 26 minutes. But as the rise in tempera-
ture of the loaded oven would without doubt accelerate after the
minimum heat had been well passed, the real required exposure of
the figs would be between 20 and 25 minutes. If the figs were ex-
posed longer than this, with the gas burning at the rate employed
in the experiments, the heat of the oven would increase or accelerate
with each load of figs until a certain constant of equilibrium was
reached. This constant could, however, be regulated by limiting the
flow of gas and thus cutting down the source of the heat.

SUCCESS OF HOT-AIR TREATMENT IN KILLING LARVAE.

A number of experiments was made to determine the temperature
and length of exposure necessary to destroy larvse by dry heat in an
oven. . The first of these was performed on September 21 in Smyrna,
using the oven described above. A number of figs showing the
presence of larvae was chosen from a pile of refuse in a " khan " and
subjected to dry heat for varying lengths of time at different tem-
peratures.

PRACTICABILITY OF STERILIZING ALL FIGS.

63

The following table gives the lengths of exposure, the tempera-
tures, and the number of larva' that issued from the figs aftei
treatment :

Temperature.

Average
temper-
ature.

Length
of expo-
sure.

Number
of figs.

Number of larva?
present.

Per cent

killed.

Maxi-
mum.

Mini-
mum.

Average.

Oct. 16. Oct. 28.

°C.
132
121
112
94

°C.
92
93
94

82

°C. °F. Minutes.
112 233 20
107 224 15
103 217 i 10
88 190 5

13

8
8
10

0 0

0 j 0

0 1

14

100
100

0

It is plain that any exposure to exceed 224° F.. for 15 minute?.
will destroy the life of practically all larva? present in the figs. This
exposure, however, apparently has no injurious effect upon the fruit.

A quantity of figs sterilized in the same oven by the management
of the " khan " in which it is located was shipped to one of their
Xew York representatives for examination and report. These figs
were exposed for 15 minutes at an average temperature of about
212° F. Six boxes of them were forwarded to the Lederle labora-
tories, whose report on their condition, dated November 1. 1010. is
summed up in the following table : a

Treatment.

Style of Number
packing. of figs.

Percentage
showing
evidences
of larvae.

General condition of the figs.

Unsterilized

Layer

Sterilized

...do

..do

...do...

Sterilized

...do

100
100

v-

12
None.

None.

Less fermentation in top layers. More fer-
mentation in bottom layers.

Contain living molds.

Clean and moist: no molds. Slightly greater
fermentation.

Slightly greater fermentation.

In the layer figs sterilization by hot air destroyed all larvae in the
two boxes examined. In ease of the " macaroni " tig- the same
treatment reduced the number of larvae present over 25 per rent
without perceptible injury to the figs. These results argue very
strongly for the use of dry heat, in preference perhaps even to steam
or hot water, in ridding dried figs of the objectionable larva*.

PRACTICABILITY OF STERILIZING ALL FIGS IN SMYRNA.

Some packers hold that in sterilizing figs the dead bodies of
larvae remain to decay inside the fruit, whereas if not killed the larvae

These figures were given by kind permission of a dealer of figs in Now York City

64 REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA.

escape from the boxes during transit to America, leaving behind
only their borings and excrement. This objection is not a reasonable
one : First, because in fact a very small percentage of larvae escapes
in transit, the majority remaining within the boxes and crawling over
and littering many more figs than are required for their sustenance ;
secondly, the body of the dead larva either dries or becomes perfectly
preserved by the sirup of the fig and indistinguishable from it,
leaving no outward trace to indicate' its presence in the fig. .The
larvae are not injurious when eaten with the figs, the objection to
them being the unsightly condition their work gives to the, fruit.
If figs are delivered to the packers promptly from the interior, i. e.,
within a week after being gathered, the majority of larvae will be too
small to be objectionable or even distinguishable at the time the figs
are sterilized.

As attested by a number of the large fig packers in Smyrna, the
installation of machinery adequate to sterilize the entire output
of packed figs from a " khan " is quite possible. Packers are, more-
over, willing to proceed immediately toward that end if sterilization
of figs (or whatever term we choose to use for the process of killing
the "worms") is insisted upon and imposed with equal rigidness
upon all. So long, however, as some packers can find means of
evading the trouble and expense of sterilizing, and are thus enabled
to undersell those packers who are put to extra expense in improving
their product, and are at the same time assured of being able to
sell their figs — or are perhaps even given a preference by some
American importers because of the lower price they quote — it is not
likely that much advance will be made in the way of sterilization.
These things alone keep many packers from investing on a large
scale in improvements that would greatly benefit the trade. In order
to progress they must have the protection of this Government.

"Without such action as can be taken against the fig moth in the
"khan," the insect will only with the greatest difficulty be eradi-
cated or even greatly reduced in number in figs coming to this coun-
try. There are several species of parasitic enemies of the fig moth
present in Asia Minor, and often as high as 40 to 50 per cent of the
larvae are destroyed by them; but, as in all similar cases of insect
parasitism, the eradication of the host is accomplished after the
worst of the damage has been done. The larvae, until they are full
grown and about to leave the figs to pupate, do not succumb to the
attack of parasites. The combined activities of all the parasites
prove to be of little service in relieving the "wormy" condition of
figs, so we must depend exclusively upon artificial means.

SUMMARY OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 65

SUMMARY OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

In summing up the measures which will prove most instrumental
in the eradication of the fig moth, we find that they fall into two
classes — those of prevention and those of destruction. In the first
class there are four very important measures to be observed: (1)
The rapid disposal or destruction of the June crop of figs; (2) the
covering of the figs at night while on the "serghi"; (3) the screen-
ing of the fig "depots" in the interior; (4) the prompt delivery of
the figs to the " khans " after they are gathered. These are all ex-
tremely difficult to enforce, especially in a country like Turkey, where
superstition is the ruling law of the lower classes. Without special
legislation on the part of the Turkish Government we can scarcely
hope for any decided change, for some time to come, in the customs
that now prevail. The last of these four measures of prevention —
the prompt delivery of the figs to the packers — should be insisted
upon in so far as possible. Since dependence must be placed upon
destroying the larvae in the figs, it is highly desirable that the larvae
be no older and larger than necessary when killed, if it is intended to
save the appearance of the fruit.

Of the three methods mentioned for destroying the fig-moth larvae
in the "khans" — by steam, hot water, or dry heat — it remains for
the packers to demonstrate by actual experience which is the more
practical. Experimentation has shown that each method has its ad-
vantages, and each is capable of eradicating the larva? under proper
conditions. It would be well to determine the temperature and
length of exposure necessary to kill the " worms," and leave to the
option of the packer what method he maj^ prefer. It must be em-
phatically understood that prompt and decisive action is necessary
on the part of one or both of the Governments interested if any
decided improvement is to be expected in the present methods of
manipulation and packing of figs, of a character that will insure their
freedom from larvae.

o

6794°— Bull. 104—11 5

^